nordic ski tour: coureur de bois (co/wy) - March 18, 2011

Cross-country skiing. The Steamboat Springs (CO) Nordic Council sponsors the 7th Annual North Routt Coureur de Bois ("woods runner"). It is named after 17th century French Canadian traders. The 45 k marathon (27 mi.) and 90 K ultramarathon (55 mi.) ski tour/race (classic/ skate) starts at historic Hahn's Peak Village, Colorado. The course traverses through the Routt and Medicine Bow National Forest and is groomed by a diehard crew for the day of the race only. The event usually offers a chance to line up with Olympic medalists Johnny Spillane and Todd Lodwick. Strong intermediate to advanced cross-country skiers with knowledge of competitive glide waxing techniques essential. Please no tele or AT ski gear. Cowboys/ girls hand out provisions (complete with Charlie Daniels Band music) at one of the aid station on the 45 k lower loop. The 90 k loop extends across the Wyoming border and back. Word has it that the aid stations become even more curious on the 90 k upper loop through 'Whisky Park', and the 'Good Times Feed and Espresso Bar' aid station on the Continental Divide trail (double shot espresso?) before the long descent to Steamboat Lake (non-WMC event). Alternate activities include gentle ski touring on Rabbit Ears Pass or a visit to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Reasonable room rates are available in downtown Steamboat. The Old Town Pub provides good buffalo burgers and microbrew. The driving distance via U.S. 40/ Vernal is the same as for Jackson Hole. MSD to EXT due to distance. Please contact organizer by MARCH 5th to register (www.steamboatxcski.org).

Level:MSD
Route:Loop
Pace:Fast
Organizer:Michael Berry
Phone:801-583-4721
Date:Fri Mar 18 2011 — Sun Mar 20 2011
Meeting Place:Registration required