United States Ski Mountaineering Association

Come join us for an am skin on Peak 8. The easiest way to get to Peak 8 is the Black Bus (note that it might also be the Breck Ski Bus) from Breckenridge Station (it's next to the gondola). The 7:15 bus gets us there at 7:30. Start the season and stay for the CAIC Benefit Bash at the Riverwalk center at 5pm.

Come up to Breckenridge on Saturday, November 8th to support the CAIC. Any time you're heading into the backcountry the CAIC avi report is essential reading - CAIC helps keep us on top of the snow when we're not skiing at COSMIC races. Tickets are available here:

https://www.choicesecure01.net/mainapp/eventschedule.aspx?clientID=riverwalk

We'll be skinning up the ski area that morning at 7:30 am (one, maybe two laps). I will post a meeting place the week prior, it depends on where the skinning/skiing is best. Also, if there's snow we'll head off to Peak 6 or similar for some early season powder turns.

Hope to see you early Saturday morning and at the CAIC Bash. It's guaranteed skiing - and three beers come along with your Bash ticket. - PS

Events are similar to local mountain bike race or fun run. Once the start gun goes off, the race spreads out and everyone goes their own pace. There’s nobody in the woods or on the mountain early in morning to see how slow (or fast) you’re going - so don’t worry about “how I’ll do”. Just look forward to powder skiing and getting in some good exercise.

For all you need to know click here: First Race Info

We just received this picture of COSMIC series champ and National team member Bryan Wickenhauser putting up some numbers in the lab. He apparently kicked a nordic skier off the treadmill and stole his poles. Hopefully it'll snow early in Crested Butte and he can get off that thing. Looking good Wick!

Note from USSMA Competition Director Pete Swenson:

In November I'll be doing on-snow rando clinics at Breckenridge Ski Area. These are informal, free clinics where we skin up the ski area before and/or after the lifts turn on weekdays and some weekends. We'll work on transitions with skis/skins and especially skinning technique.

We can also talk training; I've received a number of questions on rando training - soon on COSMIC.COM, I'll post general training guidelines and a seasonal overview on intervals, intensities, hours and specific exercises.

These clinics are a chance to practice on new gear - and if you're thinking of getting new gear, come out with what you have and see what rando-specific gear looks like. If you've just purchased mohair skins and want help with the bungee attachment, or bought new Scarpa F1's and want some tips on making them super-quick - this is the place.

I'll post specific dates and times here once the snow starts flying. In the meantime if you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me at pete@cosmicski.com.

The 2009 COSMIC series will use the following points system, all races count towards the overall title.

• 1st = 25 points
• 2nd = 20 points
• 3rd = 16 points
• 4th = 13 points
• 5th = 11 points
• 6th = 10 points
• 7th = 9 points

• 8th = 8 points
• 9th = 7 points
• 10th = 6 points
• 11th = 5 points
• 12th = 4 point
• 13th = 3 points
• 14th = 2 points
• 15th = 1 point

COSMIC doesn't care that you telemark. Or AT. Or what kind of skis you have. If you don't have light skis, or a certain binding - no problem, you're in the Heavy Metal category and the prizes are good. Race whatever you want in the Race or Rec category, but if your equipment is on the heavy side, Heavy Metal is your category.

For '09 COSMIC events the categories will be:

Mens/Womens Race

Mens/Womens Heavy Metal

Mens/Woments Vet

Mens/Women Rec

Mens/Women Rec Heavy Metal

The race jury will consider a Metallica and/or Judas Priest t-shirt time bonus. Maybe April will be Heavy Metal COSMIC month - weather permiting. Does Lars ski?