Shasta Ascension Backcountry Race

Registration:

• Open 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM the day of the event.
• Entrance fee is $40
• Divisions for men and women:
  • 15 & under (Junior Course)
  • 16-18 years (Junior Course)
  • 19-29 years
  • 30-39 years
  • 40-49 years
  • 50-59 years
  • 60 years and older
  • Splitboarders all ages

Mandatory gear: Racers must carry the following equipment throughout the race.

• Randonee, telemark, or splitboard
• Climbing skins
• Avalanche beacon
• Avalanche probe
• Snow shovel
• Backpack

Recommended gear:

• Water/food
• Wind-proof jacket or shell

Volunteering

If you are interested in volunteering for the events, please contact us at hanne.meyers@fmsac.org or casey.glaubman@fmsac.org

Race Rules

• Registration is between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM.
• Waivers must be signed by all racers at registration
• Race starts at 10:00 AM
• NO late starts. All racers must be in the starting arena prior to 10:00 AM
• Participants should follow the course as close as possible
• The participants must use climbing skins for ascending, except in designated boot pack sections.
• Passing is allowed in all areas, safety first.
• Any competitor who is caught up to must immediately yield the trail to the faster participant.
• All racers are obligated to come to the aid of a person in danger.
• Check Points (transitions to or from skinning or skiing) will be marked with flags or banners, and will have a course marshal present.
• At each checkpoint, participants must shout their bib number to the Course Marshal and confirm that Course Marshal replies with your correct number.
• The Race Director reserves the right to modify the event and race course at any time for safety reasons.
• In case of withdrawal during the event, the competitor must notify a Race Marshal (via the closest checkpoint) by any means and in the shortest time possible.
• The Organizers reserve the right to force a competitor to withdraw for health or safety reasons.

Other Activities

The Fifth Season will be sponsoring a backcountry ski demo day. Leading companies representing backcountry ski gear are invited to attend. Demo the very best in ski mountaineering/randonee gear available on the market today for no charge (valid driver’s license and credit card required).

Annual Snow Ball

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, we have canceled the in-person portion of the Snow Ball for the 2021/2022 season. We're hoping to bring it back bigger and better than ever next season! In the meantime, please check out our Virtual Silent Auction for lots of great items and ways to support the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center.

All racers will start at the base area, out in front of Ray's Place. The race will start with a grueling, skins-on ascent to the top of Douglas Butte, where a transition awaits the racers as they prepare to descend North Saddle. At the bottom of North Saddle they'll hang a hard right and head out the Coyote Cat-Track up into Coyote Gully. A second ascent to the Grey Butte Cabin sees the racers hit the course's high point, where a swift transition precedes a mad dash down the off-piste Coyote Gully. From the base of Coyote Gully, racers will throw their skis on their back for a bootpack to the top of Coyote Butte. Those that survive will make their final transition before a madcap descent takes the racers back to the base area and Finish Line. To be greeted by throngs of adoring spectators.

All told the course climbs about 2500 vertical feet. Along the way the course is marked with Ascension Flags.

This season's new Junior Course follows the same route but omits the ascent to and ski back from the Grey Butte Cabin. Junior Racers will climb Douglas Butte, descend North Saddle, go out the Coyote Cat-Track, up the Coyote Gully Bootpack, then descend back to the Base Area and Finish Line. Also to be greeted by adoring fans. The Junior Race climbs approximately 1500 vertical feet.