2019 Military to the Mountain Highlight | Will Sandell

Retired after serving in the US Army from 1985-1994, William (Will) Sandell brought continuous smiles and laughter to the 2019 High Fives Military to the Mountain (M2M) Program.

Prior to a week on the hill at Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows from March 17-23, Veteran’s participating in the M2M Program go through a 9-week “bootcamp” that is geared specifically toward skiing or snowboarding.

Will currently lives in Verdi, Nev. and trained with the City of Reno at the Evelyn Mount Community Center, Double Diamond Athletic Club and Title Boxing prior to the M2M Program. He attributes much of the strength he gained in the 9-weeks of training to personal sessions with City of Reno’s personal trainer Kylie Wright.

This week of skiing wouldn’t have been possible without Kylie’s training. I never would’ve been strong enough without her whipping me into shape the last couple months.”

said Sandell

Will now lives at the base of the Sierra Mountain Range, but he didn’t grow up in the mountains, so he found the fresh snow on days three and four of the M2M Program quite challenging. 

Anything more than six inches of powder is a way too much. Three inches is where I live. It’s so fun, it doesn’t even hurt when you fall!

laughed Sandell

By the end of the week Will had made many new friends, conquered the slopes of Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows and fearlessly taken on the tramps, ramps and ropes at Woodward Tahoe. What he was most proud of though, is the future training (not only for himself) that he has planned with trainer Kylie Wright. 

I plan to keep training with Kylie, and keep getting stronger. My daughter Ali has started training with her too. She’s a freshmen in high school throwing discuss. With Kylie’s help she’ll be a champion!

boasts Will, a proud father