2027 Wildside Western Series

Race Director: Westy Ford

Thursday, January 7, 2027
Friday, January 29, 2027
Friday, February 12, 2027

Presented in partnership with:
The Summit at Snoqualmie
Cripple Creek Backcountry

Finally, a skimo race series that is a bit more beginner-friendly but still super fun and exciting!  While some of the other races in SnowGoat’s lineup are pretty tough (even the Recreation Loop at Vertfest is pretty stout!), this race is designed to offer a good introduction to skimo racing. The course will still have a little bit of everything with some non-technical skinning, multiple transitions, and a bootpack.

But even if you’ve been in the skimo world for decades, don’t ignore the race series!  Sign up for all three races in the series, or just one to try it out. Skinning up under the lights on a Thursday or Friday night is a great experience and will leave your weekend schedule free for more turns.  

This year we will aim to have a small awards gathering by the fire pits at Summit West after each race!

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.

Here is the Caltopo link for the race course.

Schedule

17:30 | Check-in opens (location TBD)
18:15 | Race Briefing
18:30 | Race Start!
20:30 | Race Cutoff

Required Gear

  • Headlamp

  • Helmet must be worn for the entire race (skimo, skiing, climbing, or bike helmets allowed)

  • Eye protection

  • Skis or snowboard with metal edges and retention system (brakes or leashes), minimum length 160cm for men, 150cm for women for skis.

  • Climbing skins

  • Pack that can carry skis

Register

Registration Coming Soon!

Category Breakdown

Full Distance: Open, Heavy Mettle, Splitmo, Youth

The Heavy Mettle category is for splitboarders, telemarkers, or AT skiers with skis 86mm and wider underfoot.

Awards

Awards will be given to the full podium Women/Men/Non Binary for the Open, and to the 1st Place Women/Men/Non Binary in the Heavy Mettle, Splitmo, and Youth.

Volunteer

Please see our Volunteer page to sign up or learn about all the perks of volunteering!

General Rules

The race staff reserves the right to delay, alter, or cancel the start time or event based on snow, weather, or safety conditions.

Although the course will be closed to downhill resort guests, the 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 10' of the established skin track on the uphill portions.  During downhill portions, racers must 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 you opt to not finish the race, you MUST check in with the timing staff or race officials to inform them you've left the course. Otherwise, we will begin calling your emergency contacts and worrying them!

Any rule transgressions will result in a time penalty or disqualification 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, fog, or above-freezing temperatures. A second pair of skins is recommended for wet conditions.