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| 12th Annual |
| Elk Mountains Grand Traverse |
| Crested Butte to Aspen |
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| Updates in bold red, effective
1/23/08. |
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The Elk Mountains Grand Traverse is a backcountry ski
race with very limited support. The equipment you carry
into the backcountry is crucial. Each team is
required to be independently prepared for a 24-hour
bivouac. Due to the length of this course, the
varying conditions and the number of racers, all
participants must understand and be prepared to be
self-supporting in any and all situations.
With this in mind, the race has a Mandatory Equipment List. We will check
this equipment in detail during the registration
process on Friday morning. Over the years, this
Mandatory Gear Check has evolved, and we hope that it
will continue to become more and more efficient and
more and more accurate. In order to do this, we need
the understanding and cooperation of the participants.
The process will take about two and a half hours. The
better prepared you are, the more quickly the process
will be finished. Here’s how it will work this
year:
Immediately following the Pre-Race Meeting,
equipment inspection/judging will begin. We will judge teams in order of
when you show up to registration. First
come-first judged; you will get a number after you
register. Spaces will be assigned to
each team and the judges will move from space to space.
At registration you will receive specific instructions
and a diagram on how to set up your equipment in your
space. All your gear will need to be visible to the
judges when they arrive at your assigned space. In
other words, your gear will need to be unpacked! This
will greatly speed the inspection/judging process. If
you are not fully prepared when the judges arrive, the
judges will move to the next team in line and return at
the end of the process.
Judges decisions are final! If our
judges consider you or your teammates gear to be
inadequate you will not be allowed to race. This
year’s Mandatory Equipment
List is as specific as possible, but there will
inevitably be subjective judgments on our part. We ask
that you respect these judges and understand that it is
your safety and the safety of our volunteers on the
course that is paramount.What we ask you to pack isn't
necessarily all you have to bring. Be smart
and backcountry-wise!
If you have items that you are “not sure
about” and want to have them pre-judged,
there will be a station at the registration table
(before the gear check) for specific questions about
specific gear. Before you arrive you can also submit
questions via email to lisac@alpineer.com. (No phone calls,
please.)
You are required to have all of your mandatory
equipment at the gear check. This includes your skis
and poles.
Your water containers do not need to be full, but you
must have them. You should bring your food. If you show
it to the judges in the morning you won’t be
required to show it at the final check before the race.
This will save you time and effort. Ski boots are not
required.
Teams with missing equipment will be required to
complete a second gear check at 10:30 p.m. during the
random pre-race gear check at the starting line. Under
no circumstances will any racers be allowed on the
course without all of the items on the minimum required
equipment list.
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IMPORTANT MESSAGE! NO EVACUATIONS WILL BE
PROVIDED FOR RACERS WITH BROKEN EQUIPMENT. NO OUTSIDE
SUPPORT IS ALLOWED. This is a self-supported race.
You will be disqualified if you accept outside support.
If you lose your equipment, you cannot rely on other
racers or organizers and volunteers to find it. You must
find it yourself, or quit the race.
This list is a mandatory gear list. It's broken down
between individual and team/shared requirements. |
Individual Equipment
Avalanche Beacon:Avalanche beacons must be worn
and on at ALL times! Beacons must be on the 457kHz
frequency. A beacon check will occur at final check-in
(just before the start) and randomly on the course.
Avalanche Shovel: Minimum blade size of 9” x
9”. Shovel must have a handle.
Avalanche Probe Pole:This is a dedicated probe,
not your ski poles!
Skis: Skis ONLY! Skis of any type can be used.
You must finish with the gear that you start with.
Boots: Blisters are the primary reason racers
can’t finish.
Poles: Removable baskets are required.
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Note: Due to the extreme nature of the
route and the certainty of variable spring conditions
you'll encounter, the race organizers strongly
recommend the use of a sturdy ski with at least a 3/4
metal edge. Boots and bindings designed for ungroomed
backcountry terrain is absolutely necessary. This is
NOT a Nordic race!!!!
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NO EVACUATIONS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR RACERS
WITH BROKEN EQUIPMENT. And no outside support is allowed.
This is a self-supported race. You will be disqualified
if you accept outside support. If you loose your
equipment, you must not rely on other racers or
organizers to find it. Find it yourself or quit the
race. |
Skins: Good quality climbing skins, cut to fit
your skis.
Ski Leashes: Required to descend Aspen Mountain
to the finish line.
Equipment Repair Kit (minimum required): Spare
pole basket, spare binding that matches the ones on your
skis, screwdriver/posidriver, and screws to replace
binding, 2' of duct tape, 3' of baling wire, and 3' of
parachute cord. You may share a compatible spare
binding with your teammate.
Sleeping Pad: Minimum 20" x 48" x 1/2".
Pad must be closed cell foam. Yoga mats
are not acceptable. **Thermarests may be used if you also
carry a Thermarest repair kit.**
Sleeping Bag: Rated to 0F°. Down jacket and
200wt fleece pants can substituted at judges
discretion.
Extra Clothing (minimum required): Base layer
(top and bottom), socks, and warm hat. The key word is
"extra"! If you fall in the river you need something to
put on that's DRY!
Bivy Sack: A two-person bivy can be shared
between teammates. Individual, high-quality Mylar "space
bags" (not blankets) can be substituted for bivy sacks at
the judge's discretion (based on the rest of your warmth
strategy).
Headlamp: Spare batteries and lamp are required.
Eye and skin protection: Sunglasses AND goggles
required. Sunscreen required.
Water and Food: Racers must carry ample food and
water for 24 hours. 100-oz minimum water. Aid stations
will have limited food supplies that should be
supplemental only! But do not rely on aid stations for
water! Again, this is a backcountry race with
limited support and you are to be prepared for a 24-hour
bivouac.
Shared Equipment
Basic First Aid Kit: You must carry a substantial
first aid kit. It must include 6 steri-strips, triangular
bandages with pin, two 4x4 gauze pads, surgical ABD or
sanitary napkins (or some means to manage heavy
bleeding), and any prescription meds you may require.
Blister Kit: In addition to your first aid kit
you must have a significant blister kit with at least two
sheets of mole skin, medical tape, and alcohol swabs.
Stove: A commercial quality stove is required.
You will be required to demonstrate its ability to melt
snow.
Cooking Container: A quality container for
melting snow into drinking water. It must hold at least
20 oz of water.
Fuel and ignition: A full fuel container, or six
solid fuel blocks. Matches and/or lighter to start stove
and fire.
Navigation: You must carry a map of the course
and a compass. Topo maps can be ordered online from The Alpineer
COSAR Hiking Permit: Available at registration.
REMEMBER, NO EVACUATIONS WILL BE PROVIDED
FOR RACERS WITH BROKEN EQUIPMENT. |
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