Feb 28 for 2009 Crystal Vertfest

According to:
www.tetonat.com/?p=533
. . . the 2009 Crystal Outdoor Research VertFest date will be Feb 28.
Steve's blog post also notes that , "Additional venues with dates yet to be confirmed include WA [...]"

Along that line I've talking to Pete Svenson ( COSMIC, USSMA, US Team Coach and former US Champ.) and Snoqualmie Pass about midweek/evening traing sessions for next year. I started last year; but never got things rolling till late March.

Most likely on Wednesday eves at the former Ski Acres area of Central. Even if your not a racer it'll make you a stronger skiier.

Hoping to have at least some of it partially groomed- make it easier for Seth to lead us around the area. I was told they groom the areas during the week to help pack things down??? Most likely a headlamp race. We'll see how many people turn out.

We'll keep Wednesday Night World Championship Race points- good for selection to the World Championship Team- well it'll help you get ready at least.

I also talked to OR about a Ski Mountaineering 101 class for begineers or people looking to learn and work on Transitions- I may not climb fast; but pass too many people on transitions. It also helps to have light gear and race specific gear.

In fact the summer isn't a bad time to start training- lots of snow fields to yo yo and work on transitions. Bring spare skins- they don't stick as well when wet.

If interested send a personnel message or stay tuned.

Glad to hear your still persuing this! Let me know if there's anything I can do to contribute. Keep at it!

I'm glad to hear that the race is going to be at Crystal again. I like that this event because there is SO MUCH tele gear to demo! Last year I demoed some rockered BD skis that skied like a gem. Not sure they would make the must haves list but they would be great every once in a while. What the heck the whole event, for a race has a positive vibe!

I also talked to OR about a Ski Mountaineering 101 class for begineers or people looking to learn and work on Transitions- I may not climb fast; but pass too many people on transitions. It also helps to have light gear and race specific gear.

In fact the summer isn't a bad time to start training- lots of snow fields to yo yo and work on transitions. Bring spare skins- they don't stick as well when wet.

I'm a little confused on the details of most of your post, but the above plans for ski mountaineering 101 for beginners or class on working on transitions are two separate beasts to tackle in my opinion, unless I am not reading this right.

Transitions are a very important part of both recreational touring and rando racing, but the practice of either are two completely different features.
101 ski Mountaineering would eventually get the basics of a kick turn, but working transitions, removing skins and putting on skins with utmost speed are hardly for the 101 class.
Let me know if I'm off course on this one so I don't cancel my Yoga class to sign up for the new age Transitions Class, even though I could use a little change in my life.

Sorry to confuse you- I was meaning Ski Mountaineering Raceing 101: kick turns euro style, equipment, clothing- lots of little things that make a big difference. Most if not all will apply to touring.

Ditto to Plinko's comment. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help make this happen.

Seth