High Altitude Society

Carolyn Pope, VailCarolyn@comcast.net
November 21, 2007

Glitter, Gates and Rails, the annual fundraiser for the Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, was a sell-out. Traditionally scheduled the week before Vail Mountain opens, the Glitter, Gates and Rails Dinner and Auction brings together locals and visitors to celebrate the upcoming season, make a toast to the snow gods and dream of powder runs awaiting them.

Begun in 1998 and held annually at Larkspur Restaurant at the base of Vail Mountain’s Golden Peak, this event has evolved into one of Ski & Snowboard Club Vail’s biggest fundraisers.

Although the snow gods weren’t being quite as agreeable as the club and everyone else in town would like, the evening was festive. Four youth participants received “C3” awards for exemplifying the characteristics that Ski & Snowboard Club builds — character, courage and commitment.

Jocelyn Irwin, Matt Dillon, Chris Woods and Ellen Feldman walked away with honors this year.

Tony Mauro provided auctioneering services with Dan Leever stepping up as master of ceremonies for the evening. Lindsey Kildow-Vonn, a ski club alumni, made an appearance.

Included in the auction this year were favorites “Aldo’s Anxious Huevos” (the club’s head honcho whips up breakfast for 12); an amazing Game Creek getaway for six, donated by Vail Resorts; an African safari, donated by Ziwa Camp and Rob McGrath; a private jet ride for 10, donated by MacDermid Inc.; and the chance to ski with Bode Miller.

Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, founded in 1962, provides training and competition programs for aspiring young ski racers. Approximately 450 kids participate in its programs each year.

From its early roots in downhill skiing, the organization has expanded to include freestyle (moguls and free-ride), Nordic (cross country skiing) and snowboard (slopestyle, half-pipe, SBX and alpine) for all ages, abilities and interests.

For more information on Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, visit their website at www.skiclubvail.org.

>> To help us publicize your event, e-mail cpope@vailtrail.com or call (970) 748-2989.

Click on photo galleries at www.vailtrail.com to see more photos from these events.