Arts, Dining & Entertainment

Pico hosts skiteering competition, a new challenge for snow enthusiasts

Saturday, Jan. 28—KILLINGTON—This season a new challenge awaits skiers and snowboarders alike. There is a new form of competition on the hill—skiteering. Head to Pico Mountain on Saturday, Jan. 28 to compete in this true challenge for backcountry enthusiasts and resort skiers and snowboarders alike.
What is skiteering and how does it work?
Single competitors, ski or snowboard, are allowed to compete in one of the two classes: Alpine and Alpine/Touring Splitboard. Each competitor will start at any given time during an hour and a half period of a soft start. Each competitor will either have, or be supplied with, a compass, a topographical map of the resort, and an official punch card. The topographical map will contain a number of control symbols. The controls will be placed on a rock, tree, or man-made feature on the mountain. At the bottom of each control will be a separate punch. The competitor who comes across the finish line with a completed punch card in the least amount of time will be the winner in their class. Any failure to obtain all of the punches will result in disqualification. Any competitor who fails to finish by the hard finish time will be also be disqualified.
Divisions
Alpine/Touring Splitboard (A/T): This is going to be the most difficult division and likely the most competitive. This will be for the competitor that is looking to reach new limits in any and all competition. This will be a very challenging race for even the best backcountry enthusiasts to complete in the time allotted—more controls, more hiking, more enjoyment for the serious competitor athlete.
Alpine: Although very challenging and tough, this division will be geared towards the lift-access skier. Competitors will navigate through the same course as the A/T division, but with fewer controls. Some hiking will be required, but much less than in the A/T division.
Grom: This will be a more toned-down version of the Alpine course, designed for kids 14 and under, to be accompanied by an adult. This will be a great way to get kids involved in the fun and the future of skiteering.
Register at picomountain.com. For more information, contact Tucker@skiteering.com.

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