Ski-Yo! and Final Races

Another Powder Keg has come and gone. Thanks to Chad, Emily, Nick, Eric and the rest of the volunteers for putting on such a great event (and for making the tough call to cancel the Sunday’s teams race)! Congrats to everyone who came and participated- it was no small feat! Check out  http://wasatchpowderkeg.com/ for the results. And don’t forget to come to Ski-Yo tonight– your body will thank you!

The end of the season is upon us. The final Logan race at Beaver Mountain is this Friday and the final Wasatch race is next Tuesday! Don’t forget your required helmet and headlamp. For those coming the Wasatch race at Brighton we definitely need help marking the course and checking people in- no experience necessary! https://www.timetosignup.com/utahskimo/sheet/46047

March 8
Ski-Yo! Skimo Co Retail Store, 7pm
Come recover from the Powder Keg (or just the weekend!) with us at Skimo Co with Ski-Yo. This is a free, basic level yoga class. Please bring your own mat if you can- a limited number of mats are available for those without. Make sure to show up early- it was a full house last time! Questions? Contact Nancy: nightingalerun at gmail.com

March 11
Logan Citizen Series Race
6:30 pm Beaver Mountain Ski Resort
Last Friday night race in Logan- but the sunset doesn’t set till 6:31 so if you’re quick enough it might even be light when you finish (but it should at least be light at the start for the mere mortals)! More info here: http://www.nordicunited.org/logan-ski-mountaineering-race-series.html

March 15
Wasatch Citizen Series Race
Check in till 6:55, 7pm SHARP start
This is it, the last race of the series! With the sun not setting till 7:30 you might not need your headlamp for the first half (please make sure to remember it, though, along with your helmet) and the snow may not be bullet proof (no guarantees). Stay tuned for more details and plan on coming to Molly Green’s for awards and the raffle!

More Night Races and Free Food*

Tuesday night is race night! Don’t forget your required helmet and headlamp. Check in ends at 6:55 so make sure you’re up in plenty of time- you’re not going to want to miss this one! Speaking of not missing out- Dynafit is providing the raffle prizes so swing over to Molly Green for your chance to win that spandex race you know you want, those PDG skis to help you get to the top quicker and other sweet prizes!

Wednesday while you’re recovering from Tuesday night’s race come over The Sport Loft for our nutrition clinic. Jennie Harris will help guide us through race nutrition and provide some tasty samples for us (*see, I told you, free food).

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out The Sport Loft’s team tour– the day starts with a race then continues with demos, clinics and giveaways all up Alta. Be sure to check out the fun! http://www.buyskigearonline.com/The-SPORT-LOFT-TEAM-TOUR-at-Alta-February-27th-2016-The-SPORT-LOFT-TEAM-TOUR.htm

The Powder Keg is just around the corner and with an all new course forSaturday’s race it’s going to be pretty awesome!
http://wasatchpowderkeg.com/

February 23: Wasatch Citizen Series Race, Brighton Resort Check in ends at 6:55 pm, 7pm Start
Race will start of the base of the Great Western Lift. Dynafit is providing this weeks raffle prizes so make sure to join us afterwards at Molly Greens for your chance to win a race suit , a pair of PDG skis and more!

February 24:Skimo Nutrition 6:30pm The Sport Loft, 4678 E Highland Dr, SLC
Should you carb load before a big event or avoid them all together? Do gels really doing anything other than leave a gooey mess everywhere? How much and how often should you eat during a long event? What is the optimal hamburger/beer ratio for maximizing recovery? If you’ve ever wondered about these or other questions regarding nutrition, then join us Wednesday, February 24th where we’ll learn from the Jennie Harris! She’ll even be providing some sample snacks!

Jennie Harris is a second year student in the Coordinated Master’s Program in Dietetics at the University of Utah, with a focus on Sports Nutrition. Jennie is particularly interested in wilderness nutrition. A former nordic ski racer, Jennie is now an avid backcountry and nordic skier, trail runner and climber.

March 11: Logan Citizen Series Race. 6:30 pm Beaver Mountain Ski Resort
Last Friday night race in Logan- but the sunset doesn’t set till 6:31 so if you’re quick enough it might even be light when you finish (but it should at least be light at the start for the mere mortals)! More info here: http://www.nordicunited.org/logan-ski-mountaineering-race-series.html

Mid-February Updates

Last Tuesday was a fast and fun ‘butterfly’ shaped course with a good ol’ bootpack and nice switchbacks. Joey Campanelli took the overall win- congrats Joey! Did you snap a sweet photo during the race or afterwards at Molly Greens? Tag @utahskimo or send it our way (utahskimountaineering at gmail). Don’t forget to sign up to help out at the races- we could always use a few more folks to assist with course set-up/take down and checking people in: https://www.timetosignup.com/utahskimo/view/46047

We’ve added a calendar to the Utah Skimo website! No more digging through blogs posts or e-mails for details about events. Check it out (and while your there subscribe to the blog to make sure you’re getting all the latest and greatest Utah Skimo news!).

There are two upcoming clinics- Skinning Technique and Race Nutrition. Don’t miss out! Want even more time to learn? Check out The Sports Loft Team Tour:  http://www.buyskigearonline.com/The-SPORT-LOFT-TEAM-TOUR-at-Alta-February-27th-2016-The-SPORT-LOFT-TEAM-TOUR.htm

February 18:
Skinning Technique Clinic, 
6:30 p.m. Brighton
You spend the majority of the time climbing up so why not come learn some tips and tricks to make the most of that time (and maybe help save some energy for the way down!)
Let us know you’re coming either by responding to the facebook event or sending an e-mail with ‘Clinic’ and the subject line.

February 23:
Wasatch Citizen Series Race #7, 7pm (sharp!) Start Brighton Ski Resort

Race #7. The last night race before the Powder Keg. Make sure you’ve got your system dialed in! Don’t forget to show up early so you can check in, warm up and get to the start in time for the pre-race course description and 7pm gun.

February 24:
Nutrition Clinic 6:30 pm The Sports Loft
4678 E Highland Dr, Holladay, UT 84117

Should you carb load before a big event or avoid them all together? Do gels really doing anything other than leave a gooey mess everywhere? How much and how often should you eat during a long event? What is the optimal hamburger/beer ratio for maximizing recovery? If you’ve ever wondered about these or other questions regarding nutrition, then join us Wednesday, February 24th where we’ll learn from Jennie Harris!

Jennie Harris is a second year student in the Coordinated Master’s Program in Dietetics at the University of Utah, with a focus on Sports Nutrition. Jennie is particularly interested in wilderness nutrition. A former nordic ski racer, Jennie is now an avid backcountry and nordic skier, trail runner and climber.

Crowbar Results, February Races and Clinic Updates

Congratulations to everyone who made it up to a snowy Crowbar! And cheers to Eric Bunce for taking the overall win (see below for the race and rec results, full results can also be found here: https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=35167). Eric is our Wasatch Citizen Series race coordinator i.e. the guy who sets up and takes down the Tuesday night race courses. If you see him, congratulate him and thank him for setting the course. And better yet, show your appreciation by helping him set-up and/or take down the courses! Interested? Sign up here:  https://www.timetosignup.com/utahskimo/view/46047. Any and all are welcome-no experience necessary, all that’s needed is you, your enthusiasm and your skis/skins.

The next Logan race is this Friday, February 12th! Couldn’t make it to the Crowbar? See what Logan has to offer! Had an awesome time at the Crowbar? Why not go for round 2?

Nutrition Clinic date change! The nutrition clinic has been pushed back a week. We’ll see you on the 24th!

Crowbar Results: 

Upcoming Events:

February 9th:
Citizen Series Race #6
Brighton Resort
7pm SHARP start (Snake Creek Express area)
And we’re back! Gun goes off at 7pm- make sure you show up early so you can get to the start and here the course description.

February 11th:
Social Ski and Skills Practice
Thursday 2/11 6:30pm
Brighton- Big Sign at the base of Milly
Whether you’re looking to get a little fresh air and exercise or want to practice your skimo skills, join us Thursdays at 6:30 up a Brighton. These informal meet-ups offer a more relaxed environment to meet a fellow skimo-ers and are a great place to ask all those nagging skimo questions you might have.

February 24th:
Skimo Nutrition
Time and location TBD
Should you carb load before a big event or avoid them all together? Do gels really doing anything other than leave a gooey mess everywhere? How much and how often should you eat during a long event? What is the optimal hamburger/beer ratio for maximizing recovery? If you’ve ever wondered about these or other questions regarding nutrition, then join us Wednesday, February 24thh where we’ll learn from Jennie Harris!

Jennie Harris is a second year student in the Coordinated Master’s Program in Dietetics at the University of Utah, with a focus on Sports Nutrition. Jennie is particularly interested in wilderness nutrition. A former nordic ski racer, Jennie is now an avid backcountry and nordic skier, trail runner and climber.

Call for volunteers

Utah Skimo could use some volunteers at the upcoming races–Utah Skimo is 100% volunteer-labor supported and we need more help on race nights. We generally need 7-10 people each race night and currently have only a few volunteers for each remaining race night. We currently need help with sign-ins, course setting, course clean-up, etc. We’d appreciate help from anyone and everyone, regardless of their speed, skimo experience, or stance on Lycra!

We can use some help for the remaining races on our schedule–2/9 (tomorrow), 2/23, and 3/15. If you’ve enjoyed racing and want to give back to the skimo community, please help us out and sign up to volunteer.

See the sign-up sheet here:
If you have any questions, comment below or email us.
Thanks and see you at Brighton tomorrow night!

Wasatch Ski Mountaineering Series, Race #6

Tuesday’s race will start part way up Great Western, at the first flat near the Snake Creek Express lift. Note that it is a roughly 400-vertical foot skin to arrive at the start of the race, and please arrive a early enough so that everyone can get checked in and be up to the starting line before 7 so that we can being promptly.

Feb-9-2016 Start Area

As always, if you can, please join us at Molly Green’s for food giveaways.

THE SPORT LOFT TEAM TOUR 2016

THE SPORT LOFT TEAM TOUR 2016
Saturday February 27th 7:45am – 2:45 pm
 
It’s back, its better, more gear to DEMO
More Brands, Clinics, Athletes
JOIN US!!! 
Click below to register
Registration gets you a $40 ALTA ski area ticket for the day of the event
Schedule:
7:45 am – 10:45 am Race 
9:00 am – 2:00 pm Demos
11:00 am – 2:00 pm Clinics
2:15 pm -2:45 pm Awards and Race Podium Presentation
Choose a clinic with a participating Athlete
Just “click” on the name of your clinician
Andrew McLean Clinic 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Andrew’s knowledge of travel in avalanche country will help you to make better decisions while navigating the Wasatch and beyond.  Don’t miss the wealth of knowledge he can provide.
His passion for this sport has led to him being voted as one of the “Greatest Skiers of Our Time” by Powder Magazine and a featured segment in the Sony Classic Pictures 2007 film entitled Steep.
Avalanche Avoidance Workshop
Avoiding avalanches is both an art and a science.  While digging pits and checking in with the local forecast is important, knowing where, when and how to go somewhere in the mountains is as much, if not even more critical. In combination with a short tour, we will discuss avalanche avoidance strategies such as route finding, test slopes, terrain traps, aspects, elevations and group skiing strategies.  All participants must have touring gear (skis/splitboard, skins, beacon, shovel, probe) for a short tour.
Caroline Gleich Clinic  11:00am – 2:00 pm
This LADIES ONLY clinic will focus on Tips N Tricks for ladies in the backcountry.  Caroline is a joy to be with and will share tips that are sure to make this one of your most memorable ski days.
Caroline moved west from the frozen hills of Minnesota at age 15 and began to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a professional skier. Now, she is sponsored by the likes of Patagonia, Zeal Optics, Cliff Bar, Atomic skis, Thule, Nemo, Glide stand up paddle boards, Quickblade paddles, among others, and shreds with the best nearly every day of the season. She’s been featured on the cover of Ski magazine three separate times and in other magazines such as Powder, Skiing, Ski Journal, Fitness, Men’s Journal, Outside and in ads for Snowbird, Deer Valley, and Leki to name a few.
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Jason West Clinic  11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Jason’s mild manner may make you think he is just a regular guy.  Don’t be fooled. This Father, Husband, and PT lays it down and sends it.  You may recognize him from the cover of Powder, Telemark Skier, or movies by Powderwhore’s.  He also holds the record for the largest freeheel drop ever!
Growing up and living in the Wasatch mountains, Jason is committed to lifelong training and conditioning for the outdoor sports he loves of skiing, hunting, climbing, biking and backpacking. His athletic pursuits provide unique expertise and interests in returning motivated individuals, whatever their chosen sport or activity, to high level performance.Jason’s “real job”
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Sarah Cookler Clinic  11:00am – 2:00 pm

Local Dynafit athlete and heroine Sarah Cookler shares the things she has learned over the years that make light, efficient touring in the backcountry possible.  This LADIES ONLY clinic will be small, intimate and welcoming to all levels.

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Aaron Rice Clinic  11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Aaron’s goal to ski 2.5 million vertical feet in a calendar year is ambitious to say the least.  Learn how he does it by skiing the right way for the right day.  Aaron’s dedication to the sport began in earnest while racing in high school and taking weekend trips with friends to Vermont and Maine.
TRIP PLAN:
I have a lot of time on the skin track to think. I often come up with little sayings for myself to keep me motivated, on track, or safe. One such saying is “ski the right thing for the day”.  On this 1:30-2hr tour we will do what makes the most sense for the day. It is always about the downhill experience for me above all and I will pick the terrain that is most appealing given snow and avalanche conditions. While I am out in the mountains every single day for 8-12 hours we will get an abridged version of what a day in the life looks like.
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Gemma’s Clinic 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Gemma’s come to us straight from Europe to “the greatest snow on Earth”. Gemma may be personally responsible for global warming. Why? Because she moves so fast. If you’re a racer, male or female come learn from Gemma and improve your on hill skinning. Gemma’s excitement is infectious and her smile will warm your heart.
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Harrison Brickman Clinic 11:00am – 2:00pm
 Harrison is one of our favorite local guides. He rips, and knows all those little secret stashes in the Wasatch. Harrison will share his knowledge of how to ski that line you’ve been dreaming of skiing. Most importantly he will show you how to live through it to tell the tale.
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Chad Brackelsberg Clinic 11:00 am – 2:00pm
Chad is the organizing force behind the world renowned PowderKeg. Chad just loves skiing. Come listen and learn as he tells about his adventures around the world. We are glad to have Chad on the frontside of an event where he can share his vast knowledge.
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Our Participating Manufactures

Updated Uphill Policy Page

Please see the new Uphill Policy Page regarding Park City Mountain Resort.

Park City Mountain Resort/Canyons:
Allows uphill travel for non-motorized use on Homerun from the bottom of First Time Lift up to the Angle Station during the following hours: 6:00 pm – 8:30 am beginning on December 15th of each year.  Trails Hotline (435) 615-1911
http://www.parkcitymountain.com/mountain/safety.aspx#/UphillTravel
http://www.parkcitymountain.com/about/contact-us.aspx

From their policy page:

Winter Uphill Travel & Backcountry Access

Park City Mountain Resort allows uphill travel for non-motorized use on Homerun from the bottom of First Time Lift up to the Angle Station during the following hours: 6:00 pm – 8:30 am beginning on December 15th of each year. 

Non-paid/Uphill users of Park City Mountain Resort assume all risks associated with access. The ski area is not maintained for uphill access and trails are not patrolled outside normal ski area operating hours, therefore emergency services may not be available. Ski area operations are 24 hours and users may encounter vehicles, slope and trail maintenance activities, snowmaking and other hazards not typically present during operating hours. Users are subject to the Utah Skier Safety Act.

Skiers must not impede or obstruct ski area operations at any time and must abide by the following rules:

• The designated route is: Homerun staying climbers left from the bottom of First Time Lift and stopping at the Angle Station.
• Uphill travel will not be allowed beyond the Angle Station.

• Call the Trails Hotline (435) 615-1911
• Stay towards the side of the trail.
• Position yourself so that you are visible from above.
• Wear brightly colored clothing.
• Obey all pertinent signage.
• Avoid all areas where machinery is operating.
• Wear reflective materials.
• Wear a headlamp
• Be aware that ski area emergency services are not available

Additionally, the use of the following is prohibited at all times during winter:
• Mountain bikes
• Sledding
• Any motorized mode of travel
• Dog Walking

Early Season Guidelines:
Uphill access will not be allowed on trails during mountain preparation/early season snowmaking. The work taking place makes it unsafe for public use. Park City Mountain Resort will open these trails when operations are complete, which could extend beyond the resort opening or until the resort has adequate terrain to safely permit these activities.

Note: ***Non-lift access to ski area facilities; such as uphill snowshoeing, hiking or “skinning”, may present high danger of personal injury to participants or others and therefore may be limited or forbidden based on conditions, on-mountain activity and/or mountain policy.

Wasatch Ski Mountaineering Series #5

Tomorrow’s race will start part way up Great Western, at the first flat. Please arrive a little bit early so that everyone can get checked in and be up to the start by 7 so that we can begin promptly.

Also, if you can, please join us at Molly Green’s for food giveaways.