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Feb 1-2 Weekend Skimo Racing Roundup and Upcoming Races

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WORLD CUP

A quiet weekend to report on in the skimo race world with the Pitturina World Cup being postponed due to too much snow! I feel terrible for these guys forced to ski pow and not be able to race.

NORTH AMERICA

Our friends in Montana were the only ones in North America to get out for a race. The annual Bridger Bowl Skin-to-Win Randonnee Rally was held on Feb 2nd (also postponed by a day due to weather). Ben Parsons was hungry for a win after the previous week and skied alone in front the entire race. Brian Story placed second, after whittling away at a group of five to eventually build a comfortable gap over third. A small field meant lots of prizes distributed throughout the group!

The skin tracks back up the ridge were unrelenting in their steepness as they always are.  But, realizing we were all in the same boat and it was better than breaking trail, I just adjusted speed and stride and enjoyed the rare occurrence of leading a race with a slightly comfortable cushion.
-Ben Parsons

» Ben Parsons Race Report
» Brian Story Race Report
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9spsWNG-qE (only the beginning of the video covers the race)
Without any other race videos to watch this week, check out this one which is a little more appropriate for the conditions we have had on the Coast. And two minutes in watch very applicable technique for skimo racing on hard snow 😉

UPCOMING RACES – February 8-9 weekend

laetitia-roux
Laetitia Roux. ISMF photo.
The Pitturina World Cup race was postponed to February 7th and 8th. The race will begin with a sprint race on Friday followed by the full individual race on Saturday. North America will be represented by Melanie Bernier (CAN). She managed to postpone a flight back to North America (good for all you guys worried about getting chicked at Lake Louise!) and will be road tripping to Italy with USA’s Meredith Edwards. Melanie had this to say about this weekend’s racing:

I am really looking forward to the sprint to start with as I love how fast the event is plus I am well prepared…. I think… As for the individual course, if they did not have to change it because of all the snow they received, it should be a fairly flat but long course. Really nice and dramatic landscape of the dolomite mountains around. We ski down to Austria and back up to Italy which should be pretty fun!
-Melanie Bernier

In the Men’s race, it will be interesting to see if Killian Jornet (ESP) can come back on form from last weekend’s illness but there will likely be heated competition from the strong French and Italian teams. On the Women’s side, it is likely that Laetitia Roux will continue her dominance but Melanie had this to say:

Laetitia is in great shape this year and have been showing how prepared she is at all events I had to race in. She is really impressive and an inspiration to us all. Maude Mathis (SUI) is chasing her all the time but Laetitia seems to consistently and comfortably distance the crowd.
-Melanie Bernier

Canadian Cup racing action returns to Lake Louise, AB on February 8th at the Ken Jones Classic. One of Canada’s popular events, the Ken Jones Classic will be expected to have a highly competitive field due to its central location. A large contingent from the Coast will be making the trip with good representation from the Rockies’ racers expected and the possibility of some Montana racers making the trip up as well.

The new course is going to be mega – with lots of steep, technical work on
the backside of Whitehorn for the Elite Racers. The low snow situation at LL
is actually opening up some cool new possibilities at the same time as it is
closing off parts of last year’s route. Recreational ‘Enduro’ course will be
only slightly different from previous editions. Really good thoughts and
suggestions from Craig Sheppard of Lake Louise Snow Safety on this one.
– Dave Dornian SMCC

SF FireBall Race Map
SF FireBall Race Map
Also on February 8th, a new race, will start off for a double-header skimo weekend in New Mexico! The Saturday’s Santa Fe Fireball promises 4,200 ft of climbing over 5 ascents and 4 descents. The ascent includes an interesting looking boot pack through a cliff band with a fixed rope. Then on Sunday, February 9th, the racers will tackle 5000 ft or so at the Taos Rio Hondo Rando Raid.
And finally, on February 9th, our East Coast friends will be racing at Burke Mountain on what Jonathan Shefftz describes as a short course with a really solid layout. No other details at the moment but keep an eye on the NE Rando Series Facebook page for more info.

Featured Event: Ken Jones Classic at Lake Louise on Feb 8, 2014

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KJ14_poster-231x300We are used to racing the Ken Jones Classic ski mountaineering race in late March or even April but not any more – the organizers have decided to move this great event to a true winter date!
With weather looking clear around Lake Louise Ski Area for this weekend and Canadian Skimo Series points on the line we should see a pretty competitive field in both men’s and women’s main racing categories.
» If you missed last year’s edition and some great stories then catch up with the 2013 Ken Jones Classic race report.

Quick Facts:

  • Race course should climb its usual 1500 m (3 uphills including 1 or 2 boot-pack sections)
  • Enduro and Youth categories course will feature around 800 m (2 uphills)
  • Last-second registration at 6.00-7.00 am
  • Pre-race meeting at 7.00-7.30am
  • Race starts at 8.30 am on Saturday, February 8th

» For registration and all details for the Ken Jones Classic see this page – http://www.skimocanada.org/2014/01/2014-ken-jones-classic/
See you all there!

Who is Ken Jones?

Ken Jones was born in Golden, BC and through hard work he became the first Canadian born and a legendary mountain guide in an area that was dominated by Europeans up to that time (1930s).
Well into his  nineties, he was a regular visitor to the Skoki area, located in the Lake Louise Ski Resort backcountry, where he led visitors into the mountains he loved and knew so well. Jones passed away in 2004.
sponsors-banner-ken-jones-2014

Entirely out of bounds: CROWBAR Backcountry Ski Race – Feb 15, 2014

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Here’s a skimo race I want to bring your attention to as its course is entirely setup outside of ski area boundaries!
2014-crowbar-backcountry-ski-raceHeld at Sink Hollow which is up Logan Canyon, Utah the organizers are stoked to put on the 5th edition of this completely in the backcountry and entirely human-powered event, both in the set up and competition.
The race is recognized by USSMA, therefore, racers are eligible to earn points towards the overall USSMA  season rankings.
New this year, CROWBAR will have a Junior division for 18 and under competing on a short fun course with prizes for everyone who registers online before February  12th.
And to get you ready for things to come, organizers are holding their first ever Practice/Citizen’s Race Friday Eve on February 7th. Location and time are to be determined pending the new snow this week!
» For all details about this race visit http://www.nordicunited.org/crowbar.htm
And here’s the location:

View CROWBAR at Sink Hollow Trailhead in a larger map

Jan 18-19 Weekend Skimo Racing Roundup and next weekend's teaser

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Start of the individual World Cup Race. (ISMF Photo)
Start of the individual World Cup Race in Verbier. (ISMF Photo)

WORLD CUP

This last weekend (Jan 18-19) marked the first World Cup skimo race of the 2014 season. The race was held in Verbier, Switzerland, the site of next year’s World Championships. On Saturday, in the individual race, Killian Jornet (ESP) took to the front early on and by the end of the first climb, already had the lead that he would hold to the finish. Laetitia Roux (FRA) dominated the women’s field and Canada’s Melanie Bernier finished 7th overall. Mel gave us some insight on the race courses to keep in mind for next season.  The only other North American in attendance, Meredith Edwards (USA) finished 17th.

1700 m, 4 climbs and 2 bootpacks. We all did agree that the skin tracks were way too steep and the steps for the bootpacks were way to high one from the other. Besides from that the terrain and course is pretty nice. We go twice at the top of 6 Blancs so it’s super spectator friendly.
-Melanie Bernier

Killian and Matheo racing to the finish of the World Cup Vertical Race in Verbier. (ISMF Photo)
Killian and Matheo racing to the finish of the World Cup Vertical Race in Verbier. (ISMF Photo)
The vertical race ascended 755 meters of ascent passing at one point through a village. The big story of the day was a sprint finish to the line between Killian Jornet and Matheo Jaquemond (FRA). Jornet, having skin issues, removed his skis and ran to the finish, lunging ahead of Jaquemond. Despite crossing first, he was relegated to third place after a 15sec time penalty for crossing the finish line on foot. In the Women’s race, Laetitia Roux continued to perform well, finishing 47 seconds ahead of the next racer. Melanie Bernier finished in 14th. Meredith Edwards finished 28th.

Really long for a vert (848m) but the race goes through verbier which is awesome! There’s a lot of flat sections that allows for good glide but the end is pretty steep so you need to keep some gas in the tank to finish things off..!
-Melanie Bernier

Melanie Bernier during the Vertical World Cup Race in Verbier. (Melanie Bernier Twitter)
Melanie Bernier during the Vertical World Cup Race in Verbier. (Melanie Bernier Twitter)
Melanie was coming off racing the French Ntnl. Champs and had the following to say about her races this weekend:

The French Championships were great. I really wanted to get at least a couple of races under my belt before the World Cup. The second day (sprint) was great and it went super well. I had built the confidence I needed for the 1st World Cup. I was quite tired going into the Individual race in Verbier this weekend but still managed to do well. The following day, I knew the vertical race was going to be a little hard. It’s not my specialty but it was still an amazing and excruciating experience!
I am excited to race in Courchevel next weekend. It’s going to be fun to race near a really nice resort. I raced on the vertical course last Wednesday night at the Courchevel Dynafit Climb. It’s going to be a great race but fast compared to last weekend.  I am getting a bit more rest this week, recovering from the weekend and getting ready for the next so I hope to feel recharged on my skis for both events!

NORTH AMERICA

A quiet weekend on the North American Circuit with only one race, the Divine Incline at Powderhorn in Colorado. Primarily a battle between Coloradoans, the Incline featured 4346 ft vertical ascent with two climbs and two descents. On the men’s side, Brian Smith finished with 19 seconds over Marshall Thompson. Scott Simons rounded out the podium. For the women, Stevie Kremer put in a solid effort, besting Sari Anderson by  almost four minutes!

UPCOMING RACES – Jan 25-26 weekend

World Cup action continues this weekend with races in Courchevel France. January 25th will feature a vertical race with an individual race on the 26th. In North America on Saturday, the pressure will be on the locals at the Whitefish Whiteout in Montana, with visiting Canadians hoping put the heat on. Hopefully some of the Colorado/Utah crowd will be making there way up to stir the pot as well. With a $50 prize on the line for the first racer to the top of the first climb, nothing less than a drag race should be expected. Last year featured a battle between local Ben Parsons and Stano Faban (CAN) with Parsons out-sprinting Faban in the final 2 min as the race finishes with an ascent rather than a downhill.
On the East Coast, the Berkshire East Race will be held Jan 26th. A major effort by Jonathan Shefftz was put in to polish up the course. Pending details, the latest announcement was the course would be a “Vert 120” event with athletes trying to complete as many  laps as possible in two hours. Up the Exhibition under the quad chair, and down Hemlock. Laps will be approx ~600′ vertical ascent. Latest note from Shefftz’s Facebook is below. Sounds like as much as we are complaining about a lack of snow on the West Coast, these guys really know how to work with not much white stuff.

The race is definitely on! After the work session this afternoon, the backcountry skintrack is already in race condition, with more snowfall on the way, and temperatures won’t even get out of the teens until Saturday.
-Jonathan Shefftz

Jan 11, 2014: Teaser for Castle Mountain Ski Mountaineering Race

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castle-mt-skimo-race-300After the first skimo race on the Canadian calendar had to be cancelled due to sewerly low temperatures, about a month ago, athletes’ attention quickly turned to the 2nd edition of the Castle Mountain skimo race.
Hosted at Castle Mountain Resort, located in the SW corner of Alberta, the event has a great venue to boast about.
Personally, I am bummed to not be able to defend my win there as I just got back on skis after nursing an injury since November.

Quick facts:

  • Competitive race course will cover around 14 km and will feature around 4600 feet of climbing.
  • Recreational course will travel 11 km with around 3600 feet of climbing.
  • There will be men’s, women’s, masters, and junior categories.
  • And cash prizes for top 3 men and women from the competitive course category.

Thumbs Up note: The final descent travels through cat skiing terrain and was a superb ski last year!
For more details and further instructions visit this page – http://www.skimocanada.org/2013/12/2014-castle-mountain-resort-ski-mountaineering-race/

Accommodation at Castle Mountain Lodge

castle-lodgeLast year, we had great time staying at the Castle Mountain Lodge so I highly recommend it. You will be only few steps to your car, which you will not need until leaving for home, and about 100 m to the slopes of the resort.

9 Simple Tips for SkiMo Race Organizers on Improving Racer's Experience

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9-tips-for-race-organizers-300As a long time racer, organizer and a course designer I figured this would be a good time to share some of my thoughts with skimo race organizers on how you can easily improve your “customer” experience.
Skimo is still a niche sport but it will remain as such unless we up the ante. From what I am hearing or seeing we can learn a lot from other mountain sports about how to run things better.
In order of priority, here are 9 quick tips I hope you will find useful. And for some, I am talking from my own mistakes 😉

1. Release race entry fees and other info sooner

To illustrate, here is what a regular Colorado racer emailed me:

One flaw in the skimo racing scene is that registration information is not available far enough in advance.  Trail racing in the summer is more organized in this regard.  […] so that is an area the sport can focus on for improvement.  It helps with planning and budgeting! – Jeremy

I believe he is not the only one with the same opinion.

2. Get Twitter or Facebook account if you don’t have a website

twitter-fb-small-iconsAs a web designer and online marketing consultant, I know websites can be a pain to keep up to date unless you are tech savvy. No problem, just get either a Twitter or a Facebook account with your event’s name and you are online and connected.
Should you have problem about spreading the news that you now have an online presence just send me an email and I will do it for you.

3. Clearly communicate locations & times

Organizers seem to sometimes fail to make it easy to find key event’s locations and times. To say that start & finish will be located “to the right of Wild Bill’s Pub” might be enough for locals, but for those that spent $100 just to get there it would be useful to put up some posters or flags that navigate them to the right spot.
Locations and times for these are important:

  • Race package pickup
  • Pre-race meeting
  • Start & finish area(s)
  • Toilets
  • Runs open for training/warming-up

4. DO NOT rely on local knowledge, mark the course well

Obviously, this is a no-brainer but it’s often taken too lightly. Again, here’s a quote from another Skintrack reader that illustrates this, and I myself have personally voiced to organizers many times over the years.

A pre-race meeting where you tell us to “make sure you turn left onto Hilda’s Headwall” and “loop around the avalauncher and then go up Thigh Burner under Chair 3″ is utterly useless to those racers who don’t live and breath your particular ski area. Also, make sure course marshals know the course and are alert to direct skiers to the right place. – Andy (regular Colorado racer)

5. Use standard colours for course markers/flags

A North American invention brought course marker colours skimo has never seen before. Long before ISMF (International Ski Mountaineering Federation) was established and brought standardization into racing, Europeans (the birth place of skimo racing) were using green flags for ascents and red flags for descents.
Why those?
Because red can be easily seen at high speeds while fluorescent green is a good contrasting colour to the mostly white-blueish environment, and is different enough from red.
Lots of NA races use red for going up and blue for downhills. The “logical” reasoning for this has always absolutely amazed me – ” when you are going up you are hot and red symbolizes this; when you are going down you are cold hence the blue colour”.
When racer is skiing at 40 mph it’s bloody hard to see red, never mind blue!

6. Don’t have a choke place

You don’t want a race to be decided by designing a disadvantage situation on your course (say creating a line-up). It is critical to avoid having:

  • boot-pack on a first climb (or at least the first 20-30 min)
  • single skin-track on the first climb (or in first 15-20 min)
  • highly technical skinning/climbing/skiing section early in the race
  • very narrow place early in the race (only one ladder in Corbet’s Couloir in Jackson Hole works good enough cause it comes after 2h of racing)
  • very small platform/space for transitions

7. Use danger/caution flags

danger_ismf_flagThese are not necessary for most races, most years. But there are times/places, such as rocky sections or unexpected turns, where a caution flag can be very useful.
When racer damages his/her skis or misses a turn they will not be a happy customer.
If you want to print the flag to the right download this PDF that I borrowed from ISMF – DANGER FLAG 40×60

8. Have warm tea or a drink in the finish area

This would be a nice but not a must item. Usually it’s not a problem to pay the ski area $50-70 for couple of gallons of fresh tea to be delivered to the finish area once the first racer comes in.
And here is a cool Italian twist that people will love you for! Instead of putting sugar in it, squeeze in some oranges (say 3-4 per gallon) and I guarantee you there will be people asking what kind of tea did you brew 😉

9. Put placing column in results

This is a minor yet a simple thing to fix. In recent years I have noticed numerous race results (even online) with no “place” column – either none at all or formatted to the very right. These are hard to read.
Also, racers really appreciate to find results online within a day of the race, if not the day of!

Need help? Free consultation call

michael-douglasFor the love of this sport, I am going to offer you a one free 30 min consultation call, to anyone interested. To arrange please email me from this contact page.
Or you can ask in the comments below.
Thank you very much for reading,
Stano 😉

Skintrack.com & SMCC September 2013 Skimo Training Camp

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This page was last updated on Sep 10, 2013.
Over the weekend of September 13-15, 2013 Eric Carter and I are organizing a summer skimo training camp in Squamish, BC. And we are stoked that about 15 really enthusiastic people are joining us in this first ever public summer skimo racing training camp.
» If you have confirmed your participation by Sep 8th you have received emails with more details already.

Quick overview

  • Training for three days around Squamish, BC  with fellow skimo racers and some members of the Canadian National Ski Mountaineering Team.
  • Dates are September 13-15, 2013.
  • The agenda includes trail running, strength training, and roller skiing with video technique analysis.
  • Costs $30 per person for all three days.
  • SMCC stands for Ski Mountaineering Competition Canada and is a section of the Alpine Club of Canada
Supporters of this first ever North American skimo training camp. On behalf of everyone - Thank You!
Supporters for this first ever North American skimo training camp. On behalf of everyone – Thank You!
 

Schedule – Important times & Locations

We hope everyone can arrive Thursday evening in order to train together Friday morning.
» For a fully detailed schedule view or download this file 2-page PDF file – Skimo Camp Schedule
Friday September 13th

  • 8:30 AM: Meeting for a run at  Stawamus Chief Park in Squamish
    – the meeting place is here http://goo.gl/maps/pnO81
  • PM: Roller-skiing on Callaghan Valley Access Road in Whistler (VIDEO)
  • 7:00 PM: Ski Mountaineering in China and Kyrgyzstan by Stano Faban & SMCC Meeting (7pm at Escape Route Squamish)
    – Escape Route is here http://goo.gl/maps/TCTPS
  • 8:00 PM: Ski-Mo Canada athletes meeting (PDF – SMCC Fall 2013 Meeting Agenda)

Saturday September 14th

  • 10:00 AM: Uphill Rollerski Time Trial on Cypress Mountain Access Road in N. Vancouver
    – meeting place is here http://goo.gl/maps/hnoLV
  • PM: Running Howe Sound Crest Trail/Cypress Prov. Park in N. Vancouver
  • 7:00 PM: Performance Nutrition – Fuelling for Skimo Presented by DYNAFIT (7pm at Escape Route Squamish) – By Bjoern Ossenbrink
    – Escape Route is here http://goo.gl/maps/TCTPS

Sunday September 15th

What if I can’t do all 3 days?

  • All training sessions are optional.
  • We will organize rides to these locations and lead groups.
  • Groups may split by ability/speed/objective if we want.
  • Each venue has options to go longer or shorter.
  • All locations dependent on weather.
  • Running/Mountain Bike options available for both rollerski sessions (so no roller-skis is not an excuse to miss out).
  • Come see the awesome terrain we have on the Coast.

skimonightPresentations

Dynafit and Escape Route are bringing us two excellent evening presentations that we think will be interesting to skimo racers and ski tourers. 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 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.

Cost, Accommodation, Gear

We have been working to minimize the cost of the camp for participants and have some great sponsors to thank for their help. Camp attendance will cost approximately $35 to cover the evening programs, gym use, etc. We will not be providing food or accommodation. We will however try to arrange a couch or floor space in Squamish for everyone but it might be necessary for a few to camp. Please contact us as soon as possible if you think you will attend so we can sort this out. If enough interest exists, we may arrange for a group deal at the Squamish Hostel.
Please bring:

  • Running Gear (including a way to carry water over longer distances)
  • Poles for Bounding (See Stano’s Hiko-run article)
  • Rollerskis (Optional)
  • Mtn Bike/Climbing Gear (if no roller-skis)
  • Sleeping bag/pad
  • Tent (maybe)
  • Rain gear

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.
skimo-camp-sep-2013
» Here is how our Canadian Team summer training camp looked like in Revelstoke in 2012.
» To improve your training in the meantime checkout these:

Contact us

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Report from 2013 Ken Jones Classic: Brad Schalles and Martha Burley win, Eric Carter falls into a tree well

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After three months the Canadian skimo racing season ended yesterday with the final race held at Lake Louise Ski Area. It was the third annual Ken Jones Classic, organized by the Alpine Club’s of Canada Dave Dornian and Ryan Johnstone, and with huge backing from the ski area itself and plenty of enthusiastic volunteers. Thank you!

Conditions + race course

If you are going to race on March 23rd and forecast calls for sunny skies you are thinking about cutting venting holes in your clothes and not freezing your hands off while climbing! Start at 2000 m and at 8.40 am meant about -15 C with promising warming from the rising sun. Any cozy warm temps never came.
Snow was great, either soft packed or 20 cms of lightly wind-affected powder.
The race course was challenging, with four technical descents and plenty of switchbacks on the climbs, plus one long bootpack. In total about 1540 vertical metres of climbing.

Exciting racing – how it all went down

Women’s category goings are in italics.
The night before, at dinner, five of us figured and laughed that it’s really going to be anyone’s race. And it almost was.
A strong trio setup on the first climb (560 m) – Eric Carter, Brad Schalles, Peter Knight – and created a nice gap on Nick Elson and me little further back. With Steve Sellers not far behind me.
In the women’s category, Marg Fedyna lit up the climb and was comfortably leading Martha Burley and Michelle Roberts.

2013-ken-jones-race-report
Eric leading Brad and Peter high up on the first climb. Photo from Lake Louise Ski Area gallery.
The first descent didn’t shake up the men’s order – the trio stayed together, Nick Elson bent a ski pole, and I was unsure whether I skied down the right chute.
The women’s order started to shuffle here but the top 3 were still quite close together.
Up the second climb (230 m), while trying to find my rhythm after last 2-3 weeks of tiredness, I had a front-row seat to watch the fight above. The trio was attacking each other but no one ever got a gap bigger than 2-3 metres. Nick going strong in fourth, me in fifth and Steve looking strong in sixth.
In women’s category, on this and next climb with the two technical descents after each Martha took lead thanks to her amazing skiing. Michelle was settling into second with Marg now third.
Third climb featured a long bootpack with switchbacks leading up to it. The trio was truly sticking it to each other on this section as I narrowed the gap to Nick to about 30 sec by the top transition.
The fourth and last climb (500 m) shook up things the most. First, Brad crashed into a tree just before the bottom transition, and then once on the climb, Eric amazingly fell into a tree well when the skin track gave in under his weight :). Collecting his skis and climbing out took some time and so Brad and Peter were left to fight it out.
Out of the transition, I finally closed the gap to Nick and we had a race on our hands as well. We managed to lose flags and trail for couple of minutes before reconnecting with the skin track once out of the woods. After that, the skinning was getting little tricky and I tried to get away. It worked and I carved out about 40 sec on Nick.
By the top of the climb, I could see that Brad and Peter were still close together with Eric trailing them by about 1.5 minutes.
In the women’s category, Martha was strongly holding onto her lead before the last descent which was going to be her strength anyway. Behind, Michelle was climbing her lungs out to make sure Marg doesn’t catch up.

Results for 2013 Ken Jones Classic

» Elite men
» Elite women
» Enduro men
» Enduro women
At the finish line, it was the first skimo win for Brad Schalles with Peter Knight coming only couple of seconds behind him. Eric Carter rounded out the podium further 2 min back. I came in fourth another 3 min back and about 1.5 min in front of Nick Elson.
Women’s race saw Martha Burley claim the top step once again this season. Michelle Roberts crossed the line in second but visibly worried about closing Marg.

Season’s recap

Make sure to check back in couple of days as I will be writing a recap with interesting observations from this recent Canadian skimo racing season. In short, the sport is growing!
Thank you everyone for participating and wish you wicked spring skiing 😉

2013 Ken Jones Classic – Skimo race in the heart of the Canadian Rockies – Mar 23, Lake Louise

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Come and race the third edition of the Ken Jones Classic ski mountaineering race around the boundary of Lake Louise ski area. The course has some great skiing and offers amazing views at Rocky Mountain’s most iconic peaks.

Quick facts

  • Elite course climbs around 1500 m (3 uphills include possible 2 bootpacks)
  • Enduro and Youth course 800 m (2 uphills)
  • Race starts at 8.30am on Saturday, March 23
  • Last-second registration at 6.00am
  • Pre-race meeting at 7.00am

» More details and registration info are here:
http://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/skimo/kenjonesclassic.html
» $70 registration includes: race entry + lift ticket + awards

Big prize pool

Thanks to generous sponsors there will be lots of draw prizes for everyone. And even cash prizes for the top four in each men’s and women’s categories over the Elite course!
2013-ken-jones-classic-poster

2013 Dogtooth Dash: The Goretex North American Continental Skimo Champs, Mar 16-17

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2013 skimo continental champs Dogtooth DashStakes at the 2013 Dogtooth Dash will be high. After partnering with a major sponsor this year’s individual race will become The Goretex 2013 Continental Ski Mountaineering Championships!
The Dogtooth will be traditionally organized and hosted by the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort near Golden, BC.
If you have never skied at the KHMR then use this chance to race over its amazing terrain and ride the lifts with your friends after.

For only $65.00 you get 2 days of racing, including full day lift tickets!

The Saturday’s individual race will also be the official Canadian Ski Mountaineering Championships, then have fun racing a friendly skimo relay on Sunday.

Quick Facts

» Register NOW for $65 for 2 days or racing and skiing.
» Event website – http://goldenskimo.wordpress.com/dogtooth-dash/

Saturday:

NA and Canadian bragging rights will be awarded on Saturday for competitors racing the Elite course.

  • Race courses: Rec (2000 ft of vertical gain), Enduro (4000 ft), Elite (6000 ft)
  • Elite course features: real steep skiing, technical skinning, and multiple bootpacks
  • Categories: Men, Women, Juniors, Heavy Metal, Split Board, Poker Run

Sunday:

  • Teams of 2, 3 or 4 go head to head on a technical yet fun course.
  • One lap takes about 10-15min to complete.
  • All based out of the Heavens Door Yurt, mid-mountain.
  • Spectator friendly course with BBQ, beer gardens and DJ.