The Vertical Drop

The Silver State Vertical Drop is an annual ski competition and community fundraising event put on by the Silver State Hotshots and the Black Mountain Hotshots, both Carson City-based wildfire suppression crews. Justin Cutler, the current captain of the Silver State Hotshots, began the event in 2008 and it has taken place each year, this winter being the 13th event.
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Individuals or teams of 3-5 c

ompete to safely ski as much vertical feet as possible in a 4-hour time period. In the past, these prizes have been donated to us from companies such as Moment Skis, Patagonia, and Smith Optics. This year's Vertical Drop will be held at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, California. There will be food and beer in exchange for a donation to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation! Food comes from donations from local delis such as Sierra Meats. The beer is donated from local breweries including Great Basin Brewing and Lead Dog.
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All proceeds from the Silver State Vertical Drop go to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation—a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that provides support firefighters and their families in times of crisis. Today, the Vertical Drop is the longest running fundraiser that supports the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.
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