Skiers and boarders are being sought to take part in a new charity ski challenge in aid of charity Ski 4 Cancer (www.ski4cancer.org/ski-challenge).
The event staged in the French 3 Valleys resort of La Tania in March challenges individuals or teams will be challenged to ski either the vertical height of Mont Blanc (4807 metres) or Everest (8848 metres) in just one day, raising funding through donations for the charity.
The challenge, staged on both Wednesday the 20th and Thursday the 21st of March 2013, will focus on the green, blue or red pistes which run adjacent to La Tania's main gondola, dropping from a height of 1900 metres to 1368 metres.
With a vertical drop of 532 metres, skiers and boarders will need to complete 9 runs to descend the height of Mont Blanc and 17 runs to descend the equivalent height of Everest. Intermediates should be able to complete the Mont Blanc Challenge in approximately 3 hours whereas Everest challengers should allow 6 hours.
The event is being organised by ski holiday specialists Alpine Elements and iGOSKI and to participate, skiers and boarders will be asked to make a minimum donation of 10 Euros to Ski 4 Cancer. Participants are asked to sign up in advance online or just turn up on the day and sign in at the reception of the Hotel Montana near the gondola base.
Ski 4 Cancer was set up last year by a group of keen skiers and snowboarders who have all lost a close relative or friend to cancer. The charity's aim is to provide a range of alpine respite holidays for British families living with cancer and it also makes grants to palliative care centres and funds research into the positive effects of exercise and how it can both prevent cancer and assist in people's recovery post diagnosis.
"My mother had cancer about 25 years ago and ever since I have been a passionate supporter of cancer related causes. Ski 4 Cancer do some excellent work and I'm delighted that Alpine Elements and iGOSKI are able to sponsor this event," said James Hardiman, Managing Director of Alpine Elements and iGOSKI,
"Participants will collect a stamp after completing each run and certificates will be given out to people who complete one of the challenges. Everyone is welcome to take part and we hope skiers from all over the Three Valleys will join us. If you're skiing in neighbouring resorts like Meribel and Courchevel, it would be great to see you. The event is open to anyone – all you need is a valid Three Valleys ski pass."