Walking to the Alps in ski boots? A Snow Camp fundraising challenge like no other!

How two adventurers are taking on 801 miles to raise funds for Snow Camp and empower young people through snowsports

When it comes to fundraising challenges, you’ve probably seen a fair few marathons, bike rides, and even ice baths. But this spring, two fearless fundraisers are taking it to the next level. Walking 801 miles to the Alps… in ski boots. 

That’s right, ski boots. 

And they’re doing it all to raise awareness and vital funds for two youth-focused charities, including us here at Snow Camp.

With a journey that spans six weeks, this campaign will spotlight the power of adventure and community, and just how far people will go (literally!) to change lives through snowsports. If you’re looking for a reason to get involved, read on – and get your boots on.

The challenge: 801 miles, 45 days, and one purpose

Route map showing the walking path from London to Val Thorens, marked with stops in Dunkirk, Luxembourg, Basel, and Montreux, created for the King of the Hill snow camp fundraising campaign.

Reuben and Matt are the duo stepping into this epic endurance adventure. Backed by the innovative outdoor platform King of the Hill (KOTH), their mission is simple: to walk from London to the Alps in just 45 days, covering over 30km daily. The twist? They’ll be doing it in full ski boots. No trainers. No swaps.

It’s a bold campaign, designed to grab attention and get people talking about the transformational power of snowsports for underserved young people in the UK. Every blister, every mile, every tough morning is fuelled by the drive to make snowsports more accessible.

Why ski boots?

Let’s be honest. Ski boots aren’t made for walking. That’s exactly the point. This challenge is about sacrifice, visibility and purpose. Reuben and Matt are pushing their physical and mental limits to bring attention to an issue that often goes unnoticed: youth inequality and access to opportunity.

Through this bold move, they’re highlighting just how difficult it can be for young people to find support, adventure, and belonging. But with help from you – their supporters – we can change that.

Meet the team behind the boots

Two men, Matt and Reuben from King of the Hill, smile while kneeling on a grassy hilltop in full ski boots with skis strapped to their backpacks. They're mid-journey on a unique snow camp fundraising mission, walking from London to Val Thorens to support youth through Snow Camp UK.

Reuben and Matt aren’t your everyday fundraisers. They’re storytellers, outdoor enthusiasts, and champions of meaningful causes. Together with KOTH, they’re curating 45+ days of digital content, including video diaries, challenges, and behind-the-scenes insights. All while clocking serious miles in unforgiving footwear.

Their story is one of grit, humour and heart, and it’s going to be shared far and wide across social media and the KOTH app, reaching thousands and building a movement around adventure with purpose.

Reuben said:

“Our journey really aligns with the mission of Snow Camp, which is all about bringing communities together through snow sports. They give people not just experiences, but real-world qualifications that open up opportunities down the line. So, for us, this is about shouting from the rooftops about SnowCamp, the value of what they do, and how it can change lives.”

We’ve seen time and time again the power of a personal story. You can read more about our other Snow Camp heroes and the journeys they’ve taken.

Powered by King of the Hill (KOTH)

Promotional graphic for King of the Hill’s snow camp fundraising challenge, featuring two men in branded hoodies, a stylized map showing the route from London to Val Thorens, and bold text reading “Walk to the Alps in Ski Boots.” Logos for Snow Camp and Macmillan Cancer Support appear at the bottom.

Behind the scenes is the powerful adventure tech platform King of the Hill. Using GPS gamification and a bespoke AI trip planner (cheekily named “Jester”), the KOTH app is turning this challenge into a fully trackable, interactive experience. Supporters can follow the team in real-time, join mini-challenges, and even unlock rewards as the miles rack up.

By merging adventure with technology, KOTH is building a platform that not only supports this challenge but also connects brands and communities in a meaningful way. Visit King of the Hill’s official website to find out more about their platform and follow the walk in real time.

Where your donations go

A group of Snow Camp young people directly impaged by people fundraising for snow camp

All proceeds raised through this incredible journey will go to two life-changing charities, MacMillan Cancer Support and Snow Camp.

Once costs are covered, all your donations directly support our full journey of transformation for young people:

  • Through our First Tracks programme, young people experience snow sports for the first time.
  • With Graduate and Excel, they build life skills, earn qualifications and grow in confidence.
  • Finally, our apprenticeships provide job opportunities within the snow sports industry.

It’s a powerful pathway, from first-time skier to qualified professional, and it’s only possible with your support.

Send-off party: join us on 12th June!

Before they hit the road, we’re throwing them a proper send-off – and you’re invited! Come to the Leaving Party at Fulham Mitre on 12th June, from 6:30 pm till late. Expect community vibes, drinks, and fundraising fun. Plus a chance to cheer them on for their first 30km day.

This is more than just a celebration. It’s your chance to be part of something special, right from day one. For more opportunities to connect, explore our events calendar and stay in the loop with everything coming up.

How you can help

This campaign is about more than two people walking in ski boots.  It’s about all of us walking together for youth empowerment. Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Donate to the cause — every contribution matters
  • Donate gear — boots, nutrition, goggles, and anything to keep them going
  • Share their journey — on social, in your workplace, with your community
  • Attend the party — raise a glass and spread the word

Why this challenge truly matters

We believe in the power of sport to inspire change. Snowsports are powerful because they build resilience, community and ambition. For many of the young people we support, a snowsport programme is the first time they’ve left their city, worn a helmet, or believed they could achieve something.

That’s why we created our full programme journey, and why our impact data continues to show just how meaningful access to opportunity can be.

This campaign gives you the chance to help us open the mountains to everyone, regardless of background, postcode or privilege.

Follow the journey, mile by mile

With GPS tracking and daily storytelling via the KOTH app, you’ll be able to walk with them every step of the way. From London to the Alps, this is more than a fundraising campaign. It’s a moving story of determination, community, and the difference we can make when we come together.

To stay up to date on every mile, follow us on our Snow Camp social channels. And make sure to download the KOTH app to follow the adventure in real-time.

It starts with a step

Matt and Reuben smile at a train station platform, wearing black King of the Hill neck gaiters and carrying skis as part of their snow camp fundraising journey from London to Val Thorens in ski boots.

Reuben and Matt are bringing the pain and the passion. Let’s bring the support! 

Together, we can turn ski boots into stepping stones for change. Let’s walk this road with them – and make sure no young person is left behind.

Donate. Share. Support. Let’s do this — blister by blister.

You can find their JustGiving page here.