faqs updated 3/10/2008

Q. What kind of gear can I use?
A. For both the Race and Recreational Divisions, backcountry ski gear—telemark, alpine touring or splitboards. Nordic equipment, snowshoes are prohibited. Skins are required. The Competitive course will have long sections of steeper, mixed terrain up to a "Black Diamond" rated run in a resort which may include moguls, variable snow and other natural obstacles.

Q. What kind of gear is required?
A. Each competitor must have:

• a beacon operating in the 457mhz frequency.
• a commercially-made snow shovel.
• an avalanche probe of at least 190 centimeters. Probe poles are acceptable.
• safety straps or ski leashes as required in the ski areas.
• climbing skins.
• water and food as needed by the competitor.
• a helmet.
• a lightweight jacket.

This is considered a self-support race. This equipment must be carried by the racer throughout the entire race and be available for inspection the morning of the race.

Q. How much is the entry fee?
A. The entry fee covers the race, finish-line party and other goodies. The Race and Recreational Divisions are $60 each.

Q. What are the dates?
A. The mandatory pre-race meeting is Friday, March 14th at 6:00 p.m. at the SLC Black Diamond Store located at 2092 East 3900 South. ALL categories of the race will start from the same spot at the base of Alta at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 15th.

Q. How long will the race take?
A. Expected times are roughly 2 to 5 hours. If a competitor hasn’t started the Davenport Hill climb by 10:30 a.m., he/she will be asked to return to Alta base.

Q. What if it's a storm day?
A. The race will be held on a modified course.

Q. Where do I park my car?
A. If you drive to Alta you MUST park on the road. DO NOT PARK IN THE ALTA/GOLDMINTER'S PARKING LOT. Or you can take a UTA ski bus (see rideuta.com for a schedule).

Q. Do I have to buy a lift ticket to go through the resorts?
A. No, although the existing Skiers Responsibility Code will apply whenever you are within their boundaries. You will also be required to ski with leashes or ski brakes while in the ski areas. If you finish early & want to ski at Alta, we will offer discounted tickets to racers only the day of the event.

Q. How will I know where to go?
A. Each racer will be given a map, as well as a briefing at the pre-race meeting. The course will be marked by gates and flagging at crucial points as well as mandatory checkpoints. For a complete preview of both the Racing and Recreational Division courses, please check out course maps.

Q. What kind of avalanche hazards does the course have?
A. The course is generally well protected by either being in bounds at a resort, on a service road or on a ridge. There are two areas that have more exposure to avalanches that will determine if we use the contingency course or not. This call will be made the night before the race by the Snow Safety Director.

Q. What categories are there?
A. Awards will be given 1st through 3rd place in the following categories:

• Men's Racing (Telemark & Alpine Touring Categories)
• Women's Racing (Telemark & Alpine Touring Categories)
• Men's Recreational (Telemark & Alpine Touring Categories)
• Women's Recreational (Telemark & Alpine Touring Categories)

There are no teams or age groups.

Q. What elevations can I expect to travel through? What are the distances?
A. The race starts at 8,553', goes up to 10,619’ for both race and recreational categories (Overall vertical – Race: 5,514' / Rec: 3,811'). Both courses finish at 8,553’. The Racing Division course is 8.34 miles (13.4 km); the Recreational Division course is 5.73 miles (9.1 km).

Q. Will there be any aid or water stations?
A. We will have some water and supplies at the aid stations, but as mentioned before, this is considered a self-support race.

Q. Can I have outside help or pacers?
A. No. You must carry any food or water that you think you will need and must finish with all the gear you started with.

Q. If I'm coming from out of town, where can I stay?
A.

Lodging at Alta:

• Alta Peruvian Lodge. Call (801) 742-3000.
• Goldminer's Daughter. Call (801) 742-2300 and mention that you are with the PowderKeg race to receive special pricing.

Lodging at mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon—Marriott Residence Inn SLC Cottonwood, 6425 South 3000 East, SLC, UT 84121 (801) 453-0430

Lodging in Midvale:

• Best Western Executive Inn, 280 West 7200 So., Midvale, UT. Phone–(801) 566-4141
• Candlewood Suites, 6990 S. Park Centre Drive, Midvale, UT.
  Phone – (801) 567-0111
• Crystal Inn, 818 E. Winchester Street, Murray, UT.
  Phone – (801) 685-9300
• Days Inn, 7251 South 300 West, Midvale, UT.
  Phone – (801) 566-6677
• Homewood Suites, 844 E. North Union Avenue, Midvale, UT.
  Phone – (801) 561-5999
• Intown Suites, 151 West 7200 South, Midvale, UT.
  Phone – (801) 567-0312
• Motel 6, 7263 S. Catalpa, Midvale, UT.
  Phone – (801) 561-0058
• Studio 6 Suites, 975 East 6600 South, Midvale, UT.
  Phone – (801) 685-2102

Q. What if I need transportation from the airport to my hotel?
A. Contact Canyon Transportation @ (801) 255-1841 or get a Taxi at the airport. If you would prefer to rent a car the most popular and usually the most inexpensive car rental companies are:

• Dollar Rent A Car - www.dollarcar.com
• Thrifty Car Rental - www.thrifty.com
• Avis Rental Car - www.avis.com

Q. Where is the awards ceremony & post-race party?
A. There will be an awards ceremony/post-race party at the Goldminer's Daughter lodge at Alta beginning at Noon. It is free for all participants, and there will be a small fee for non-participants to attend.

Q. How do I register for the race?
A. You can register in person at the Black Diamond Store, 2092 East 3900 South, SLC, UT 801-278-0233 or you can register on-line. Registration closes on March 12th, 2008. If there is any space left after that date, we will accept late registrations from March 13-14 for an increased price ($85 for Race or Recreational Divisons).

relay faqs updated 2/15/2007

Q. What is a Relay race?
A. Relay races are short, fast paced events consisting of teams of four people. Each team member completes two uphill/downhill laps on a 450’ vertical course, then hands off a baton to the next team member in the designated transition area. All four team members must complete two consecutive laps. The first team to finish, wins. Relay races are part of the International Ski Mountaineering Council (ISMC) itinerary and are popular in Europe. The short course provides easy access to spectators.

Q. What constitutes a team?
A. Each team must have four people, one of which must be of a different gender.

Q. Are there different race catagories?
A.  There is a Race Division and a Recreational Division.

Q. What equipment is required?
A. Helmets for all racers. Ascents must be done with climbing skins. The downhill section will be through a series of speed control gates. Beacons, shovels, packs & probes are not required.

Q. Where is the race located?
A. The race will take place on the Alta Race hill, which is located in in-bounds at Alta Resort in the AlbionBasin area. The start of the race can be reached either by riding the Sunnyside lift (ticket required) or by walking/skinning up the Albion Basin road and traversing in from the side. Uphill traffic is not allowed on the main runs at Alta during business hours.

Q. Do I need to buy a lift ticket?
A. No. A single ride ticket is included in your entry fee.

Q.  How long does the event last?
A. Relay races last approximately 1 to 2.5 hours.

Q. Is there a time cut-off?
A. Yes, the race starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. to allow the results to be compiled, the awards ceremony and afternoon travel time. If teams are still going at the cut-off, they will be scored according to their places at the time.

Q. How difficult are the ascents and descents?
A. The ascent is up a gradual hill with two parallel skin tracks and is very moderate. The descent is down a groomed intermediate run with speed control gates. Relay races are fun events which are suitable for anyone with at least basic uphill/downhill skills.

Q. Are there any rules for passing?
A. Good sportsmanship is the guiding rule. On the ascents, skiers should yield way if an overtaking racer calls “track” from behind. On the descents, the Skiers Responsibility Code should be followed, with the overtaking skier avoiding skiers below them. In case of disputes, the PowderKeg Judges may assign penalty times.