Vertfest
by SnowGoat Skimo
Now a USA Skimo sanctioned event, Vertfest 2025 is a unique opportunity to showcase your skills against the best competition (and terrain) that the PNW has to offer! Stay after the race for the beer garden, music, vendor village, gear raffle, and plenty of good vibes.
Pricing and Registration:
Full (Two Loops): $125
Short (One Loop): $90
Rookie Rally: $40
Prices increase $10 on Jan 1st. Prices increase $20 on Feb 17th.
Day of registration available for an additional $20.
Youth discount of 50% - use code "youth" at checkout. Youth is defined as under 18.
No in-person registration, online sign ups only.
Categories:
- Full (two loops): Open, Masters (45+), Heavy Mettle
- Short / Recreation distance (one loop): Open, Split-mo, Youth (under 18)
- Rookie Rally: Open
The Heavy Mettle division is for splitboards, tele skis, and alpine touring skis that are 86mm or wider underfoot.
Courses
Vertfest will return in 2025 with both loops. The race descends double black diamond and off-piste runs, so race participants need to be comfortable navigating this terrain. Routes and course are subject to change at the discretion of Alpental patrol and SnowGoat staff. Map of the course coming soon!
Short / Rec Distance
The race will start directly in front of the lodges and ascend under Armstrong Express to climbers left. It will circle around the lower terminal of Chair 2 and go through a series of two bootpacks up under Chair 2. The course tops out at the top of Chair 2 before switching to the descent. Ski down Internationale and through Snakedance, back to Sessel and finish near skiers right of St Bernard.
Full Distance
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.
Rookie Rally
Rookie Rally Racers will line up right after the Full and Recreational racers start. 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 or the bootpack to the side. Ending after 1,700’ of climbing, Rookie Rally Racers can enjoy a fun and leisurely ski back down 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. Beacon, shovel, or probe are not required, but all other safety requirements still pertain.
- Helmet. A helmet must be worn for the duration of the race. Skimo, skiing, or climbing helmets allowed for all division. Bike helmets allowed for Recreational division.
- Avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe
- Eye protection
- Climbing skins
- Pack capable of carrying skis
- Water bladder or bottle
- Windproof upper body layer
- Skis or snowboard with metal edges and retention system. Minimum ski length 160 cm for men, 150 cm for women.
Because this race is sanctioned by USA Skimo, all USA Skimo members agree to abide by ISMF gear regulations. Notably, dual climbing/skiing helmets and brakes are required.