Pink Vail, hosted by Vail Mountain, is known as the world’s largest ski day to conquer cancer. The fundraiser has raised more than $1 million in its existence, asking participants to pledge a minimum of $25—with all proceeds being donated to the “Spirit of Survival” program based in Edwards, CO. This week, the Colorado resort has committed to hosting the event for four more years (through 2018). Most of us have been, or will be, affected by cancer in one way or another, so let’s do what we can to get involved. Registration for Pink Vail 2015 will open in January. For more info, please see the press release below.

Press Release, Vail Mountain, CO:

Vail Mountain, one of the largest ski resorts in the world, has committed to four more years of support for Pink Vail™, the world’s largest ski day to conquer cancer.

Pink Vail is scheduled to take place on the following dates:

· Saturday, March 21, 2015
· Saturday, April 2, 2016
· Saturday, March 25, 2017
· Saturday, April 7, 2018

“We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have not just any cancer center, but the incredible team, equipment and facilities of the Shaw Regional Cancer Center right here in our community,” said Chris Jarnot, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. “Pink Vail has quickly become a favorite Vail Mountain event for our community and guests, and Vail Resorts is proud to be able to support it and allow Shaw to raise important funds for such a worthwhile local cause.”

Similar to a run or walk to support cancer, Pink Vail is a fundraising event in which participants ask their friends and family to support their ski day on Vail Mountain. All proceeds from this annual event benefit patient care and the “Spirit of Survival” program, which offers all patients at Shaw Regional Cancer Center in Edwards, CO the opportunity to receive an individualized exercise plan; emotional support through individual coaching, group support and activities; nutritional education; outdoor adventures and much more. In its first three years, Pink Vail has raised over $1 million dollars for patients and survivors from Eagle and Summit Counties, as well as surrounding regions and around the country.

“We’re grateful to Vail Resorts for partnering with us to make Pink Vail such a success,” says Doris Kirchner, president and CEO of Vail Valley Medical Center. “Their staff and operations crew have gone above and beyond to host this event. We are looking forward to the next four years of raising invaluable funds for patients and survivors in our communities.”

Pink Vail originated as a fundraising event to support breast cancer patients, specifically, and has grown and expanded to support all cancer patients. Last year, more than 1,600 participants, 3,855 donors and 260 volunteers helped raise over $466,000 for patient care and survivorship programs, exceeding the 2014 fundraising goal by more than $100,000. Participants ranged in age from 2 to 84 years old, and represented 39 states. Donations came from 50 states and six countries.

“Most of us will be affected by cancer at some point in our lives,” says Peggy Carey, the vice president of Shaw Regional Cancer Center. “Pink Vail gives us a spirited and meaningful way to respond by getting involved, skiing for others, and uniting in our support of patients and families.”

Registration for Pink Vail 2015 will open in January on www.pinkvail.com. There are no age limits or ability requirements to register. The minimum pledge amount needed to register for the event is $25, and a Vail Mountain ski pass or lift ticket is required for mountain access. Lodging specials will be available for those traveling from out of town or just looking for a fun and worthwhile escape to Vail.

For more information about Pink Vail, visit www.pinkvail.com. For information about Vail Mountain, visit www.vail.com, stop by the Mountain Information Center, or call (970) SKI-VAIL (754-8245).

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