Two weeks until the Al Johnson ski race

Crowd funding set up to support CBAC

by Than Acuff

The Al Johnson Uphill/Downhill Telemark Ski Race is a local institution and is a celebration of the efforts of famed local postal carrier from the late 1800s, Al Johnson. This year’s race is Sunday, March 18 and race organizers and Crested Butte Mountain Resort are working diligently to try to get at least part of the race on the North Face.

In the years since the first AJ 44 years ago, the event has morphed into more of a costume party than a race, yet some continue to keep the competitive edge going. Four years ago, the Crested Butte Avalanche Center (CBAC) joined in the organizational fray of the race for two reasons. First, to help keep the race, and telemark skiing for that matter, alive. Second, to help raise money for the Avalanche Center.

This year the CBAC is adding a twist to the fundraising aspect of the Al Johnson. They are committed to keeping the registration price down and while they are more than happy to keep throwing the spring party and enjoy everything that everyone brings to the race each year, the CBAC is also in the business of providing a daily accurate weather and avalanche bulletin. Their motto from day one: “We do it every day.”

Fact is though, to “do it every day” costs money. So, this year, they are asking participants to reach out to friends and family to help in the fundraising campaign. Those of you who participate in the race do it so well, and your entry fee goes to help the CBAC. Now, with a couple of clicks on your computer, you can ask those who may not be involved in the AJ to support the CBAC because they know you feel passionate about the CBAC continuing to provide professional and up to date avalanche forecasting every day, all winter long.

To help facilitate the process, the CBAC has a site set up, fundly.com/al-johnson-uphill-downhill-race. You can sign up for the race, share in the stoke of the race and ask your friends and family to sponsor your effort in the race.

There will be prizes for most money raised by an individual, most money raised by a team and most pledges gathered by an individual.

The CBAC provides the beer, the Alpineer, local businesses and CBAC provide the prizes, Crested Butte Mountain Resort provides the venue and you bring the stoke. Now, just ask your friends and family to chip in some dough. A little bit goes a long way to helping the CBAC “do it every day.”