Sugarloaf to Host Ski Race to the Top

A ski race to the top of the mountain may sound a little upside down for some skiers. However, with the huge increase of interest in Alpine Touring (AT) or Randonee skiing the sight of free heel skiers climbing up ski trails is not all that unusual anymore. Then again, when you wrap this obviously strenuous activity into a timed competition you've got yourself a race that pushes the contestants into the veritable realm of ironmen.

On December 27th, Sugarloaf, in Carrabassett Valley, ME, will be hosting the first ever Holiday Hill Climb. Hill Climb, you say? I know Randonee skiers speak lightly about their vertical accomplishments, but there's no way you can make this sound like a walk in the park. Think about this - competitors begin at the bottom of the SuperQuad chairlift and race more than a mile up the mountain to Bullwinkles Restaurant, climbing nearly 1,200 vertical feet and guess what - the race starts at 4:30pm almost in the dark!

Seriously, this race is open to all and according to Nina Silitch, Holiday Hill Climb organizer and member of the US Ski Mountaineering Team, "Night rando [Randonee] races are fun events that bring folks together on the slopes and then after at the post race meal." After the race, Sugarloaf is puting on a pasta dinner at the Sugarloaf Inn, an awards ceremony, and a slide show of randonee skiing and racing in the Alps.

For anyone wishing to participate in the race, but is new to the sport, Silitch and US Ski Mountaineering coach Pete Swenson will host a randonee clinic on the day of the race, from 10am to 12pm. Demo equipment will be available to those who preregister.

"In this race, we hope to help spread the word about this up and coming sport and encourage all levels, especially newcomers, to come and give it a try." Silitch said. "The clinic will give them a chance to learn about what equipment is needed and how to use it."

The Holiday Hill Climb is the first sanctioned race on the United States Ski Mountaineering Association (USSMA) 2009 provisional race calendar. Sugarloaf is alo scheduled to host the spring Sugarloaf Reggae Rando on April 11th.

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