So you’ve been backcountry skiing since October, and you’re legs are in damn good touring shape. So why not show off your redwood thighs and enter to race in the 2013 Wasatch Powder Keg. This year is special because it’s the first time the Wasatch’s premiere ski mountaineering event will be a 3-race format. The “triple crown” happens March 8-10 at Brighton Ski resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
If you’re not familiar with the Wasatch Powder Keg, then all you need to know is that it’s the biggest backcountry ski touring race in Utah. Every year, competitors use telemark or AT ski gear to race uphill, then ski downhill several times over a challenging course in the Wasatch Mountains.
So what are the three different races? Friday, March 8th will be a sprint, “king-of-the-hill” style format. There will be only one division, but the race details are being kept under wraps as of this writing. If you want to only compete in the sprint, the entry fee is only $20.
Saturday is the full-blown, classic Wasatch Powder Keg we all know and love. There will be several divisions, with the Race and Heavy Metal divisions that will endure six climbs totaling 6,500 feet of climbing over 11 miles. The Rec division will featrure four climbs with 3,500 feet of vertical over six miles. Entry fee is $70.
Finally on Sunday, there will be a technical team race. Teams of two will compete in a single division competition. The teams course will have eight climbs, six summits, over 8,000 feet of vertical with two booters and one steep booter that requires a rope. It all happens on a 13.5 mile course. Entry fee is $140.
If you’re hungering for pain, or feel the need to burn your entire body weight in calories, then register to compete in all three events for $150.
In addition, there will be SkiMo clinics sponsored by the US National Team on Saturday afternoon.
Of course it wouldn’t be a mountain event without an after party with food, drinks and a raffle.
For much more information, a FAQ, or to register for the race, go to the registration page of the race web site at http://www.wasatchpowderkeg.com/