Organizers and athletes involved with Marmot Basin’s upcoming Ski Mountaineering event want Jasper residents and visitors to ski more Ski Mo.
Alex Stieda has provided the main momentum for Marmot’s Revenge 2019, taking place this Saint Patrick’s Day weekend, March 16 and 17.
Although the sport is exploding in Europe and the U.S., Ski Mountaineering still has a low profile in Canada. Stidea wants to change that.
“I see the sport as almost the way mountain biking was in the 80s,” he said. “It’s still nascent and niche.”
It’s also highly dynamic, thoroughly aerobic and typically takes place in a beautiful, outdoor setting.
“I explain to people that Ski Mo is the triathlon of skiing.”
Although its roots are firmly embedded in backcountry skiing, Ski Mo is much more than ski touring with a stopwatch, Stieda said.
Competitors must hone their skills and stamina in three disciplines, he says: uphill skiing, bootpacking and downhill skiing.
The first discipline requires participants know how to kick-turn up steep switchbacks while ascending more than 1,500 metres over the course of an event; bootpacking, the second skill, is the most cardio-demanding of the triad, with the added challenge of quickly looping one’s skis on one’s back; while the third discipline, downhill, can be deceptively difficult for the changing ski environment. Participants must navigate often steep, variable terrain containing snow conditions ranging from deep powder to icy moguls and everything in between.
“It’s being proficient at the combination of everything which can give you the efficiency,” said Stieda, a former pro cyclist and no slouch when it comes to turning up the wattage in a workout.
Marmot’s Revenge organizers are trying hard to recruit new members to the Ski Mo family. To appeal to local amateurs who may be considering dipping their toes into the sport, not only is there the option to race on a shorter, less-lung-busting course to taper the learning curve, but the race will also follow a unique handicapping format, wherein age, gender and weight of racers’ equipment will be accounted for.
“It’s a way to level the playing field,” Stieda said.
Stieda says ski mountaineering is attracting athletes from a variety of different backgrounds. “We see cross country skiers and ski tourers, of course, but also trail runners and mountain bikers. [Ski Mountaineering] is a good way to change up the game, or maybe challenge a buddy.”
Four different races will take place over the Saturday-Sunday. The second day’s “vertical” event will not include any downhill skiing.
“It’s a climb only,” Stieda said.
No matter which course racers gravitate towards, Marmot Basin will be ground zero for a serious cardio clinic.
“It’s fun to see these athletes giving everything they have and getting that feeling of accomplishment at the finish,” he said. “I enjoy watching that.”
The best vantage point to take in Marmot’s Revenge may be that of a volunteer’s. The event is still looking for a few helping hands. For more information about volunteering or registering, find Stieda by email at https://alex@stiedacycling.com or check out www.skimocanada.org and look for Marmot’s Revenge.
Bob Covey // https://bob@thejasperlocal.com
