2019 was the inaugural year of the Snowgoat SkiMo Series which among other things aimed to consolidate several PNW skimo races under a single umbrella organization.
Alas, along came the pandemic, which made it impossible to fulfill that plan in 2020. As races restarted in the 2021-22 season, founder Richard Kresser developed a new vision for skimo in the Pacific Northwest.
“Skimo” is shorthand for ski mountaineering, a race format that emphasizes climbing uphill on skis. Usually held at ski areas, these races follow a specific course over challenging uphill and downhill terrain while passing through a series of checkpoints.
Skimo Northwest was formed in 2021 as a 501c(3) non-profit intended to foster skimo in the Pacific Northwest. Its objectives include:
–Fostering the future of the sport by coordinating and supporting youth programs.
–Lowering the bar for entry into the sport by hosting free skills clinics, including some specifically for women.
–Working to promote uphill traffic policies at local ski resorts that allow for skimo training and increased access.
Skimo Northwest’s Board of Directors and Race Committee are all volunteers, and all proceeds and profits from events goes directly back into funding programs.
In recent years, backcountry skiing has been one of the fastest growing submarkets of the outdoor industry. Skimo Northwest sees opportunity in growing the sport, which involves all of the skills of backcountry skiing but in a controlled, relatively safe, and competitive setting. Looking ahead, interest in the sport is expected to increase as a result of inclusion of skimo at the 2026 Milan Olympics.
Skimo Northwest hosts the SnowGoat Skimo race series, entering its fifth year of events.
SnowGoat Skimo Races
Vertfest @ Alpental: March 4th, 2023
In its 20th year, Vertfest is the PNW classic. With two independent ascent loops, it is a combination of competition and snowy celebration. For the first year ever, the race is now a USA Skimo National Cup event! This year launches a new vertical-only race.
Wy’Easter Skimo Race presented in partnership with: Mt. Hood SkiBowl and Timberline Ski Area
Saturday, March 25th 2023 (Vertical)
Sunday, March 26th 2023 (Individual)
An exciting and beautiful set of courses at one of the most iconic peaks in the Pacific Northwest, our very own Wy’east!
Secret Backcountry Race: May 6th, 2023
Permit application is still in the works, but a backcountry endurance ski mountaineering race is in the works. This race would be like nothing else out there and could draw local, national, and international racers. Think: a team race up a glaciated Cascade Volcano.
Contact Skimo Northwest for support and partnership opportunities.
