| The Across the Atlas team has organized and executed several global adventures, each of which has raised substantial funds for organizations such as the Colorado Cancer Foundation and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. In February 2001, some members of the team climbed Aconcagua, the highest mountain in North and South America, which stands at 23,000 feet. This expedition took 17 days and was a benefit for the Colorado Cancer Foundation. The team followed an unusual route, taking the upper Vacas Valley glacier to the top, and then descending through the normal route, thus viewing the mountain from every corner. This adventure was a challenge, as the team faced tough conditions at 20,000 feet due to a storm that had occurred the night before. In March 2002, the team took on a new feat that they named “28in4.” In 80 hours 41 minutes, the team skied 28 Colorado ski resorts, setting a new Guinness Record, and raising funds for the National Sports Center for the Disabled. From the northern most resort in Steamboat Springs to the most southern hills in Hesperus and La Veta - and the 25 in between - Pietro Simonetti, Gunnar Sachs, Mike Stadler, Katie Pappas and Eric Hagan covered over 2,500 kilometers in less than 81 hours. The team descended 40,000 feet of Colorado champagne powder in some of the most dramatic settings that the Rocky Mountains can offer. The wild mountains of the North West side of the state and the rolling hills of the South East, battered by desert winds coming from New Mexico. In November of 2003, the team climbed and descended Mount Kilimanjaro and skied over the Heim glacier—an achievement carried out by only a handful of people. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in the African continent, standing at 19,340 feet. This adventure, named "Up & Down Kilimanjaro," was a benefit for the Colorado Cancer Foundation. In March 2005, the team embarked on a spectacular journey that was a true test of their stamina, perseverance, dedication, expertise, and resolve – all for the sake of a tremendous cause, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. In ten days, the team covered 1,900 miles. “Trek Morocco” consisted of many parts and was executed by plane, train, bus, foot, mules, and skis. The team climbed and skied down Jebel Toubkal, the highest mountain in Morocco (13,900 feet), and then continued on to several other 13,000-foot mountains in the area. At the conclusion of the trip, the team donated over $10,000 to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. |