Backcountry Ruckus

A grass-roots backcountry festival is happening in Nelson, BC in February complete with clinics, demos, Tele Races, Randonee Rally, slide shows, movies, parties and lots deep powder skiing. I'm not working for anyone, I'm just trying to get the word out about this cool event in my backyard.

I'm racing in the Randonee Rally, and would like to see a big turnout for the race. I think events like this are the future of ski mountaineering racing. The sport is all about getting the backcountry community together, and why not have a big party while we're at it.

The list of pros giving the clinics is pretty impressive. Steep Skiing with Eric Pehota, Andrew McLean, and Maegan Carney. Touring clinics are led by the likes of Greg Hill, Pete Swenson and Martin Volken, while the freeheel crew will be represented by Nils Larsen, Naheed Henderson and lots of others.

If anyone is interested in trying their first Ski Mountaineering Race there is good information on this website: http://www.ussma.org/, or email me at scoldiron@spokanefire.org with questions.

Let's get out and support this festival! Their website is: http://www.mountaingear.com/coldsmoke/Festival.aspx

A good excuse for a road trip up north.

Hey altasnob, If you are thinking about coming, flights are cheap from SLC to
Spokane. Lots of decent backcountry around here, but Nelson is by far the best. Might even make an Alta local happy.

I have couch space and cold beer for fellow rando racers willing to make the trip.

Altasnob - there's a similar event at Crystal in March

http://www.orgear.com/home/page/home/vertfest

This is happening Feb 23rd to 25th.

niiiiiiiccce.

Dang that would be just what I needed to get started...

There is actually a lot going on for backcountry snowboarders, too if that's your poison. I think they'll have splitboard demo's and boardin' tours and clinics.

I've registered, checked out the video tutorials at http://www.ussma.org/, and now this racing JONG is ready to give'er.

Just two questions:

1) Is all that Spandex really necessary?

2) Why does everyone want to kill Guido?