MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Summer 2018

SUMMER 2018 ML BLUE 29 If you’ve ever dreamed of summiting the world’s highest mountain, look no further than the shores of Georgian Bay. On October 13, Blue Mountain Resort will host the Everest Challenge fundraiser in support of Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Foundation (CGMHF). This “Everesting” event is for participants of all ages and abilities to test their stamina by hiking a combined 29,092 feet, the height of Mount Everest. With the elevation gain of Blue Mountain at 720 feet, that requires 40 hikes to the top. The event can be completed as an individual or in teams of up to 10. The more people on a team, the fewer climbs for each member. Participants can complete the challenge via four main hiking routes but will also have access to trails typically reserved for mountain biking. If the thought of down-climbing makes your knees ache, not to worry. The gondola has been reserved for the day to shuttle participants down the mountain. The day will begin with an opening ceremony and close with a festival in the village. An Everest-inspired base camp will be set up at the bottom of the gondola. “We want to create a very festive atmosphere and bring in some of the feel of Everest to the mountain that day,” says Linda Caron, Events Coordinator for CGMHF. “Events like this and the support from our community 9 Forty Times a Charm: the Everest Challenge MARC LANDRY/COURTESY BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORTS is what makes our hospital so great.” Activities will be set up by local businesses at the top and bottom of the gondola to keep participants engaged and motivated. —Laura Raimondi DIY: Registration is $50/person and each participant registering for the event hasanindividualfundraisingcommitmentof$400.Donationscanalsobemade the day of the event or on the Everest Challenge websit e everestchallenge.ca. All money raised will go towards purchasing new equipment for the hospital. The event’s title sponsor is Huronia Alarm& Fire Security, Inc. For more info or to volunteer please contact Linda Caron at 705.444.8645. MICROTRIPS