Skimo Vertical

sunday, FEBRUARY 27

7:30 AM

The Skimo Vertical Competition at the 2022 Winter Mountain Games Preview event is a simple race to the top – no downhill – starting up Mountain Plaza, and finishing at Mid Vail for a 2.2 mile uphill. All three Skimo competitions taking place throughout the weekend will serve as USA Skimo National Championship races.

IMPORTANT: Registration for the National Championship and USA Skimo Division categories closes Wednesday, February 23 at 12:00 PM. Registration for the Citizen’s Division closes Saturday, February 26 at 6:00 PM.

*Do you have a USA Skimo member number? You will need the number to complete your registration, unless participating in the citizen’s division. Non-members and USA Skimo single venue license holders are not eligible for National Championship Rankings or prize money.

VIEW UPDATED COURSE MAP

sunday, FEBRUARY 27

7:30 AM

IMPORTANT: Youth athletes must arrive at Mountain Plaza in Vail Village no later than 7 AM to meet the Race Officials that will lead youth athletes to the shortened course start.

Athletes should be aware that there will be one cut-off on the course at the top of Gitalong Road/Riva Ridge at 9:00 AM.

IMPORTANT RACE INFORMATION

• Youth athletes must arrive at Mountain Plaza in Vail Village no later than 7 AM to meet the Race Officials that will lead youth athletes to the shortened course start.
• Athletes should be aware that there will be one cut-off on the course at the top of Gitalong Road/Riva Ridge at 9:00AM.
• There will be NO athlete gear transported to the race finish.
• Racers will be able to download Gondola One immediately following their race.
• Sarge’s shelter will be open at the race finish to provide a warm-up location post-race.  Restroom facilities will not be available at the race finish until 8:30 AM.
• There is no spectator access to the finish area.
• Racers must abide by Vail Mountain rules and regulations. Uphill traffic is not allowed during operating hours and there will be no after-hours course preview. Athletes caught disregarding Vail Mountain rules will be disqualified from the competition.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• Skis
  • Minimum length: women – 150cm; men – 160cm 
  • Minimum ski/binding weight: women – 700g; men – 750g
• Bindings 
  • Toe and heel piece must be same brand 
• Boots
  • Rubber sole must cover 100% of boot bottom 
  • Minimum weight: women – 450g; men – 500g
• Skins 
  • at least 1 pair
    
• Clothing 
  • 2 upper body layers 
  • 1 layer must be short or long sleeved (no tank tops) 
  • 2 lower body layers

FORMAT AND RULES

• The Winter Mountain Games Preview Skimo Vertical competition is part of the USA Skimo National Championships. 
• The Winter Mountain Games will be following ISMF rules for all divisions. A full list of the detailed rules can be found on the ISMF site. [ISMF RULES] 
• Applicable time penalties will be in effect 
• Cut off times will apply
• Each USSMA athlete will receive two bibs 
  • One bib must be worn on the right front thigh 
  • One bib must be placed on the athlete’s back 
• Each Citizen athlete will receive one bib that must be worn on the right front thigh 
• Course markings will be as follows: 
  • Uphill sections | Green 
• All athletes must stay on the marked course, including on all switchbacks. NO SHORTCUTTING. 
• Due to weather and winter conditions, course changes may occur at any time. 
• This race is fully racer self-supported. There are no aid stations [food or water] on the course. 

• U14 – (Ages 14 and under. Birth year 2008 and under.) Shortened race course.
• U16 – (Ages 15-16. Birth year 2007-2006) Shortened race course.
• U18 – (Ages 17-18. Birth year 2005-2004) Shortened race course.
• U20 – (Ages 19-20. Birth year 2003-2002) Full distance race course.
• U23 – (Ages 21-22-23. Birth year 2001-2000-1999) Full distance race course.
• Senior – (Ages 24-44. Birth year 1998-1978) Full distance race course.
• Masters – (Ages 45+. Birth year 1977 or prior) Full distance race course.
• Citizens – Reduced distance / only vertical

2022 SKIMO VERTICAL RESULTS

PRICE

$75 – Adult | single event
$200 – Adult | three events
$60 – Junior [18 and under] | single event
$150 –Junior [18 and under]| three events
$40 – Citizens event
(Early Bird Pricing // January 7 – February 16, 2022)

PAYOUT

TOTAL PURSE: $2,500

SKIMO VERTICAL
MEN’S SENIOR DIVISION
1st – $500
2nd – $300
3rd – $200
4th – $150
5th – $100

WOMEN’S SENIOR DIVISION
1st – $500
2nd – $300
3rd – $200
4th – $150
5th – $100

PRIZES

1st place winners in the men’s and women’s senior divisions will receive a GoPro HERO10 Black camera.

1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers for all Skimo Vertical divisions will receive a Winter Mountain Games medal.

*Do you have a USA Skimo member number? You will need the number to complete your registration, unless competing in the Citizen’s Division. If you are not a member and would like to participate you can register for a single venue license at usaskimo.org. Athletes competing in the citizens division do not need to be a USA Skimo member.

PLEASE NOTE: You may participate in the races with a single venue USA Skimo license but will not be eligible for National Championship Rankings or prize money.