TAHOE CITY, Calif. and#8212; The 2011 Lake Tahoe Backcountry Vertical Challenge represents the regionand#8217;s first ever free, communityand#8211;wide fundraising initiative to benefit the Sierra Avalanche Center. In a quest to attain operational dollars for Lake Tahoeand#8217;s local avalanche forecasting agency, Alpenglow Sports, a Tahoe City business, has challenged the entire Tahoe backcountry community to a cumulative goal of 15 million vertical feet of human-powered uphill travel.

As a Tahoe backcountry enthusiast, this is your opportunity to give back to the Sierra Avalanche Center at zero cost. As such, every single foot of uphill travel matters, and no number is too small.

While 15 million vertical feet is a lofty cumulative goal, the ultimate payoff is a $3,000 donation to the Sierra Avalanche Center, given by Alpenglow Sports. To sweeten the deal, Alpenglow Sports will also pay participants for their progress. The event is designed to motivate, inspire, and bond the Tahoe backcountry community around a vital, underfunded, resource for all methods of backcountry travel and recreation.

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The event will run from Nov. 15 through April 30, 2012, and data will be recorded at http://www.tahoevertical.com. For competitive types, podium prizes will be awarded for the top three men and women, as well as for best camera edit pertaining to the event.

Any skier or rider who registers data is also eligible for a free bi-monthly raffle. Major sponsors include: Black Diamond, Scarpa, G3, Marmot, Suunto, Clif Bar, Smith Optics, Rotefella, and Honey Stinger.

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For more information, call Alpenglow Sports at 530-583-6917 or email brendan@alpenglowsports.com.

Established in 1979, Alpenglow Sports is Tahoe Cityand#8217;s original mountain shop. Specializing in backcountry and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, trail running, backpacking, hiking, camping, and the mountain lifestyle apparel, Alpenglow is always psyched to offer premier user-based customer service.