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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. This is new for
2008! 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: A dedicated probe pole
is very strongly recommended.
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 oragnizers 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, screws to replace
binding, 2' of duct tape, 2' of baling wire, and 2'
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.
Sleeping Bag: Rated to -10F° (negative-10
degrees Farenheit) .
Down jacket and 200wt fleece pants can substitute at
judges discretion.
Extra Clothing (minimum required): Base layer
(top and bottom), socks, wind shell (top and bottom)
and warm hat. The key word is "extra" and means clothing
that you do not start the race with.
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 or 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. Racers
must also carry either water purification tablets or
a filter. 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 32
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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