COMPETITION:
ELITE COURSE: If the combined weight of your
skis/bindings/skins/boots is above 18 lbs. it is unlikely you will
make the cut-off time to complete the course. Tech bindings
(Dynafit, Sportiva, Ski Trab or similar) are highly recommended
along with mixed or 100% mohair skins due to the distance and low
angle skin tracks. The estimated fastest time for the winner of the
race is 3:15. Descents are expert level and include ungroomed,
steep slopes with backcountry conditions.
ADVANCED COURSE: Suitable for fit racers with gear
weighing more than 18 lbs, or racers looking for a slightly shorter
day than the Elite course. Descents are expert level and include
ungroomed, steep slopes with backcountry conditions.
CITIZENS COURSE: Appropriate for all types and weights of
backcountry ski & splitboard gear, descents include steep
ungroomed runs.
There will be a hard cut-off time of 1:00pm for both the Advanced
and Elite categories at the Aid Station on lower Silk Road. Any
athletes arriving after 1:00pm will be directed to use lift
service. There is an additional cutoff time in the elite category
located before the Blue Sky ascent at 10:30am. Those falling
significantly behind "mid-pack" will be moved ahead on the course
(not do the Blue Sky loop) and do the Advanced course. The race
will officially be over at 4:00pm. Any racers remaining on course
after 4:00 will be DNF. All athletes must follow the instructions
of Ski Patrol and Marshals in regards to cutoffs and course
closures.
All categories will start in the Lionshead base area at the
gondola corral. All Categories finish at Gold Peak. Racers will be
sent out in one mass start but grouped in category on the start
line.
Normal Mountain Operations: Each racer must keep in mind
that Vail Mt. is open to guests as usual. Thus, racers will
encounter skier traffic moving the opposite direction of racers
while on-course.
Racer safety: For the safety of every racer, each athlete
is required to notify the closest marshal of any injury or racer in
need of assistance.
No nordic, NNN or similar "nordic touring" gear will be allowed,
only full metal edged AT or telemark gear. Split-boards are only
allowed to race in the citizens category.
This is a self-sustained race with two aid stations. The Advanced
category's aid station will be positioned on Silk Road next to the
exit of Pete's Stash and the Elite's will be at the top of Belle's
Camp. Water and energy goo/bars will be available.
Course marking: Racers must use any set skin tracks and be
within 20 ft. of markings when ascending. Racers must be within
50ft of any markings while descending.
Citizens category mandatory gear: helmet and
skins.
Advanced/Elite category mandatory gear: beacon, shovel,
probe, backpack, helmet, skins, windbreaker, hydration
system/bottles.
Finish: the final run for all categories is a GS course.
Racers must complete every gate; a 30-second time penalty will be
assigned for a missed gate, racers cannot take a time penalty and
advance in placing with any missed gates.
General Rules and Information
DIRECTIONS TO START LINE: Please park in the
Lions Head Parking Structure. The start of the race will be held
near the Gondola.
ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY: The competition is open to all
interested athletes regardless of state and/or country of
residency. Competitors who are under the age of 18 must
register with a parent or legal guardian. Competitors must be able
to attend all scheduled events. Athletes will be required to
provide all their own equipment. Further, athletes must abide
by all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations
during their participation in the Winter Mountain Games®.
PARTICIPATION: Athletes agree to be bound by these
Official Rules and all decisions of Organizers. Organizers reserve
the right to disqualify any persons found tampering with, or
otherwise abusing, any aspect of the competition as solely
determined by Organizers.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION: Organizers will appoint judges and
the decision of those judges will be final. There will be no
review of scoring / timing even with the presence of TV
cameras. Disputes with Organizers and/or appointed judges
will result in disqualification of that athlete.
RESERVATION OF RIGHTS: Organizers reserve the right to
disqualify any athlete for any reason, including, without
limitation, acting in an unsafe, unsportsmanlike or disruptive
manner and/or with intent to intimidate, threaten or harass, or
harm another person. All decisions with respect to the
disqualification of an athlete shall be made by Organizers and/or
appointed judges. Failure to comply with any term or
condition of these Official Rules may result in an athlete's
disqualification and the forfeiture of his/her interest in any
prize. Organizers reserve the right to amend these Official Rules
at any time in its sole discretion, and athletes shall have no
recourse for any such changes or for any failure (whether
inadvertent or otherwise) by Organizers to follow the stated
rules. In the event that the competition is canceled prior to
the completion of the final event, no prizes will be awarded.
Any refunds are at the organizer's discretion. Athletes
will not be otherwise compensated for any costs or expenses
associated with their participation in the competition.
ORGANIZERS: The Winter Mountain Games® will be
organized and produced by staff and contractors hired from and by
the Vail Valley Foundation. The decisions of Organizers
regarding the selection and elimination of athletes, the selection
of finalists and winners, and the production and administration of
Winter Mountain Games® related events, and all other aspects of the
event, shall be final and binding in all respects. Organizers will
not be responsible for typographical, printing or other inadvertent
errors in these Official Rules or in other materials relating to
the event.