Flagstaff, Ariz. (March 4, 2025) – The 18th annual GORE-TEX Kahtoola Uphill event, held on February 8, 2025, raised over $75,000 for Arizona nonprofit Friends of Camp Colton’s environmental education programs that provide outdoor learning and a discovery center for Arizona children. 300 racers took to the steep slopes of the Arizona Snowbowl conquering up to 3.5 miles and over 2000 feet of elevation gain on foot using various traction gear including MICROspikes® footwear traction and alpine touring skis.
“The GORE-TEX Kahtoola Uphill has something for everyone, from kids to professional athletes,” said Ari Wilder, executive director of Friends of Camp Colton. “Each year, businesses, racers, volunteers, spectators and supporters all come together to make this race special and memorable. It’s incredibly gratifying to be part of a community that appreciates a wintery challenge and embraces fun, all while raising funds to get kids connected with nature at Camp Colton.”
Each February, fun-loving adventurers come together, often in creative costumes, at this family-friendly event which includes a post-race raffle fundraiser and festive dinner. Since its inception, the GORE-TEX Kahtoola Uphill event has raised over $650,000, directly supporting the education of future environmental stewards.
“Since Kahtoola’s inception in 1999, we’ve been driven by a dual purpose – make exceptional outdoor gear and operate as a responsible business that enriches the world,” said Danny Giovale, owner and founder of Kahtoola. “As we celebrate our 25th year in business this winter, we’re proud to continue to pursue our dual purpose through events like the Kahtoola Uphill and supporting the valuable work that nonprofits like Friends of Camp Colton are doing within the local outdoor community.”
For more information on Friends of Camp Colton, please contact Ari Wilder at 928-864-8129 or ari@friendsofcampcolton.org.
About Kahtoola:
Established in 1999, Kahtoola crafts exceptional outdoor gear with a commitment to philanthropy, conservation, and sustainability. Kahtoola’s gaiters, hiking crampons and traction systems, including MICROspikes® footwear traction, are built to elevate human potential in the outdoors. Every product is thoughtfully designed and vigorously tested at the brand’s Flagstaff, Ariz. headquarters high on the Colorado Plateau. Owned and operated by founder Danny Giovale, Kahtoola proudly grants 1% of annual sales through the Kahtoola Philanthropy Program to organizations that support indigenous cultures, outdoor community and environmental responsibility. For more information, please visit Kahtoola.com.
About Friends of Camp Colton:
For over 21 years, Friends of Camp Colton has cultivated exceptional outdoor learning experiences that instill the value of preserving the natural world and inspire growth and discovery. By enriching the student experience at Camp Colton, an outdoors learning and discovery center for Northern Arizona youth, Friends supports adventure, discovery, personal growth, and environmental education. Through program innovation, hosting events and building community partnerships, Friends raises funds so all kids — regardless of income or circumstance — can have an uplifting and rewarding connection with nature and with each other. Working with the Flagstaff Unified School District, Friends of Camp Colton is committed to preserving this community tradition for generations to come.
Media Contact:
Catherine Donovan
Terra PR
323-708-6953
CatherineD@terrapublicrelations.com
###
