For WSS #4, Enjoy “Finding Comfort in the Chaos” and support local nonprofit Headwaters Science Institute
Tahoe City, CA — On Friday, 2/13, the Alpenglow Sports Winter Speaker Series presented by the North Tahoe Chamber, returns with John Collinson’s presentation of “Finding Comfort in the Chaos”. Attend the event in person at the Palisades Tahoe Olympic Village Event Center, or tune in via the livestream on Alpenglow Sports’ Youtube channel. Either way the show is FREE and encouraged for the whole family. Doors open at 6pm for dinner, drinks, raffle tickets and more, and the show starts promptly at 7pm. The nonprofit beneficiary of the evening is Headwaters Science Institute.
The Alpenglow Sports Winter Speaker Series, presented by the North Tahoe Chamber, is an eagerly anticipated winter tradition for North Tahoe’s adventure community. Five times per winter, a premier outdoor athlete presents an inspirational tale of adventure, creating a forum for motivation, inspiration and education. With over 3,000 attendees annually, as well as a dynamic and global live stream component, the 20-year-old Alpenglow Winter Speaker Series has become one of the premier North American forums for adventure storytelling and community gathering. 
For the fourth show of the season, big mountain skier John Collinson is taking the stage to present an exclusive, never before seen show, “Finding Comfort in the Chaos”, through which he plans to share what he has learned from his time in the mountains, and how those lessons ultimately shaped the way he responds to adversity. Raised in the mountains from an early age, adventure was John’s classroom, teaching lessons in trust, respect and commitment that would later guide him through elite athletic success and profound physical setbacks.
While John is well known for being the youngest athlete to climb the Seven Summits, and for his successes as a professional skier, his story is not just about achievement, but about learning how to show up when the path is uncertain. From a life defined by movement in the mountains to years of injury and recovery, this presentation explores the mental strategies and values that allowed John to adapt, rebuild and continue forward.
Each show is dedicated to a different nonprofit that has been selected through a rigorous application process, and to date, the Winter Speaker Series has raised over $2,500,000 for local organizations. Giveaway and bar proceeds, in conjunction with anonymous donations by the Donor Party, raise up to $100,000+ per show for each nonprofit beneficiary. The supported organization of John’s show is Headwaters Science Institute, a science education nonprofit dedicated to fostering curiosity through science for students of all ages.
In addition, for the 2025-26 season, the Tahoe Fund generously committed to match up to $40,000 of all in person funds raised at the events, 100% of which will be distributed to the five supported nonprofits! After their initial $20k match was met in just TWO shows, the team at the Tahoe Fund said, “let’s go further” and doubled their commitment. All bar and raffle purchases at the event will be amplified thanks to this meaningful level of support!
Doors open at 6pm so that attendees can interact with big brands in the outdoor industry and local businesses alike, purchase dinner from MOGROG Rotisserie, enjoy beer and Hoppy Hour from Alibi Ale Works, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks at the bar, and purchase raffle tickets. The show starts promptly at 7pm!
Thanks to the event and John’s sponsors, there will be TWO awesome giveaways! The in-person raffle will be for all attendees who purchase tickets at the event, while the online giveaway is for all tuning in from afar and anyone who purchases online tickets. The prizes for each are different and you can enter BOTH! All in-person winners and the top three online winners will be drawn right before the show. The remaining four online winners will be drawn and displayed right after the event. All online winners will be contacted via email the Monday following the event. Register for the livestream and receive one free entry into the online giveaway.
Head over to Alpenglow Sports’ website to learn more about the event, grab your online giveaway tickets, and/or get involved with the Donor Party.
About Alpenglow Sports:
Alpenglow Sports is an original California Mountain Shop that has been providing locals and visitors with inspiration, local knowledge and the best gear to enjoy the great outdoors since 1973. Based in Tahoe City, we take pride in being community, socially and environmentally responsible to ensure Lake Tahoe stays one of the best places to play, visit, and live in California.
About the Winter Speaker Series:
The Alpenglow Sports Winter Speaker Series, presented by the North Tahoe Chamber, is an eagerly anticipated winter tradition for North Tahoe’s adventure community. With over 3,000 attendees annually, as well as a dynamic and global live stream component, the 20-year-old Alpenglow Winter Speaker Series has become one of the premier North American forums for adventure storytelling and community gathering.
The Alpenglow Winter Speaker Series blends two goals: 1) to inspire and motivate mountain athletes to pursue their own outdoor dreams and 2) to educate about, and raise funds for, non-profit organizations making a tangible difference in the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee community.
Five times per winter, a premier outdoor athlete presents an inspirational tale of adventure, creating a forum for motivation, inspiration and education. Past speakers of the Winter Speaker Series include Lynn Hill, Hilaree Nelson, Jeremy Jones, Emily Harrington, Cody Townsend, Alex Honnold, Adrian Ballinger, and more. The series runs from December through March at the Olympic Village Events Center at Palisades Tahoe. Every show is FREE to the public and all ages are encouraged to attend.
Each show is dedicated to a different nonprofit that has been selected through a rigorous application process, and to date, the Winter Speaker Series has raised over $2,500,000 for local organizations. Giveaway and bar proceeds, in conjunction with anonymous donations by the Donor Party, raise up to $100,000+ per show for a local nonprofit organization.
About the Donor Party:
The Donor Party arose in 2017 when Winter Speaker Series founder, Brendan Madigan, was approached by a community member who wanted to show his support by anonymously donating $2,500 to each of the five nonprofits represented that season. Since then, The Donor Party has grown to over 125 engaged locals responsible for a massive community philanthropic effort. The result is a collective, game-changing impact that has made a difference in the fabric of the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee communities. To date, the Donor Party, in combination with the Winter Speaker Series, has raised over $2,500,000 for local organizations.
Interested in donating? Each beneficiary receives 100% of the Donor Party contributions; there is no management fee or overhead that cuts into your giving and all contributions are tax deductible. Email info@alpenglowsports.com to learn more.
About the North Tahoe Chamber:
The North Tahoe Chamber’s purpose is to cultivate collaborative partnerships, serve as an engaging catalyst, and drive economic impact. Since 1954, the Chamber has supported a vibrant business community and enhanced the quality of life for North Lake Tahoe residents and visitors. Our priorities are realized through robust member benefits including, but not limited to access to business resources and regional information, networking opportunities, events, marketing and accounting support, workforce acquisition and training, and the formation of partnerships for talent development.
About Headwaters Science Institute:
Headwaters Science Institute is a science education nonprofit dedicated to fostering curiosity through science. For students of all ages, Headwaters expands horizons, introducing students to research concepts and providing hands-on opportunities to ask and answer questions.
From weeklong school programs to summer camps and from after school extracurriculars to overnight camping opportunities, Headwaters makes science fun and accessible for students in elementary, middle, and high school. Headwaters staff and mentors have extensive training and backgrounds in both scientific fields and education, and this combination serves Headwaters well in providing the best experiences for students across their programs.
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