Life Time Presents Gripping, Original Docuseries on Inaugural Life Time Grand Prix presented by Mazda

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

First-of-its-kind off-road cycling series profiled beautifully through six-episode “Call of a Life Time” video series, featuring behind-the-scenes look at the athletes’ incredible journeys.

 

Boulder, Colo., (Jan. 17, 2023) — Life Time (NYSE: LTH), the nation’s premier healthy lifestyle brand, announces “Call of a Life Time,” a docuseries made up of six binge-worthy episodes that follows the elite women and men in the inaugural Life Time Grand Prix presented by Mazda.

Launching on January 27, the Docuseries offers a truly unique, behind-the-scenes look into the off-road cycling world and the characters at play. Featuring three gravel and three mountain biking events that are owned and produced by Life Time and make up the Grand Prix, Call of a Life Time explores the intense competition that exists in the United States among 60 of the world’s elite cyclists. Each episode will expose their highs, lows, drama, self doubt, turmoil and accomplishments, and what it took emotionally and physically for them to perform at the highest level over the grueling, seven-month-long 2022 race season.

The most iconic races in the country are memorized in each of the six episodes, including the Life Time Garmin UNBOUND Gravel presented by Craft Sportswear and the Stages Cycling Leadville Trail 100 MTB. The Docuseries finale showcases the Life Time Big Sugar Gravel presented by Mazda, which took place in Bentonville, Ark. in October, culminating the Grand Prix season and revealing which athletes walked away with the $250,000 prize purse.

The series was filmed by the award-winning production company, Cold Collaborative, and conceptualized by director and company founder, Shannon Vandivier.

“When I was first approached by Life Time with the opportunity to create this docuseries, I was inspired by “Drive to Survive,” the Formula 1 Netflix series. The idea was to focus more on the characters and to glorify the races/championship aspect a bit less,” said Vandivier. “We discovered that so many of the athletes are out there because they want to be ambassadors, to inspire others to get outside and use the bike as a vector for getting more people outdoors. That’s really the mark of one of these athletes. They’re getting paid to go race but, equally as much, they are there to represent their sponsors and be an ambassador. We wanted to uncover why they do this kind of thing, and what it takes emotionally and physically.”

When asked about the process of creating this docuseries, Vandivier said, “It’s a complicated process, as a director. On average, we had seven people at each race over the course of the past year, pouring massive amounts of time, effort, and creativity into this project. I’m damn proud of the team and want to celebrate them because they were the ones who were able to execute the vision. Whether you’re a dedicated cyclist, a weekend warrior or simply wishing to draw inspiration in your own life, the series is sure to entertain all.”

The format of the series flips back and forth, with the first (Sea Otter Classic) and last (Big Sugar Gravel) episodes highlighting both the women’s and men’s races, the second event (Unbound Gravel) highlighting the men’s race, the third event (Crusher in the Tushar) highlighting the women’s race, and so on.

“A key objective for creating the Life Time Grand Prix was to generate fandom around the United States cycling scene. The Call of a Life Time aims to showcase the humans who exemplify this scene by profiling their personalities on and off the bike and their unique and relatable stories. We truly are grateful to the many athletes who dedicated hours of their time throughout the 2022 season to help bring this beautiful storytelling piece to life and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with the world,” said Michelle Duffy, Director of Brand & Content for Events at Life Time, and Co-Executive Producer of the Call of a Life Time series. “Cycling fans will be able to reminisce on the exciting 2022 season, while non-cyclists (and new fans) can indulge in the drama and complexity of these athletes, their unique stories and the sport as a whole.”

All six episodes will be available for free on the Life Time Grand Prix YouTube channel and premiere on January 27 at 6 p.m. CST. Subscribe today and check out the official trailer: https://youtu.be/lFLk0LUYETU. Tune in to the Life Time Grand Prix social channels (Instagram: @lifetimegrandprix, Twitter: @LTGrandPrix, Facebook: @LifeTimeGrandPrix) for other behind the scenes clips leading up to the premier.

To learn more about the Life Time Grand Prix series presented by Mazda and view the roster of athletes selected for the 2023 series, please visit https://www.lifetimegrandprix.com. More information about Life Time athletic events is available at https://my.lifetime.life/athletic-events.html.

 

About Life Time®, Inc.

Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of more than 160 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. The Company’s healthy way of life communities and ecosystem address all aspects of healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment for people 90 days to 90+ years old. Supported by a team of more than 30,000 dedicated professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences through its clubs, iconic athletic events and comprehensive digital platform.

 

About Cold Collaborative

Cold Collaborative pursues stories centered around adventure and conservation because we believe that life is lived better outside. What sets Cold Collab apart from other production companies is our unwillingness to compromise this ethos. As filmmakers, we seek high cinematic value with the use of a RED & CANON platform, using a mixture of Verite and dynamic movement. Cold Collab’s minimal approach has the ability to engage in stories in a way that provides unique authenticity and moments of raw value. To learn more about Cold Collaborative, visit: https://coldcollab.com.

 

About Shannon Vandivier

Shannon Vandivier is Cold Collaborative’s Owner and Director. Shannon is a skilled filmmaker whose desire is to focus on stories that engage us on an intrinsic human level. His cinematic style focuses on curating stories of journalistic integrity and high cinematic value. To learn more about Shannon, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-vandivier.

 

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Sierra Designs Moves Up the Mountain with 2023 Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Leading outdoor gear innovator pushes the limits with defining new equipment

 

January 17th, 2023 – Broomfield, CO –  Award-winning camping equipment manufacturer Sierra Designs proudly announces an expansion of its Pushing the Limits collection with two new product launches: Elemental Quilt and Flex Hike daypack. Long guided by its mission to fundamentally redefine how we live in the backcountry, Sierra Designs is thrilled to continue the elevation of its innovative and sustainable design.

Providing optimal versatility, Elemental Quilt is the first-of-its-kind sleeping bag and quilt hybrid made with 100% recycled synthetic materials. Weighing in at 1lb, 15.3oz and with a temperature rating of 35°, Elemental Quilt is the next innovation of a sustainable sleeping bag, in quilt form. An ideal hybrid for thru-hikers and backpackers, this sub-two pound, synthetically insulated bag is a lightweight choice for cool and damp conditions. The oversized quilt easily converts into a sleeping bag with one simple zip and locks in heat with an adjustable hood, draft collar, insulated hand pockets, and foot box. Elemental Quilt is responsibly made with a PFC-Free 100% recycled 10D nylon ripstop shell and liner, and 100% recycled SierraLoft Eco synthetic insulation. The quilt also comes equipped with optional Pad Lock attachments to keep sleeping pads secure. The all-new Elemental Quilt will be available Spring 2023 for $199.95.

The Flex Hike daypack is the perfect companion for multi-sport explorers. Designed to expand to your evolving day trekking needs, the Flex Hike has expandable gussets that adjust the pack’s volume from 20L to 30L. With dual adjusting shoulder straps, the Flex Hike provides a customizable fit for torsos sized 15”-19”. Lightweight at 1lb, 14oz, this versatile pack also features two mesh side pockets, side waist belt pockets, a front hidden zippered pocket, a small stash pocket in lid for valuables, and is hydration reservoir ready. The Flex Hike daypack will be available Spring 2023 for $149.95. “We’re excited to continue with Sierra Designs’ history of innovation by bringing new and creative outdoor solutions to campers and backpackers alike,” says Alexandra Black-Paulick, Marketing Manager for Sierra Designs.

 Sierra Designs’ outdoor products are specifically designed to make getting outside easier and more enjoyable and with the least impact possible so that we may all continue to enjoy and protect the wild places we love. Sierra Designs is committed to evolving their designs and leading by example in finding ways to transition to materials that use fewer resources, discard less, and better protect public health. Learn more about Sierra Designs’ sustainability efforts here. For more information on the new Elemental Quilt and Flex Hike daypack, contact Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com.

 

About Sierra Designs:

Born in California and bred on the trail, Sierra Designs has been on a mission to redefine how people interact with the outdoors since 1965. Today, that means creating equipment and apparel that is functional, beautiful, and most importantly, attainable. Our team believes that adventures should be within everyone’s reach, because it’s not only about the destination, it’s about the journey you take along the way. Find more information at www.sierradesigns.com.

The High Fives Foundation 2023 Annual Ski-A-Thon Series Kicks Off on March 5th in Sugarbush, Vermont

TRUCKEE, California (January 16, 2023) – The High Fives Foundation, the leader in adaptive sports and injury prevention, today announces the launch of the 2023 Ski-a-Thon Series fundraiser. The 12th annual series will comprise three charity events in Vermont, California and Colorado, where participants ski to raise donation funds for the organization and can win prizes. The Ski-a-Thon Series is a keystone fundraiser for The High Fives Foundation and a staple event for participating communities.

Participants can register for each event in advance and begin to raise funds as individuals or teams and compete for prize packages of gear and goods provided by YETI, Eddie Bauer, Arcade Belts, GoPro, SMITH, Phunkshun Wear, Outdoor Tech, YAKIMA, Big Agnes and more. There is also a chance to win additional prizes based on lap count during each event’s specified date and location.

Event #1: March 5, 2023 – FAT Ski-a-Thon, Sugarbush, VT

The first event in the series, The FAT Ski-a-Thon kicks off March 5 in Sugarbush, VT. Launched in 2012, the event has grown to become the highest-grossing event in the series, raising over $272,532 by 144 participants in 2022.

Participants can register for the 2023 Fat Ski-a-Thon here.

Event #2: March 26, 2023 – Mothership Classic at Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley, CA

The next ski-a-thon on the calendar is the 9th Annual Mothership Classic. The event was born when Arcade Belts Co partnered with High Fives to sponsor friends for 25 cents a lap in 2012. The event has grown significantly over the years, raising $183,600 by 133 competitors in 2022.

Participants can register for the 2023 Mothership Classic Ski-a-Thon here.

Event #3: April 15, 2023 – Retro Shred-a-Thon, Winter Park, CO

The final ski-a-thon of the year is the 8th Annual Retro Shred-a-Thon, set to take place on April 15th, 2023, in Winter Park, Colorado. Created with Phunkshun Wear, the Retro Ski-a-Thon is gaining momentum with increased fundraising efforts with $44,820 raised in 2022.

Participants can register for the 2023 Retro Shreda-a-Thon here. 

Beginning in 2012, The High Fives Foundation Ski-a-Thon series has grown each year in participation and raised funds. The fundraising goal for 2023 is $500,000 for High Fives programs, which support athletes and veterans through the foundation’s Empowerment Fund.  We look forward to seeing you on the slopes in 2023!

 

About The High Fives Foundation:  The High Fives Foundation is a California-based, national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on preventing life-changing injuries and providing resources and hope to those affected. Since its inception in 2009, the Foundation has helped over 600 athletes and veterans from 44 states + Canada.

For more information, visit www.highfivesfoundation.org.

High Fives Foundation Announces Eleven New Members to Board of Directors

TRUCKEE, California (January 16, 2023) – High Fives Foundation, the leading adaptive sports and injury prevention nonprofit has appointed eleven new members to its board of directors, including a new board president, Susan Stone.

The foundation has also appointed Jamison Blair (Lake Tahoe Realty), Courtney Laggner (Darn Tough Vermont), Katie Steinharter (Ikon/ Alterra), Sydney Kirby (Smith Optics), Katie Besso (Guild Mortgage), Anthony “Big Ant” Thomas (Personality), Darlene B (Monster Energy Cares), Craig Abruzzo (Morgan Stanley), Richard Lewis (Hightower Advisor), and Tim Burr (Return to Dirt) to the board of directors. All appointments began on December 17, 2022.

The new board appointees are a representation of the diverse groups that support and drive High Fives’ growth and influence. Each member brings knowledge and expertise from their respective field to High Fives programming development and is a passionate member of the outdoor community.

“We are proud and honored to expand our board membership with a powerhouse group of experts and leaders from businesses and industries that have helped shape the outdoors.” said Roy Tuscany, High Fives Foundation founder and CEO. “We are also thrilled to have Susan Stone join as our board president, and lend her passion and extensive business and leadership experience to High Fives.”

Stone was named one of Entrepreneur’s 100 Most Influential Women of 2022 and is the current chief executive officer of Ubiquitous Technology, a leading transparent solar energy technology company. Previously, she was the founder and CEO of Sierra Wasatch Capital and managed early-stage investing for Riverhorse Investments in Los Angeles. She brings extensive leadership experience and a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

“I have been an avid fan and supporter of High Fives for years and am honored to join the foundation as board chair and president,” said Stone. “I am excited to work with such an outstanding and passionate team to help expand our programming and make a real impact on our community and the lives of our program participants.”

Stone will take the seat of Board President Emeritus Tyler Lightcap, a founding board member who played a major role in the foundation’s inception in 2009.

“I have no doubt that Susan will lead High Fives with distinction and positivity and guide the organization into its next era.” Said Board President emeritus Tyler Lightcap. “It has been an honor to help lead the High Fives Foundation, and I will be a lifelong advocate and supporter and look forward to its continued growth.”

In addition to Susan’s appointment, the foundation has also announced expanded board positions on the newly formed Empowerment Athlete Committee. High Fives athlete Tim Burr is the first member to join the new committee and the first High Fives athlete to join the foundation’s board of directors. The Empowerment Athlete Committee aims to ensure that the mission and vision of The High Fives foundation continues to advance for athletes, and be guided by athletes.

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About The High Fives Foundation: The High Fives Foundation is a California-based, national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on preventing life-changing injuries and providing resources and hope to those affected. Since its inception in 2009, the Foundation has helped over 600 athletes and veterans from 44 US states and Canada. For more information, visit www.highfivesfoundation.org.

prAna Sponsors Climbing Ambassadorship and $100,000 Cash Prize for Winner of HBO Max Original Series THE CLIMB

CARLSBAD, Calif. – January 12, 2023 – prAna, a leader in sustainable, active outdoor apparel, announced today that it is the prizing sponsor of the HBO Max Original Series THE CLIMB debuting Thursday, January 12, 2023. The series is created by Jason Momoa through his production company On the Roam, along with legendary rock climber and prAna adventurer Chris Sharma, and The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC). Sharma and fellow prAna climbing adventurer Meagan Martin co-host the series.

“Founded 30 years ago in Carlsbad, California, prAna set out to bring street style cool and conscious thinking to the function-first clothing that dominated the climbing world,” said Monica Mirro, president of prAna. “We continue to build on that legacy today and are thrilled to shine light on the sport while supporting emerging climbers in THE CLIMB.”

THE CLIMB is a visually-arresting and life-changing adventure that represents the foundations of rock climbing and exploration of the human spirit. In this all-encompassing competition, amateur climbers are put through a rigorous series of mental and physical challenges, utilizing some of the most intimidating ascents in the world to crown the world’s best amateur climber with a prAna sponsored climbing ambassadorship and a $100,000 cash prize.

View the first three episodes of THE CLIMB on HBO Max starting January 12, 2023. Follow prAna on Instagram for updates and visit prana.com for the brand’s latest sustainable, active outdoor apparel including its climbing collection.

 

About prAna

Born from the experience. Inspired by the spirit of adventure.

prAna grew from the idea that creating high-quality clothing for climbers and yogis, in a way that respected people and the planet, could – and must – live hand in hand. We’ve evolved these past three decades, but remain rooted in these founding values while now providing apparel for climbing, hiking, yoga, swim – or wherever life takes you. Learn more at prana.com.

 

THE CLIMB Credits: THE CLIMB is executive produced by Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman, Erin Gamble, and Matt Shanfield, and Fred Pichel on behalf of The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), a part of Sony Pictures Television. Jason Momoa, Brian Mendoza, and James Mendoza serve as executive producers for On the Roam, as well as Chris Sharma and Jonathan Retseck.