Skimo is on the rise in Utah, due in large part to the Wasatch Citizen Skimo Series at Brighton Resort. If you’re a longtime skimo racer, or just skimo-curious, then the Citizen Series is the perfect, low-key venue to check it out.
So, what is skimo? Well, “skimo” is short for ski mountaineering. Also-known-as randonee racing, the sport involves skiers racing both up and down hills on super lightweight gear, usually at ski resorts. It’s very popular in Europe, but has been gaining popularity in North America, especially here in Utah with events like the Wasatch Powder Keg and the Citizen Skimo Series at Brighton.
This year’s skimo race season will begin Thanksgiving morning on November 28 at 8 a.m. This “skiers turkey trot” will be in the “Vert 60″ format, which means racers will go for 1 hour and see how many laps they can do on a short, 500-800 foot course. The goal will be to chase each other, gain fitness, and earn turkey dinners. Awards will include pies as prizes and swag. The awards will be given out at Alpine Rose which is the cafeteria in the building just uphill from them main ticket office at Brighton.
According to race organizers, the goal of the Citizen Skimo Series is to grow participation of the sport by introducing people to ski mountaineering races in a fun and non-intimidating atmosphere. The races have grown from less-than 15 people in the early years to over 70 people at the races last season. The races are 100% free. But in order to keep it free, they have started the non-profit Utah Ski Mountaineering association to promote and sponsor skimo events in Utah. They’d like everyone interested to consider joining Utah Ski Mountaineering to support the Citizen Series. An annual membership in UT Ski Mountaineering is $30. 100% of the membership fees go to support the Citizen Series. For those not wishing to be members or if you do not know if you will race very many races, they are recommending a $5 donation each time you race to help cover these costs. Some of the benefits of membership include:
- Entrance to and support of 8 Citizen Series races
- Entry into an additional end of season opportunity drawing for great prizes (skis, clothing, etc)
- 15% off a skimo gear purchase at Gear 30 in Ogden
- Additional benefits as the season progresses including some swag and discounts at local retailers
Please see the membership page of www.utahskimo.org for more details, to join, and for the race waiver.
Here’s the 2013/2014 race schedule:
NOV 28 Thursday: Thanksgiving Race – Race #1 @ Brighton Ski Resort 8:00 – 10:00 am
DEC 3 Tuesday SkiMo Evening Race – Race #2 @ Brighton Ski Resort 7:00 – 9:00 pm
DEC 17 Tuesday: SkiMo Evening Race – Race #3 @ Brighton Ski Resort 7:00 – 9:00 pm
JAN 7 Tuesday SkiMo Evening Race – Race #4 @ Brighton Ski Resort 7:00 – 9:00 pm
JAN 21 Tuesday Outdoor Retailer Show SkiMo Race – Race #5 @ TBD 2:00 – 4:00 pm
JAN 28 Tuesday SkiMo Evening Race – Race #6 @ Brighton Ski Resort 7:00 – 9:00 pm
FEB 11 Tuesday SkiMo Evening Race – Race #7 @ Brighton Ski Resort 7:00 – 9:00 pm
FEB 25 Tuesday SkiMo Evening Race – Race #8 @ Brighton Ski Resort 7:00 – 9:00 pm
MAR 7 Friday Wasatch Powder Keg Sprint Race @ Brighton Ski Resort 4:30 – 6:00 pm
MAR 8 Saturday Wasatch Powder Keg @ Brighton Ski Resort 7:30 am – 12:30
MAR 9 Sunday Wasatch Powder Keg Technical Teams Race @ TBD