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.
Just like that, High Five Foundations is back with a group of dedicated and unbelievably hard-working veterans celebrating the hours of work that they have put in over the last nine weeks in both Texas with Adaptive training Foundation and in Reno with the City of Reno.
This year we were connected with 19 Athletes. Some of them return for their second or more M2M and many experiencing M2M and even sliding on snow for the very first time. As always the appetite for camaraderie, new experiences, shredding the Palisades, and pocket bacon was high.
We asked a few new Athletes and a few returning Athletes to share some of their thoughts and experiences from the week, and this is what they had to say.
How many times have you attended M2M?
1st time
What was the highlight of your week?
Working hard enough to go down Shirley 5 and feeling the absolute freedom and fear of the slopes.
What was the biggest surprise of the week?
All the gear that y’all gave us. I was in pure shock!
What was the biggest thing you learned?
I learned to trust in myself and move even though my body is scared.
Anything you’d like to add?
I had such a fantastic week. The amazing people of Palisades and the freedom felt on those slopes are memories I will take with me forever.
How many times have you attended M2M?
2022 was my first year to be a part of the Military to the Mountain program.
What was the highlight of your week?
There were many accomplishments but doing a backflip at Woodward Tahoe had to be my personal highlight, the form was awful and I didn’t stick the landing, in spite of all the great assistance
What was the biggest surprise of the week?
That I didn’t fall one time on the slopes. I came close but my instructors managed to save me, thank you Nick and Bob.
What was the biggest thing you learned?
The biggest and best thing I learned is that we can do more than we think we are limited to. With a little help and inspiration I went snow skiing for the first time in my life. Thank you High Fives and Reno Adaptive.
Anything you’d like to add?
Met some great athletes, had fun for a week, Roy and Dani and all the staff at High Fives did a great job. Thank you.
How many times have you attended M2M?
This is my third year with M2M second year as a mentor.
What was the highlight of your week?
Meeting all the new people that attended and seeing old friends from years past.
What was the biggest surprise of the week?
A big surprise was the new sponsors that started this year. Always great to see more people get involved with this important mission of High Fives.
What was the biggest thing you learned?
What I learned each time I am blessed to attend is the strength shown by each person. Goes to show that with an outstanding organization and people who make those programs run anything is possible.
Anything you’d like to add?
High Fives, ATF, and the City of Reno have done great things with this program. The people who run and volunteer with M2M have my deepest appreciation. Thank you for all they do!!!
How many times have you attended M2M?
This is my first year with M2M.
What was the highlight of your week?
Being able to go up to the top of one of the mountains with ski patrol. What I saw was literally a little slice of Heaven. That as well as just being with such an amazing group of people.
What was the biggest surprise of the week?
All the amazing gear we received from all our sponsors. Couldn’t put into words just how grateful I was.
What was the biggest thing you learned?
I learned that it’s ok to just let loose when I’m in a safe environment again. That it’s ok to just breathe.
Anything you’d like to add?
I just feel so many people could continue to benefit from this. I can home and my best friends said I sounded different…in a good way. I was on a natural high for a few days after we got back. I wish we had mountains down here in Texas so I can master the snowboard. I WILL conquer that board!!
With another year of our California 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 the Palisade 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
