All Things Ski Mountaineering – Skimo Racing in Frisco

The Town of Frisco and Summit Skimo Club are presenting an early winter instructional series to introduce folks to all things ski mountaineering (Skimo) racing. Briefly stated, ski mountaineering racing or Skimo is uphill/downhill ski racing. This instructional series starts on November 19 with a free introductory session and will continue on December 2, December 16 and January 27 at $15 each or $40 for the final three.

The series will culminate in a Skimo race at the Frisco Adventure Park on January 27. Newbie and beginner to expert racers are encouraged to participate in this instructional series, as there is sure to be something for everyone to learn and practice. Expert presenters and instruction will acquaint participants with the sport and prepare them to race in the final session of the series. ​

“Only in the last 5 years has ski mountaineering gained prominence in the United States so it is pretty new at this point and ripe for never evers to check out. And if you have been skinning at the ski area and wondered what it might be like to have lighter equipment and maybe even race, then this is the ideal place to dip your toe in and check out new advances in equipment and techniques. I see this as another unique way to experience our alpine culture and be part of a community. And this series is our way of inviting people to share in that,” Jon Lowe, President of Summit Skimo Club.

“I would encourage folks who are interested in uphill/downhill ski racing or who have already done some skinning to come check this series out. You don’t need to be a Lycra clad maniac to be a part of Skimo or to do a race. I think of races as chances to experience a really fun course that you would not have discovered otherwise. This series will give you some great information to make this sport easier at whatever level you want to participate,” Ram Mikulas, Vice President of Summit Skimo Club.

Series Schedule and Session Descriptions:

Thursday, November 19, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. – Free introductory session

This session will be held indoors and will introduce the series and the history and basics of Skimo. This session will include a primer on basic equipment and clothing, as well as race formats and rules. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and be ready to kick back, relax and learn. Free, light refreshments will be served. Participants do not need to sign up to attend this first free session. There will be an opportunity to sign up for the series at this session and let the organizers know if demo equipment is needed by individuals.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. 

Session 2 will be held both indoors and outdoors, and participants will need to have race equipment and wear appropriate clothing. There will be some demo equipment available for those who need it, and participants should arrive by 6:00 p.m. to be fitted into equipment. This session will cover race preparation, tactics and technique. The race preparation discussion will cover nutrition/fueling and ski tuning/waxing. The technique instruction will include a discussion on how to downhill ski on light skis and outdoor practice with transitions and kick turns.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. 

Session 3 will be held both indoors and outdoors, and participants will need to have race equipment and wear appropriate clothing. There will be some demo equipment available for those who need it, and participants should arrive by 6:00 p.m. to be fitted into equipment. This session will further cover techniques and racing, as well as team racing tactics. There will also be a via ferrata and ascender demo and information on upcoming Colorado Ski Mountaineering Cup and United States Ski Mountaineering races in Colorado. There will be time to practice skills outside as well.

Wednesday, January 27, 2015 onsite registration from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. and race start at 6:30 p.m. 

Session 4 is the final session and will give participants a chance to put their newly gained knowledge and technique into practice with a Skimo race. The race will be approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour long, and the race format is still to be determined. There will be some demo race equipment available for those who need it, and participants should arrive by 5:30 p.m. to be fitted into demo equipment.

The first session on November 19 is free. It is $40 to sign up for the final 3 sessions or $15 for individual sessions. Fees include a drink/beer ticket and raffle ticket at each session. All sessions will be held at the Frisco Adventure Park Day Lodge at 621 Recreation Way in Frisco. Registration is available online at FriscoRecreation.com, via phone at 970-668-2558 or in person 15 minutes prior to the session start time.

Summit Skimo Club was established in 2014 by a group of passionate Skimo friends as a grassroots non-profit. Summit Skimo club was built on a premise of growing the sport through youth and introducing, growing and supporting ski mountaineering racing in Summit County, Colorado and beyond. More information about Summit Skimo Club can be found at SummitSkimo.com.

~MTN Town Magazine – We are Colorado’s Mountain Town Magazine

Featured Image: John Lowe

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