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The Grand Mesa Grind at Powderhorn

 *PREVIOUS YEAR’S RACE*

THE FOLLOWING IS FOR HISTORICAL REFERENCE

POSTPONED! CHECK BACK FOR FUTURE DATE

 

Both the Race and Rec Category courses spend the majority of the time climbing in the woods on skin tracks and winding through the many huge boulder fields at Powderhorn. This course has a very “backcountry” feel with the exception of a few sections on the edge of groomed runs.

Race Category: course is +/- 4,000 ft . Start in front of base lodge, traverse west to ascend Bear Claw (some of climb is skin track to climber’s left), descend Upper T-Bird/Hooker, ascend Hooligan/Mushroom Farm/Mud Slide,/traverse and ascend above Sven’s Bend to Patrol Hut, descend Wonderbump/Cannonball to finish.

Rec Category: course is 2,100 ft (from top of first climb at West End Chair, Rec course follows Tenderfoot trial to re-joint Race course at skin track that climbs above Sven’s Bend)

Start time 8am. Raffle, goodie bag and beer at the finish.

General Rules and Information:

The race director reserves the right to delay the start, alter the course or cancel the race based on snow, weather and safety conditions.
Racers are required to abide by all directives of the race staff and course marshals.
The race will take place on an operational ski area and all racers are required to comply with any directions or directives of the ski area staff.
Racers are to give the right of way to the customers of the ski area, failure to do so will result in an immediate DQ.
On uphill portions, racers are to stay in the established skin track or within 5 feet of the course markings. On the downhill, racers are required to stay within 30 feet of course markings.
Transitions must occur within 20 feet of transition point.
Racers agree to possible equipment check before race and at the finish line.
All racers regardless of category will have a ski retention device that can include brakes or a leash.
No lightweight Nordic gear is allowed in either category.
Helmets are required to be worn during the ENTIRETY of the race. (These can be bike, ski, climbing or ski mountaineering specific helmets).
If you opt not to finish the race you MUST check in at a course marshal or at the finish area. Otherwise we will be out looking for you.
Racers should be prepared for variable weather including but not limited to snow, high winds and cold temperatures.

“Race Category” Specific Rules and Gear Requirements:

Racers are required to carry standard snow safety equipment: avalanche probe, avalanche shovel and 457 kHz avalanche beacons
A pack that can carry skis
Hydration source (bottle or bladder)
Goggles, helmet shield or sunglasses
Windproof upper body layer must be worn or carried in pack
Skis must be alpine style skis with metal edges (no split boards), randonee or 75mm or NTN telemark bindings are acceptable.
Climbing skins


“Rec Category” Gear Requirements:

Racers are required to carry a hydration source (bottle or bladder)
Goggles, helmet shield or sunglasses
Windproof upper body layer must be worn or carried in pack
Rec participants must also be on alpine style skis or split boards with metal edges. Randonee, tech, telemark or split board bindings are all acceptable in this category.
All participants are required to use climbing skins.

Later Event: January 18
GO Skimo Academy