Teva Winter Mountain Games presented by Eddie Bauer

FIRST ASCENT Ski Mountaineering Race:  The First Ascent Ski Mountaineering race at Teva games with a $5,000 cash purse for the Elite division is North America's richest skimo event.

The First Ascent race is part of the ten-race COSMIC series. If you're new to the sport, all you need for the recreational course is a helmet and skins. Elite and Advanced courses include the Back Bowls, China Wall and Highline.

Complete event information and entry details will be available this fall on the Teva Games website.

Preliminary event info:

Mandatory Gear:

Elite and Advanced category: helmet/beacon/shovel/probe/windshell/ski backpack/water bottle. Recreation category: helmet and skins.

Courses:

Elite: 6,500' - Eagles Nest/Sun Down/Blue Sky/Outer Mongolia/China Wall/Highline/Golden Peak

Advanced: 4,500' - Eagles Nest/Sun Down/Outer Mongolia/China Wall/Highline/Golden Peak

Recreation: 3,500' - Eagles Nest/Mid-Vail/Golden Peak

- All races start at 7:30 am at Lionshead base area, racers run 300 ft. with skis in hand to snow and begin skinning. All races finish at Golden Peak base area.

- Course will be marked with pin flags, panels and wind blades. Racers must use any set skin tracks and be within 10 ft. of markings when ascending, 50 ft. when descending.

- Time cut-offs (tbd) will be enforced for the Elite race due to the length of the course. Elite racers falling significantly behind mid-pack will be moved ahead on the course and not complete the Blue Sky Loop.

- Elite and Advanced racers must attach skis to their backpack while climbing China Wall.

- No nordic, NNN or similar "nordic touring" gear will be allowed, only AT or telemark.

- A complete overview of event rules will be posted on the event website.