The annual Ski to Defeat ALS event is set for April 11 at Mt. Hood Meadows, and organizers are working hard to keep the momentum going after the death of the late, great Fred Noble.

Noble, a heli-skiing pioneer and Mount Hood legend, died on May 1, 2014 after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, resulting in progressive degeneration and eventually death.

Noble and his Team Fredinator friends were a dominant force in past Ski to Defeat ALS events, racking up impressive totals for fundraising and vertical feet skied. Now the event must continue without him, and organizers are looking for new participants to join the fun for a good cause. Franklin Control Systems has stepped up to sponsor the event.

Ski to Defeat ALS includes a day-long vertical feet challenge, followed by a an awards party with refreshments and prizes. Participants are expected to raise money for ALS research and care, and awards go out to top fundraisers as well as the top vertical feet competitors.

Last year’s Ski to Defeat ALS was a blast, with perfect blue skies and fast snow that softened up by noon. Two-time champ Dale Parshall edged out Jay Pollock to win the vertical challenge with 61,000 feet in six hours. Franklin Control Systems won the award for top corporate team, while Team Mike Lopez was recognized as most spirited.

But the event also had a sad side, because it was the last year with Fred Noble on stage. This photo essay from Randy Boverman explains why he and so many others will be missing Fred in this year’s event. The Noble Spirit award will be presented to a deserving individual in Fred Noble’s honor at this year’s event.

You can sign up to join a team or contribute money to the team of your choice here.

Last modified: March 3, 2015