Shreddin’ Sens Hit the Slopes for Sens Foundation at 24h Tremblant

It’s around this time of year where skiing becomes pretty big business on Quebec’s Mont-Tremblant. The slopes are filled, the fires are roaring in the chalets and the shops are bustling with skiers taking a break from the downhill rush to get in some last minute holiday shopping. It’s also a time when Tremblant gives back and like everything else relating to the ski season they do it in a big way.

Inspired by Switzerland’s Grand Prix 24 Heures De Villars, 24h Tremblant is the largest fundraising event in the ski industry in North America. Every year over 2,500 people take part in the event in an effort to raise much needed funds for Fondation Centre de Cancérologie Charles-Bruneau, the Ottawa Senators Foundation and the Tremblant Foundation.

It’s all for a good cause but don't think for a second that it's a walk in the park. In fact, it’s a walk, run and ski as teams of 6 to 12 relay on the hill or take to the 5km loop course at Place Saint-Bernard for 24 consecutive hours of endurance and will. No matter what path they choose, the goal is the same for each participant; to complete as many kilometers as they can and accumulate as many donations possible.

Teams like The Shreddin’ Sens know the challenge is a tough one but are pushed onward with the knowledge of where the funds raised are going.

“The 24h Tremblant has made a huge difference in the lives of sick, underprivileged or special-needs children for years. We are working very closely with the Sens Foundation as they are also huge sponsors to our team,” says team member Zack Askwew, adding that anything helps, even a small donation and it’s a complete tax write off.

The epic fundraiser first hit the mountain in 2001 and was a major success. Since then, it has become one of the social rendezvous events of the year where not only skiers but, also, businesses people, media reps, artists, and celebrities converge for the cause. This year it is expected to attract more than 30,000 spectators cheering on participants and taking part in other festive shows and attractions in the area.

Last year’s edition saw over 15,966 downhill runs by skiers and 28,899 km by walkers and runners. The stat that brought the biggest smile to all involved, however, was the one that saw a record number of donations come in at a total of $3,114,313.   

"It's incredible! Year after year, I'm amazed by the generosity and commitment of participants, donors, collaborators and volunteers," Simon St-Arnaud, producer of Tremblant’s 24h, said in an interview after last year’s event.

"Without them, the event would not be as successful as it is. So many people motivated by children, such a channelling of energy, awes and touches me to the core. Every new record is a further victory for sick and underprivileged children. On their behalf, all I can add is my thanks, 3,114,313 times!"

The records didn’t stop there. 300 plus teams participated last year, the most in the event’s history, with the number projected to only grow.

You can support The Shreddin’ Sens by visiting their team donation page and catch all the action starting today and all weekend at Mont-Tremblant!