PINKHAM NOTCH, NH-The Ski to the Clouds race is returning to the snow covered Mt. Washington Auto Road for the 16th year on February 26th, 2012. This challenging event, thought by many to be North America’s toughest 10k race, takes place on the Northeast’s highest peak and includes a climb of more than 2200 vertical feet over the final 6K of the course.

The Ski to the Clouds is presented by Maxiglide and is limited to a field of only 150 skiers. Some competitors are there to attempt to make or break a record, while others consider it an opportunity to personally test their abilities in this mountain environment. In either case, participants will find themselves skiing in a winter wonderland, while taking in the most spectacular views imaginable of the Presidential range and beyond.

There will be a mass start at 10 am on race day. Online registration closes on February 24th at 12 pm. Any available slots left after that will be offered on Feb. 25th. There will be no day of race registration. An early registration discounted price of $35 will be offered through Feb. 20th, followed by a rate of $45 until Feb. 25th or until the race is sold out.

A $1400 prize purse is being offered by the presenting sponsor, Maxiglide. The prizes will be allotted as follows:

MEN:      1st place $250; 2nd place $150; 3rd place $100
WOMEN: 1st place $250; 2nd place $150; 3rd place $100
Top Male over 40:     $200
Top Female over 40: $200

Volunteer registration is also now open for those who would like to be a part of this uniquely exciting event without making the 10k climb! All volunteers will be given lunch on event day and day passes for Great Glen Trails.

“Our Ski to the Clouds race is another great example of the kind of uniquely compelling events that have always been and continue to be a part of life on Mt. Washington. Each event, whether a footrace, bike race, car race, or even on skis or snowshoes brings out those who are passionate about their sport….and for reasons both obvious and subtle, Mt.Washington continues to be the place those passionate competitors come to make their mark, even if it’s just for the experience of being here,” observed Howie Wemyss, General Manager of the Mt. Washington Auto Road and Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center.

For more information or to register as either a racer or volunteer, please call the Mt. Washington Auto Road or Great Glen Trails at 603-466-3988 or online at www.skitotheclouds.com.

PINKHAM NOTCH, NH—Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center will be hosting its first ever Cross Country and Snowshoe Orienteering event on Monday, January 16th. This adventure race gives participants an opportunity to utilize a detailed trail map to ski/snowshoe to a series of control points, while racing against the clock. Whether trying for a personal best time or just an opportunity to practice navigating through winter trails, the route and pace are up to each individual.

Three courses of varying length and navigational challenge will be offered. Registration starts at 9:30 am, with individual starts taking place from 10 am-12 noon. Program cost of $6 does not include trail or rental fees.

“In a world where people who enjoy the outdoors are increasingly dependent on GPS and other electronic devices to find their way around, it is more important than ever not to lose the basic skills of orienteering with a map and compass—no batteries needed!” said orienteering expert and event director Ernst Linder. Linder is also a member of the “Up North Orienteers” organization.

For more information about ski/snowshoe orienteering or this event, contact Ernst Linder at elinder@unh.edu or online at www.upnoor.org or www.neskio.com