Featured Article
[sponsored by Copper Mountain]
Copper Mountain, CO, is bringing Feel Good Fridays to the mountains. Save big money (up to $65!) off lift tickets and help out two great non-profits in one fell swoop. On select Fridays throughout the season, skiers/riders can purchase *online lift tickets for only $85, with $5 from every sale going to the High Fives Foundation and local nonprofit, Adaptive Action Sports. This inaugural program kicks off this January 26, 2018, with three more scheduled dates on the books: February 23, March 2, and April 13.
*Feel Good Friday tickets must be purchased online in advance. No window sales allowed.
To take advantage of the steep discount while helping out these two worthy organizations, simply visit Copper Mountain online, and purchase your ticket for the select Feel Good Friday dates. Then mingle at the Feel Good Friday Happy Hour to learn more about these inspiring non-profits.
“Working with Copper Mountain allows us to share our mission and vision with people who are passionate about winter sports, ”
Roy Tuscany, Executive Director, High Fives Foundation
High Fives Foundation:
Since it’s inception in 2009, this Tahoe, California, based non-profit organization has helped over 169 athletes and veterans, from 31 states. Faced with life-changing injuries, these individuals are supplied with resources and inspiration to get back on the mountain. In addition, High Fives also focuses on raising injury prevention awareness for all outdoor sports.
I recently had the opportunity to ask Founder and Executive Director of High Fives, Roy Tuscany, a few questions about his organization. As one who has personally bounced back from a life-altering ski injury, Roy is the real-deal.
What’s the best part about helping injured athletes and/ or veterans?
Providing positivity to those that might be in a spot, that need a little bit more of positivity to overcome a moment in their life. It is such a blessing to be a beacon of hope, to provide guidance and help those in need from my own personal experience. I also love linking individuals with other High Fives athletes that can relate directly back to their injury, we believe in creating an Ohana; Part of the High Fives culture, ʻohana means family (in an extended sense of the term, including blood-related, adoptive or intentional). The concept emphasizes that families are bound together and members must cooperate and remember one another.
Do you have a standout memory from one particular individual your foundation has helped?
Yes, this video of Tony Schmiesing skiing the X-Games Halfpipe as the first ever adaptive athlete still warms my heart everyday – see video; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clkJz6cUOwY
What’s the biggest hurdle the athletes face when approaching skiing from a completely new angle?
Trying not to set the expectation of being back to the level of skiing prior to injury. Remembering that the adaptation to skiing is like starting all over again, so being patient is the most important factor, the old saying patience is a virtue is so true in the process of learning how to ski again post-injury.
Anything else you’d like to add?
To find out more about High Fives Foundation, watch what we do through our channels of stoke! Check out our website; www.highfivesfoundation.org and also follow us on our social media channels; Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Adaptive Action Sports is the first adaptive snowboard and skateboard specific non-profit organization. Founded in 2005 with a goal of creating opportunities for those with physical disabilities, Adaptive Action Sports works to get these individuals involved in skateboarding, snowboarding, and other action sports. Through camps, events and other programs, Adaptive Action Sports works with youth, young adults and wounded veterans living with permanent physical disabilities, TBI, and PTSD.
About Copper Mountain
Just 75 miles west of Denver, Copper Mountain Resort is in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. This world-class ski destination offers a variety of terrain on the mountain and a host of amenities at the base. The topography here lends itself to four distinct areas allowing everyone to find just the right challenge. Experts will want to check out the area along the West Ridge in Copper Bowl for the chutes, cliffs and cornices. With 1,000+ acres above the treeline, spread across three peaks including the cat accessed Tucker Mountain terrain, Copper Mountain has tall peaks and deep “sneaky good” snow. Plus FREE Cat skiing, weather permitting, every weekend to access Copper Bowl and Tucker Mountain.
“Suffice to say there are secret expert glades literally everywhere on this hill. Go find them.”
Ski a great mountain and save money while helping out two very worthy non-profits are what Feel Good Fridays are all about.
Mountain Stats:
- Acres: 2, 490
- Runs: 140
- Vertical drop: 2,601 ft.
- Summit elevation: 12,313 ft.
- Snowfall: 305 in.
