Crystal Skimo Race

The Full Distance will consist of two loops, while the Recreational Distance will do two short loops (cutting out the bootpack up to the top of Chair 6). The Full Distance will have an Open category, and a Heavy Mettle category. The Heavy Mettle category we are adjusting the criteria for to open it up to more “general ski tourers”. It will consist of splitboarder, tele, and racers with boots with three or more buckles.

Since the Recreation Loop is mostly about fun, we are taking the different categories out of that distance. Also, if you are racing the Recreation distance in a skinsuit and on tiny skis, you need to upgrade to the Full Distance! You’ve got this.

RACE COURSE

The challenging one with a little bit of everything! 5,400’ elevation gain total. Two loops.

Each loop will start from the base area, with a quick flat skin, a bootpack right away up Deerfly, more flatish skinning, and then switchback through the trees up to Downhill. The Rec race will cut away here and only the Race will continue up the ridge to the summit of Silver Queen through a mixture of skinning and another bootpack. The descent will head down Powder Bowl, take a sharp right into Lucky Chutes, and get back on the groomers at Gandy’s Run, where it’ll meet back up with the uptrack and the Rec Course. This descent takes you on some expert steep ungroomed and probably moguled terrain, so get ready! A short skate section will take you back to Deerfly and the Start/Finish/Lap area.

RECREATION COURSE

Just like the Race, the Rec Course has it all! Skins, skiing, skating, and bootpacking, just not quite as extreme or long. 2,800’ elevation gain total for two laps.

The course parallels the Race course, with an early bootpack up Deerfly, gentle skinning for awhile, and then switchbacking through the woods. The Rec distance tops out at Downhill, skis the single black diamond K2 Face on ungroomed run for 600’, and then joins up with the ascent route. Deerfly is the other advanced area, which is a steep, but well groomed single black diamond run.

SCHEDULE

A big change in 2021 is no mass start for each distance. Racers will be starting in waves of 10 or fewer races 5 minutes apart. Racer waves will be based off expected finish within the pack, which is collected as part of registration.

There will be a two hour cut off from the last wave start to begin Lap #2 and a four hour total cutoff to have all racers cleared from the course.

REQUIRED GEAR

-Helmet must be worn the entire race (skimo, skiing, climbing, or bike helmets allowed)
-Eye protection
-Skis or snowboard with metal edges and retention system, ski minimum length 160cm for men, 150cm for women.
-Climbing skins
-Pack that can carry skis
-Windproof upper body layer
-Water bladder or bottle

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