The brand new Aspen Highlands SkiMo Race Series, a shortened ski-mountaineering race with both uphill and downhill components, debuts this Thursday, Jan. 10, at 5:30 p.m.
The inaugural four-race series gives athletes the opportunity to challenge themselves against fellow locals, work on individual race technique, fine-tune transitions and enjoy post-race beer specials at the Highlands Pizza Company.
Each race will begin at the base of Aspen Highlands. The course will be different for each race and will be announced upon check-in. Each course has an estimated finishing time of 60-90 minutes. The other race dates are Tuesday, Feb. 5; Tuesday, Feb. 26 and Tuesday, March 12. Start times for each race will be announced closer to the race date.
Registration is now open at www.aspensnowmass.com/highlandsskimo. Registration is $25 per race or $85 for the entire series. All racers are required to wear a helmet.
Power of Four Ski Race, March 2
The Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race – one of the most challenging events in Aspen/Snowmass – is back on March 2 and will test athletes’ endurance as they race in teams of two across all four area mountains.
The sport division course covers approximately 25 miles and more than 12,000 vertical feet of climbs. A recreational division covers two mountains, Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain.
“The Power of Four races continue to grow in popularity and people are excited about this year’s race” says John Rigney, VP of Sales & Events, Aspen Skiing Company. “Top tier endurance athletes and weekend warriors converge to tackle one of the most challenging and beautiful courses in the region.”
The race starts at 6 a.m. in Snowmass and will continue into the afternoon where athletes will finish at the base of Aspen Mountain.
Power of Four Sport Division Race Course
Teams will start in Snowmass Village and skin up to the top of the Elk Camp Lift. Then racers will traverse from Elk Camp to West Buttermilk. Once at West Buttermilk, athletes ski down to the bottom of Tiehack.
From there athletes will cross the bridge by the Aspen Recreation Center and head to Aspen Highlands Village. Skiers will then skin to the summit of the Highland Bowl and ski down to Castle Creek Road via the Congo Trail off of the Grand Reverse.
Teams will then cross Castle Creek and head up Midnight Mine Road until they reach The Sundeck. In the final descent of the race, athletes will ski down Aspen Mountain, ending in gondola plaza.
Power of Four Recreational Division
Starting at 8 a.m. the recreational division follows the same course on Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain, finishing in Gondola Plaza. This race is perfect for recreational uphillers looking for a new challenge.
Registration for the Power of Four is now open at www.aspensnowmass.com/poweroffour. Registration is $200 per team until Jan. 7 (tonight), $220 per team after tonight until Feb. 17 and $240 after Feb. 17. Alpine Touring (AT) gear, Telemark gear or snowboard Splitboard gear is required.
Lodging and Call for Volunteers
New this season, the Limelight Hotel and Wildwood Snowmass will offer discounted rates to racers. The Limelight will offer 20% off rates for 3/1/13 and 3/2/13 (minimum two-night stay required). The Wildwood will offer $119/night for 3/1/13 and 3/2/13.
To book the Limelight call 800-433-0832 and to book the Wildwood call 970-923-8276 and mention participation in the Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race to take advantage of these deals.
Volunteers are still needed for the Power of Four. Those interested in volunteering should contact Maria Hidalgo at mhildalgo@aspensnowmass.com.
Comments