by ski vc | February 02 2021

Vertical Challenge Ski & Snowboard Tour Returns Sunday

Press Release

SKI/SNOWBOARD TOUR RETURNS SUNDAY AT PATS PEAK

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

ALTON BAY, NH – February 2, 2021 – The Vertical Challenge Presented by Chevrolet tour will begin its 30th season Sunday at Pats Peak Ski Area in Henniker, New Hampshire. The VC will run a limited series of family ski and snowboard races in the Northeast this season, beginning with six tour stops and looking to add more as conditions permit.

“We know families still need a chance to have bonding experiences together and exercise outdoors, so we wanted to make sure we offered them as many opportunities to do that as possible,” said VC founder Frank Tansey. “We’ve put a focus this offseason on finding ways to safely execute our events and we’re ready to go.”

The Vertical Challenge Presented by Chevrolet is a series of free casual ski and snowboard races open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. Entrants purchase a lift ticket from the host mountain and complete a registration form at ski-vc.com. This season, many resorts will have capacity restrictions, so it has become especially important for racers to sign up online and buy their lift tickets in advance as well.

Vermont’s Jay Peak Resort will host the VC Finals Saturday, April 10, 2021. Normally, the top three finishers in each category at individual events qualify for the finale. However, this season anyone wishing to compete in the Finals can enter, including those who qualified for last year’s Finals. The total number of racers will be subject to resort and governmental capacity limits.

Races will generally be conducted normally, although with allowances for social distancing in queues. Attendees will be required to wear face coverings when not racing. The VC has modified some of its festival elements in response to the pandemic, including activities for children that can be executed in a socially distanced manner or among family units. Sweepstakes and contest signups will be conducted using QR Codes and smartphones. In lieu of the traditional in-person awards ceremony, the tour will do an official announcement, presented by tour partner bubly sparkling water, via Facebook video the week following each event.

Sponsors have continued their support of the tour and its participants, with PepsiCo (including its bubly and Aquafina brands), Chevrolet, Xfinity, Thule, Northeast Delta Dental, and SHRED DOG set to again connect with consumers onsite and through the tour’s online platforms.

The VC has again partnered with NASTAR (NAtional STAndard Race) to utilize the organization’s race scoring system. Results at VC tour events will earn points toward NASTAR rankings.