*PREVIOUS YEAR’S RACE*
THE FOLLOWING IS FOR HISTORICAL REFERENCE
REGISTRATION IS LIVE!
The longest continuously run Colorado ski mountaineering race is back for 2022! The race takes place at the beautiful Sunlight Mountain Resort and is sponsored by Cripple Creek Backcountry. We had a record turn out last year so sign up early and lets make it happen again!
As always the Heathen strives to incorporate as much backcountry skiing and skinning as possible. Whether you are a seasoned race veteran or a newcomer to the sport we promise that the Heathen will not disappoint. Come out to test your skills in skinning, transitions and ripping downhill on skinny ski's!
The Elite Race
The Elite division race will cover approximately 11 miles and 5500ft of quad busting skinning, skiing and boot packing. This division is for seasoned racers, backcountry skiers and all you other type A crazies out there.
The Rec Race
The Rec division race will cover approximately 6 miles and 2000ft of skinning, skiing and boot packing. This division is a great race for anyone trying to break into the sport or just looking to get out there and get some fitness. Do not be fooled, this race will still test the weekend warrior to the max.
**Both courses change year to year depending on snow conditions, course improvement and other factors. This means mileage and vertical gain change as well. The provided course maps are just for general reference**
General Rules and Information:
The race director reserves the right to delay the start, alter the course or cancel the race based on snow, weather and safety conditions.
Racers are required to abide by all directives of the race staff and course marshals.
The race will take place on an operational ski area and all racers are required to comply with any directions or directives of the ski area staff.
Racers are to give the right of way to the customers of the ski area, failure to do so will result in an immediate DQ.
On uphill portions, racers are to stay in the established skin track or within 5 feet of the course markings. On the downhill, racers are required to stay within 30 feet of course markings.
Transitions must occur within 20 feet of transition point.
Racers agree to possible equipment check before race and at the finish line.
All racers regardless of category will have a ski retention device that can include brakes or a leash.
No lightweight Nordic gear is allowed in either category.
Helmets are required to be worn during the ENTIRETY of the race. (These can be bike, ski, climbing or ski mountaineering specific helmets).
If you opt not to finish the race you MUST check in at a course marshal or at the finish area. Otherwise we will be out there looking for you.
Racers should be prepared for variable weather including but not limited to snow, high winds and cold temperatures.
General Rules and Information:
The race director reserves the right to delay the start, alter the course or cancel the race based on snow, weather and safety conditions.
Racers are required to abide by all directives of the race staff and course marshals.
The race will take place on an operational ski area and all racers are required to comply with any directions or directives of the ski area staff.
Racers are to give the right of way to the customers of the ski area, failure to do so will result in an immediate DQ.
On uphill portions, racers are to stay in the established skin track or within 5 feet of the course markings. On the downhill, racers are required to stay within 30 feet of course markings.
Transitions must occur within 20 feet of transition point.
Racers agree to possible equipment check before race and at the finish line.
All racers regardless of category will have a ski retention device that can include brakes or a leash.
No lightweight Nordic gear is allowed in either category.
Helmets are required to be worn during the ENTIRETY of the race. (These can be bike, ski, climbing or ski mountaineering specific helmets).
If you opt not to finish the race you MUST check in at a course marshal or at the finish area. Otherwise we will be out looking for you.
Racers should be prepared for variable weather including but not limited to snow, high winds and cold temperatures.
RACE/OPEN SUNLIGHT MAP 2022
“Race Category” Specific Rules and Gear Requirements:
Racers are required to carry standard snow safety equipment: avalanche probe, avalanche shovel and 457 kHz avalanche beacons
A pack that can carry skis
Hydration source (bottle or bladder)
Goggles, helmet shield or sunglasses
Windproof upper body layer must be worn or carried in pack
Skis must be alpine style skis with metal edges (no split boards), randonee or 75mm or NTN telemark bindings are acceptable.
Climbing skins
“Rec Category” Gear Requirements:
Racers are required to carry a hydration source (bottle or bladder)
Goggles, helmet shield or sunglasses
Windproof upper body layer must be worn or carried in pack
Rec participants must also be on alpine style skis or split boards with metal edges. Randonee, tech, telemark or split board bindings are all acceptable in this category.
All participants are required to use climbing skins.
REC SUNLIGHT MAP 2022