Top Bird Cam
This view is from the top of the Blue Bird Quad, elevation 7640′. View rotates automatically. Click image for larger view.
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USSMA Northwest Passage Ski Mountaineering Race
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December 16, 2016 @ 4:00 pm - December 17, 2016 @ 11:00 am
Event Navigation
This two-day event features uphill climbs and downhill sprints and tests both ability and stamina for burly mountaineers from all over the country.
Friday, December 16 – Vertical Race
On Friday, racers will compete in the 520 meter ‘Vertical Race’ which starts at 4:00 pm at the base of 45th Parallel and finishes at the top of Engen. This is an ideal race for less-experienced mountaineers to participate in, as it takes place within the boundaries of the ski area where risks are minimized. Friday’s event is $10 for youth and $15 for racers age 18 and over.
Saturday, December 17- Individual Race
On Saturday, December 17, competitors will strike out at 7:30 am to tackle the ambitious “Individual Race” course. For elite racers, this uphill/downhill 12.9 mile course includes six climbs covering a total of 6400’ vertical.
Recreational racers will tackle a 7.3 mile route with four climbs and 3860’ of elevation gain.
Both courses begin at the base of Brundage Mountain with an uphill climb to the Lakeview Bowl area which will be the site of the first transition to downhill skiing. From there, competitors will climb back out of Lakeview area and leave the ski area boundary en route to the summit of Sargents Mountain. There, racers will complete additional climbs and descents in the Sargents bowl before finishing at the base of Hidden Valley.
Saturday’s Race Route – Front side Routes – Lakeview Area
The Northwest Passage race, named after the 1940 motion picture filmed in McCall, features sweeping views of Idaho’s Salmon river mountains, Seven Devils mountains, and Oregon’s Wallowas. Headlamps, avalanche gear, approved ski or climbing helmet, and adequate harsh weather gear are required. Registration for Saturday’s event is $75.
Learn more about the USSMA Races
Then, join us downtown Saturday night at the Backcountry Film Festival for a post race BBQ and awards ceremony. The Northwest Passage will be partnering with the McCall Winter Sports Club and the Winter Wildlands Alliance for this fun celebration of backcountry winter sports.
It runs from 5-8 pm at the McCall Airport – admission is $10. Learn more.
