VENUE-SPECIFIC LINKS:
Weather Forecast & Hourly Weather Graph (but top ~300' vert is colder!)
Resort, Lodging, Driving Directions
Relay race start time is 11:30, location (and course layout) TBD.Racers who have not specified two-person teams upon registration (either mixed-gender as per Olympic format or all-male given field gender imbalance) will be paired on race morning.Sequence as follows:Potentially helpful (if long) video here:The extensive course markings will obviously not be replicated, but the sequence will be identical, except for the tag preceded by a short uphill skate, *NOT* the short skinning segment shown in the video.
Register (open until 9:15am race day but add'l $10 after 5pm Mo & another $10 5pm Sa)
Race date for 2022-23 season is Saturday Sunday December 3 4.
Mass start for uphill-only Vertical race is 9:30 Series default -- no advance announcement, so prepare yourself at start location ahead of time, lining up *single file* in approximate finish order. Allow extra time for picking up free (yet mandatory) resort uphill pass at ticket window plus extra time just to walk from car through expansive base area.
Mass start location is the gondola tower #1 with uphill access sign, just above base area gondola loading terminal. (For bib safety pins or other last-minute skimo-related tools, look inside Western Economics Association conference black briefcase on nearby ski rack.)
Finish at summit bear sculpture.
Distribution of about three-dozen relatively small light dense prizes (i.e., probably two per racer, so ~$30 retail value) will occur at Vertical finish (look inside bottom side compartment of black & green CAMP Rapid pack). Numerous prizes are also available via redemption codes from our sponsors Tread Labs, Uphill Athlete, Skimo Monthly, and Skimo Co. In addition, a pair of 171cm Voile Ultravector BC skis: https://www.gearx.com/voile-ultravector-bc-ski-185 ... will be awarded to top finisher for Stratton Vertical + Berkshire East Sprint combined who also writes a compelling proposal for setup plan and anticipated usage. Top finisher for Stratton Vertical + Berkshire East Sprint combined wins a pair of La Sportiva boots as described HERE.
Vertical race followed by (optional of course) on-snow skills clinic (in lieu of cancelled Relay race, given limited early-season terrain now). Bring pack w/ dry base layer (can strip down inside summit warming hut) and puffy -- will also be used for booting transition practice. (If you arrive early enough, take a full warm-up lap to stash your pack at bear sculpture, then your warm dry clothes will await you post-race.)
Upon skills clinic conclusion, distribution of add'l prizes (i.e., too large and/or heavy to skin to summit) will occur in parking lot, probably at 1:00.
Mass start for first racer of each two-person team (female if a mixed-gender team).Skin then ski.Transition to repeat another ascent>descent circuit, possibly the same as before, but hopefully (conditions permitting) a variation that includes some booting on the ascent.Final descent culminates in a slight uphill wraparound to check speed and then tag the second racer on the team (male).Second racer on team (male) repeats the same up>down>up>down circuit as the first racer.Entire cycle then repeats.
SERIES-WIDE LINKS:
Race Rules (pack optional for this race venue only given no booting)
Course Flagging (read & heed!)
Registration Procedures (multi-seasonal bibset required before individual race entry)
