The Ymir Climber
February 4-5, 2023
Vertical Race & Individual Race
The Venue
Deep in the Selkirks, nestled in the shadow of the majestic Ymir peak, lies Whitewater Ski Resort. The backcountry beckons with several bowls, ridges, and peaks all within a few hours of uphill travel. Located 20 minutes away from the eclectic town of Nelson, BC, this locals’ favourite resort is excited to host 2 days of ski mountaineering racing as part of the Canada Cup.
Divisions:
- Junior (18 & under)
- Adult (19+)
- Masters (50+)
Event Overview
Individual: Up the King, down Goat Trees, up the Summit, over to West Ymir, down West Ymir, up the King, up the Half Dome bootpack, down Goat Slide, back to the lodge.
The individual race has multiple ascents and descents, and will take racers anywhere from 1.5 - 3 hours to complete. This race approximates a “normal” ski tour, with climbs being a mix of on- and off-piste skinning, bootpacking, and descents including everything from groomed runs to backcountry skiing.
Vertical: Up Queen’s Quad lift line (newly cut)
The vertical race consists of a single ascent completed entirely on skis or a splitboard using skins. There is no bootpacking or downhill skiing involved.
The Schedule Saturday, February 4, 2023
8:00 am: Athletes' Meeting & Check-in
8:30 am: Warm Up
9:15 am: Pre-Race Beacon Check
9:30 am: Vertical Race Begins
12:00 pm: Cutoff for Finishing
12:30 pm: Cutoff for After Race Check-in
1:00 pm: Podium
Sunday, February 5, 2023
8:00 am: Athletes’ Meeting & Check-in
8:30 am: Warm Up
9:15 am: Pre-Race Beacon Check
9:30 am: Individual Race Begins
2:00 pm: Cutoff for Finishing
2:30 pm: Cutoff for After Race Check-in
3:00 pm: Podium
Required Equipment
Ski/Board Equipment:
- Skis with metal edges or splitboard
- Bindings (alpine touring or telemark)
- Boots (walk mode strongly recommended)
- Skins
- Poles
Safety Equipment:
- Three-antenna avalanche beacon
- Probe
- Shovel with handle
- Helmet
- Gloves
- Pack (capable of carrying skis or splitboard)
- Protective eyewear – usually sunglasses and/or goggles
- Emergency blanket or bivy
- Whistle
*Note that more or less equipment may be required based on specific race and format details
Clothing:
- Three top layers
→one long-sleeve or skin suit (must be worn)
→long-sleeve breathable windbreaker top (optional to wear or pack)
→second long- or short-sleeve top (optional to wear or pack) - Two bottom layers
→ 1 pair of pants or skin suit (must be worn)
→ long-sleeve breathable windbreaker pants (optional to wear or pack)
*Note that more or less clothing may be required based on specific race and format details
Other recommended equipment:
- Food
- Water
- Neck tube or similar insulating head or face covering
