Winter 2013 will see ski mountaineering (SKIMO) racing being introduced to Scotland for the first time. Ski mountaineering racing is already a well established sport in the Alps and North America, but as yet, has not spread to the United Kingdom – until now.
Tomorrow, Sunday 23rd Dec, is the last day to register for the race at Lecht on 29th Dec, so click here to enter. Lecht 2090 is located in the very heart of the Eastern Cairngorms, situated at the top of the pass between Tomintoul and Strathdon. The infamous Lecht pass is notorious for being one of the most regularly snow blocked roads in the country and is one of the highest main roads in the UK. The Lecht 2090 is easily reached from Speyside and Aviemore, Donside and Aberdeen as well as Royal Deeside.
Ski mountaineering racing combines athletic skiing with mountaineering skills incorporating technical ascents and descents. There are different types of courses ranging from vertical sprints when racers skin uphill over a set distance, to courses that have short, steep sections which require the racers to put their skis on their backpacks; all combined with technical downhill sections. Competitors are supplied with an equipment list which must be carried over the distance. Competitors all start at the same time, and the fastest person to complete the course is the winner.
The Lecht 2090 provides winter snow sports for all levels of skiers and snowboarders but is especially good for beginners and intermediates. The Lecht 2090 has a total of 12 different lifts, including a 3-man chairlift and a magic carpet travellator.
Skimo racing is suitable for serious and non serious ski mountaineering enthusiasts. Skimo Scotland’s aim is to provide an introduction to the sport for those who haven’t raced before, without having to travel too far. The races are open to ski mountaineers, ski tourers, split boarders, boarders and telemark skiers – lyrca is not a prerequisite to enter, just enthusiasm for the sport.
RELATED LINKS
www.skimoscotland.co.uk