Kahtoola Uphill

Beginning in 2007, February has been the month we celebrate human-powered movement and the positive effects the outdoors can have on our younger generation with our Kahtoola Uphill race. What began as a group of friends that were inspired to climb a mountain and have some fun has turned into a popular fundraiser that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for one of our favorite local nonprofits.

The best way to describe the Uphill is as a winter mountain race. Participants scale the snowy slopes of Snowbowl Ski Resort—running, walking, skiing or snowshoeing their way up 600 to 2200 vertical feet, depending on their category. All abilities are welcome at the Uphill—the only requirement is having fun—and racers raise sponsorship dollars for their efforts that are then donated to Friends of Camp Colton.

Friends of Camp Colton is a local, northern Arizona nonprofit that “is committed to the ongoing success of Camp Colton,” by reducing economic barriers for children, leading program innovation and developing community partnerships.

Since 1971, Camp Colton has been increasing childrens’ understanding of science and nature through outdoor experiences, and over the course of its long history has given more than 44,000 children the opportunity to learn from, and connect with, the outdoors.