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The ASCENSION is a memorial endurance
ski race to honor one of our Ski Patrollers who lost her life while serving in the Peace Corps.Tessa earned
her Bachelors Degree in Education and wanted to engage in meaningful service to others and to the cause of environmental
health and restoration. In 2006 she joined the Peace Corp and was assigned to the Republic of Tonga as a teacher
of children. Her desire to help others and to give of herself drew her to this remote part of the world
where she strived to make a difference in the lives of people in need. While teaching in Tonga, Tessa recognized
that the children needed a library. She wrote and called home about her dream of establishing a children's
library.
Tragically, Tessa was killed in a shark attack before her hopes could be realized. After her death the
library was built using contributions to the Tessa Horan Foundation, and with funds raised through the first two years
of Tessa's Ascension race. The library is now completed and named in her honor.
Tessa was an extraordinary and wonderful woman who was always concerned with the welfare of others
and restoring the health and sustainability of our planet Earth. She cared deeply for the environment
and could always be found in the outdoors- gardening, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, backpacking,
and especially skiing, both uphill and down. Tessa's Ascension is an event established by her friends and family to honor
her and her committment to a better world.
Proceeds from this year's event went towards the establishment and promotion of a local organic community
garden that will provide a safe place for parents and children to raise healthy food for themeselves and local charitible
organizations. It is designed as a pilot project to encourage the establishment and growth of community gardens throughout
the world.
Thanks to all participants and volunteers who helped us honor and celebrate
Tessa's life in this year's Ascension. We look forward to seeing you again next year, on Saturday, March 21st, 2009.
EVENT DESCRIPTION
The Ascension is an endurance ski event utilizing randonee or telemark gear with climbing skins, or snowboards/Alpine
gear and snowshoes to ascend from the base of Santa Fe Ski area (elevation 10,340 ft.) to the top of the Superchief Quad
Chairlift (elevation 11,250 ft.). After securing their climbing skins or snowshoes on their person, participants ski
down a modified giant slalom course to the finish line at the base area. Helmets are required to be worn and properly
buckled for the downhill portion of the race.The Ascension starts at 5:30 pm.
Post-race refreshments and snacks will be provided during the awards
ceremony and celebration.
AWARDS
There will be an awards ceremony from 7:00 to 7:30 pm, with prizes to top finishers and medals to all.
REGISTRATION
- Entry Fee: $25 (includes t-shirt, food, & refreshments).
- Deadline: March 20, 2009 (late fee of $10.00 for race day registration. For race day registration,
(March 21st), you must be at the registration table in the cafeteria no later than 4:30 pm.
- Entry Forms: These are the following methods for obtaining the entry form:
- Skiers Services at the Ski Area
- Ski Patrol Office (clinic at base area)
- Email a request to mail the form: Tessa@sfpatrol.org
- Call the Ski Patrol Office at 505-992-5086.
- You may also DOWNLOAD the application by clicking the link below, printing
form and mailing it (Or deliver to ski area).
- Please drop off or mail the entry form and payment by 3/20/09. Mail to: P.O. Box 284 Glorieta
N.M. 87535 (mail early enough to reach us by 3/20.
- Race Number : A race # will be assigned to each participant. You may pick up your number
at the ski area in the cafeteria from 3:00-4:30 pm on the day of the race, and tape it to the front of your helmet or pin
to clothes. Must be visible.
- Safety: Helmets are required for the downhill portion of the race (Bike helmets are acceptable). Helmets
must be worn and buckled for descent . Please be careful and safe--this is a fun event! You are not
only resposible for your own safety, but the safety of others on the course.
Ascension entry form 2009 (click here to download file)
CONTACT INFO (Q&A)
CLICK ON PICTURE FOR TESSA IN TONGA PHOTOS
(Gallery page will take 10 to 130 seconds to load depending on connection speed)
Photo Gallery of Prior Ascensions (click on year)
Ascension 2007
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