Start off Your Spring Ski Racing with a Bang!
There are just over two weeks until the cannon fires for the 34th annual Yellowstone Rendezvous Race, on March 2, 2013. Make plans now to participate in this historic race, and experience some of the best skiing the world has to offer in West Yellowstone, Montana. Race organizers are already busy marking the course and making final preparations for the event. If you have been to West Yellowstone at any time this season, you’ll know that the Rendezvous Ski Trails are in outstanding shape!
The Yellowstone Rendezvous Race is part of the American Ski Marathon Series and is a cornerstone of cross-country skiing in West Yellowstone. Once again, this year the race is proud to have Yellowstone National Park Lodges as its corporate sponsor. There are six different race divisions offered for skiers of all ages. Marathoners can enter the 50 kilometer freestyle race, which consists of two laps around the perimeter of the Rendezvous Ski Trail system. Racers can enter the 25 kilometer classic or freestyle events, and the 10 kilometer race is a great choice for those preferring a shorter distance. The 5k and 2k races are geared for kids… bring the whole family!
Camaraderie at the start line follows racers along the entire course. To support racers in the 25 or 50k division, costumed volunteers staff feed stations along the trails and the theme this year is “Dr. Seuss”. Look for the Cat in the Hat, Sam I Am or even the Lorax! Bragging rights are on the line, as racers get to vote for their favorite feed station and the winners gloat for the rest of the year.
For most, crossing the finish line is the goal… but the fastest skiers will be rewarded with medals and cash prizes at the awards ceremony on Saturday evening. All racers are invited to treat themselves to the complimentary desert bar at the Holiday Inn after the race.
The Yellowstone Rendezvous Race is a fun, festive event in a unique location. As the name implies, West Yellowstone sits at the western entrance to Yellowstone National Park, which is open to over-snow vehicles until March 15, 2013. Inside the park, local snow coach companies offer ski tours around Old Faithful, Firehole Drive, Gibbon Falls, and many other spectacular spots. Alternatively, a short drive will find many trailheads for those interested in a light backcountry tour of Yellowstone National Park or the Gallatin National Forest.
Visitors are encouraged to extend their stay and truly enjoy a winter wonderland that is unlike any other place. Whether it is skiing or sight-seeing, West Yellowstone is the home base for winter fun. There is no other place in the world where you can spend one day racing or skiing on 35 kilometers of professionally groomed trails and the next day see bison grazing next to hot springs or bald eagles soaring past geysers.
There is still time to sign up for the Yellowstone Rendezvous Race.
For more information please visit www.rendezvousrace.com.
