Experience the Rush!

WE ARE THE VC! HAPPY TO MEET YOU!

A perfect day on the mountain for competitors and families. The Vertical Challenge is a series of free, casual ski and snowboard races held at the best ski resorts throughout the Northeast each winter season. In addition to the races, attendees enjoy a festival atmosphere, featuring fun snowy activities for all ages and special giveaways. Our secret ingredient? Our crew has as much fun at the events as you do. We make it a priority to create an environment where EVERY participant and family member is welcomed, accepted, and supported.

We are dedicated to making a difference in children’s lives by creating a positive environment and outstanding event experience in which organizers can serve as mentors to participants and their families.

Heather Clifford-CEO

OUR HOST MOUNTAINS

The Vertical Challenge would not be possible without the support of our host mountains. These ski areas generously open their terrain, welcome our families, and play a vital role in bringing each event to life. We’re proud to work alongside mountains that believe in community-driven events and the long-term value of engaging families on snow.

Interested in hosting a Vertical Challenge event at your mountain? We’d love to start the conversation.

SPONSORSHIPS

The Vertical Challenge offers marketers multiple ways to reach our sponsor-loyal audience composed of close-knit, adventurous families with desirable income demographics. Our friendly crew members form lasting bonds with our attendees and serve as standout brand ambassadors for our partners.

Sponsors are an integral part of our team.

Olivia’s Organics x Locally Known

Through on-snow sampling with Locally Known, Olivia’s Organics connected directly with thousands of ski families, turning product trial into meaningful brand loyalty in a high-energy, family-first environment.

Starry

Starry connected with ski families through high-impact, on-snow sampling — delivering bold flavor, strong visibility, and memorable brand moments in a high-traffic race-day environment.

ALOHA

ALOHA connected with ski families through on-snow sampling of plant-based protein bars — delivering convenient, better-for-you fuel designed for active, on-the-go lifestyles.

WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING

Our family absolutely loves the Vertical Challenge! The casual, friendly competition keeps us coming back year after year, but it’s the amazing people who make it truly special. Heather, Casey, Lester, and Jenn treat us like family—we look forward to seeing them at every event, catching up, and sharing laughs on and off the slopes. The finals are always a highlight of our season, and we cherish the time spent with this incredible crew (and maybe sneaking in a few races against them too!).

We love seeing “our" Vertical Challenge every season. We began racing in January 2020 and have since competed at numerous mountains in MA, NY and VT and at finals. We love bringing our friends and introducing them to Heather, Jenn and the VC team. The family friendly racing, sample village, awards and raffles keep us coming back annually. Thanks everyone for all you do to make our mountain days more memorable.

Vertical Challenge events are the highlight of our winters. My kids do all their chores, offer to help around the house, get their school work done, etc. if they think we’re going to hit up a VC event. The events are engaging for everyone and for all abilities. The ski/board competitions are so fun, but the raffles and other activities and games keep everyone engaged and happy. Going to Vertical Challenge events have become a staple of our winter plans!

CONTACT

If you have questions about the Vertical Challenge, how to become a sponsor, or any other comments regarding our 2025 events, please fill out the form. A member of our staff will happily get back to you right away.

We hope to see you on the slopes.