Bad News.......

I have been super busy over the last month and have neglected this site a little. As they say "no news is good news", so what do you know, my first post in a month and its bad news........ Unfortunately both Kath and Duncan have decided against competing in Europe this summer due to nagging injuries that have prevented them from doing any full training for the last 2-3 months. This is quite a blow for NZ's new and developing ski mountaineering racing scene, as having both Kath and Duncan race at the 2008SMWC would have helped greatly in the growth of the sport here in NZ with all the new skills they would have returned home with. Looks like Gary, Jane and I will just have to step it up a notch now in Switzerland come February. Jane and I are based in France now with training coming along slowly, but steadily. I arrived minus my ski bag, which wasn't too bad as it took about a week to recover from the 30+hrs of travel. The missing bag finally turned up and this past week was the first solid week of training with about 7000m of vertical for the week. Not huge, but starting to get into the swing of things. Had a nice 2000m day on New Years.
Word from Gary is he is training his ass off! This is a shot of Jane on New Years day.

Announcing the 2008 New Zealand Ski Mountaineering Race Team

A few of you out there may have already heard the news, that New Zealand for the first time will be represented at the Ski Mountaineering World Champs (SMWC), that will take place at Portes du Soleil in Switzerland. The 4th SMWC will run from February 23rd to March 1st 2008.

The team is-

Duncan Sherratt

Gary MacPherson

Grant Guise

Jane Harper

Kathy Conlan

Fraser MacIntosh -team manager/support

The 2008 NZ team has also so picked up some amazing support along the way.

Swiss company Texner will supply custom race suits and other sponsors are Icebreaker, Buff, Marvelox and the New Zealand Alpine Club.

More details of the SMWC can be seen at http://www.smwc2008.ch/

For the next 11 or so weeks we will do a series of “meet and get to know” members of the New Zealand ski mountaineering race team.

This is the first in a series of “meet and get to know” members of the New Zealand ski mountaineering race team.
This week we catch up with Jane Harper. Jane is one of the more experienced members of the team, having won the 2007 Asian Ski Mountaineering Champs in Nagano, Japan.
Jane also is undefeated, having placed 1st in both the 2006 and 2007 Temple Basin Randonnee Rally and CraigieBurner events and winning the 2007 Scarpa Ski Mountaineering Race Series.
-SkiMoNZ: How did you get into ski mountaineering Jane, in particular the race side of it?
-JH: I did the MECNZ ski patrol course in Wanaka in 2003, we had to buy all the necessary gear, including a back country ski touring set up. Part of the course included doing back country days and it just grew from there. When I first heard about ski mountaineering races it sounded like a lot fun, so I just gave it ago.
-SkiMoNZ: You have had a very successfully run so far, wining all 7 races you have enter, what do you hope to achieve in Europe this winter?
-JH: I want to see what I am capable of.
-SkiMoNZ: What kind of preparation are you doing training wise?
-JH: Currently trail running uphill at least 1hr 4-6 days a week. I will be living in France from mid December and plan on stepping training up once there. Skinning at least 1000m vert most days, as well as some skate skiing.
-SkiMoNZ: What event are you most anticipating at the SMWC?
-JH: The individual short race has me the most excited. Its 1600m vertical and the course looks really nice. If all goes to plan, I will race on it as part of a World Cup event a month before the SMWC.
-SkiMoNZ: For you, what is the best thing about these races?
-JH: The best thing about racing is you get really fit, so when you are out on a fun day back country skiing you can get more turns.

Jane standing atop Temple Peak, high above Temple Basin in Arthur's Pass National Park

Taranaki Hard Core.....

Well, I don't think we can quite claim that yet, but our first 3 days in the Naki have been pretty darn good!
Got things started with a little trail running on Saturday. We both ran to the snow line, which worked out to be about 900m of vert. Was good to get an idea of things, as we planned to return the next day with skis.

On Sunday we started from North Egmont, up the Summit Rd, but not before being asked "do you know this mountain?" by a little old lady who was concerned that we might be a little confused with the skis on our back.
We made it to the 2518m summit of Mt Taranaki in about 3hrs and had really good skiing off the top before skiing into the early after noon cloud that had rolled in. We made it back to the camper in just under 5hrs for the car-summit-car trip, with 1585m climbing and about 700m vert skiing. I woke up yesterday and wanted to ski some more, so after a late start (3 in the after noon!) I managed to climb to the top of Snow Valley (just over 12oom from the Camp House) in about 1hr45min. It was there that I meet up with Glenn, the man behind MountainZ and iclimb. I was hoping to catch up with Glenn on this trip, so it was a nice surprise to randomly meet him out on the hill rather than in a cafe or bar.

Training is coming along, but when I add up the vertical I climbed over the last 3 days it doesn't even add up to the total vert of the Patrouille des Glaciers race, let alone the 10,000 vertical meters that's climbed during the 4 day event the Pierra Menta!

Mangaehuehe Glacier Ski Tour-13/10/07

Joe Climbing up Mangaehuehe Glacier

"Clear with Gale's"?

Jane nearing the top of the Glacier


Jane skiing down....

Joe making Turns

Avalanche Peak Trip Report

Last week Jane, Gary, Noel and I headed up to Avalanche Peak in Arthur’s Pass National Park for a bit of skiing. While this winter has been a bit thin on snow, Avalanche Peak and the ridge towards Lyell Peak has had a good cove of snow up high and with the heavy rain, followed with cold, clear skies, a nice “corn” cycle was under way when we headed up.

With the smooth, consistent spring snow we all decided we could get away with our skinny, short race skis, allowing us to travel light and reach the snow in just after an hour. After about another 45 minutes we were standing on top of Avalanche Peak, with amazing views of Mt Rolleston’s Crow Face and Mt Franklin in the distance behind Temple Col.

We skied as nice SE-E line of the top and then made our way towards Lyell Peak, which was a lot closer than it first look. The NE face of the top of Lyell was in great condition, but was also a lot shorter than it first looked. From there we skied back to Scott’s track and to where we had left our shoes and head down to the Village. We did about 1600meters of climbing and around 1000m of skiing in the 6 hrs we were out.
Still heaps of snow out there if you don’t mind working hard for it! Check out www.softrock.co.nz for weather and mountain conditions in the Arthur's Pass NP.

SCARPA 2007 Ski Mountaineering Race Series Final Results

Men’s Race Division
120 Gena Sibaev
92 Duncan Sherratt
77 Alexis Poilvert
70 Noel Oien
64 Gregg Beisly
58 Will Page
56 Eric Bunce
54 Tim Ensor
38 Andy Evans
36 Chris Slade
34 Sean Waters
32 Russell Bradock
30 John Lindsey
30 Geoff Small
25 Blair Leslie
24 Duncan Ellis
22 Gary MacPherson
20 Nigel Lloyd
20 Steven Parker
19 Micheal Halseggar
18 Chris Erikson
18 Joe Wilson
18 Richard Johnson
17 Scott Cambell
15Craig Martella
13 Matt McLoch
12 Graham Allen
7 Greg Seatolt
6 Reese Doyle

Women's Race Division
120 Jane Harper
50 Emily Favell
25 Kath Conlan
25 Jess Donaghue
22 Sally Schott
22 Melanie Powkev
20 Jo Prince
20 Cindy Hague
19 Tina Armstrong
19 Sonia Waters

2007 Marmot CraigieBurner Official Results

Clear skies, strong winds, slick skin tracks and steep skiing all made for an excellent final race of the SCARPA ski mountaineering race series, the Marmot CraigieBurner on the 15th of September.
As most are aware the CraigieBurner, a race between Craigieburn and Broken River ski areas that uses the tows to gain vertical is a regular fixture in mid September. This year seen the return of the “Classic Burner” as well as a new “Race” division, that used no tows to gain the vert.
Both divisions started at the old Poma shed and climbed quickly to the summit of Hamilton Peak, removed skins and skied the steep Allan’s Basin face of Hamilton.
The race division skinned up Kicker Ridge and boot packed up a steep ridge to Nervous Knob, then skied and skinned along the ridge back to the summit of Hamilton. A short ski back to the start, then a quick skin back to ridge line and a little waking throwing in between seen racers arrive at Castle before one last steep ski down to the last check point. From there it was just less than 200m of vertical to the finish line! This totaled for just under 900m of vertical climbing.
The Classic Burner replaced the 2nd and 4th climbs with the BR and CV tows.
Gena, Duncan and Jane took their usual positions at the front of the pack on the first climb towards Hamilton and never looked back. Alexis had his best placing of the season, taking 3rd on Saturday, which seen him finishing 3rd in the Scarpa series. Gena and Duncan rounded out the top 3 of the 4 race series.

Another feature of the CraigieBurner is the Snowline Cross Country Cups. I am told that Snowline was a ski shop back in the 70’s and these cups were competed for among Criagieburn and Broken River club members in a cross country ski race. Now days CV and BR members race for these cups at the annual Burner. Last year it was Jane and Jon that won, this year’s top “clubbies” were Jon’s brother CJ and Jane for a 2nd year.


Men’s Race Division
1st Gena Sibaev 1hr.14min.21sec
2nd Duncan Sherratt 1.25.13
3rd Alexis Poilvert 1.37.23
4th Eric Bunce 1.38.32
5th Andy Evans 1.39.39
6th Tim Ensor 1.40.45
7th Sean Waters 1.42.01
8th Russell Bradock 1.43.21
9th Will Page 1.53.45 1st SNOWBOARDER!
10th Noel Oien 1.54.35
11th Gregg Beisly 2.08.41
12th Duncan Ellis 2.23.59
13th John Lindsey 2.28.23
14th Chris Slade 2.38.53
15th Richard Johnson 2.52.57

Woman’s Race Divison
1st Jane Harper 1.23.46
2nd Emily Favell 2.50.55

“Classic Burner”Men’s
1st CJ Wright 1.10.53
2nd Jon Wright 1.11.43
3rd Graeme Joyce 1.26.50
4th Reese Doyle 1.50.54 1st snowboarder
5th Egienne von Tonder 2.38.42
6th Adrian Lindsay 2.42.21

Woman’s
1st Gillian 1.39.42
2nd Kylie Laurie 1.56.41
3rd Kit ???????

Marmot Craigieburner Update

Looks like finally we might get some good weather for a race, Saturdays weather is looking good at this stage.
A few changes from what was earlier posted on the CraigieBurner page a few months ago.
Course
I won't know until I have had a chance to have a look around tomorrow, but it's very likely both course's will change some what due to a lack of snow down low. Both race's will now start at Siberia Basin at 1030am.
Lift Tickets
ALL competitors are now required to purchase a ticket, this will be at 25% off the normal rate. With Craigieburn and Broken River providing patrol assistance during the race, this is the least we can do for that service.
NEW TIMES!
8:30-9:30am registration and gear check
9:30am-Pre race meeting
10:30am-RACE/Classic Burner start-Siberia Basin (old T-bar shed)
12:30pm-Cut off time top of Hamilton Peak. ANY racer arriving at the top of Hamilton Peak after 12:30 will be required to pull out of the race.

4:30pm-Prize giving at CV bar. Race, Classic and SCARPA series top 3 finishers awarded prizes as well as spot prizes.

Remember this is the final race of the SCARPA 2007 Ski Mountaineering Race Series, with double points up for grabs and prizes for the top 3 finishes in the series including 2 pairs of SCARPA ski mountaineering boots!!

Look forward to seeing you all there on Saturday!

Telemark Aotearoa

I just got a e-mail from Calum at Telemark Aotearoa to say that Mel, the winner of the rec class at Turoa, wrote up a race report on the Peak Fuel Ruapehu Ripper and its up at Telemark Aotearoa's home page. If you get a chance check it out. This web site is the leading soruce for telemarking in NZ, so it's well worth a look!

Its great to see interest growing in these race's not only among folk's on the super light ski mountaineering gear, but also telemark (and split board!) gear. The main aim of the race series is to bring together like minded folk's in a fun and social setting and despite mother nature's best (or worst?) attempts, it seems to be working.

On that note, don't forget about the race this weekend at Rainbow Ski Area. Talking with Clint, it sound like they are going for a real social event, that should be a lot of fun.

Scarpa Race Series Overall Points

Both Jane and Gena have a decisive lead in the overall series with one race to go, but remember-double points at the series final-the Marmot CraigieBurner on the 15th September, so its far from over! Noel and Duncan look set to duke it out for 2nd place on the 15th.
Olny your top 3 races will count towards the overall series.

Men’s Race Division
Ponits/Name
85 Gena Sibaev
44 Noel Oien
42 Duncan Sherratt
33 Alexis Poilvert
30 Geoff Small
30 Gregg Beisly
28 Will Page
25 Blair Leslie
22 Gary MacPherson
20 Nigel Lloyd
20 Steven Parker
19 Micheal Halseggar
18 Tim Ensor
18 Chris Erikson
18 Joe Wilson
17 Scott Cambell
16 Chris Slade
16 Eric Bunce
15Craig Martella
13 Matt McLoch
12 Graham Allen
8 John Lindsey
7 Greg Seatolt
6 Reese Doyle

Women's Race Division
90 Jane Harper
25 Kath Conlan
25 Jess Donaghue
22 Sally Schott
22 Melanie Powkev
20 Jo Prince
20 Cindy Hague
19 Tina Armstrong
19 Sonia Waters

Deuter Temple Basin Randonnee Rally

Another shocking day of strong wind and heavy rain was not enough to keep away 13 hard core ski mountaineering racer’s this past Saturday at the Deuter Temple Basin Randonnee Rally.
The course was again reduced to a shorter 300m version because of the weather. The Rec class did this once , with the Race class doing 2 laps. There were lots of transitions in the short race, that included 2 boot pack sections, a short uphill tussock climb, a creek crossing and a run along the trail from Temple lodge to Temple tow. The high light of the course was the steep boot pack up “Upper Leap In”.
The race was wide open after last years Rando Rally winner, Gary, opted out of the race at the last minute. Gena, Jane and Duncan charged out at the start and all arrived at the bottom of the first boot pack together. Gena’s speedy transition seen him break away from the lead group at this point. Duncan managed to hold off Noel for 2nd, while Noel made it in the top 3 for the second time in the series.
Jane had an easy win and defended her title after Kath pulled out, but only after Kath lost her skin, found her skin (and Reese’s!) and then stopped to assist fellow racer Tristan.
Huge thanks to the crew at Temple for making this happen! The marshals in the rain and wind did a stellar job!
Thanks to all the sponsors, especially Scarpa and Deuter for the great prizes.





















Results
Race Class
Male
1st Gena Sibaev 45min23sec
2nd Duncan Sherratt 57.50
3rd Noel Oien 59.34
4th Gregg Beisly 61.10
5th Alexis Poilvert 62.43
6th Tim Ensor 63.22
Will Page DNF
Chris Slade DNF
Tristan Bennett DNF
Gary MacPherson DNS
Craig Martella DNS
Female
1st Jane Harper 51.07
Kath Conlan DNF
Sally Schotts DNS
Rec Class
Male
1st Reese Doyle 37.12
Female
1st Gillian Ensor 42.09
Rainbow Ski Mountaineering Race!
Rainbow Ski Area is hosting a ski mountaineering race this Saturday (7th September). Its to raise funds for the Rainbow ski patrol and should be a really fun weekend. The course will apparently have a transceiver search in the middle of the race that will keep things interesting. Entry is $25 and all racers get a free lift ticket for the day!!
Word on the street is the ever growing and formidable AP ski mo team will be travelling north and possible even the MPP will be turning up.
http://www.skirainbow.co.nz/ for more info.

Help Wanted and Bring Your Crampons!!

RACE MARSHALS WANTED

This could be you!

We are in need of some willing people to help out this weekend at Temple and also on the 15th September at Crigieburn as race marshals.

This is a highly sort after position, so e-mail me asap if you want one of the best seats in the house to watch all the action. This is idea for those travelling to support a friend in the races.

If you are interested, you know any one that might be interested in helping out e-mail me at- grant@skimountaineering.org

CRAMPONS REQUIRED FOR RANDO RALLY

Make sure you pack your crampons for this weekend. Depending on the race day conditions we may make them required for the uphill boot pack up "Main Chute". If they are required and you don't have them, you will NOT be allowed to race!! No exceptions!

Deuter Temple Basin Randonnee Rally Update-Still on!!

Have had a few people ask about the Temple race and if it is still on or not? I can happily say it is all go for the 1st of September!!
The course has be changed a bit due to the snow conditions (and there is a good chance that it will change again in the next week), but I don't think people will be disappointed. The latest plan that I have hatched ( along with some help from some of the top racers!) will be the most fun and technical race so far this season.
A thin snow pack and tricky snow conditions are as much a part of ski mountaineering in NZ as anything, so don't be put of off by what you may have read or heard, this will be a great weekend.
If you are planning on coming up, I strongly recommend staying at least Friday night at Temple Basin (save having to walk 1hr the morning of the race!). Staying Saturday night and making the most of the back country skiing on Sunday would also be well worth it. Go to www.templebasin.co.nz/prices/overnight.htm for details.
Goods Lift Times-Friday-7-7:30pm. Saturday-7-7:30am
Race registration-8-9am
Pre Race meeting-9am Race Start-10am

The Race Division course will involve a lot of taking off and putting on of skis (3 times before the 1st down hill!) and will involve both uphill and downhill boot packs.

For both divisions, the final down hill will be broken into 2 sections by a boot pack along the "DownHill" walking track and a somewhat technical boot pack near the top of Temple Tow.

This will be a real test!! Not wanting to scare anyone off, but if entering, be sure you are confident with steep skinning, climbing both up and downhill with skis/board on your backpack and are a strong "off piste" skier/rider.

Ripper Results

Was a great race on Sunday, with Gena (who just had his 47th birthday today) running away with an easy win. Noel and Blair battled it out for 2nd and 3rd, with Noel leading until the final ski down.

Jane again won the female race class, with Jess and Melanie having a close race for 2nd and 3rd.

Congratulations to all who turned up, hope to see you all a the Temple Rando Rally on the 1st September!

Woman's Rec Class

Place Number Name hours/min

1 112 Mel Whitina 1.09

Male Rec Class

1 110 Scott Claridge 1.24

2 111 James Maher 1.25

Male Race Class

1 5 Gena Sibaev 1.26

2 35 Blair Leslie 1.38

3 30 Noel Oien 1.39

4 33 Steven Parker 1.54

5 37 Will Page 1.58

6 32 Joe Wilson 2.01

7 31 Scott Cambell 2.25

8 38 Chris Slade 2.36

Female Race Class

1 6 Jane Harper 1.29

2 39 Jess Donaghue 1.57

3 34 Melanie Powkev 1.59

4 3 Cindy Hague 2.04

5 36 Sonia Waters 2.34

40 Mike Donoghue 0.58 M Snow boarder on snow shoes, entered race class but did only one lap Race Class

Ripper Photos

A few shots from the race in the weekend. Was a really good race on Sunday with a good turn out despite the poor weather. Should have the results up in a day or 2.
All photos by Desmond Downs.

Peak Fuel Ripper Course Update

Hi all, this is going to be the new course for the race tomorrow.
1 is the Start/Finsih line, from there its connecting the numbers. The Rec divison will do this once, with the Race diviosn doing it twice. At the start of CP2 there will be a boot pack section. A call will be made in the morning on weather racers will be reqiured to wear crampons or not on this boot pack section.

PEAK FUEL RUAPEHU updated 7:10am 18/08/07

Morning all, unfortunately the weather is looking a little grim at Turoa today and Craig has made the call to POSTPONE the race until tomorrow. The strong winds, rain and poor visibility made the decision an easy one.
Good news is the weather is look a lot better for Sunday, so it will be all go tomorrow!
We hope that this does not effect to many people and you can all make it along tomorrow. I went over the course yesterday with Craig and it looks like it will be a fun one. It has been changed a bit from the original course because of the forecast weather and snow conditions, but will still have some fun skiing and a nice boot pack section in it. The Race division will do 2 laps (4 climbs) and the Rec division will do one lap(2 climbs). Total vertical climbing (and descent) will be around 400meters for Rec and 800m for Race. Its a little on the short side, but will feel a lot longer I am sure!
Any questions, shoot us an e-mail, other wise see you on the start line!

Peak Fuel Ruapehu Ripper

Only 5 days away now, stop 2 in the SCARPA race series-the Peak Fuel Ruapehu Ripper (the only race in the NI in this winters) is shaping up to be a good one!
Talking with Craig, it sound like things are all go for the full planned course if the weather plays ball, which it looks like it will.
There will be quite the turn out, with a lot of interest show from the NI "skinners", as well as a strong Arthur's Pass/Temple Basin crew travelling north for the race. Gena and Gary, who finished 2nd and 3rd at Ohau, along with Noel, who was looking good until taking a wrong turn in the white out at Oahu, will be there, as well as Jane, who won the female division 10 day's ago.
Look forward to seeing you ion the start line for this one!

LOST GLASSES?
We found a pair of glasses at Ohau last week on the 2nd climb, so shot us an e-mail if your missing a pair.

Black Diamond Ohau Backcountry Blast-Race Report

And they are off.......

This was the scene at the start line of the Blast this past Saturday. It was quit a sight seeing 40 people running up past the magic carpet at Ohau. After things thinned out a bit it was Gena who had the early lead and was first out of CP1 (Check Point 1), with Geoff close behind. The ski from CP1 to CP2 was trick to say the least in the white out conditions that came in about 5 min's after starting the race and that's were most people went a stray (funny how that worked out, it was by far the easiest and most dull part of the race if you could see were to go?). Geoff took the lead out of CP2 and was the first to reach Henry at CP3. By CP4 Geoff had a couple of minutes on Gena and had already started the final climb before Gena arrived. It was far from over as Gena managed to pull Geoff back in on the final climb and arrived at the final check point first. Unfortunately for Gena it wasn't enough and Geoff ran him down on the final ski to win by 1 minute.
While Geoff and Gena battled it out for first, Gary and Nigel did the same for 3rd, with Gary passing Nigel on the final climb for an impressive finish after having ankle surgery earlier this winter. Nigel-nice dress!

Jane quietly went about her business and spent most the race in "no mans land" winning the lady's race and taking 3rd over all! Kath and Sally finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Special mention needs to go out to Tina, who did come in last, but amazingly this was her first time on skin's!! Tina did the +/-950 meter vertical race in just over 3hrs, not bad for her first time skinning.

Big thanks to every one that made this event a success, look forward to seeing you at Turoa on the 18th of August!

Racers lining up for the start.

Gary, Gena and Geoff, top 3 males in race class.

Gena takes an early lead.

"Outdoor Cool"? maybe, best dressed, definitely!

Black Diamond Ohau Backcountry Blast-Results

Black Diamond Ohau Backcountry Blast
4th August 2007 Official Results
Men's Race Division
Place Name Bib Number Time
1 Geoff Small 29 1hr08min
2 Gena Sibaev 5 1hr09min
3 Gary MacPherson 12 1hr26min
4 Nigel Lloyd 2 1hr28min
5 Micheal Halseggar 27 1hr35min
6 Chris Erikson 9 1hr37min
7 Duncan Sherrattt 14 1hr41min
8 Eric Bunce 20 1hr42min
9 Craig Martella 7 1hr42min
10 Alexis Poilvert 8 1hr45min
11 Matt McLoch 24 1hr46min
12 Graham Allen 19 1hr49min
13 Tim Ensor 11 1hr49min
14 Gregg Belsby 18 2hr04min
15 Will Page 15 2hr 10min
16 John Lindsey 10 2hr12min
17 Greg Seatolt 22 2hr13min
18 Reese Doyle 17 2hr15min
Noel Oien 26 DNF
Tawny Wagstaff 25 DNF

Women's Race Division
1 Jane Harper 6 1hr18min
2 Kath Conlan 16 1hr36min
3 Sally Schott 4 1hr55min
4 Jo Prince 28 2hr40min
5 Tina Armstrong 21 3hr10min

Sorry, no times for Rec Division
Men's Rec Division
1 Ian Dee 107
2 Pete Graves 103
3 Mike Flatters 105

Women's Rec Division
1 Caroline Blakie 104
2 Gillian Ensor 106
3 Nicola Millar 109
4 Kate Hannaford 102
5 Jenny Beigtiton 108
DNF Tess Bunny 101

Black Diamond Back Country Blast Update

Just an update for every one.
Big change is we have moved the start time back. Please pass this on.
Friday 3rd August
-7:30pm-In TV lounge
Race briefing and registration for those at lodge
DVDs-2006 PDG and Gasherbrum II
Saturday 4th August
-8:30-9am-race registration in day lodge on hill
-9-9:20am-pre race meeting in day lodge
Gear check from 830-930am in day lodge
-10am Race Start
-1:30pm-cut off time for race
-5pm prize giving at lake Ohau lodge

Diving in to Ohau today things looked pretty good on the hill. They had 30cm up high a few days ago and are expecting a little more tonight. Fingers crossed we will be racing for powder on Saturday! Things are shaping up well for a great race.
Look forward to seeing you on the start line!

TRANSTIONS-As Easy As 1,2,3.....Putting On your Skins

Putting on skins is another area that one can make up, or loss for that matter, a lot of time in a ski mountaineering race or while racing our buddy's on a powder day.

Most of us will spend at least 5 minutes, if not 15 putting our skins on. Top races will do this in under 60 seconds!!

Just as there is when taking skins off, there are a few key things to remember - take your pole straps off and put poles in one hand (to keep it really simple, drop them on the snow) and have your top unzipped, ready to pull your skins out (remember they aren't in your pack).

The Perfect Fold Every Time

The other day we went over how to remove your skins in a fast and efficient manner that took only 10’s of seconds instead of 10 minutes. Now what to do with these furry, sticky thinks once they are off? The standard way of dealing with your skins is to stick them together by touching the tip and tails, then pressing together. This works fine most times. But what if its windy out, or you are in the heat of battle at one of the upcoming ski mountaineering races were a mis-fold could be costly? Clearly you need a fast and efficient folding technique to go with your flash new way of removing your skins.
I learnt this trick from friend Steve Romeo. Steve represented the US at the 3rd World Ski Mountaineering Champs in Italy in 2006, is a NZAC member and has made some very notable ski descents in the Teton mountains of Wyoming were he lives. Check out is web site-www.tetonat.com
I just use the centre fold of the skins as the start point, but if you want to make it even easier you can bust out a permanent marker and mark the centre line of your skins.
Damien Jackson is today’s model.

2008 World Ski Mountaineering Champs

Just got a e-mail from Yanick, one of the organisers, detailing the schedule of events for the 4th World Ski Mountaineering Championships to be help in Chablais-Portes du Soleil, Switzerland from February 23rd-1st March 2008.
The most interesting feature is the inclusion of a 2nd singles races. The standard 1600m vertical race is included, along with a longer 3000m vertical race. This bringing the total number of races to 5, in a week long event that will see the best ski mountaineering races in the world, including a team from NZ, doing battle.


Program for 4th Ski Mountaineering World Championship 2008
Chablais-Portes du Soleil, Switzerland
-Saturday 23rd of Feb. Team Welcome – Opening Ceremony
-Sunday 24th of Feb. Adult race: Individual Race (1650m vert)
Open Young (800m vert)
-Monday 25th of Feb Adult race: relay-race
Young race: relay-race
-Tuesday 26th of Feb Adult race: Team race (1950m vert)
Young race: Individual race (1250m vert)
-Wednesday 27th of Feb Day off
-Thursday 28th of Feb Adult race: Vertical race (880m vert, no down hill)
Young race: Vertical race (500m vert, no down hill)
-Friday 29th of Feb Adult race: Long distance Individual race (3000m vert)
Closing Ceremony with Gala dinner
-Saturday 01st March Team departure

If you want to see where it is, check out- www.champery.ch or www.portesdusoleil.com
The official web site of the 4th world champs is www.smwc2008.com although it won't be up and running until late August.

TRANSITIONS- As Easy As 1,2,3...Removing your skins

“There's more than one way to skin a cat” or in this case, de-skin a ski. The following is one such way and is more than anything a starting point for speeding up your transitions in a ski mountaineering race. This technique can be adapted to any situation (racing or a lazy day in the “slack country” for example) and in one form or another, to any type of gear - tele, fritsch/naxo or Dynafit binding.
A few key things to remember - as you come in to the transition point/summit, have your pole straps removed and poles in one hand (so you don’t get tangled up) and your shirt/jacket unzipped so you can stuff you skins easily. Whatever routine you adapt, make sure it is a routine and that you practice and perfect it. While most people will spend well over five minutes farting around folding skins, you should spend less than 20 seconds!
Jane Harper, winner of last years inaugural Temple Basin Randonnee Rally and the 2007 Asian Ski Mountaineering Champs takes us through today’s lesson.
Comments/ questions are welcome.