Magic Rando Fest

@ Magic Mountain Ski Area – MAP

On December 14-15th join us at Magic Mountain Ski Area to kick off the season with some fun, informative workshops and presentations focused on uphill skiing (randonee/alpine touring/skimo). This event is intended for all ability levels and there will be options for those who are brand new to touring and racing, and for athletes looking to nerd-out about transition sequences, gear, layering strategies, and training plans.

View photos from last year’s event at Bolton Valley.

The weekend also includes two USSMA sanctioned skimo races which are part of the NE Rando Race Series. Participants will be able to participate in the Saturday USSMA sanctioned vertical race for free, and will receive 50% off Sunday’s USSMA sanctioned individual race.

This event features support from Magic Mountain, Dynafit, Julbo, Outdoor Gear Exchange, and Mountain Ops.

Cost

Pre-registration is recommended. Online registration will close on Thursday, December 12th at Noon. On-site registration will be available.

Registration Price – $45.00
Registration includes all workshops and instruction, Saturday USSMA Sanctioned Vertical Race, and 50% off Sunday USSMA Skimo Race. Participants must pre-register for races (info below).

Event Location

Magic Mountain Ski Area (Map)

Lunch

Lunch is not included in the event cost. Our lunch break will be one hour and Magic Mountain has a variety of food options on site.

Recommended Equipment

• Alpine Touring Skis/Boots/Bindings… Tech Bindings/Boots Recommended
• Climbing Skins (no snowshoes, no crampons)
• Appropriate Clothing (On-snow clinics will have periods of high and low activity. A warm puffy for the slower moments is recommended)
• Backpack
• Water
• Helmet
• Goggles 

Rental Equipment: Want to play with us, but don’t have the right equipment? Check out the following businesses from around the Northeast. There will be some demo equipment at the event, but we can’t promise it will be available in your size. Securing rental equipment ahead of time and coming prepared will ensure you don’t miss out on any of the fun. 

Magic Mountain Rental Center – Magic has a full complement of alpine touring equipment available for rent
Outdoor Gear Exchange – Burlington, VT (will be on-site with demo equipment)
Mountain Ops – Stowe, VT
Umiak Outfitters – Stowe, VT
The Mountaineer – Keene, NY
Basecamp Outfitters – Killington, VT

Saturday & Sunday Skimo Races

The Magic Rando Fest is being hosted in conjunction with NE Rando Season Openers at Magic Mountain. During the weekend there will be two NE Rando skimo races, both official USSMA-sanctioned events.

On Saturday an uphill-only Vertical Race (base to summit, ~1550 vertical) starts promptly at 8am. Rando Fest Participants are encouraged to participate in this race, and can do so for free. It should be a great way to “wake up” before the start of the festival workshops and presentations.

On Sunday the NE Rando Team will be hosting a USSMA-sanctioned individual race. The full competitive course will cover ~4,500′ vertical and include some on-foot hiking/booting, but a shorter recreational course is also available. Rando Fest Participants can register for this race for 50% off. This race will take place the day after the festival and will be a great opportunity to put everything you learned on Saturday to good use.

Individuals wanting to participate in either race are encouraged to register in advance. Prices for Sunday’s Individual Race will increase on Monday before the race, and again the day before. When you register for the festival you will receive race discount codes and information about how to register. To learn more about the NE Rando Race Series please visit their website.

Workshop/Presentation/Race Schedule

Saturday, December 14th

7:00-8:45am
Check In & Late Registration

8:00am
NE Rando USSMA-sanctioned uphill-only Vertical Race. This event is free for participants but registration is required – Learn More

9:00-9:45am
Instructional Session #1 – more specific info coming soon

10:00-10:45am
Instructional Session #2- more specific info coming soon

11:00-11:45am
Instructional Session #3- more specific info coming soon

12:00-1:00pm
Lunch

1:30-3:30pm
On-Snow Instruction – Here we will put what we learned in the morning into practice. Specific sessions will focus on efficient uphill travel, transitions, and downhill technique.

Sunday, December 15th

9:30am
Pre-race briefing for NE Rando USSMA-sanctioned Individual Race, followed immediately by the start. This event is 50% off for participants. Prices increase on Monday before the race, and again the day before – Learn More

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USSMA Membership

The US Ski Mountaineering Association is charged with promoting and growing the sport of ski mountaineering racing in the United States, and governs competitive ski mountaineering racing in the US. If you plan to participate in any USSMA-sanctioned races this season you should become a member. By becoming a member you will also be helping support the USSMA’s work to promote and foster recreational ski mountaineering through access, resources, education and community – view additional member benefits.