Rules & Equipment
Race rules
In order to prioritize the safety of all racers, please abide by the following rules:
- Racers must carry all required equipment for the duration of the race. See details below.
- Follow course markings. Athletes must follow the course markings closely in ascent and descent. The racers must go in the direction of the flags.
- Yield track to overtaking racers. Please make way for top racers and racers overtaking you. Racers may step off the track to make space to be overtaken if it is safe to do so.
- Skis must be carried on the backpack using two fastening straps. Straps must be designed for this purpose (skis cannot be carried in shoulder straps and must remain fastened to the back of the competitor). In case the skis come off, the racer must stop and reattach the skis.
- Competitors have to carry out the entire operation required for technique changes within the transition area. Transitions include taking off/putting on skins or crampons, packing/unpacking skins or crampons, fastening/unfastening skis to backpack, and fastening/unfastening boots. These actions should not take place anywhere outside of this area, even upon entering and/or directly after exiting the transition (“change”) area.
- Poles must be laid flat on the ground during transitions. The ski poles must be placed flat on the ground from the beginning until the end of the transition.
- Competitors may only have skins outside of race suits or backpacks during transitions. At all other times, they must pack their skins either to the inside of their ski suit or place them in their backpack.
- Racers must follow flags for mode of locomotion. Flags indicate mode by color: green = up with skins, yellow = up with boots, red = down with skins off and binding heels engaged.
- No littering, gear ditching, or gear caching. Please respect our race environment.
- No outside assistance. The only exception is in the case of exchanging broken equipment.
- Help others in distress or danger if it is safe to do so.
Not adhering to any of the above rules can result in a time penalty or disqualification.
Required Equipment
- Crampons (Shedhorn & Pronghorn races)
- Skis - Minimum length for women is 150cm; for men 160cm
- Boots - Toe and heel pieces must be the same brand.
- Poles
- Skins
- TZ 3 Antenna Digital Beacon - (must be turned on during the entire race, in a zippered pocket or manufacturer’s harness)
- Shovel - with a separate shaft/handle
- Probe - 240cm minimum length
- Helmet - MIPS recommended
- 2 bottom layers - must include at least one windbreaker outer layer in addition to lycra
- 3 top layers - must include at least one windbreaker outer layer in addition to lycra
- Gloves
- Sunglasses or goggles
- Backpack - must have two connection points for skis to be carried on boot packs
- Whistle
- Space blanket
- Valid ID