Here are a few highlights from the grueling 2012 ISMF North American Ski Mountaineering Championships, held in Crested Butte, CO this year. This race involved randonee skiing (using skins to go uphill, plus alpine skiing downhill) in addition to mountaineering on a ridge line overlooking Crested Butte. The event was held over a two-day period, with a sprint race the first day and endurance race the second. These athletes are incredible, hiking 5000+ vertical feet on their skis, plus tackling the technical mountaineering on the ridge line in ski boots and effortlessly descending icey double blacks. The first place winner completed the second day’s endurance course in under 2 and a half hours!
Mountaineering on the Guide's Ridge in Crested Butte, CO © Marni Mattner Photography
COSMIC Ski Race in Crested Butte © Marni Mattner Photography
Skinning Uphill During the Sprint Race © Marni Mattner Photography
Removing Skins From Skis at a Transition Point During the Sprint Race © Marni Mattner Photography
Removing Skins From Skis at the North American Ski Mountaineering Championships © Marni Mattner Photography
Randonee Skiing at the NA Ski Mountaineering Championships © Marni Mattner Photography
Randonee Cosmic Race in Crested Butte, CO © Marni Mattner Photography
North American Ski Championships Downhill Racing © Marni Mattner Photography
Transition Point Removing Skins From Skis © Marni Mattner Photography
North American Ski Championship Racers Neck & Neck © Marni Mattner Photography
Boot Packing Skis Uphill During Sprint Race © Marni Mattner Photography
Icey Skiier Crossing Finish Line at North American Championship © Marni Mattner Photography
