About
It's North America's Toughest 10k: Ski to the Clouds presented by Maxiglide
Ski to the Clouds will be held on March 7, 2010 and includes a climb of more than 2200 vertical feet over the final 6 kilometers. Mass start at 10:00 am.
Entry fee:
$25.00 by 1/4/10 (College and high school racers $25 regardless of date entered.)
$35 by 2/28/10
$45 until 3/6 or sold out.
Entry limit: 150 skiers.
Online registration closes on March 4 at 11:45 pm. If the race does not sell out, registration will be available Friday and Saturday (March 5 & 6) through Great Glen Trails. There will be no day of race registration.
<u>Bib pickup:</u> 3/6 from 12:00-4:00 pm and 3/7 from 7:30-9:00 am.
<u>Warm clothing</u> for the finish line must be in a marked bag and dropped off at registration as early as Satruday, 3/6 and no later than 7:45AM on Sunday, 3/7.
$1400 Prize Purse
Men: 1st-$250; 2nd-$150; 3rd-$100
Women: 1st-$250; 2nd-$150; 3rd-$100
Top Male Over 40: $200
Top Female Over 40: $200
Even though it was first held in 1996 and is part of a history of racing up Mt. Washington, Ski to the Clouds has an entirely new twist for this version of the Nordic ski race. The new race will utilize the Great Glen Trails Nordic system for 4 kilometers before beginning the steep ascent up the Mt. Washington Auto Road. In the past, the race used only terrain on the Auto Road, limiting the distance. The race will finish just past the halfway point of the Mt. Washington Auto Road at just below 4000 feet above sea level. Ski to the Clouds will certainly be a challenge for any skier, especially those that have enjoyed the Great Glen to Bretton Woods Nordic Adventure, which saw its finale in March of 2007.
Ski to the Clouds is a true freestyle event: skiers can use either skating or classic technique. There will not be separate categories for each discipline. Also, competitors may only use one pair of skis in this mass start race. Even though skating is faster than classic technique, the steep climb up the Auto Road may be an equalizer, and race organizers envision classic technique may be an advantage as it is great for climbing. Either way, strategy will play an important role.
All competitors will receive a medal to mark their accomplishment.
