Showcase Showdown
Race Director: Katie Strahl
Overview
Get ready for an unforgettable nighttime adventure at Stevens Pass! Join us for an exciting skimo race, designed for both seasoned uphill enthusiasts and newcomers eager to experience the thrill of the ascent in a welcoming, community-focused setting.
The race consists of two laps and is set up as a relay, grab a teammate and rally together! Each team member will complete one lap. If you can’t find a partner or would rather take on the full course solo, no problem, you’re welcome to ski both laps on your own.
Race Details
Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
Time: Evening race, starting at 5:00 PM
Location: Parallel to Kehr’s Chair at Stevens Pass Ski Resort
This event is about more than just racing, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the uphill with a passionate, welcoming community. Whether you’re chasing the podium or soaking in the alpenglow beneath the surrounding peaks, you’ll find your place here. The course will be clearly marked, and racers will receive a detailed map, schedule, and safety briefing in advance so everyone feels prepared and confident.
Spectators are welcome to cheer on participants from the start and finish area, and the evening will wrap up with an awards ceremony at 7:30 PM. The race is set up as a relay: each racer completes one lap to the top of Kehr’s Chair and back down before tagging their teammate for the second lap. Participants racing solo will complete both laps themselves. All of this takes place at Stevens Pass, under the stars.
course
The race consists of two laps total, with each lap featuring approximately 800 feet of elevation gain. In the relay format, each teammate completes one lap, while solo participants will ski both laps themselves. The course features a mix of skinning, easy skiing, and short bootpacking sections, beginning and ending at the base of Kehr’s Chair.
Schedule
4:00 PM: Check-in opens
4:30 PM: Racer meeting at the lodge
5:00 PM: Race starts!
7:00 PM: Racers and volunteers finish course
7:30 PM: Awards ceremony
Required Gear
Helmet (to be worn at all times during the race)
Eye protection
Skis or snowboard (metal edges required; skis must be at least 160cm for men, 150cm for women)
Climbing skins
Backpack (capable of carrying skis)
Windproof upper body layer
Water source (bladder or bottle)
Headlamp
driving directions
Stevens Pass is located located along US Highway 2, about 85 miles from Seattle. Parking can be challenging, so please carpool and leave home early.
general rules
The race staff reserves the right to delay, alter, or cancel the start based on snow, weather, and safety conditions.
Race takes place at an operational ski resort. All racers will yield to resort guests and adhere to the skier Responsibility Code. Racers will comply with any directions issued by the ski area staff or race officials.
Racers are required to stay within 5' of the established skin track on the uphill portions. During downhill portions, racers will stay with 30' of course markings.
Transitions must occur within the marked off transition area.
Racers agree to equipment checks before, during, and after the event.
If opt to not finish the race, you MUST check in with the timing staff to know you've left the course. Otherwise we will begin calling your emergency contacts and worrying them!
Any transgression of a rule will result in a time penalty or DQ at the discretion of the race staff.
Racers should be prepared for variable weather including but not limited to snow, high winds and cold temperatures as well as rain and above freezing temperatures. A second pair of backup skins is not a bad idea if they wet out.
