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Divisions: Sport Division: Previously referred to as the "full course" option, this division races throughout each of the four Aspen/Snowmass mountains. The course is approximately 26 miles and includes over 12,000 feet of climbing. This division will begin in Snowmass Base Village at 6am. NOTE: If the combined weight of your skis/bindings/skins/boots is above 18 lbs. it is recommended that you consider the Rec Division as it is unlikely you will make the cut-off time to complete the Sport Division course. "Tech bindings" (Dynafit, Sportiva, Ski Trab or similar) are highly recommended along with mixed or 100% mohair skins due to the distance of the race and low angle skin tracks. Please also note, the cut-off time has been moved up from last year to get our course marshals off the mtn. before dark and get racers to the awards ceremony on time. Descents are expert level and include ungroomed, steep slopes with backcountry conditions. Recreational Division: Previously referred to as the "half course" option, this division races through Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain. The course is approximately 15 miles and includes approximately 8,000 feet of climbing. This division is highly recommended for recreational uphillers and those with heavier backcountry set-ups. Cost: $200 per team until Jan 7th, $220 per team after Jan 7th until Feb 17th, $240 after Feb 17th Live GPS Tracking: New this year, each team will be tracked using a SPOT Satellite GPS Device. If you or your teammate have one (or one you can borrow for the event), please plan on bringing it. We will have devices for those who need one but bringing your own helps us keep registration costs down in the future.
Water: Please fill-up your water bottle/reservoir prior to arriving at the start. Please be aware that the hose on camelback-type reservoirs may freeze, please plan accordingly.
Racer Requirements: This is a mostly self-sustained race with two aid-stations for full-course participants; one is at Aspen Expeditions in Highlands Base Village and the other at the end of the Highlands section at the entrance to the Congo Trail. Each racer must have a beacon, shovel, probe, skins, helmet, wind shell*, a neck gaiter/buff* and a teammate. Absolutely no nordic, NNN, or similar "nordic touring" gear; AT or tele gear only. While not required, it is highly recommended that all teams carry (and use!) a tow-rope. A thin bungee with small carabiners on each end keeps your team skinning together and efficiently. Especially for the final climb up Midnight Mine a light tow makes all the difference. Practice at towing and you'll find that your team will have a much more enjoyable race - and go faster. *The buff or wind shell may be mandatory to wear on the Highland Bowl climb depending on weather.
Mandatory* Racer Check-in: All racers must check-in on Friday, March 1st to pick-up your bib and racer bag at the Limelight Hotel from 3 - 7pm. Each team member needs to check-in though you do not have to check-in with your teammate. Note: If you bring your teammate's completed waiver you may pick-up their bib. Click here for racer waiver.
* If you are coming in from out of town and are unable to check-in the night before you MUST email Maria Hidalgo (mhidalgo@aspensnowmass.com) to arrange morning-of check-in.
Optional Pre-race Meeting: 7pm on Friday, March 1st at the Limelight Hotel (main lobby room)
Parking/ Transportation: There is NO free parking near the start of either course. There is free parking in the Intercept Lot (intersection of HWY 82 and Brush Creek Rd.). We will have ONE racer shuttle from the Intercept Lot to the Base Village area departing at 5:10am (the bus will not wait and there is no other bus from here that will bring you to the Sport start on time). Day parking is available at the Snowmass Base Village Garage for $25. If you are staying locally please make every effort to arrange to be dropped off at the start. Transportation to the base of Aspen Highlands for the Rec Division start is available via regular RFTA bus transportation. Please check the schedule at www.rfta.com for details.
Morning of the Race: Prior to the race start you and your partner are required to pass an equipment check together. Once you have passed the gear check you will be provided with a SPOT GPS Device which only one teammate must wear. Each racer will be allowed to deposit one dry bag at the start that will be shuttled to the finish line for pick-up. (Note: in an effort to reduce waste we will not provide a dry bag, please bring your own) Please allow sufficient time to pass the equipment check.
Course Marking: The course will be marked with green pin flags on climbs, yellow pin flags on boot pack sections and red panels/pin flags on descents. Transitions are to be marked with windblades.
Aid Stations: This is largely a self-sufficient race; however, we will have two Aid Stations for full course participants. Their will be one Aid Station for half course participants. A full Aid Station will be located at Aspen Expeditions in Highlands Base Village with water, Powerade (to fill your bottle or reservoir), Coke, Clif Bars, Clif Shots and Clif Gu. A second water station will be at the entrance to the Congo Trail after the descent of the Highlands Bowl and will have the same items.
Cut-Off Times: To ensure racer safety we will have a cut-off time of 1:00pm where Aspen Highlands meets the Congo trail.
Exiting the Race Early: In the event you do not feel you can complete the race and choose to stop you MUST check-out with the nearest Course Marshall, at Aspen Expeditions aid station or at the finish area at the base of the Gondola on Aspen Mountain.
Normal Mountain Operations: We ask each racer to keep in mind that each of the Aspen/Snowmass ski areas will be open to guests as usual. Thus, you will likely encounter traffic in the opposite direction of yourself while on-course. Also note that at any time you may encounter snowmobiles, snowcats and other mountain equipment while on course.
Racer Safety: For the safety of every racer, each athlete is required to notify the closest course marshal of any avalanche, injury or racer who appears to have ventured off-course ASAP.
Training in Aspen/Snowmass? Please check out the Aspen/Snowmass Uphilling Rules before getting started. Prizes: Sport Division: 1st place men will receive Oakley Gear Box watches, 1st place women will receive Oakley Crankcase watches Recreational Division: 1st place team overall will receive free entry to the 2014 Mountain Games Ski Mo Race in Vail, CO
After Party & Award Ceremony: Following the race we’d like to invite all racers to the Limelight Hotel in downtown Aspen (355 South Monarch Street) from 6:30 to 8:00pm for beer*, food, a raffle and awards. Awards will be at 7:30pm. While we encourage family to join you, please note that there will be a $20 charge for teen/adult non-racers and $10 for kids 12 and under (payable at the door). *Must be 21+ to consume alcohol, other beverages will be available for purchase.
Please contact Maria Hidalgo at mhidalgo@aspensnowmass.com with any questions