Lake Wanaka, New Zealand – Stephanie Jagger is a 29-year-old on a quest. The Canadian, who visited New Zealand’s Lake Wanaka region in the waning days of their ski season, is attempting to ski over one million vertical meters around the world.nRating the Lake Wanaka resorts as her favorite in New Zealand, Jagger also clocked up some unexpected mileage, achieving over 12,000 vertical meters at Cardrona Alpine Resort and over 15,200 vertical meters at Treble Cone.

“Cardrona was brilliant because it had something for everybody, which is rare in a resort,” said Jagger. “It had park/pipe, race areas, some fluffy stuff, steep chutes – something for a beginner and an expert and in between. I also managed to ski over 40,000 vertical feet there, which makes me happier than a clam!

“Treble Cone…this sums New Zealand up for me: the people,” Jagger added. “The first day up there a guy in the parking lot noticed my fat skis and said, ‘Hey, wanna ride?’ I gave a ride down the hill to a ski instructor and the next day was asked if I wanted his girlfriend to show me the mountain and hey, do you need a place to stay? TC and the people in Wanaka are true salt of the earth. Loved it!”

Jagger sees her vertical quest as part of a bigger picture. “For me this is obviously about skiing but in reality it is about communicating with people that they can ‘raise their restraining devices’,” she said. “If you want something. If you’ve been dreaming about something. If there is a goal that’s been kicking around in your head…I want people, particularly women to start engaging those thoughts a little more. Hopefully, my trip will serve as a reminder that with any one person can achieve what they want to.”

For more information on Jagger’s progress and her goals, visit www.theverticalfeat.com.