course

This race is held on the traditional homelands of the sdukʷalbixʷ (Snoqualmie), Stó:lō (Coast Salish) and Tulalip tribes. We encourage you to learn more about these tribes, their land, and their history, and pay proper respect as we travel through the snow and trees.

Vertfest will return in 2024 with both loops. The race descends double black diamond and off-piste runs, so race participants need to be comfortable navigating this terrain.

Recreational Distance

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.

Full Distance

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.

Schedule

0800 | Check In opens (Alpental Lodge)
0900 | Race Meeting inside Alpental Lodge
1000 | Race Start!
1200 | Cutoff for Full Racers to start second lap, beer garden opens
1400 | Course closes
1430 | Awards Ceremony

Register

Full: $105
Recreational: $90
Rookie Rally: $40
50% discount for Youth <18 (use code “Youth” at checkout)
Price increases $10 on January 1st.
Prices increase $20 on February 17th.
Prices increase $30 for registration morning of the event. No in person registration; register via mobile phone at the Webscorer.com link up until race start Sunday morning. If the race fees are unaffordable for you, please see our Financial Hardship policy.

Category Breakdown

Full Distance: Open, Masters (45+), Heavy Mettle, Splitmo
Recreation Distance: Open, Splitmo, Youth (<18)
Rookie Rally: Single category

The Heavy Mettle category we are adjusting the criteria for to open it up to more “general ski tourers”. The Heavy Mettle will consist of splitboarder, tele, and AT Skiers with skis 86mm and wider underfoot.

For the Recreation Distance, the day is more focused on fun than on the racing. We have taken out the division between the Open/Heavy Mettle, since anyone one race specific gear should be doing the Full distance.

Regardless, it will be posted in the results what general type of equipment you will be racing on. You will be able to look over the results and compare your results to others on a similar type of gear.

Awards

Awards will be given to the full podium Women/Men/Non-Binary for the Full Open, and to the 1st Place Women/Men/Non-Binary in the Master’s, Heavy Mettle, Full Splitmo, Recreational Open, Recreational Splitmo, and Recreational Youth. To decrease waste, categories with no entrants two weeks prior to the race will not have an award be created.

Volunteer

Please see our Volunteer page to learn about and sign up to volunteer!

driving directions

Alpental is located at Snoqualmie Pass on I-90, about one mile north of the interstate.

From the West
Take I-90 exit 52
Turn left onto State Route 906 at end of off-ramp
Continue under I-90 overpass
Continue right onto Erste Strasse/Alpental Access Rd and follow for 1.1 miles
Take a left into the parking lot just below the main lodges.

From the East
Take I-90 Exit 53
Turn left and pass under I-90
Take a right at the stop sign onto State Route 906
Follow SR 906 for ~0.7 miles
Continue right onto Erste Strasse/Alpental Access Rd and follow for 1.1 miles
Take a left into the parking lot just below the main lodges.

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.

Supporters

Look out for these brand partners who will be on site at the race! Please thank them for supporting local skimo and their help in making these events possible. And think of them when contemplating your next purchase!