Climbing Everest on skis to save lives
Donation protected
In early 2021, Mark and I will be braving four days on skis in the “Everest in the Alps” endurance challenge - "Described as the ultimate winter sports endurance challenge" - thought to be the toughest four days on skis!
This challenge is particularly important for us as we both narrowly missed out on joining the 2020 tour!
The goal is simple: to ascend on skis the height of Mount Everest – the world’s highest peak – whilst raising money for a cause close to your heart. Whilst the goal may be simple, the challenge is anything but! It’s a gruelling event taking place in Verbier in the Swiss Alps; which involves approximately 32 hours of uphill ski touring and only 3 hours of downhill, with up to a total of 20 individual ascents.
Each day we’ll be climbing up to 2,500m to reach the overall target of 8,848m, 29,029 feet or 5.4979 miles vertical. The average amount of time out on the snow is 11 hours a day, but it can be longer – however long it takes to keep on track. At altitudes of up to 3,500m, we’ll be burning through a daily average of 10,000 calories per day – the equivalent of running three back-to-back marathons. Preparation for the four day event takes months.
It will be physically and mentally demanding. Each team will be led by an experienced, ex-military, mountain guide and will be supported by a team of injured servicemen who are preparing for their next challenge. Many are taking part in the world record attempt to be the first disabled team to complete the Adaptive Grand Slam – summiting the seven highest peaks on seven continents and both North and South poles. It's incredibly humbling to be sharing the experience with these heroes as they transition from a military career to civilian life.
Everest is not only iconic as the world’s highest peak, it’s also synonymous with the greatest obstacles in life.
Your support and generosity in assisting this great cause is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Rob Wilkinson & Mark Stokes
This challenge is particularly important for us as we both narrowly missed out on joining the 2020 tour!
The goal is simple: to ascend on skis the height of Mount Everest – the world’s highest peak – whilst raising money for a cause close to your heart. Whilst the goal may be simple, the challenge is anything but! It’s a gruelling event taking place in Verbier in the Swiss Alps; which involves approximately 32 hours of uphill ski touring and only 3 hours of downhill, with up to a total of 20 individual ascents.
Each day we’ll be climbing up to 2,500m to reach the overall target of 8,848m, 29,029 feet or 5.4979 miles vertical. The average amount of time out on the snow is 11 hours a day, but it can be longer – however long it takes to keep on track. At altitudes of up to 3,500m, we’ll be burning through a daily average of 10,000 calories per day – the equivalent of running three back-to-back marathons. Preparation for the four day event takes months.
It will be physically and mentally demanding. Each team will be led by an experienced, ex-military, mountain guide and will be supported by a team of injured servicemen who are preparing for their next challenge. Many are taking part in the world record attempt to be the first disabled team to complete the Adaptive Grand Slam – summiting the seven highest peaks on seven continents and both North and South poles. It's incredibly humbling to be sharing the experience with these heroes as they transition from a military career to civilian life.
Everest is not only iconic as the world’s highest peak, it’s also synonymous with the greatest obstacles in life.
Your support and generosity in assisting this great cause is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Rob Wilkinson & Mark Stokes
Fundraising team (2)
Rob Wilkinson
Organizer
England
Mark Stokes
Team member