Overview
Welcome to Spokane's only ski touring (Skimo) & splitboarding race!! Starts at 8am, March 15th. Check-in will be 7:15-7:45am. New this year, the entire race will be out of bounds- starting and finishing at the snowshoe/snowmobile lot. This will provide a more aesthetic and unique course. Total elevation gain is 3,350 ft, comprised of three laps: A first full lap of 1,340ft, a smaller second lap of 680ft, and another full lap of 1,340ft.
The uphill skin track will zig-zag through the trees on the lower half of the mountain, and then up through the beautiful, open south face of Mt. Spokane. The skiing will be off piste, but none of it is expert terrain. A bit of of the lower downhill skiing will be on the summit road.
Uphill skin tracks will be marked with green flagging, and the descents will be marked with red flagging.
This race is for everyone: experienced backcountry skiers looking to test their fitness, beginner uphill skiers, splitboarders, true skimo racers, and everyone in-between. Treat this like a race or just come get some turns in with great people! Coffee, hot chocolate, and cinnamon rolls will be provided by Old European :) Come soak up some fresh mountain air on March 15th, 2026! (And don't forget to PRAY FOR SNOW)
Pricing
$59 until the end of January. Price increase by $20 on February 1st.
Course
Gear
This is a beginner-friendly Skimo Event (so USA Skimo rules do not yet apply).
You are not required to carry a beacon, shovel, probe, or backpack for carrying skis/split board but you are welcome to if you want.
You DO need a helmet and eye protection for the descent.
All participants will be required to carry a phone or gps device, as the upper mountain can sometimes be foggy and disorienting above the treeline.
General Rules
Due to limited parking, please carpool! If you don't have one, make sure to get a Sno-Park Parking Permit at the Ranger Station or here: https://epermits.parks.wa.gov/Store/SNO/SnoChoice.aspx
Although unlikely, Ponderosa Racing and Mt. Spokane Ski Park reserve the right to delay, alter, or cancel the start based on weather or safety conditions.
Racers are required to stay within 5' of established skin track/course marking (green) on the uphills.
During downhill portions, racers must stay within 20' of downhill course markings (red).
Transitions will take place within marked transition areas.
If you opt to not finish the race, you MUST tell staff you've left the course.
All racers should be prepared for variable weather including heavy snow, low visibility, high winds, rain, or freezing temperatures.
Racers who are deemed to be reckless or out of control will be immediately disqualified. Most importantly, have fun!!
Event's current local time: 4:55 AM PT
