Military to the Mountains 2021 California
In honor of our brother Travis Livingston
(A.K.A. Backcountry Trav)
The fires were burning bright for 18 veterans, who had spent the last nine weeks giving blood, sweat, and tears into their training both in Reno, Nevada, with the City of Reno, and in Texas with Adaptive Training Foundation.
Every workout, rep, and long minute of cardio was fueled by the thought of the reward at the end. Getting to slide down snow with the best group of friends for their one-week redeploy at beautiful Squaw Valley.
Although we faced Covid related difficulties, we were able to follow all safety procedures and get these deserving veterans together at the mountain for the reward they had worked so hard for.
The vibes were at an all-time high as Athletes began landing in Reno, Nevada, and making the commute up to the mountain. The plan for the week was quite simple. First and foremost, keep everyone safe, show them a fantastic time, and let them feel the freeing power of mountain sport.
The eight Reno veterans and ten Texas veterans were at the peak of their physical fitness. Time in the gym had strengthened their bodies while also strengthening their bonds as a group. You could feel the power in the room.
Travis Livingston
Tragically, last year the world lost a great person. Travis Livingston was a close friend and brother to High Fives Foundation and all the M2M participants. We know that Travis would have been the first person on the hill in the morning and the last person off while encouraging everyone else with his charismatic personality and big smile.
You could feel the spirit of Travis in the air throughout the week, and everyone was trying their best to make sure Travis would’ve been proud of them.
Of course, it was vital for us to have a tribute to Travis and a group shred in his honor. We got to share the moment of hanging a placard on one of Travis’s favorite places, the ski hill, with his family.
The rest of the week was filled with good times! The returning Athletes and those who had skied before quickly picked up where they had left off, while new skiers and snowboarders took on the challenge of a new sport with enthusiasm. They took their falls, learning the new skill, but always picked themselves up after falling and got their equipment pointed back down the hill.
To say that this year’s California Military to the Mountain event was a success would be an understatement. Everyone involved struggled through adversity, heartbreak, and tough times to make it happen.
Johnny Lyons, K2 Sports sales representative, was there to experience this year’s M2M, and he had this to say about the whole experience
“M2M has become one of my favorite weeks of my ski season. Being able to see the progression both physically and emotionally for these athletes while they either reconnect or experience for the first time these winter activities that my life is based around is an immeasurable experience.
There is nothing like getting to show off this amazing place we get to call Home to these Athletes. “
After being unable to run the event last year, getting everyone together and shredding this year was that much sweeter for all those involved. David Vobora, founder of Adaptive Training Foundation, was excited to get to see the Athletes he had put to work reap the fruits of their labor.
“M2M never disappoints and MAN OH MAN was it good to be back on snow together! Thank you to all the selfless support & humble efforts of every single person involved, top to bottom, who assisted to unify and galvanize our purpose to help enrich the lives of those who took an oath to fight for the amazing freedoms we have in this great nation!”
Just like that, another Military to the Mountain has come and passed. We are already counting down the days until next year.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of partners, sponsors, and those who have donated to High Fives.
We would like to extend our appreiciation and love for Squaw Valley, City of Reno, Adaptive Training Foundation , Beaverfit ,Dolan Toyota, Liquid Death, Sync, K2, New Balance, Phunkshun, Smith, Darn Tough, Charlottes Web, Leki and, Armada, as well as anyone who has donated or supported High Fives throughout the years. We would not be able to do it without you!
To see more photos from the Military to the Mountains 2021 click here
To meet the Athletes of the 2021 Military to the Mountains graduating class click here
