Hugs from Hadley logoHadley's Vertical Challenge
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President's Day Weekend · February 13–14, 2027 · Crested Butte, CO

Hadley's Vertical Challenge

Skiing in her favorite place. Giving in her honor. Join us in Crested Butte over President's Day Weekend 2027, or participate from wherever you ski.

Donate Join the Challenge
Her Story

Why We Ski

Hadley loved Crested Butte. She loved skiing, the mountains, and the pure joy that came with all of it. So this February, we're going back — and we'd love for you to join us.

The weekend that would have marked Hadley's 10th birthday on February 13th will now celebrate her life and legacy by raising money for two incredible organizations: Hugs from Hadley and The Adaptive Sports Center of Crested Butte.

For the friends who loved Hadley and want to do something — this is it. Skiing in her honor, raising money together, being part of a team: it's a way to show up for her that would have made her smile.

In Her Memory

About Hadley

Hadley Rebecca Hanna smiling on the ski slopes

Hadley Rebecca Hanna had a light that could fill a room. She was joyful, spirited, independent, and full of love — the kind of little girl who made friends wherever she went and made everyone feel special.

She moved through life with cartwheels, hugs, laughter, and a heart wide open. Hadley loved her family, her friends, cheering, dancing, fishing, school, and all the little moments that made life fun. She was silly and thoughtful, brave and tender, and unforgettable to everyone who knew her.

On July 4, 2025, Hadley tragically lost her life in the flooding on the Guadalupe River during the devastating Hill Country floods. Though her time here was far too short, her light continues to shine through the love she gave, the joy she shared, and the legacy now carried forward in her honor.

Start Here

Two Ways to Support

Option 1

Just Donate

Want to support the cause without skiing or fundraising yourself? Click "Donate" and give directly. Every gift helps honor Hadley's life and support the organizations this challenge benefits.

Donate Now
Option 2

Join the Challenge

Think of it as a read-a-thon, but on skis. Every vertical foot skied raises money for causes near and dear to Hadley and her family's hearts. Click "Join the Challenge" to build your personal fundraising page.

  • Register as an Individual — solo skiers welcome, fundraise on your own.
  • Join a Team — ski and fundraise alongside a group you know.
  • Start a New Team — create one for family, friends, or your community.
Join the Challenge
The Details

How the Challenge Works

  1. Register as an individual, join a team, or start a team.
  2. Share your fundraising link with friends and family.
  3. Ask supporters to sponsor you with a flat donation or by vertical feet.
  4. Ski during the challenge weekend in Crested Butte or from any mountain.
  5. Track your vertical feet using the Epic app or your mountain's tracking app.
  6. Share your photos, videos, and stats so we can celebrate everyone's progress.
  7. Follow fundraising totals on our Givebutter page, with final vertical-feet recognition announced at the end of the weekend.

Most sponsors give about $10 per 1,000 vertical feet — a small amount that adds up in a big way.

Wherever You Are

Can't Come to Crested Butte?

You don't have to be in Crested Butte to take part. Ski from any mountain, track your vertical feet, and you're in. Can't ski at all? You can sponsor a skier instead.

Your Impact

Where the Money Goes

Proceeds benefit Hugs from Hadley and The Adaptive Sports Center.

Hugs from Hadley

Created to honor Hadley's joyful, caring spirit by supporting meaningful causes connected to wellness, education, first responders, rescue groups, and people and animals in need.

hugsfromhadley.org →

The Adaptive Sports Center

Based in Crested Butte, helping people with disabilities and other specific needs experience the life-changing power of outdoor adventure.

adaptivesports.org →

Questions

FAQ

How do I take part?

Click "Join the Challenge" and choose whether to register as an individual, join a team, or start a new team. Then share your personal Givebutter fundraising link with friends and family.

Do I have to ski to support the event?

No. You can simply click "Donate" and make a gift without registering for the challenge.

Do I have to be in Crested Butte?

No. You can ski from any mountain and still participate. Just track your vertical feet and share your photos, videos, and stats.

Can kids participate?

Yes. Families, kids, teens, adults, and groups are all welcome.

Can I start my own team?

Yes. Click "Join the Challenge," then choose the option to start a new team. This is great for families, groups of friends, ski clubs, or school communities.

How does sponsorship work?

Supporters can give a flat donation or sponsor a skier based on vertical feet. A simple guide is $10 per 1,000 vertical feet, but any amount is welcome.

How do I track my vertical feet?

Use the Epic app or your mountain's equivalent tracking app. Take a screenshot of your final stats and share it with us after you ski.

Where do I submit my vertical feet?

Submission details are coming soon. We will share a simple form or email address before the event weekend.

Will there be prizes?

Yes. Prizes and recognition will be announced for top fundraisers, top teams, and vertical-feet achievements.

Where should I stay in Crested Butte?

We've set aside a room block at The Elevation Hotel & Spa, right at the base of Crested Butte Mountain. Call the hotel at (970) 251-3000 to book your stay.

Get Sharing

Fundraising Toolkit

Download these graphics to post on social media, in a group text, or by email — then copy the ready-made text below and drop in your personal Givebutter link.

Hadley's Vertical Challenge event overview graphic
Event Overview
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Three ways to join graphic
3 Ways to Join
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Sponsor my vertical feet graphic
Sponsor My Vertical Feet
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Join my team graphic
Join My Team
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Not skiing, you can still help graphic
Donate-Only Ask
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Ski from anywhere graphic
Ski From Anywhere
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Ready to join Instagram story graphic
Story: Ready to Join?
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I'm skiing for Hadley Instagram story graphic
Story: Sponsor Me
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Track your vertical feet Instagram story graphic
Story: Vertical Tracker
Download
Email header graphic
Email Header
Download
Printable flyer
Printable Flyer
Download PDF

Ready-Made Copy — Just Paste In Your Link

Short Text Message

I'm participating in Hadley's Vertical Challenge over President's Day Weekend 2027 to honor Hadley and raise funds for Hugs from Hadley and The Adaptive Sports Center. I'll be skiing and tracking my vertical feet, and I would love your support. You can give a flat donation or sponsor me at about $10 per 1,000 vertical feet. Here is my link: [PASTE PERSONAL GIVEBUTTER LINK]

Social Caption — General

I'm joining Hadley's Vertical Challenge — skiing in her favorite place and giving in her honor. Over President's Day Weekend 2027, I'll be skiing, tracking my vertical feet, and raising funds for Hugs from Hadley and The Adaptive Sports Center. I would be so grateful for your support. Donate or join the challenge here: [PASTE LINK]

Social Caption — Sponsor My Vertical Feet

Sponsor my vertical feet for Hadley's Vertical Challenge. A simple guide is $10 per 1,000 vertical feet, but any amount is appreciated. Every gift helps honor Hadley and support Hugs from Hadley and The Adaptive Sports Center. My fundraising link: [PASTE PERSONAL GIVEBUTTER LINK]

Social Caption — Join My Team

Join my team for Hadley's Vertical Challenge. You can ski in Crested Butte or from any mountain, track your vertical feet, and help us raise funds in Hadley's honor. Join here: [PASTE TEAM LINK]

Email Template

Subject: Will you support my ski challenge in Hadley's honor? Hi [Name], I'm participating in Hadley's Vertical Challenge over President's Day Weekend 2027. We are skiing in Hadley's favorite place, giving in her honor, and raising money for Hugs from Hadley and The Adaptive Sports Center. You can support me with a flat donation or sponsor my vertical feet. A simple guide is $10 per 1,000 vertical feet, but any amount is welcome and appreciated. Here is my fundraising link: [PASTE PERSONAL GIVEBUTTER LINK] Thank you for helping us celebrate Hadley and support causes connected to her joyful spirit. Love, [Name]

Team Captain Message

I'm putting together a team for Hadley's Vertical Challenge and would love for you to join. You can ski in Crested Butte or from any mountain, track your vertical feet, and share your own fundraising link. It's a meaningful way to honor Hadley and raise money for Hugs from Hadley and The Adaptive Sports Center. Join my team here: [PASTE TEAM LINK]

Vertical Feet Reminder

Don't forget to track your vertical feet using the Epic app or your mountain's tracking app. Take a screenshot of your final stats and save your photos/videos so we can celebrate the weekend together.
Thank You

Our Sponsors

Interested in sponsoring Hadley's Vertical Challenge? See the sponsorship levels and the one-pager that fits your business, then reach out — sponsorship deadline is January 10, 2027.

Register as an Individual › Join a Team › Start a Team ›