Chase the vert. Change lives. 

 

New this year! The Vertical Challenge invites skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts to rack up as many vertical feet as possible throughout the 2025-2026 winter season.  

This is an optional add-on to your Shred For Red experience – whether you are participating virtually or attending the in-person event in March. Consider this an all-winter-season-long challenge — to yourself and amongst other Shredders. 

 

Here’s how it works – it’s simple: 

1. Make sure you are registered for Shred For Red – for the in-person event or to participate virtually, either is fine! Only those registered to fundraise can participate in this challenge. There is no separate “registration” for the Vertical Challenge. 
2. At the first dump of snow, start tracking your vert. Use your favorite app (Strava, Slopes, EpicMix, etc.) and self-report your vertical feet completed each week. The challenge begins November 1st and goes all season through March 28th.

 

Now for the details: 

Reporting 

Using whatever technology you prefer, track your vertical feet every time you’re out on the snow. Add up your total vert for each Saturday thru Friday for a weekly submission using the link below. There will be one final submission window for Saturday, March 28, 2026 – the day of Shred For Red. 

 

Leaderboard 

Check back here for weekly updates for who’s on top for the Vertical Challenge. 

 

 

Awards 

The Vertical Challenge will have two prize winners –  

• Most vertical feet throughout the season (this will include day-of vert for those attending in-person) 
• Most vertical feet in-person at Deer Valley on the day of Shred For Red (March 28, 2026) 

Both winners will be announced onsite at the Shred For Red Après Ski Reception on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Any ties will be decided by total fundraising. 

*To be eligible for prizes and to be named a winner for the Vertical Challenge, you MUST have raised at least $1,000 (adults, ages 13+) or $300 (youth, ages =12). 

 

Stay connected & make it fun! 

• Post updates on social media with #ShredForRed and #VerticalChallenge so others can see how you’re getting your vert! 
• Share stories and photos on the Shred For Red Facebook page 
• Set a goal for yourself! What do you hope to accomplish this winter season with your on-mountain activities? 
  • Share incremental goals with your network and ask for fundraising pledges to go along with your vert achieved. 
  • Daily goals to consider: 
    • 5,000 feet – Warm-Up Warrior 
    • 10,000 feet – Mountain Crusher 
    • 20,000+ feet – Peak Performer 
• Join virtual Vert Challenge Meetups via Zoom
  • Vertical Challenge Kickoff Call – Date TBD

 

Contact for questions and support: 

• Fundraising support – [email protected]  

• Vertical Challenge tips – Chesley Chen at [email protected] 

 

 

 

Meet Chesley Chen – our Vert Ambassador  

Chesley (“Ches”) Chen is a retired biotech CEO from Boston and an avid skier. When his son Tristan was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2022, breakthrough research and treatments — funded by Blood Cancer United — saved his life. To give back, Ches joined the Blood Cancer United Board of Directors in New England last year and hit the slopes for Shred For Red at Deer Valley. He raised $22,000 by event day – which was Deer Valley’s opening weekend in December. Totally inspired by the event, he asked the Blood Cancer United team, “Do I have to stop now? I’d like to keep skiing, rack up at least 100 vertical miles, and raise as much money as I can.” Our answer: “Go for it!”. 

 

That’s how the Vertical Challenge began—one man setting a goal to ski over 100 vertical miles for one winter season while raising as much money as possible and raising awareness to support the Blood Cancer United mission. And guess how he did towards his goals? Ches skied over 125 vertical miles (that’s the same as halfway to the International Space Station!) and raised $38,000. Incredible! 

 

This season, as our Vert Ambassador, Ches is recruiting more Shred For Red fundraisers to join him in the Vertical Challenge. He’s your go-to for support and ideas on making the Vertical Challenge a fun way to make this winter season more meaningful. And don’t worry — there’s no need to ski all the way to the space station—just bring your heart, your skis or snowboards, and your determination to help cure blood cancer.