2022 Colorado Military to the Mountain

The High Fives Foundation’s Military to the Mountains program introduces veterans and first responders to the healing effects of skiing and snowboarding. Military to the Mountains (M2M) is a way to tell the stories of U.S. veterans and first responders who choose to embrace goal setting and athleticism as a way to enjoy life and all of its challenges.

For the second time in 2022, we are left with full hearts watching amazing veterans see their hard work and dedication to improving themselves come to life. Over Nine weeks these men and women were able to focus on pushing their own physical and mental fitness with Adaptive Training Foundation in Texas.

After the completion of the program we invited them to come to Granby Ranch and do some skiing. Many of them had never skied before, but because of their peak physical fitness they were able to rise to the challenge and conquer a brand new sport

We asked a few of the veterans some questions about their time skiing at Granby Ranch.

Luis O Rodriguez

 

How many times have you attended M2M?
Once

What was the highlight of your week?
For me 1st time skiing was my highlight and the support and training from the staff was awesome…

What was the biggest surprise of the week?
I guess everyday was a different challenge. Love it!!!

What was the biggest thing you learned?
Open up, Express myself with my peers

Anything you’d like to add?
Love it!!!! Great job supporting vetererans.

Luis Rodriguez
Eric King

Eric K. King

 

How many times have you attended M2M?

Once.

What was the highlight of your week?

Actually being around all great people and learning how to ski.

What was the biggest surprise of the week?

An all-expense paid trip from ATF. 2. Again, learning how to Ski. Lastly, being gifted with a set of Skis, and boots, along with all the additional gear that was donated to us by all the donors.

What was the biggest thing you learned?

To overcome fear.

Anything you’d like to add?

M2M in one week changed my life forever in the sense that being able to overcome the fear of skiing to actually start skiing was a part of helping me to reclaim my life and for that, I’m forever grateful. I’m so proud and honored to be an American and to have served my country regardless of the lifelong injuries I sustained.

Name: Gustavo Gutierrez

 

 

How many times have you attended M2M?
This was my first time

What was the highlight of your week?

The very first day of skiing with the introduction to ski’s and getting to ski down a formidable mountain. Absolutely amazing.


What was the biggest surprise of the week?

Getting to see some of the wheelchair guys skiing down the mountain on their own.


What was the biggest thing you learned? 

The skiing community as a whole was amazing. They welcome you with open arms and helping you if need be. You don’t find that type of commitment in a community very often.


Anything you’d like to add? 

If there was a possibility to go back I would jump at the opportunity

Gustavo Guttierez
Rick Algeria

 Rick Alegria

How many times have you attended M2M?  

This was my 1st time attending M2M

What was the highlight of your week?

I think the highlight for me was actually going down a Blue trailon my own.  I had never skied before and the 1st day, I never thought I was gonna make it down any slopes.  I fell quite a few times that day.  Going up on the lift and taking a blue trail on my own was amazing.

What was the biggest surprise of the week?

The biggest surprise to me was how much we were able to learn about skiing and how welcoming High 5 was to us.  They made me feel like we had been friends for years.  This si am amazing event to attend

What was the biggest thing you learned? 

I think I learned that overcoming my fears is possible with the support of great mentors and friends.  I was so worried about the trip since I had never skied before.  By the end of the trip, I could not wait until the next skiing adventure.  I have no fear of the mountain anymore.

Anything you’d like to add? 

I just want to compliment the High 5 and M2M program for allowing me to do something I never thought I would ever do.  Overcoming the fear was such an awakening and I am better for it.  I feel there is nothing I can’t do if I at least try it.  Love you guys and gals!!

Martin Evans

How many times have you attended M2M?

Once

What was the highlight of your week?

Biggest highlight was literally waking up every morning and meeting up with everyone and seeing nothing but smiles, laughter, and positive reenforcement from everyone.

What was the biggest surprise of the week?

I would have to say would be the huge progress myself and a few other tribe members made being our first time skiing!

What was the biggest thing you learned?

I learned there are people out there, like everyone from Hi5 and ATF, that truly care for each other and have become my family members. It’s truly a great feeling knowing we have each other’s back!

Anything you’d like to add?

The whole experience was absolutely incredible to be apart of. I feel truly blessed to be given the opportunity to go on the trip that has touched my life in ways that will stick with me forever and get me through those tough times.

Marty Evans

With another year of our Colorado Military to the Mountains program completed, we feel a tremendous amount of pride in not only what we were able to create but in what these incredible men and women were able to do. They showed up every day in their 9-week training program and left all of their fears and limitations on the gym floor. They grew as both individuals and collectively as a group, Improving their minds, body, and soul.

Getting to see it in person as they got off the lift at Granby resort, a look of determination on their faces as they added another stage of recovery to their repertoire was something that no one involved will forget anytime soon.

High Fives Foundation would like to thank  Adaptive Training Foundation, City of Reno, Palisades Tahoe, Dolan Toyota, Eddie Bauer, Scheels, New Balance, BeaverFit Darn Tough, Sync, Smith Optics, Phunkshun, Liquid Death, Charlotte’s Web, Leki, Armada, K2, Patriot Fund, Monster, FatTire, Lone Mountain, wells Lamont, Arcade Belt, locale  – for the support. Without your contributions, none of this would be possible,

Thank you

 

To see a full photo recap
Click here for photos by Campell Mcrea
Click here for photos by Hunter Clark