Vertfest- CANCELLED

Distances and entry

• Full (Two Loops) — $173.08
• Short (One Loop) — $135.44
• Rookie Rally — $81.66
• Sprint — $92.42

About Vertfest- CANCELLED

SATURDAY:

USA Skimo-Sanctioned Event

This year, both Vertfest and Wy’easter will be USA Skimo-sanctioned events, adhering to the standards and rules set by USA Skimo and the ISMF, ensuring a competitive and high-quality experience for all participants. For racers looking to gain points, here’s what you can expect:

Standardized Race Format & Rules: USA Skimo provides race directors and local organizing committees with clear guidelines to deliver a consistent experience across all sanctioned races.

Short Race (One Loop)

The race will start directly in front of the lodges and ascend under Chair 1 climbers left.  It will circle around loading for Chair 2 and go through a series of two bootpacks up under Chair 2.  Finally, it tops out at the top of Chair 2 before you switch to the descent.  Ski through the Summit Gate down International and through Snakedance back to Sessel and the finish.

Long Race (Two Loops)

The first lap is the same as the Recreation lap.  For lap two, Race distance participants will transition to skinning next to the finish and then head out the Gala Gate outside the resort boundary.  Racers will be following the resort boundary up, cliffs to your right and ski boundary on your left.  The loop will top out at Knoll 1, where you’ll be treated to some Oreos and meat treats before you ski down to rejoin the Rec Lap descent.

You can find a gpx of the course from 2018 on caltopo.

Vertical Only (Rookie Rally)

Rookie Rally Racers will start right along with the rest of the group. You’ll follow their tracks up, following right underneath Armstrong the entire time. The primary challenge will be the steep Strawberry Hill, where you will have the choice to continue on with skis on your feet (we often recommend ski crampons too!) or choose the bootpack to the side. Ending after 1,700’ of climbing, Rookie Rally Racers can enjoy a fun and leisurely ski back down a groomed blue run through the Finish Chute. Rookie Rally is designed for those who don’t like the downhill racing portion or want to test the sport but aren’t ready for the full sufferfest.
No beacon, shovel, or probe is required but all other safety requirements still pertain.

SUNDAY:

The sprint race is a high-intensity, short-distance event that includes three main sections: a skinning ascent, a bootpack climb, and a marked downhill course through gates.

True to its name, this is a fast-paced competition designed to be completed in roughly three minutes by the quickest participants. The course involves a total elevation gain and loss of around 100 meters, with racers beginning and ending at nearly the same location. The event kicks off with an individual qualifying round, where participants start 20 seconds apart. Those who advance compete head-to-head in heats of six racers.

While the uphill sections are often on packed snow, the downhill portion is crafted for excitement, featuring off-piste elements, gates, and occasional small jumps. Sprint races typically progress through multiple stages, including qualifying rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final heat, with each heat accommodating up to six competitors.