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Events & Races

April 1-12 Skimo Racing News Shorts: Tour du Rutor, Shedhorn SkiMo, Ski Ecrins

April 12, 2016 By Stano Faban Leave a Comment

Our skimo racing recap from last two weekends here in North America and Europe!

USA

Shedhorn Race at Big Sky, Montana – April 9:

Over the last weekend, and for second year in a row, the Big Sky Resort in Montana hosted the Shedhorn SkiMo Race which is now arguably the most technical race in North America. Boasting serious steep descents, plenty of boot-packs and close to 3000m of vertical gain spread over 6 climbs it is shaping up to become a beast of an event going into the future.

High consequence boot-pack. Photo by Myke M
High consequence boot-pack. Photo by Myke Hermsmeyer.
In the men’s race, it was Eric Carter and Tom Goth who took it by the horns during the first big climb. Unfortunately, not long after Tom broke his boot and abandoned the race. From there on, Eric, was pretty much unchallenged and was able to enjoy the beautiful course set by the local ski patrol team and COSMIC series team. He won in 3h 52min with Teague Holmes and Ellio Barcikowski completing the podium.
In the women’s race, we are not sure how it exactly went down as we don’t have regular (or even occasional) correspondent, but overall everyone enjoyed the raced as well! Meredith Edwards took the win in 4h 58min and was followed home by Inge Perkins and Michela Adrian.
Here is what Eric Carter had to say after returning home from Big Sky and as he was just literally changing bags to jump on a flight to Europe to do Patrouille des Glaciers later this month:

It was definitely a super fun race over big terrain! The skiing was full on. I even stopped to pull out my ice axe after I dropped into the first descent. It was steep and long ways down should you fall… Now, over to Euroland for PDG. We have a good team and some goals! Will see how it goes, will be in touch!

» Full results for Shedhorn Skimo race

Europe

Tour du Rutor stage race – Long Distance World Cup – April 1-3:

Just like the more famous Pierra Menta in France, Tour du Rutor is a cool multi-day skimo stage teams race. It takes place over three days every second year at the well-known Valle d’Aosta, a region in northwest Italy.

Matteo Eydallin during the second stage. Photo by Stefano Jeantet.
Matteo Eydallin during the second stage. Photo by Stefano Jeantet.
There were no surprises in the women’s race as the very strong French team of Laetitia Roux and Axelle Mollaret confirmed their domination by winning every stage. Overall, second place went to a Swiss team of Jennifer Fiechter and Severinne Pont Combe and third, after a bit of a rough first day, went to Italians Elena Nicolini with Laura Besseghini.
In the men’s race, there were multiple favourites but no team was really standing out as they were a mix of strong upcoming generation matched by experienced partners. In the end, the Italian team of Matteo Eydallin and Michele Boscacci delivered a flawless performance to win overall after winning first two days and finishing third on the last day. Our SkinTrack chips were on the “dark horse” Swiss duo as the well experienced Martin Athamatten teamed up with strong but still very young Remy Bonnet. They finished second but watch out for Bonnet to start winning World Cups by next year! Third place went to a team of great French skiers, a cheese maker William Bon Mardion and ski lifts electrician Xavier Gachet who’s father won the 3rd Pierra Menta.
» Overall and single day results can be found HERE
» Here you can watch couple of videos from the race.

Ski Ecrins stage race – ISMF series – April 9-10:

This is a two day French skimo stage teams race that Eric Carter and Pascal Egli (SWI) managed to win last year.
This year’s Ski Ecrins race saw wins of Gary Ozeray and Steven Blanc in men’s category and Laetitia  Roux and Tania Naville.

Filed Under: Events & Races, News Shorts Tagged With: Big Sky, Eric Carter, Laetitia Roux, Meredith Edwards, Michele Boscacci, Remy Bonnet, Shedhorn, Ski Ecrins, Tom Goth, Tour du Rutor, William Bon Mardion

February News Shorts: Skimo racing in USA, Europe and Canada

March 4, 2016 By Stano Faban 3 Comments

Tom Goth on Guide's Ridge at US National Championships. Grace Owens Photo.
Tom Goth on Guide’s Ridge at US National Championships. Grace Owens Photo.
We’ve been a bit behind with our news updates, mostly because we’ve been busy racing. See what has been happening in skimo racing over the last month!
» For previous weekend’s racing news see here.

USA West

Santa Fe Fireball:
In New Mexico, racers met at the Santa Fe ski area to compete in the COSMIC race Santa Fe Fireball.  The race is primarily inbounds with ~4000ft of climbing. More sparsely attended than some COSMIC events, the Fireball featured the veteran Pete Swenson who took the top step ahead of ultra-runner turned skimo racer Paul Hamilton. The women’s race was handily won by Stevie Kremer almost uncontested with Sarah Stubbe finishing in second and Kate Ferlic in third.
Results
US Nationals:
The focus of North American skimo turned to the town of Crested Butte in mid-February for the US National Championships event featuring a vertical race as well as an individual and teams race, both on the infamous Guide’s Ridge course. Conditions in CB were firm and sunny throughout the weekend with uncharacteristically warm temps for February in Colorado’s high country. With a starting elevation of ~10,000 feet, altitude was a major factor in all races.
In the Vertical, John Gaston and Rory Kelly pulled away from the field with local Marshal Thompson chasing strong. Megan Kimmel gave a strong performance on the all-groomer course with a healthy lead above Sara Kadlec and Stevie Kremer. SkinTrack’s Eric Carter came in 5th.
Vertical Results

The youngest competitor at US Nationals: 12 year old Max Kilcoyne racing the vertical. COSMIC Photo.
The youngest competitor at US Nationals: 12 year old Max Kilcoyne racing the vertical. COSMIC Photo.
Saturday’s Individual race featured a long, icy, mogul climb to start with (wouldn’t be racing in the US without at least one of these) and followed by several shorter descents and ascents leading towards the final boot-pack onto and up the Guide’s Ridge. The ridge is ~400 ft of granite rock steps with climbing rope fixed the entire way. Racers use both via ferrata and a handled ascender to scramble up the 4th class terrain. Most find this difficult in the least with some ending up fumbling with their gear or completely gripped. Tom Goth pushed the pace from the start but John Gaston showed his abilities quickly moving into the lead. Max Taam skied from ~10th place up to 2nd by the end of the final descent, with Goth rounded out the podium. In women’s race, Jessie Young stayed well ahead of the field with an almost four minute lead over once-again-strong Janelle Smiley and Stevie Kremer. Also of note is the U-23 and U-18 categories who had strong representation from local collegiate athletes!
Individual Results
The Teams event featured much of the same course as the individual with less climbing and more time on flat terrain but still finishing on the Guide’s Ridge. Marshall Thompson and Rob Krar took off hard from the start while John Gaston and Max Taam lurked behind until taking the lead on the second climb, continuing their unbeaten teams-race streak. Ultra-runners Mike Foote and Paul Hamilton had a strong performance, skiing well into second place! The women’s field had only three teams with the Meredith Edwards – Janelle Smiley duo ending up off the course and receiving a DQ. Jessie Young and Lindsay Plant took the women’s podium (finishing 13th overall).
Teams Results
Want more coverage of women’s racing? We need a female correspondent! Send us an email if you’d like to contribute!
Stevie Kremer and Lindsay Plant racing to victory at the Power of 4. Jeremy Swanson Photo.
Stevie Kremer and Lindsay Plant racing to victory at the Power of 4. Jeremy Swanson Photo.
Power of Four
The Power of Four is a classic Colorado COSMIC series event that brings top teams to Aspen-Snowmass. Racing in teams of two at high altitude, it is a relatively spectator friendly event with good resort access. Local heroes, John Gaston and Max Taam skied tactically, letting Paul Hamilton and Scott Simmons tag along until the final climb and descent before pulling away and smashing the previous course record. Mike Foote and Rob Krar put in a strong performance finishing in third. An unusually strong women’s field was topped by Lindsay Plant and Stevie Kremer finishing with time to spare, ahead of Sarah Kadlec and Lindsay Meyer.
Power of 4 Results
Upcoming in the Western US is this weekend’s Wasatch Powder Keg (and Continental Championships). A classic event at Brighton Resort in Utah that is expertly organized by Chad Bracklesberg and Nick Francis. They had this to say about the upcoming weekend:

We have worked hard on a new individual course this year, which features far more off piste skinning (not gnarly bumps, but good euro style skin tracks through Wasatch forest (Thank God – Ed.)), totalling 6800 feet of gain for the race division.  Race conditions all three days look to be spring-like, with warm temperatures and sunshine, which should make for a fast course.  Overall the course is in excellent condition, with supportable south aspects and some good chalky snow in the northern aspects.  Friday will feature our traditional sprint course, and Sunday is the excellent teams event, covering over 8K of vert through technical climbs and descents around the central Wasatch.
Our predictions are for Tom Goth to take the mens individual and sprint.  On the womens side, it will be a battle between Gemma Arro Ribot, Jessie Young, and Meredith Edwards for the individual and sprint.  The teams event is anyones guess, but will almost certainly feature some of the same fast folks from the individual.  With John Gaston, Max Taam, and Scott Simmons out of the country traveling to Pierra Menta, the leader board will certainly be different than the last few races.  Yet to be seen if some of the new racers from the ultra community will challenge Tom for the top spot, but this weekend will see how they fare…

The next COSMIC race is the Breckenridge 5-Peaks on March 12th.

USA East

Burke:
After the Northeastern U.S. skimo season kicked off on January 23, the action shifted to the very northern tip of Vermont at Burke Mountain, which also attracted a large Quebec contingent.  Snow conditions have been rather ungenerous to New England so far this season, but Burke still had enough snow (barely) to pull off all the ascents and descents on natural snow.  The ~5,400’ cumulative vertical included seventeen transitions with six separate bootpacks, with lots of especially tricky skinning on the first ascent up a narrow twisty hiking trail. Dynafit athlete Marshall Thompson, visiting family back East, took first, followed by Quebec leader (and former MTB pro) George Visser, and  Andrew Drummond (in his skimo debut).  Skimo East co-director and former Canadian Olympic cyclist Lyne Bessette was the top woman and also took fourth overall.

Jonathan Vass racing on the East Coast. Burke Mountain Photo.
Jonathan Vass racing on the East Coast. Burke Mountain Photo.
Berkshire East
The circuit took a hiatus for traditional races until February 27, when the Mount Greylock 100% backcountry race with 0% snowpack was moved to Berkshire East. Jerimy Arnold won the hour-long crit-style race and followed up with another win in the dual-elimination multiple-round sprint race. But the final event threw a monkey wrench into the overall standings with an equalized-teams relay race, as newcomer Mark Trahan took the win for the day, with Race Director Jonathan Shefftz as runner-up.
Wildcat
The following day, Wildcat Mountain, literally across the street from New Hampshire’s famed Mount Washington, held its inaugural race, with local Andrew Drummond taking the win. Fortunately our unfortunate snow conditions actually improved the course layout, forcing the race organizers to abandon their initial plan of driving racers to a nordic trail network for a flat ascent back to the downhill resort, instead using the resort’s very efficient dedicated uphill route. However, as he skied both descents with his climbing skins in his hands, and also relied on a passing skier to bring down a dropped skin without hiking back up all the way, clearly the ISMF-adjusted win belonged to British national team member Daniel Gay only four seconds behind. Brian MacIlvain rounded out the podium.
Upcoming:
The Catamount Trail Association’s weekly series continues each Wednesday night at Bolton Valley VT.  The first race – and the first of its kind anywhere in New England – attracted a field of 78 skiers, led by Middlebury College sophomore Peter Howe and QT2 Systems triathlete coach John Spinney.
Coming up on March 5 is a rematch with Equipe Quebec at Jay Peak, just barely on the U.S. side of the international border. The 2015 course layout was the most challenging in the East, and currently Jay is one of the few venues anywhere in New England with a decent snowpack. Some U.S. racers might also venture across the border the next day for a race at Owl’s Head that is combined with the Jay race for overall weekend results.
Results and Photos (NE Rando Race FB Page)
Many more Burke professional pictures at:
https://daimo.smugmug.com/SkimoEast-Burke-VT-2016/
Thanks to our Skimo East Skintrack.com Correspondent Jonathan Shefftz!
Men and Women's podium at ROAM Randonne Rally in Nelson, BC.
Men and Women’s podium at ROAM Randonne Rally in Nelson, BC.

Canada

ROAM Randonne Rally – Nelson BC:
February was quiet in Western Canada with the exception of the ROAM Rando Rally in Nelson, BC. Held at Whitewater Ski Area, the ROAM Rando Rally has the most reliably deep powder of any race in North America. The race features three ascents and descents in-bounds and in the Whitewater slack country. In typical Nelson fashion, soon after course officials finished placing wands and setting skin tracks, the clouds closed in and snow started falling. Racers woke Saturday morning to 20+cm of fresh snow blanketing the skis area and covering tracks. A strong contingent of Canadian athletes as well as racers from Montana started up the groomed runs and quickly encountered deep trail breaking on course. With no-one keen to break trail, the pace stayed mellow and a large group formed on the first untracked powder descent.
After trading trail-breaking duties, the lead pack arrived at the top of the ridge on the final climb where they found freshly broken trail and the race spread out with a sprint down the final descent between Eric Carter and Ben Parsons while Peter Knight skied into third. Michelle Katchur-Roberts handily won the women’s field with Katarina Kuba in second and newcomer Lori Anne Howard in third.
ROAM Recap and Results
Upcoming:
The next race in the Canadian Ski Mountaineering Cup Circuit is the Ken Jones Classic – serving as Canadian National Championships – in Lake Louise, AB.
Registration is LIVE

Europe

Giulia Compagnoli (ITA) going face first into the cow pasture at Valtellina running to the finish line. (ISMF Photo)
Giulia Compagnoli (ITA) going face first into the cow pasture at Valtellina running to the finish line. (ISMF Photo)
Valtellina:
There was no instagram exaggeration for this one. There was literally no snow at the start line of the third World Cup event of the season. Racers sprinted uphill through a farmer’s pasture before skinning up an icy road. With only 40cm of snow on the ground at the high point of the race, coverage was sparse to say the least. Rocks were everywhere on descents waiting to bite and racers skinned over patches of grass throughout the race. Despite the conditions, the town of Valtellina Orobie rallied around their golden boy Michelle Boscacci and made it happen. With a sketchy run back down to the finish line on the steep farm field, Boscacci and Kilian Jornet decided mid-race not to contest the win and instead walk down hand in hand. Much to Kilian’s consternation, he was awarded the win over Boscacci according to ISMF rules that take finish order off chip time. North Americans in attendance were Nick Elson, Melanie Bernier, and Eric Carter.
Alpiniski/European Championships:
A three day race featuring Vertical, Individual, and Sprint events, the World Cup and European Championship races in Les Marecottes, Switzerland (very close to the site of last year’s World Championships) were a major departure from the preceding weekend. A dump of snow in the Rhone Valley transformed the venue into a winter wonderland. The Vertical event utilized a unusual time-trial start format due to low snow at the starting elevation, with racers starting alone, every 30 seconds. Kilian Jornet won the event, probably trying harder than usual because of being unaware of his placement until crossing the line.  Victoria Kreuzer won for the women.
Jornet and Palzer battle in Les Marecottes. Ski and Run Photo.
Jornet and Palzer battle in Les Marecottes. Ski and Run Photo.
Vertical Race Video
In the Individual, the race took advantage of the excellent terrain offered in the Les Marecottes ski area and the new snow. Skin tracks were soft but established and the course was slightly shortened due to avalanche danger at the high point. Racers started off hard as always and Kilian battled it out with Anton Palzer of Germany and the Italians. Sadly, Emelie Forsberg crashed out of the race with a knee injury.
The Sprint at Les Marecottes was dominated by Laetitia Roux and Robert Antonioli. Check out our analysis of their transitions here.
Sprint Race Video
Nick Elson and Eric Carter represented North America at the Alpiniski World Cup and Eric posted about his races here.
Roux and Antonioli are the European Sprint Champions! ISMF Photo.
Roux and Antonioli are the European Sprint Champions! ISMF Photo.
Transcavello:
Kilian pulling away from the field in Transcavello. Kilian FB Photo.
Kilian pulling away from the field in Transcavello. Kilian FB Photo.
With conditions pretty grim in much of Europe, it was not looking good for the World Cup held in the Italian Dolomites. Luckily a dump of snow arrived just in time and the races were confirmed. The Transcavello course is a test event for next season’s 2017 World Championships. As usual this season, the Men’s race was contested between Kilian Jornet, Anton Palzer and Michele Boscacci finishing in that order. Kilian took the lead early in the race and gradually build while the others chased hard. Similarly, Latetia Roux skied away from the field not to be seen again with a 5min gap over the second place women.
Individual Race Video
The sprint race was eerily similar to that of Alpiniski with Antonioli and Roux repeating as champion. This is the second to last event in the ISMF Sprint circuit which will conclude in Mondole, Italy in several weeks. Of note is the young Italian women Alba DeSilvestro taking the third spot on the podium.
Altitoy Teruna:
The first Grande Course (Long Distance World Cup) race of the season was held over the weekend in the Pyrenees despite heavy snowfall preceding the event. Two days of racing were dominated by the Spanish-French duo of Kilian Jornet and Matheo Jacquemod while the French wonder team of Latetia Roux and Axelle Mollaret won the women’s event ahead of the Spanish and Italian teams.
Jornet and Jaquemod running to the finish of Altitoy. Grande Course Photo.
Jornet and Jacquemod running to the finish of Altitoy. Grande Course Photo.
FINAL MEN:
1. Jornet – Jacquemod
2. Eydallin – Lenzi
3. Boscacci – Antonioli
FINAL WOMEN:
1. Roux – Mollaret
2. Miro – Farres
3. Valmassoi- Tomatis
Upcoming:
The ISMF Grand Course calendar is just getting wound up with the Pierra Menta and the Tour du Rotur just around the corner in March and April. Expect Jornet-Jacquemod to be a force to be reckoned with but don’t rule out any of the Italian combinations or the French team led by William Bon-Mardion. The US will be represented at the Pierra Menta by Gaston and Taam who will be looking to increase the top American finish benchmark of 15th place and hopefully keep things together to break into the top 10!
ISMF Racing News
Check out our big 2015/16 skimo calendar for upcoming events this week and into the future. Still lots of racing left this season!
 

Filed Under: Events & Races, News Shorts Tagged With: Canada, Crested Butte, Eric Carter, Europe, Janelle Smiley, John Gaston, Kilian Jornet, Max Taam, National Championships, Skimo, Stevie Kremer, The Power of Four, USA, Whitewater ski resort

Jan 23-24 News Shorts: Racing news from the US West and East, and Canada

January 27, 2016 By Stano Faban Leave a Comment

With more skimo events on the North American calendar this season than ever before, race packed weekends are becoming the norm! Let’s take a look how things went down last Saturday and Sunday,

USA

Powderhorn Resort in Colorado hosted The Grand Mesa Grind as part of the COSMIC series. Joe Risi, the organizer, with the help of National Guard, set up another nice course and the racers took off on Saturday morning.
With John Gaston in Europe, one would think that Max Taam would have it easy but don’t forget this is Colorado, and so after two hours of racing the top three elite men finished within one minute! Taam did win at the end, however, always fighting Brian Smith came in only 8 seconds behind and was followed by Marshall Thomson in third, only another 40 seconds later.
In the women’s race, things weren’t any less dramatic. Jessie Young has been on fire since the begging of the season but in Mesa her winning streak got broken when Sari Anderson beat her to the line only by 12 seconds after 2.5 hours! Third place went to Sara Kadlec from Boulder who finished a bit further behind. The gap grew behind her even more significantly.

»  Full results for Mesa Grind

2016-berkshire-east-rando-race-results
Click image for results
The North East Rando Race Series kicked off the skimo season in the Eastern U.S. on January 23 at Berkshire East in Western Massachusetts. Continuing the eight-year streak of no-postponements or cancellations despite a backcountry skin track entirely reliant on natural snow-entailed extensive preparation, including shoveling and snow transportation.
Jerimy Arnold collected his sixth title, fending off by only a few seconds British National Team member Daniel Gay (currently working in US).  Newcomer Peter Howe took a close third, despite having taught himself to downhill ski only this season.
Josh Flanagan came in fourth, hampered by boots borrowed from our faithful correspondent and the race organizer – Jonathan Shefftz – that were adjusted for his skinny calves and almost impossible for Josh to close into ski mode 🙂 Jonathan organized and raced as well, coming in fifth when sixth place finisher, Alex Nichols, suffered a skin failure.
This coming week, the action shifts to   Northern   Vermont   as   the   Catamount   TrailAssociation’s first-ever weeknight series starts on Wednesday at Bolton Valley, and the SkimoEast series hosts at Burke.

Canada

2016-Fernie-skimo-race-resultsAfter taking a break from racing last weekend, the Canadian Skimo Series continued with a renewed skimo event in Fernie, BC. This was the original location where Stano from SkinTrack organized his first own skimo back in 2008 and 2009. Now, with locals taking more interest, the Lizard Skinner Ski Mountaineering Race was born and put skimo back on a map in the south-east corner of British Columbia again!
In the men’s race, Peter Knight took the hole shot while Adam Campbell, one of Canada’s leading trail runners, managed to loose a skin in record time. Travis Brown gave solid chase and rejoined Peter after first major climb and descent. Mike Foote, an elite US trail runner, and a skimo racing old-timer Ben Parsons chased together with a large chase group further behind. At the end, it was Travis Brown taking the win ahead of Peter Knight and Ben Parsons. Fourth went to Marcus Waring, a new name in the series, and fifth to Campbell.
In the women’s race, Kylee Toth took her first win of the season with a strong performance. Michelle Roberts came in second and was a bit disappointed about her race but there is still lots of racing left this season and plenty of time to redeem herself. Amber Steed, from Montana just like Parsons and Foote, finished third on a pair of Manaslu’s and Tlt 5’s!

Upcoming

Check out our big 2015/16 skimo calendar for upcoming events this week and into the future. Still most of racing left this season!
 

Filed Under: Events & Races

2015 Skimo Summer Training Camp

July 23, 2015 By Stano Faban Leave a Comment

skimo-camp-teaser-2015
If you are reading this then you are invited 🙂
We have decided to change things a little with basing one or two days around Whistler and beyond. This will provide us with new trails and mountain objectives.
The camp will partly serve as the fall training camp for Canadian National Skimo Team but most importantly it will also be open to public.
Not a skier? No problem! This will be a trail running focused camp so trail, mountain, and ultra runners are encouraged to join us!

» Sign up for updates further down «

Quick overview

  • Training for 3-4 days around Squamish and Whistler, BC  with fellow skimo racers and members of the USA and Canadian national teams.
  • Dates are September 4-7, 2015.
  • Activities will mainly involve trail running, light mountaineering, with cycling, swimming and roller-skiing as options as well.
  • Costs will be kept to minimum as we as organizers (Eric and Stano) are fully volunteering our time.
  • Optional Vertical Mountain Running race at Whistler Blackcomb!
  • We are really excited for our Escape Route evening presentation by the one and only Trevor Hunt!
  • Couple of generous sponsors will keep us fueled, geared up and tired.

Sign up for updates

As we are finalizing the exact schedule, please sign up below to keep you updated.
* Also, include information such as:

  • for which days you would like to join,
  • which activities (running, roller skiing) you cannot participate in (cause of injury or don’t have gear),
  • where are you coming from,
  • and how fast can you run a beer mile 🙂
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Logistics and Gear

The camp will officially begin Friday afternoon but we understand work schedules may prevent some from joining us then. Feel free to come Friday night or catch up with us Saturday morning.
Athletes are responsible for finding their own housing during the camp but we will do everything we can to help you find a place. If you have friends to stay with in town, great, if not, let us know and we will try to figure something out!
Here is a basic gear list for the camp:

  • Running Shoes
  • Training clothing
  • Sandals, post workout clothing, and beach gear
  • Ski/running poles
  • Food for fuel during workouts
  • Preferred snacks for meals
  • Helmet
  • Roller-skis (optional)
  • Mountain or road bike (optional)
  • Rock climbing gear (optional)

Can I handle it? You should be able to complete 3 days of endurance exercise, with up to 2-3h of running per day in order to attend. Most of our long runs have extended periods of hiking involved so are not as intense as they may sound. If you are unsure if you should attend send us an email!
» Here is how the the first Canadian Team summer training camp in Squamish went two year’s ago.
» Here is how a Canadian Team summer training camp looked like in Revelstoke in 2012.
» To improve your training in the meantime checkout these:

  • Our Skimo Racing Manual e-book
  •  Summer training tips for skimo racers from Adam Campbell (professional mountain runner)
  • “Bread and butter” summer training for rando racing…
  • Hiko-run: Skimo racer’s best summer friend

Filed Under: Events & Races Tagged With: skimo training, skimo training camp

Wyoming Rando Roundup Race Preview: Jan 10-11, 2015

December 18, 2014 By Stano Faban 3 Comments

jacksonMarkGocke
Mark Gocke Photo

In three weeks, Jackson, Wyoming will host the second major weekend of U.S. skimo racing. The Wyoming Rando Roundup is a two day triple-event hosted by the Jackson Hole Skimo Club at Grand Targhee Resort, Snow King Mountain, and Jackson Hole Resort.

Targhee course2014Racing kicks off Saturday, January 10 on the Idaho side of Teton Pass at Grand Targhee with an individual event. The race features 5000′ of vertical for the elite category and steep groomer climbing right off the bat. Two in-bounds climbs and descents are followed by a out-of-bounds skin track up cat ski terrain and a long descent back to the start area. John Gaston and Stevie Kremer won the 2014 edition decisively but in the men’s race, Tom Goth and Jason Dorais battled in within a minute of each other for 2nd and 3rd.

2014snowkingMargFednya
Marg Fedyna Photo
After competing at Targhee, racers will head over the pass to Snow King in Jackson, WY. The race format has yet to be decided but it will feature either a criterium style event with racers completing a short 10-15 minute lap multiple times or a sprint event on a 3-4 minute lap with a qualifying time trial and subsequent heats.  In 2014, Gaston and Kremer again won their respective events but both had competitors much closer behind (Jason Dorais and Sari Anderson). This event will serve as a qualifying race for the U.S. World Championship Sprint Team.
Jackson Hole2014A short but fitful nights sleep is expected for most competitors as racing resumes bright and early on Sunday at Jackson Hole Resort. The individual race is the third of three U.S. World Championship qualifiers (Irwin was #1, Targhee will be #2), and features a whopping 8200′ of elevation gain over five climbs and descents. The race venue is not as high as Irwin but does top out above 10,000′ so the altitude will play a role in the results. Jackson Hole is home to some amazing terrain and the race features a rare chance to ascend the famous Corbet’s Couloir – though we think it would be cooler as a descent 🙂 Both the 2013 and 2014 editions of the Jackson Hole race were marked by extreme temperatures that sidelined multiple competitors with frostbite issues. Will 2015 be warm and sunny?

Gaston wrapped up the 2014 Roundup with the triple crown after winning the Jackson Hole individual with Goth in second. Kremer did the same on the women’s side with an enormous lead on second placed Anderson.
2014 Men's Podium (Sarianderson.com)
2014 Men’s Podium (Sarianderson.com)
2014 Women's Podium (Sarianderson.com)
2014 Women’s Podium (Sarianderson.com)
 
» 2014 WY Rando Roundup Results
Much like the events in Crested Butte at the beginning of December, expect the competition to be high with racers hoping to qualify for the World Championship team. All three races will likely feature blistering starts with racers blowing up from the relentless pace. Registration is live and available though the Jackson Hole Skimo website or directly here.
See you in Wyoming!

Filed Under: Events & Races Tagged With: Grand Targhee, Jackson Hole, Snow King, Wyoming Rando Roundup

US National Team Qualifying Events are Coming!

November 23, 2014 By Stano Faban Leave a Comment

irwinposterNovember 22nd saw the first race of the North American Skimo Racing calendar this year and things are shaping up to make for a highly competitive season!
In the U.S., National Team Qualifying events begin in Colorado on December 6th. An official ISMF race, the Irwin Guides/Griggs Orthopedics Skimo Race, presented by Millet, is unique to the North American circuit. The race is held in the Elk Mountain backcountry and accessible only by snow cat or snowmobile.
The event features both an elite ‘Race’ division and a ‘Recreational’ class. The ‘Race’ course features ~5000 feet of elevation gain over three laps while the ‘Rec’ course covers ~3500 feet. If you check out the map below, you will see that the high altitude will be a factor with the start line above 10,000 feet and reaching nearly 12,500 feet!
Race Director, Bryan Wickenhauser, anticipates that the full course will be run as planned with more than 30 inches on the ground and another major storm in the forecast. As with any ISMF events, mandatory kit is required, including avalanche gear and a backpack that can be used to carry skis. Additionally, due to the nature of the venue (backcountry) it is highly recommended that competitors bring extra warm clothes for pre and post race.
The 2013 race featured a battle between five of the top men with John Gaston powering away from the group on the descents and finishing in a time of 1:58:39 ahead of Brian Smith and Tom Goth. Stevie Kremer took the women’s race with a decided lead over Sari Anderson and Mckenna Douglas. Read Jeremy Reitmann’s write-up of the race for SkinTrack.com HERE.
irwin-skimo-race-map
The 2014 edition of the race is certain to be exciting with racers competing for a spot on the US World Championship Team. Wickenhauser had the following predictions for the race:

It’s tough to tell who’s fitness and technique will be in good early season form but with the early season snow here in CO and the race venue being at 10,000’+, John Gaston, Marshall Thompson & Brian Smith have to be the favorites of the CO boys. Jason Dorias & Tom Goth are the favorites coming out of UT as they have been nailing a ton of vertical this Summer/Fall in the Wasatch. Don’t be surprised if Jon Brown or Scott Simmons sneak on the podium as well. On the women’s side, the favorite is probably Stevie Kremer, coming off of her Sky Running World Champion title and residing locally here in CB. Beyond Stevie, it’s a race for second with Lyndsey Plant, Sari, and Meredith June Edwards battling for podium spots.

Wickenhauser also stressed the post-race party on Saturday evening:

Expect a fun awards party in the middle of the weekend of racing with the CB Avy Awareness party following our Irwin Race awards party at the same location. Racers and local BC skiers alike will be tipping back plenty of UpSlope beer together!

In addition to the Individual Race on Saturday, a Vertical Race will be held on Sunday as a qualifier for the World Championship Vertical event. While the course is still being finalized, it will most likely take place at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and feature approximately 1,500 vertical feet of ascent and take between 23 and 30 minutes.
Register for The Irwin/GO Skimo Race Here: REGISTER
Follow updates and last minute details on the race Facebook page HERE

Filed Under: Events & Races Tagged With: Bryan Wickenhauser, Irwin Skimo Race, John Gaston, Stevie Kremer

2015 Canadian Skimo Racing Calendar Preview

October 27, 2014 By Stano Faban 4 Comments

2015-canadian-skimo-calendar
The 2015 Canadian skimo race calendar has been announced and here is a quick overview of each race, the course, and how last year unfolded and what to expect from this year.
(Perhaps, expect some of these links to change as information is updated for the 2015 season.)
Vert180, Canada Olympic Park, Calgary – December 6, 2014
Traditionally, Canada’s first skimo race of the season will be held on the 6th of December at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary. Due to the nature of the terrain available at COP, the race requires competitors to complete as many laps up and down the ski hill as possible in a 3 hour period. Solo skiers have their own category but recreational athletes can also form groups of 2 or 4 to complete the race as a relay event. Each lap is ~120 meters vertical ascent and descent so expect three hours of repeated anaerobic efforts punctuated by lightning fast transitions.
The 2013 edition was cancelled due to bitter cold conditions. Expect a big contingent of Calgary racers to come out and hopefully an influx of newcomers interested in trying out the sport in a relatively controlled environment. Click the link above to see more info and follow on twitter: @MECvert180. Registration opens Nov 1.
Castle Mountain Ski Mountaineering Race – January 11, 2015
Castle Mountain’s race is a relative newcomer to the circuit. It started in 2013, utilizing both in-bounds terrain and cat-ski accessed terrain at the resort and generated rave reviews from those who were in attendance.
In 2014, the race was shortened due to the paradoxical issue of too much new snow. The race was held in-bounds with two short laps up and down the cat road and was dominated by Canadian start Reiner Thoni. The women’s side was a closer affair with the top women trading off and all finishing tightly together.
For 2015, cross your fingers for a full race course. Expect good attendance from the Coastal and Rockies racers as this will be the first of two qualifying races for the 2015 Canadian World Championship Team. This means racers will be contesting hotly for spots at World Championships held in Verbier, Switzerland in February.
The elite race features 14km of distance and 4617 ft of vertical ascent. The recreational course covers 11km and 3617 ft of ascent. Expect registration information to appear on the Skimo Canada website before too long.
Dogtooth Dash – the 2015 BUFF Canadian Skimo Championships, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Golden – January 24, 2015
The second Canadian World Championship Team qualifying race is the annual Dogtooth Dash at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Last year’s event included both a Vertical and an Individual race with strong overall performances by Reiner Thoni and Michelle Roberts. The race features the most exciting terrain that the Canadian Cup has to offer.
For 2015, the organizers (mainly Eric and Stano) will be focusing on a top quality Individual race. The DTD will be an ISMF Series event to establish the possibility of holding a World Cup event sometime in the near future. Centrally located in Golden BC, expect good turnout from competitive and recreational racers. The late January date should allow organizers enough snow to utilize the most interesting terrain available at the resort.
Follow the event here on SkinTrack.com or on Twitter: @Dogtoothdash. Expect to see registration opening up mid-November.
Cold Smoke Randonnée Rally, Whitewater, Nelson – February 21, 2015
The Cold Smoke skimo race held at Whitewater Resort was one of the only events (along with Dogtooth Dash) in 2014 to feature its full course. The race offers an open (elite) and classic (recreational) course  for those who want to tackle more or less terrain.
In 2015, expect to see lower turnout by the elite racers, many of whom will be away representing Canada at the World Championships in Switzerland. This should allow some up-and-coming athletes to shine and race for podium positions. As always at Whitewater, expect a fun and relaxed atmosphere. The course features great terrain and powder, both in and out of bounds.
Ken Jones Classic, Lake Louise – March 21, 2015
Another casualty to cold temperatures in 2014, the Ken Jones Classic is returning to its mid-March date. This change allows a lower likelihood of cancellation due to extreme temps. The Lake Louise resort features some technical descents and several long ascents skinning and boot-packing. Cold is a key part of this race regardless of the time of year. The resort enforces an early morning start to the race so expect to be dealing with frigid temps until cresting the summit of the resort and greeting the sun.
Most of the race contingent travelling to Europe should have returned by the time of the KJC so expect a strong field of fit racers.

Filed Under: Events & Races Tagged With: race calendar

SkinTrack.com & SMCC Skimo Training Camp in September 2014

June 20, 2014 By Stano Faban Leave a Comment

camptopEric Carter and I are organizing a summer skimo and trail running training camp in Squamish, BC and we want to invite you to join us! The camp will take place September 12-14th, 2014. This will serve as the fall training camp for SMCC Canadian National Team but we have also opened it up to the public. Last years camp was an absolute success and we want to make it even better this year so please save the date and join us in September!
9D6B20FB-01F3-4119-93FC-9B5F96A3F3C2[4]Not a skier? No problem! This will be a trail running focused camp so trail, mountain, and ultra runners are encouraged to join us! Rollerski workouts are optional and there will be an alternative workout planned for the non-skiers!
» Stay tuned to this page over the next few weeks as we announce more details!

CampsponsorsQuick overview

  • Training for three days around Vancouver, Squamish, and Whistler, BC  with fellow skimo racers and members of the Canadian National Ski Mountaineering Team.
  • Dates are September 12-14, 2014.
  • The agenda includes trail running, strength training at Challenge By Choice in Squamish, and roller skiing with video technique analysis.
  • Cost will be approximately $20 per person for all three days!
  • SMCC stands for Ski Mountaineering Competition Canada and is a section of the Alpine Club of Canada

Presentations

Dynafit and Escape Route are bringing us an excellent evening presentatios that we think will be interesting to skimo racers, ski tourers and trail runners. For those already attending the camp, there is no additional cost. For those who just wish to attend the presentations, the cost is $5 at the door. The presentations will take place at 7pm on Saturday at the Escape Route in Squamish. Escape Route is also preparing special pricing for those in attendance to pre-order the latest and greatest skimo gear that is difficult to get our hands on here in North America.
If a skimo training camp like this interests you, please, email us to sign-up or to ask for more information via the form below.

colltexTentative Schedule

(click the links for meeting place)

Friday

  • 8:00 AM: Alice Lake Run (1-2 hrs) & Brohm Lake Swim
  • 2:00 PM: Sea to Sky Gondola Vertical K* (1-1.5 hrs)
  • 6:30 PM: BBQ in Squamish

Saturday

  • 9:30 AM: Yoga for skiers who don’t do yoga…aka: light stretching (30min at S2SG Base)
  • 10:00 AM: Sea to Sky Gondola – Sky Pilot Long Run/Scramble (5+ hrs)
  • 7:00 PM: Slideshow Presentation at Escape Route, Squamish.

Sunday

  • 8:00 AM: Strength at Challenge by Choice (1hr)
  • 11:00 AM: Garibaldi Park long run (4+ hrs at Rubble Creek)

*Just announced: Sea to Sky Gondola has partnered with us to provide access to the Sky Pilot area!

logo900

Logistics and Gear

The camp will officially begin Friday morning but we understand work schedules may prevent some from joining us then. Feel free to come Friday night or catch up with us Saturday morning. Athletes are responsible for finding their own housing during the camp but we will do everything we can to help you find a place to crash. If you have friends to stay with in town, great, if not, let us know and we will try to figure something out! Below is a basic gear list for the camp:

  • Running Shoes
  • Training clothing
  • Sandals, post workout clothing, and beach gear
  • Ski/running poles
  • Food for fuel during workouts
  • Preferred snacks for meals
  • Helmet
  • Rollerskis (optional)
  • Mountain bike (optional)
  • Rock climbing gear (optional)

Can I handle it? For non-members of the national team, you may be wondering if you can handle workouts. You should be able to complete 3 days of intense exercise, with up to 3hrs of running per day in order to attend. Most of our long runs have extended periods of hiking involved so are not as intense as they may sound but they still require fitness. If you are unsure if you should attend, take a look at the write up from last year’s camp or send us an email!
Cost: Approximately $20 per person to participate in all the workouts. We are trying to keep the cost as low as possible. Once we confirm attendance, we will have an exact number.
» Here is how the the first Canadian Team summer training camp in Squamish went last year.
» Here is how our Canadian Team summer training camp looked like in Revelstoke in 2012.
» To improve your training in the meantime checkout these:

  •  Summer training tips for skimo racers from Adam Campbell (professional mountain runner)
  • “Bread and butter” summer training for rando racing…
  • Hiko-run: Skimo racer’s best summer friend

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO LET US KNOW IF YOU WILL BE JOINING US. IF YOU HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY EMAIL UPDATES FROM ERIC, YOU ARE NOT ON THE LIST!

Contact us:

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Filed Under: Events & Races Tagged With: skimo summer training, skimo training camp

Coming up this weekend: Two amazing courses at the 2014 BUFF Canadian SkiMo Champs

March 17, 2014 By Stano Faban Leave a Comment

One of the best things about skimo racing is that anyone can line up with the top athletes in their very first race.
Another one is that if you want lots of fun and challenge but are hesitant about going the full Elite course then you can get your moneys/legs/skis/skins worth on the Enduro course.

Race courses for the Dogtooth Dash

dogtooth-dash-280x210In case you haven’t heard it yet:
On March 21-23, the Dogtooth Dash event at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort will host the 2014 BUFF Canadian Ski Mountaineering Championships.
Why does the Dogtooth Dash get to host the Championships? Because of the awesome terrain and challenging courses!

Friday’s vertical race

Doing the vertical race is not mandatory but since it’s a standard discipline on the skimo racing World Cup circuit, we have decided to bring it to Canada as well.
Dogtooth’s vertical will be an 800m, single-climb event – from the KHMR base to the Heaven’s Door Yurt – and gives anyone a chance to try skimo racing in a very safe manner (without having to race downhill!).

Vertical race course map.
Vertical race course map.

Saturday’s 2 individual race courses

If Friday’s event will be the appetizer then Saturday’s race will be the main course… with the night party being the dinner 😉
The shorter, Enduro course is uniquely designed in a way that you still get to summit a peak despite racing a smaller version of the Dogtooth Dash!
The first downhill on a groomer is a great warm up for the black diamond run off the summit ridge of  Blue Heaven. This comes early in the race so your legs will still be fresh to take it on.
The whole Enduro course features about 780m of climbing spread over two climbs and one boot-pack up a narrow chute (end the end of 2nd climb).
As you can see on the map below, the race starts with a descent from the Eagle’s Eye restaurant at 2330m, followed by a 285m climb (about 30-40min) which brings you to the top of Blue Heaven. The long, beautiful descent first takes you down Whitewall and continues down the valley for a total of 625m of great skiing! The second and last climb features a nice boot-pack (yellow line) that brings you back to the finish at Eagle’s Eye (510m climb – about 1h to 1.5h).
Click image for a big map:

Individual race course map - Green is skinning, Red skiing, Yellow boot-packs.
Individual race course map – Green is skinning, Red skiing, Yellow boot-packs.
The Elite course is designed to challenge your fitness, skills and sense for adventure! It’s true that the whole Elite course is laid out within KHMR boundaries, thus, at first glance might not appear that adventurous. However, we designed it in a way that logically connects the most challenging and steep terrain (which KHMR is famous for) from bowl to bowl, from ridge to ridge, from peak to peak.
In total, it features around 1600m of climbing (usually around 2.5-3.5h) and you will get to summit 3 peaks, boot over 3 ridges, and travel through 4 distinct bowls!

Register Now

If you are up for the challenge or just want to have loads of fun make sure to register online to save $10 and so we can get your race package ready for you (Clif bars, a buff and more): http://secure.eventsonline.ca/events/dogtooth_dash/
For $90 (or $97 if doing the vertical as well) you will get an entry into the Saturday’s individual race, Saturday’s dinner and party, and lift tickets for Saturday & Sunday! Now, that is a best deal any skimo race ever offered.
You can also win a free entry into the Dogtooth Dash by showing us how much you really want it:
http://www.skintrack.com/contests-giveaways/free-entry-dogtooth-dash-2014/
win-free-entry-600-banner

Thank You our volunteers

There will be almost 20 volunteers out on the course during the Saturday’s race and others helping to set everything up during the days leading up to the Dogtooth Dash.
To everyone, on behalf of all racers, we want to say BIG Thank You for continuously supporting skimo racing, thus, keeping this sport alive in this great outdoor country.
Thank You,
Stano, Eric & KHMR crew

Filed Under: Events & Races Tagged With: 2014 Canadian SkiMo Champs, Canadian Skimo Championships, Dogtooth Dash

Vertfest 2014 is here: Alpental, Mt. Bachelor, Powder Keg

February 11, 2014 By Stano Faban Leave a Comment

vertfest-logoVertfest in Alpental, WA has become Pacific’s North West iconic event and it’s not stopping there. This year, another two venues will host this backcountry ski festival – Mt. Bachelor, and Brighton ski area as part of the 3-day Powder Keg Ski Mountaneering Race.
Among many other festivities and clinics over the two days at Alpental this year’s Vertfest the skimo race – known as Monika Johnson Memorial Rally – is scheduled for Saturday.
One of Sunday’s clinics, with the name of “Speed Up”, will be taught by my SkinTrack colleague Eric Carter so make sure to sign up or just stop by to say hello.
Back in 2003 (or 2004) Alpental Randonnee Rally, not a Vertfest back then, was my first North American skimo race and I kept returning regularly, however, I have not raced there in about four years now. Maybe it’s time to go back again 😉

Quick facts about the race

  • Saturday, February 15th
  • 8 am: Racer Check-in / Day-of Registration
  • 9 am: Racer Meeting, Avalanche beacon check
  • 10 am: RACE START
  • Elite race category will tackle two climbs for a combined of about 4100 feet
  • Rec category will do one lap for a total of 2250 feet
  • There will also be Heavy Mettle (200+ lb *gear not included) and Split-board categories, both doing 1 lap
  • Bring your beacon, shovel and probe

Details and Online registration

For regular updates make sure to follow Vertfest Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/vertfest) and to register visit www.vertfest.com.

Course map

And here is a planned course for the 2014 race:

  • red means ascent
  • blue means descent

vertfest-alpental-2014-course

Filed Under: Events & Races Tagged With: Alpental, VertFest

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Travelling through snowy mountains on skis is like flying… and experiencing life at its core.

Gear reviews, interviews, adventures, contests, skills, skimo training, race reports – we connect you to all things related to self-propelled skiing.

SkinTrack.com, created by Stano Faban, was born out of passion for ski mountaineering and ski touring. Over the years, it has become one of the most popular ski mountaineering blogs in North America.

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