January 29, 2013 (Pinkham Notch, NH) – The one of a kind “Ski to the Clouds” race, presented by Maxiglide, is returning to the snow covered Mt. Washington Auto Road for the 17th year on March 3, 2013 and this time it will include a snowshoe category. This challenging event, thought by many to be North America’s toughest winter 10km race, takes place on the Northeast’s highest peak and includes a climb of more than 2200 vertical feet over the final 6km of the course.

While there will be competitors who are seeking to make or break a record, for others it is the ultimate way to personally test themselves in one of nature’s most spectacular environments. The Ski to the Clouds race is limited to a field of only 150 skiers and snowshoers and these racers will have the Mt. Washington Auto Road to themselves as remarkable views of the Presidential Range and beyond reveal themselves.

There will be a mass start of skiers at 10 am followed by a mass start of snowshoers 10 minutes later on race day. Online registration closes on February 28th at 5 pm. There will be no day of race registration. The registration price is $35 until sold out. If the race does not sell out, registration will be available Friday and Saturday (Mar. 1 & 2) directly through Great Glen Trails at (603) 466 2333.

Cash prizes for the top finishers will be:

– Men: 1st place $250; 2nd place $150; 3rd place $100
– Women: 1st place $250; 2nd place $150; 3rd place $100
– Top Male over 40: $200
– Top Female over 40: $200
– Snowshoe Category: 1st Place Men $100, 1st Place Women $100

Volunteer registration is also now open for those who would like to be a part of this uniquely exciting event without making the 10km climb! All volunteers will be given lunch on event day and day passes for Great Glen Trails.

“The diversity of events we host here during the year is really kind of amazing. The lure of Mt. Washington continues to be as compelling as ever, winter or summer. Our Ski to the Clouds race is a great example-it takes a special kind of person to seek out this kind of challenge and year after year individuals come from around the region to face that challenge, observed Howie Wemyss, General Manager of the Mt. Washington Auto Road and Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center. “Each event, whether a footrace, bike race, car race, or even on skis or snowshoes brings out those who are passionate about their sport….Mt. Washington will always be the place some are called to come to make their mark, even if it’s just for the experience of being here”.

Sponsors for this year’s event include: Salomon, Hammer Nutrition, Vitamin Water, Dasani, Polartec and SKIDA. For more information or to register as either a racer or volunteer, please call the Mt. Washington Auto Road or Great Glen Trails at 603-466-3988 or online HERE.

Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center
1 Mount Washington Auto Road
Rt. 16, Pinkham Notch
Gorham, NH 03581
603-466-2333