The Great Ski Race Course & Info

The Great Ski Race’s New Course and Event Information

The Great Ski Race is this weekend — Sunday, March 6, 2022! There is still time to register, but the price goes up on Friday, March 4, and then again on Sunday. The Great Ski Race course is machine-groomed with skating lanes and double tracks the entire 26 kilometers (~16.2 miles). It’s a new course this year, starting and ending at Tahoe XC in Tahoe City. Check out the course map and profile on the site, greatskirace.com. You can run or walk the course, but snowshoes are required. (Skis are highly recommended, however – this is a ski race!).

Soup Station

There is 1 stop (Soup Station 1, around kilometer 12.4) on the race course that will have snacks and drinks available (included in race cost); you should take along enough additional snacks or drinks to satisfy whatever requirements you have for a 1-7 hour adventure.

Soup Station 1 will be shut down and dismantled at 12:30.

At 12:30 the course will be swept in both directions by Nordic Ski Patrol. Patrol 1 will turn around any skiers still coming up toward Soup Station 1 and follow them back to the start line. Patrol 2 will follow the last skiers en route to the finish line on the second half of the course.

Finish-Line Party

The race is famous for its afternoon finish-line party, where lunch is served as part of registration, and beer is available for sale. Live music from the fabulous Blues Monsters will inspire dancing and good times.

New Course Map & Profile

The 26 kilometer (~16.2 miles) course begins at the Tahoe Cross Country Center in Tahoe City, climbs out of the Tahoe Basin over Starratt Pass, and then heads east on the 74 road (Fiberboard Fwy) to 4 Corners, where you will turn down the 73 road back to Carnelian Bay and onto the Blue Trail at Tahoe Cross Country Center. The race course covers magnificent terrain and offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada.

Click the “Open in CalTopo” box to open the map in a new browser tab.

 

The first part of the course travels the rolling trails of Tahoe Cross Country, gently rising in elevation until meeting up with the “Fiberboard Freeway,” a logging road that leads up to the zenith of the course, around 11 kilometers into the event. The rest of the race is mostly downhill, but don’t let that fool you. There is still a long way to go, and for the top competitors, there’s no rest for the weary as they duke it out on the downhills, flats, and the few uphills that are still in store for them.

FAQs

What kind of shape should I be in for such a race?

This race is a test of endurance and skill; be sure you are in good shape so you can enjoy the course. Due to the length (26 kilometers, ~16.2 miles) and remoteness of the course beginners are not advised to enter; but skiers of all abilities and ages do enter this fun and challenging race.

Where can I go to get some practice cross country skiing in?

On March 2, the Wednesday before the race, Tahoe Cross Country ski area will offer a discounted pre-race day-ticket for pre-registered Great Ski racers for $27.00. Simply stop at the Tahoe XC Front Desk and let them know that you are racing the Great Ski Race to receive your discounted rate.

Can I rent some equipment for the race?

Your best bet is to contact the Tahoe Cross Country ski area at (530) 583-5475.

Is this really a race?

Whether or not you are truly racing is up to you…

Can I race with my dog?

Out of consideration for all the race participants, please make other arrangements for your pets. Thanks!

 

For more information go to thegreatskirace.com.

Read previous articles about The Great Ski Race here.