The Heathen Challenge

The Heathen 2027
A Colorado skimo tradition steps onto the national stage.

Colorado’s longest continuously running ski mountaineering race returns to Sunlight Mountain Resort in 2027. Presented by Strafe Outerwear, Cripple Creek Backcountry, and Sunlight Mountain Resort, The Heathen is built around the roots of the sport: demanding climbs, technical transitions, hard-earned descents, and a community that knows the best days rarely come easy.

This year, The Heathen has been selected as a sanctioned National Cup race and will be part of the USA Skimo 2026/27 National Cup calendar. National-level competition is coming to Sunlight, but the heart of the event remains the same: move through the mountains, test your limits, and share the course with people who understand that suffering can be its own kind of celebration.

Seasoned racer or first-time competitor, there is a place for you at The Heathen. Just be ready to earn it.

Registration closes at 4 p.m. on Friday, February 5.

Elite Race
Approximately 11 miles with 5,500 feet of elevation gain

Built for experienced racers and committed backcountry athletes, the Elite course delivers an unforgiving mix of skinning, skiing, bootpacking, and rapid transitions. It will test your endurance, efficiency, judgment, and resolve from the opening climb to the final descent.

The mountain will ask plenty of questions. Your legs will have to answer them.

Recreational Race
Approximately 6 miles with 2,000 feet of elevation gain

The Rec division is an ideal entry into skimo racing and a worthy challenge for any mountain athlete. The course may be shorter, but it still demands strong climbing, confident skiing, efficient transitions, and enough determination to keep moving when the easy choice would be to stop.

This is no casual tour. It is The Heathen.

Course Information
The Heathen is known for maximizing backcountry-style skiing and skinning across Sunlight’s terrain. Course maps offer a general picture of what to expect, but all routes are subject to change based on snow, weather, operational needs, and safety considerations. Final mileage and vertical gain may vary.

Bib Pickup
Will be announced closer to the race

Race Rules and Safety
The race director may delay the start, modify the course, or cancel the race because of snow, weather, or safety conditions.
Racers must follow all directions from race staff, course marshals, and Sunlight Mountain Resort employees.
The race takes place within an operating ski area. Racers must yield to resort guests at all times. Failure to do so will result in immediate disqualification.
On uphill sections, racers must remain in the established skin track or within five feet of the course markings.
On downhill sections, racers must remain within 30 feet of the course markings.
All transitions must take place within 20 feet of the designated transition point.
Racers must submit to equipment checks when requested, including before the race or at the finish.
Every racer, regardless of category, must use a ski-retention device such as brakes or leashes.
Lightweight Nordic equipment is not permitted in either division.
Helmets must be worn for the entire race. Bike, ski, climbing, and ski-mountaineering-specific helmets are permitted.
Any racer who withdraws must report to a course marshal or the finish area. Failure to check in may trigger a search.
Racers must be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather, including snow, high winds, and extreme cold.

Come race for National Cup points. Come chase a personal best. Come find the edge of what you thought you could do.

The Heathen is waiting. Register now and meet it on the mountain in 2027.