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2nd Annual Catamount Trail BC Challenge Race and Tour

Sunday, March 1, 2009

The Catamount Trail Association along with Bolton Valley Resort and the Trapp Family Touring Center will host the 2nd Annual Catamount Trail Backcountry Challenge Race on March 1st. The 16-kilometer event will be a mass start cross-country ski race from the Trapp Family Touring Center to Bolton Valley Resort via the Catamount Trail. This year's race will also have a non-timed touring class for those adventurous skiers who wish to participate but not compete. The touring start will be at 10:00am and the racing class will start at 11:00am.

Unlike other cross-country ski events, the race will be 70% on non-groomed ski trails and participants will be limited to only one pair of skis and poles for the entire distance. Racers will encounter a 2300 ft. vertical climb from Nebraska Notch Rd to the highest elevation on the Catamount Trail and then descend 1300 vertical ft. on a narrow trail to the Bolton Valley Touring Center. Each individual is encouraged to bring a small backpack with food, water, and extra clothes since there are no aid stations on the course. Climbing skins will be allowed.

The 2008 race was won by Eric Tremble in a blistering time of 1:42:39. Eric used light touring skis with klister wax.

The event is designed for skiers who have a good understanding of backcountry skiing and all the potential weather and snow conditions it can expose. There will be a post race lunch with awards to the top three male and female skiers and a large raffle for all participants. Race entry will be limited to 100 participants with no race day entry.

Registration: go to www.skireg.com

Race Date: Sunday, March 1st, 2009

Race Start Time: 10:00am Mass Start for Tour group, 11:00am for racers

Race Packet Pick Up: Sunday 9:00--10:30am at Trapp Family Lodge

Race Day Shuttle: Each individual will be responsible for race day car shuttle. You may go on the www.catamounttrail.org forum to team up with other individuals for a car pooling shuttle. Give yourself 45 minutes each way from between Bolton Valley and Trapp Family Lodge.

Entry Fee: Pre-registration by 5:00pm on Saturday February 28th - $50.00 There will be no on-line late registration fee as stated earlier.  (Event limited to 100 people) There will be a race day registration from 9:00-10:30am.  Entry fee includes a CTA Guidebook, post race lunch, prizes to the top 3 individual males and females and a large raffle for all participants.

Race Categories: Male and Female (no age categories)

Rules: Racers will only be allowed to use one pair of skis and poles for the entire race.  The use of climbing skins are allowed.  Racers must stay on the Catamount Trail marked by blue Catamount paw diamonds located on trees throughout the race course with the exception of the groomed trails at Trapp Family Touring Center.