Course

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Course

The course traverses a historic and complicated landscape. If you are from Santa Fe, you are well aware that the plaza is a contested space and that the Santa Fe Ski Area special use permit is contentious, limited, and the lifeblood of snow sports in the high desert. We’ve seen bear, lion, big horn sheep, elk, deer, bobcat, and the much loathed domestic vaca on the course. The Pueblo of Tesuque is engaged in ongoing negotiations with the United States Forest Service about how the later does or does not adequately steward the land. To that end, I like to provide everyone with opportunity to learn more about the race route, should you be curious or need something other than your labored breathing to think about during the climb.

https://www.hcn.org/issues/53/1637

https://www.hcn.org/issues/58/1815

https://www.hcn.org/issues/48.8/whos-cutting-illegal-ski-trails-in-the-santa-fe-national-forest

(The event has no affiliation with High Country News)

Start: We start with a lap around the Plaza and then head up Washington Ave to Artists Road/Hyde Park Road, make a right and head to the hills! The course WILL NOT be marshaled at the intersections, so please be aware of traffic. Hyde Park Road will not be closed, although we expect that traffic will be very, very light.

Transition: When you arrive at Ski Santa Fe, head to the employee lot. Your gear and our welcoming committee will be there to guide you. The red marker below is approximately where the transition will be.

Snow: Conditions can be variable. Below is a suggested best route to the summit. On race day, we will share a map of a lightly marked up track.

Mandatory Gear

This is not a fitness test. This is an exercise in having your shit dialed and positive attitude. Prepare for this as you would for a day alone out in the mountains. You of course won’t be alone, but part of the magic of the day is everyone has their own journey from plaza to peak. Over the years that has included many things, some of which we can recommend, some of which we can’t. At a minimum, we require:

Runners: shoes, sun protection, water system, snack system

Bikers: bike, helmet, kit, water system, snack system

Everyone: touring skis or split board (or snowshoes if you really must) with skins, poles, and boots, helmet, eye protection

THE COURSE IS UNSUPPORTED FROM THE PLAZA TO THE SKI AREA PARKING LOT

Race Day Schedule

Check In @ Mello Vello from 7:00-8:45 AM

Runner Start from Plaza @ 7:30 AM

Mandatory pre-race meeting @ 8:55 @ The Plaza AM

Race start from the Plaza @ 9 AM sharp

Tailgate starts around 11 in the Ski Santa Fe parking lot

Shuttle down to Mello Vello around 4 PM

No cutoffs, we will wait for you!

Logistical FAQS

THE ISSUE IS, IT'S NOT COMPLICATED. BUT:

1) How do I get my skis to the top of the mountain? At check in, we will tag all your gear and a drop bag with your bib number, put it in a truck and it will be waiting for you at the top!

2) How do I get back down at the end of the day? Usually, there are enough cars to get people and gear back down at the end of the day. Some bikers chose to bike down when they are ready to go or to arrange with other competitors to drop a car at the ski basin prior to the start of the race and carpool down. You won’t be left on the mountain top, but we strongly recommend organizing a ride down ahead of time.

3) Where do I park? If you are parking in Santa Fe, your best option will to drop your car at Ft. Marcy or in the Sandoval Street Garage. THERE WILL NOT BE PARKING AVAILABLE AT MELLO VELLO.

4) But what about the snacks? We will have a full tailgate spread waiting for you at the ski basin!

5) What if I do not complete the journey? Please contact the race director via text, call, or emails as soon as possible so we don’t send out the cavalry.

Please email madeleine.carey@gmail.com with other questions!