Vertfest

Saturday, February 15th 2025
presented in partnership with:
Alpental, Summit of Snoqualmie

Overview

Vertfest 2024 will continue the tradition of a mass shotgun start, steep bootpacks, challenging skinning, and probably intense skiing down Upper International, and a killer après party! For those who a single ascent and descent isn't enough, we are back to having our second Pro loop this year entering the Alpental backcountry.

The Rookie Rally is back! This Vertical only event is a 1,700’ race to the top of Armstrong. Starting right after the main event, Rookie Rally Racers will be timed only on the ascent. After finishing, racers can enjoy their turns to the bottom and go through the Finish Chute.

As part of the winter celebration, don't be afraid to have some fun! While skimo racing is fun, doing it in costume is even more fun. We always reserve a fantastic prize package for whoever races in the best costume (as voted on by the crowd), so bring out your best.

SnowGoat is happy to bring the most epic winter post race party back this year too. Stay after the race for the beer garden, music, vendor village, gear raffle, and lots of fun.

We need volunteers too! There are many crucial roles we need help at. Volunteers earn a free race entry, tshirt, and a Summit of Snoqualmie lift ticket you can use anytime in the future. Sign up here.

course

This race is held on the traditional homelands of the sdukʷalbixʷ (Snoqualmie), Stó:lō (Coast Salish) and Tulalip tribes. We encourage you to learn more about these tribes, their land, and their history, and pay proper respect as we travel through the snow and trees.

USA Skimo-Sanctioned Event

This year, both Vertfest and Wy’easter will be USA Skimo-sanctioned events, adhering to the standards and rules set by USA Skimo and the ISMF, ensuring a competitive and high-quality experience for all participants. For racers looking to gain points, here’s what you can expect:

Standardized Race Format & Rules: USA Skimo provides race directors and local organizing committees with clear guidelines to deliver a consistent experience across all sanctioned races.

Short Race (One Loop)

The race will start directly in front of the lodges and ascend under Chair 1 climbers left. It will circle around loading for Chair 2 and go through a series of two bootpacks up under Chair 2. Finally, it tops out at the top of Chair 2 before you switch to the descent. Ski through the Summit Gate down International and through Snakedance back to Sessel and the finish.

Long Race (Two Loops)

The first lap is the same as the Recreation lap. For lap two, Race distance participants will transition to skinning next to the finish and then head out the Gala Gate outside the resort boundary. Racers will be following the resort boundary up, cliffs to your right and ski boundary on your left. The loop will top out at Knoll 1, where you’ll be treated to some Oreos and meat treats before you ski down to rejoin the Rec Lap descent.

You can find a gpx of the course from 2018 on caltopo.

Vertical Only (Rookie Rally)

Rookie Rally Racers will start right along with the rest of the group. You’ll follow their tracks up, following right underneath Armstrong the entire time. The primary challenge will be the steep Strawberry Hill, where you will have the choice to continue on with skis on your feet (we often recommend ski crampons too!) or choose the bootpack to the side. Ending after 1,700’ of climbing, Rookie Rally Racers can enjoy a fun and leisurely ski back down a groomed blue run through the Finish Chute. Rookie Rally is designed for those who don’t like the downhill racing portion or want to test the sport but aren’t ready for the full sufferfest.
No beacon, shovel, or probe is required but all other safety requirements still pertain.

Schedule

Required Gear

-Beacon, shovel, and probe
-Helmet must be worn the entire race (skimo, skiing, or climbing helmets allowed. Bike helmets allowed only for Rec)
-Since this is a USA Skimo-sanctioned event, all USA Ski members agree to abide by ISMF gear regulations. Notably, dual climbing/skiing helmets and brakes are required.
-Pack that can carry skis
-Windproof upper body layer
-Water bladder or bottle
-Skis or snowboard with metal edges and retention system, minimum length 160cm for men, 150cm for women for skis.
-Climbing skins

Register

Click here to register

Full (Two Loops): $125
Short (One Loops): $90
Rookie Rally: $40
50% discount for Youth <18 (use code “Youth” at checkout)
Price increases $10 on January 1st.
Prices increase $20 on February 17th.
Prices increase $30 for registration morning of the event. No in person registration; register via mobile phone at the Webscorer.com link up until race start Sunday morning. If the race fees are unaffordable for you, please see our Financial Hardship policy.

Category Breakdown

USA Skimo Categories: Participants will compete in the same categories recognized by USA Skimo:

U14 – Ages 14 and under (shortened race course)
U16 – Ages 15-16 (shortened race course)
U18 – Ages 17-18 (shortened race course)
U20 – Ages 19-20 (full distance)
U23 – Ages 21-23 (full distance)
Senior – Open (ages 24-44, full distance)
Masters – Ages 45+ (full distance)

For those who prefer a less competitive experience, we’re offering a recreation category for both the long and the short course. This is perfect for participants who want to enjoy the race environment without becoming a member of USA Skimo or the pressure of competing for points or podium placements. Please note: racers in this category are not eligible for the National Points Series.The race descends double black diamond and off-piste runs, so race participants need to be comfortable navigating this terrain.

Awards

Awards will be given to the 1st Place for all categories. To decrease waste, categories with no entrants two weeks prior to the race will not have an award be created.

Volunteer

Please see our Volunteer page to learn about and sign up to volunteer!

driving directions

Alpental is located at Snoqualmie Pass on I-90, about one mile north of the interstate.

From the West
Take I-90 exit 52
Turn left onto State Route 906 at end of off-ramp
Continue under I-90 overpass
Continue right onto Erste Strasse/Alpental Access Rd and follow for 1.1 miles
Take a left into the parking lot just below the main lodges.

From the East
Take I-90 Exit 53
Turn left and pass under I-90
Take a right at the stop sign onto State Route 906
Follow SR 906 for ~0.7 miles
Continue right onto Erste Strasse/Alpental Access Rd and follow for 1.1 miles
Take a left into the parking lot just below the main lodges.

general rules

The race staff reserves the right to delay, alter, or cancel the start based on snow, weather, and safety conditions.

Race takes place at an operational ski resort. All racers will yield to resort guests and adhere to the skier Responsibility Code. Racers will comply with any directions issued by the ski area staff or race officials.

Racers are required to stay within 5' of the established skin track on the uphill portions. During downhill portions, racers will stay with 30' of course markings.

Transitions must occur within the marked off transition area.

Racers agree to equipment checks before, during, and after the event.

If opt to not finish the race, you MUST check in with the timing staff to know you've left the course. Otherwise we will begin calling your emergency contacts and worrying them!

Any transgression of a rule will result in a time penalty or DQ at the discretion of the race staff.

Racers should be prepared for variable weather including but not limited to snow, high winds and cold temperatures as well as rain and above freezing temperatures. A second pair of backup skins is not a bad idea if they wet out.

Supporters

Look out for these brand partners who will be on site at the race! Please thank them for supporting local skimo and their help in making these events possible. And think of them when contemplating your next purchase!