Better have your touring legs under you, because the Wasatch Powder Keg is coming up fast! This year is the 9th annual Wasatch Powder Keg, and it takes place on March 12 at Brighton Ski Resort. Registration started in January, but you still have time to sign up until March 1st. Race entry fee is $65.
New this year is an updated course at Brighton, with a race division featuring 5,500 vertical feet of climbing over 9.5 miles. The recreational class will endure 3,500 vertical feet over 6.6 miles. There will also be an avalanche education setup and gear demo area at the start/finish line.
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.
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/ or directly at Ultra Signup http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=11930 on or after January 1.
Below are this year’s course maps:
Good luck!