Event Profiles: Issue 112

Featured Upcoming Events

Women’s Adventure Film Tour

January 25, Santa Cruz

This short film festival is a celebration of the inspiring women around us who are doing extraordinary things in the name of adventure.

This year’s lineup features an all-star cast of global athletes, business women, mothers and storytellers, including cliff diver Rhiannan Iffland, climber/yoga instructor Kira Brazinski, long distance hiker Jennifer Pharr-Davis, and many more including women in snow sports, mountaineering and mountain biking.

As Australia’s original women’s adventure film tour — created by Adventure Entertainment in partnership with She Went Wild — Women’s Adventure Film Tour was launched to a sell-out crowd in Sydney in May 2017 and has grown to become a success throughout the world. The 2019/2020 tour benefits Naretoi, a non-profit organization supporting girls’ education, women’s empowerment, local economic efforts and cultural exchange in Maasailand, Kenya.

The tour tailors the films to suit each audience and showcase the area. Adventure Sports Journal is proud to sponsor the Santa Cruz screening at the Rio Theatre.

Learn more at riotheatre.com.

Alpenglow Mountain Festival

February 15-23, North Lake Tahoe

The seventh iteration of the Alpenglow Mountain Festival — presented by The North Face— takes place across North Lake Tahoe and showcases over 75 individual events, most of which are entirely free. The nine-day festival is a celebration of human-powered mountain sports with a heavy focus on backcountry and Nordic skiing. The event is geared specifically for the beginner to intermediate winter recreationalist.

A diverse mix of local residents and regional visitors come to the festival which draws 3,000 attendees from across the globe. Some of the best activities Lake Tahoe has to offer are showcased: backcountry skiing and splitboarding, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, natural history, yoga, films, educational seminars, social gatherings and more. Marquee athletes include Jim Morrison, Hilaree Nelson, Hadley Hammer, Daron Rahlves and more.

Space is limited and participants are encouraged to register online to secure spots. Registration for most events require a deposit that is refunded upon participation.

Learn more at alpenglowsports.com.

Buffalo Banked Slalom

March (date TBD by weather conditions), Mt. Shasta

Honoring Mt. Shasta Ski Park’s love for snowboarding, the Buffalo Banked Slalom celebrates the first snowboards on the park’s slopes. The event is unique in that it uses a natural gully (called Buffalo Gulch) while most banked slalom courses consist of man-made berms on open ski slopes. The course descends over approximately 1,000 feet from the top of Coyote Butte to its base.

Mt. Shasta Ski Park was established off the southern face of northern California’s iconic volcano in 1985. Bill Buffalo, a legendary Mt. Shasta local, was one of the first men to bring a snowboard to Mt. Shasta during its conception years, giving Buffalo Gulch its name.

During this time period when snowboarding was not allowed on the public runs of most ski resorts, Mt. Shasta Ski Park became a place where snowboarders and skiers alike could embrace their inner mountain.

In honor of the park’s founders and the snow sports industry, Mt. Shasta Ski Park welcomes everyone to enjoy winter together by participating in the Buffalo Banked Slalom Race. The event is open to men and women, skiers and snowboarders of all ages.

Learn more at skipark.com.

Sea Otter Classic

April 16-19, Monterey

Registration is now open for the 30th annual Sea Otter Classic passes, races, and lodging. Spend four spectacular days with 70,000 cycling fans, 9,800 athletes, 8,500 campers, over 1,000 corporate brands and 370 international media all celebrating all things CYCLING.

The world-renowned family-friendly cycling festival takes place in Monterey — one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Revel in the festival atmosphere and participate in some of cycling’s most enduring events.

The event boasts mountain bike cross country, downhill, dual slalom and short track racing. A new timed gravel race is also on the schedule, and road cyclists can compete in circuit and road racing. Non-competitive tours are also offered, such as Gran Fondos and recreational events for riders of all ages.

The Expo features 900+ vendors who launch new products, distribute free samples, and offer terrific deals. Stroll through the food court and then enjoy entertainment, stunt shows, and carnival activities for children.

Learn more at seaotterclassic.com.

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Cycling Race Series

Plan your season around the exciting events in these popular race series.

Grasshopper Adventure Series

Ride the best adventure courses in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties.

• Jan 25 – Low Gap
• Feb 29 – Super Sweetwater
• Mar 28 – Lake Sonoma MTB
• Apr 11 – Huffmaster Hopper
• May 9 – Jackson Forest
• May 24 – Skaggs & Super Skaggs
• June 20 – King Ridge Dirt Supreme

Plus these special events: June 24-30 Girona Spain; Sept 12-13 Mendo Hopper; Oct 17 Usal Lost Coast.

Learn more at grasshopperadventureseries.com.

CA Dirt MTB Series

This fundraiser for YBONC also benefits Nevada County school bike clubs and trail projects.

• Apr 19 – Sea Otter Classic MTB XC, Monterey
• May 23 – Rid’in High at the Ranch, Susanville
• May 31 – Osborne Hill, Grass Valley
• June 13 – Pioneer/Hoot/Dascombe, Nevada City

Learn more at ybonc.org.

California Enduro Series

Amateur and pro riders alike will enjoy these world class enduro races. eMTB categories at select venues.

• May 23 – Toro Enduro (+eMTB)
• June 13 – Mammoth Bar Enduro
• June 27 – China Peak Enduro (+eMTB)
• July 18 – Mt. Shasta Enduro (+eMTB)
• Aug 22-23 – Northstar Enduro (+eMTB)
• Oct 3 – Ashland Mountain Challenge

Learn more at californiaenduroseries.com.