The White Thunder Skimo Classic

The White Thunder Skimo classic is a two-day skimo race, January 16th & 17th, at Maverick Mountain in Polaris, MT.

Big Sky Skimo in partnership with Maverick Mountain is excited to be back for the 2nd annual White Thunder Skimo Classic

First things first, as with most skimo races, there is mandatory gear required.  Please read through the list and make sure you have it all.  The vertical race on Friday does not require all the gear that the individual on Saturday does. Here goes:

Vertical:

·         Skis/Splitboard w/ touring bindings (no snowshoes or approach skis)
·         Poles
·         Climbing skins
·         Helmet
          Headlamp

Short & Long Course:

·         Skis/Splitboard w/ touring bindings (no snowshoes or approach skis)
                      - Skimo minimum ski length 150cm-women, 160cm-men.
·         Poles
·         Climbing skins
·         Helmet
·         Gloves
·         Headlamp
          Backpack (with ski/board carrying attachment)
·         3 layers up
·         2 layers down

Ski Maverick has been awesome to work with and we are stoked that they have opened up their ski area to this event.  Remember, the ski area is operating during the end of the race so we need to be respectful of everyone out there.  As for the schedule of events, here it is.

Friday 

3:00-4:40pm - Day of sign up & bib pickup – Main lodge at Maverick Ski Area

4:50pm – Quick race chat about uphill course and downhill return procedures

5:00pm Start – Vertical Race Sprint (~1600’ vert)

6:00pm - BBQ and live music at the lodge

7:30pm – Virtual race meeting, stay tuned for link to zoom.

Saturday

6:00-7:30am - Registration & bib pickup – Main lodge at Maverick Ski Area

7:50am - Short prerace meeting at the starting line

8:00am (***updated***) – Start – Long Course 

8:00am (***updated***) – Start – Short Course

10:00am – Time cutoff (long course) for starting the 3rd climb.

1:00pm – Awards - up by the firepit

Courses & Marking:

As for the racecourse, please see the race maps in the images below.  Both courses will include skinning, boot packing, and skiing.  Course conditions should be soft snow with groomed and packed in places.  Skin tracks and boot packs will be set the day before and morning of the race. Following with traditional skimo rules, the following color flagging will be used.

·         Green – Skinning with skins on your skis or board
·         Yellow – Boot packing with skis or board attached to your backpack
·         Red – Skiing with skis or boards and boots attached to bindings

The forecast is looking pretty good with a chance of some fresh snow. Lows will be in the single digits Friday night into Saturday with highs in the mid to upper teens. You can check out a point forecast for Maverick Mountain here. Please plan accordingly, bring water and snacks. We will have a gnarly, hot cocoa, and water at the bottom of the mountain.

Lodging & Camping

There are still some rooms available at the Grasshopper in which is located near the ski area. Otherwise, there are some Aribnb's as well as lodging in Dillon.  It is about a 45 minute drive from Dillon as you plan your day.  Maverick has opened up their lot to camping for the race.  Please see the image below for where to park your camper. (the red circle)

Volunteers:

Maybe racing isn’t your thing but you want to come and check it out or your partner or friend is into this sort of thing.  We are still looking for a few volunteers on course.  You will be able to spend the day outdoors, cheer folks on, and you’ll get a free lift ticket so that you can shred the slopes after the race.  If this interests you, please reach out. Send us an email matt@bigskyskimo.com and we can get you setup.

Ski Time:

After the race, stick around and ski Maverick.  You will be able to pick up a lift ticket after the race for some affordable fun skiing.  Also, food will be available for purchase inside the lodge and they will have some cinnamon rolls and biscuits and gravy!