VertFest is a celebration of human powered adventure in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. It's a chance to gather with like-minded adventurers who love a challenge and spend the day on the snow. It’s about getting some vert, feeling the pull of gravity, and celebrating the culture of backcountry adventure — what we like to call VertiCulture. Whatever you choose to strap your feet to and whatever your pace, VertFest is a great excuse to have some fun.
For 2008 we’re doubling the good times by adding another event to the VertFest tradition. Taking place at the ski areas of Crystal Mountain and, new this year, at Alpental, VertFest will again be the highest profile backcountry celebration in the Pacific Northwest. If you love to ascend and descend the mountains by human power and like to follow up the day with good beer, VertFest is for you!
With the addition of Alpental, VertFest becomes a series. In the week following the Alpental race, we will post the series results. Series ranking will be based on race time totals of Alpental and Crystal combined. Gear prizes will be awarded to the top finisher in each category and to the top team in the relay.
VertFest and its sponsors support a safe and active lifestyle in the mountains. Net proceeds from this event go to the Friends of the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center. Visit the NWAC website at http://www.nwac.us/
Randonee Rally
Challenging racers with, once again, VERT, the individual rando rally winds through each ski area in full view of our lift assisted friends. The route will go up, down and sideways and will challenge all your backcountry skills as well as your cardiovascular system. Helmets are optional but transceivers, shovel, probe and a light pack will be required for this race.
Randonee Relay
This year, thanks to great feedback from VertFest 2007 participants, we have added a relay race to the mix. Taking place at the same time and on the same course as the Randonee Rally, the relay will consist of 3-person teams made up of any mix of genders racing 2 laps of the course. Each team member will race an uphill and downhill section and have one transition.
Pre Race Meeting **Please note that attendance of pre race meetings is mandatory for participating in VertFest races. Pre race meetings will be run by course setter and guide extraordinaire, Martin Volken.
VertFest Crystal Mountain — Pre race meeting will take place upstairs in the Bullwheel at 9:00am on the day of the event.
VertFest Alpental — Pre-registration and bib pick-up, as well as Day-of registration for VertFest Alpental will be open on race day at 8:00am. The mandatory pre-race meeting will be at 9:00am. We will let you know the meeting location when you come to register and pick up your bib. See you there!
Clinics VertFest Alpental Update: Please note that there will not be any clinics at the Alpental event.
The pros at Pro Guiding Service will run the VertFest clinics. Don't miss the chance to learn from the best. Hone your beacon skills and avalanche knowledge and touch up your tele and AT tricks. Check at the Outdoor Research booth for clinic times, locations, and sign-up. No additional charge for clinics!
Gear Petting Zoo and Demos VertFest Alpental Update: Please note that there will not be any gear demos at the Alpental event.
Reps from K2, Garmont, 7TM, Black Diamond, G3, Atomic, Skialp, Rottefella, MSR, Karhu, Scarpa, Dynafit, Osprey, and others will be showing their wares and demo gear will be available for use. Check out the newest gear and meet the tech weenies who love discussing all the details. Demo participants must bring their own boots and poles.
MSR® Snowshoe Tour - FREE VertFest Alpental Update: Please note that the MSR snowshoe demo and tour will NOT be taking place at the Alpental event.
Come experience the accessible and quiet adventure of snowshoeing with Crystal Mountain´s Gerry Hall. Step away from the crowds and see winter in a whole new way. Tour begins at 1:30pm. Snowshoes provided free of charge by MSR. Space is limited.
Both Crystal Mountain and Alpental Races were great events!! We raised a bunch of money for Friends of the NWAC and had some great skiing. Check out the results and the photos. Links are at the top of the page.
Please Note: This year we are using a chip timing system to bring VertFest into the 21st century. To register for both races, you must complete the registration process for each race seperately.
