2009 North Routt Coureur des Bois

45 k and 90 k Cross Country Ski Marathon

and Ultramarathon

It's Out There

Saturday March 14, 2009

Brought to you by the Steamboat Springs Nordic Council and the Steamboat Lake Snow Club

 

WHAT EVERyONE  WHO ENTERS AND SKIS GETS:  

·        Either a 45k or 90k trip around the most unique and challenging cross country courses you have ever skied

·        CLOTHING ITEM EMBROIDERED WITH THE COUREUR DES BOIS LOGO

·        FREE POST RACE CHILLY AND BEER FEED

·        OVER $15,000 OF VALUABLE GIVE AWAYS FROM OUR MANY SPONSORS

·        OUTSTANDING AND FRIENDLY FEED AND AID STATIONS

Back Ground

This year will be the 5th annual running of the North Routt Coureur des Bois.  The trails that are used for the Coureur des Bois are made up of Colorado State Park trails at Steamboat Lake State Park, United States Forest Service trails through the North Routt and Medicine Bow National Forests and special easements through private property.  For just one day each year all these trails are marked, connected and  machined groomed specifically for cross country skiers. 

Coureur des Bois: Coureurs de bois [kOOrOr´ des bwA] or woods runners, were a group of savvy backwoods French Canadian traders who operated in defiance of the French government during the 17th century. Their skill and toughness in traveling during the winter and trading with the Indians was legendary, but their outlaw status and independence branded them as a menace to New France in the Canadian frontier. This race though the historic communities of Hahn’s Peak and Columbine, around beautiful Steamboat Lake and through the backwoods of the North Routt National Forest allows the modern day cross country skier to have a unique frontier experience combined with a quality cross country race event.

The Race Courses

Both the 45k and 90k courses are challenging.  The 90k, in addition to being a physical challenge, can present the skier with both technical and environmental challenges.  Skiing along the Continental Divide Trail at almost 10,000 ft is an unbelievably beautiful experience in blue bird weather and an extremely challenging experience in a white out blizzard.

Every effort will been made to keep the courses open and in the best shape possible on race day.  Not only will the 45 km and the 90 km loops be groomed and marked before the race, but two snowmobiles with Tidd Tech groomers and one with a Ginsu will be grooming as needed during the race.   In 2008 the course will be inspected on the morning of the race to ensure that all hazards are removed, mitigated or well marked

NOTE: Contingency courses have been set up if either poor snow conditions or excessive snow conditions occur. Contingency maps will be posted a couple of days before race day if needed .

45 km Race Course Description

This description is intended to be an overview.  It is our responsibility to groom the course and mark directions and hazards, it is the skiers responsibility to ski carefully and with in your limits.  Remember the distances on these descriptions are approximate.  For best results look at the maps and profiles along with this overview.

The "short” course is 45 km over hilly and moderately technical terrain. There are some good climbs and fast descents. Total vertical climbing is about 2,840 ft.  Don’t underestimate this course!  It will get you tired!

 

Section 1: Steamboat Lake Start Line to Hahn’s Peak Feed/Aid #1, 14 km

Start Just across the parking lot from the Steamboat Lake Visitors Center.  The course is the same as the 90k.  You will circle Steamboat Lake in a clockwise direction arriving back at the visitors center where you will cross HWY 129 and head for Little Red Park.  This 13+k look is mainly rolling hills and meadows.  A couple of short steep climbs will be encountered.

 

Section 2: Hahn’s Peak to Little Red Park Aid #2, 15 km

Cross 129 and head north.  Go a couple of k’s across a meadow then start the Columbine climb (about 1,000 ft in about 5 km).  At the top of the climb you will have a fast, but very safe and wide open down hill to the Columbine Cabins.  A volunteer will be checking bibs and times at the point that the trail turns right and parallels the road. 

At Columbine Cabins you continue down hill for 2 k until you reach the Columbine Parking area.  A trail bypasses the parking area so no ski dismount is required as there was in 2005.

Once you are on 550 you will gradually climb for several kilometers until you reach the course high point.  From here you will descend for almost 5 km to the Little Red Park Aid station at 30 km 

Get a good feed and then head right (east) across Little Red Park to 509 where you will turn right and head up Farwell Pass.

 

Section 3: Little Red Park Aid station return to Finish Line, 16 km

Once you turn right off of Little Red Park you will start climbing after a couple of k.  There is a steep 2k climb gaining several hundred feet.  At the top of the pass is the Mark’s Family Aid station #3 to help get you home.  From this aid station it is roughly 1,400 ft of descent in 10k with a couple of very short steep ups and one very gradual climb, the rest is obviously down.  When you are almost back to Hahn’s Peak Village you will turn left across a large meadow to the finish line at Steamboat Lake Outfitters.

 

 

90 km Race Course Description

This description is intended to be an overview.  It is our responsibility to groom the course and mark directions and hazards, it is the skiers responsibility to ski carefully and with in your limits.  Remember the distances on these descriptions are approximate.  For best results look at the maps and profiles along with this overview.

The 90 km course is highly challenging and should only be undertaken by skilled and fit skiers. The total climbing is around 6,500 ft.  The course runs through a remote area of the Routt and Medicine Bow National forest with part of the trail being on the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail.  While all of the course will be expertly groomed, there will be long stretches where solitude and great views (assuming no storm) will be your only company. Snow mobiles may be on the course so stay aware.  You will be required to carry appropriate clothing, food, water and gear to keep warm and fed in the case of emergency.  Aid stations are located about every 15 km and will be well stocked.

Section 1: Start line at Steamboat Lake to Aid #1 at Hahn’s Peak Village, 14 km

From start line at Steamboat Lake heading southeast you will go clockwise around Steamboat Lake.  The entire loop is rolling with only one short steep climb about 4k from Feed/Aid 1 at Hahn’s Peak Village. You will pass to the left of the Visitors Center and just right of the Start Line where you will cross 129.  There will be people to control traffic, but still be aware of traffic on this road.  This road crossing may require that you remove your skis, but you will be informed of this race morning.

 

Section 2: Hahn’s Peak Village Aid station to Little Red Park Aid station #2, 15 km

Cross 129 and head north.  Go a couple of k’s across a meadow then start the Columbine climb (about 1,000 ft in about 5 km).  At the top of the climb you will have a fast, but very safe and wide open down hill to the Columbine Cabins.  A volunteer will be checking bibs and times at the point that the trail turns right and parallels the road. 

At Columbine Cabins you continue down hill for 2 k until you reach the Columbine Parking area.  A trail bypasses the parking area so no ski dismount is required as there was in 2005.

Once you are on 550 you will gradually climb for several kilometers until you reach the course high point.  From here you will descend for almost 5 km to the Little Red Park Aid station at 30 km 

 

Section 3: Little Red Park Feed/Aid Station #2 to Wyoming State Line Aid station #3, 22 km

Get a good feed and then head north on 550 toward Whisky Park.  Your next 22k starts with some gentle rolling terrain followed by a long enjoyable downhill, and then a long gradual up hill which will bring you to the Wyoming State Line and beyond the ½ way point.   Get a good feed and rest here, because other than a short down hill you will be doing over 1,000 ft of climbing with out much of a break up to the Continental Divide Trail. 

 

Section 3 cont: Wyoming State Line Feed/Aid Station #3 to Continental Divide Aid Station #4, 12k

Out of the Wyoming Feed/Aid you climb for about 1,000 to the top of the Continental Divide Scenic Trail.  At the top of the Continental Divide Trail you still face some steep rollers, but it is all worth it because the next stop is Good Time Feed and Espresso Bar.  You may want a double espresso or two for the 1,300 ft descent back to Little Red Park Feed/Aid 5.  Actually the down hill is long, but should be in good shape and is not too steep.

 

Section 4: Continental Divide Aid Station to Farwell Pass, the Mark’s Family Aid Station #5, 16k  

            From the Continental Divide Aid Station #4 you descend to Big Red Park, do some rollers and then enter Little Red Park.  At Little Red Park you turn left and head up Farwell Pass.  This is about 2-3 k, but steep.  At the top of Farwell Pass you will be at the Mark’s Family Aid Station #5.

 

Section 5: Farwell Pass, the Marks Family Aid Station #5 to Finish at SLO, 11 km

From Feed/Aid #5 at the top of the climb, it is almost all down hill to the finish, but is it still 11k so pace yourself.  Initial part is a little steep, but after that gradual down hills most of the way.  You will encounter a couple of very short steep climbs and one very gradual longer climb.  Just before Hahn’s Peak Village you will be directed left through a meadow to the finish area in front of Steamboat Lake Outfitters.

Dates, Times and Place

Date: March 14th, 2009

Start time for 90 km Race: 7:30 AM

Start time for 45 km Race: 8:00 AM

Start and finish: Steamboat Lake State Park Visitors Center . Directions are available on the Steamboat Lake web page.

REGISTRATION

·        The following items are required:

o       Entry fee: See chart below

o       Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card ($3.00): In order to avoid the log jam on registration last year there are some changes. 

§         You are encourage to purchase a card a head of time at a state vendor or directly by phone through the 10th Mountain Hut Office 970-925-5775

§         You can purchase a card when you register either on-line or by mail and pick it up at the CORSAR desk at registration

§         You can purchase a card at the CORSAR desk near the registration area

o       Post race meal: Indicate whether you will be attending the post race banquette.  This will be $8 for racers and is not included in the entry fee.

Registration Fee:  We are trying to keep entry fees down, but expenses keep going up.

Race Event

Entry Fee

 

Before February 16th

After February 15th

Enrolled Students*

90 k

$   75.00

$   90.00

 $ 60.00

45 k

$   70.00

$   85.00

 $ 55.00

 *Applies at any time to students currently enrolled in a legitimate school, either high school or college.

 

Register options and instruction for the NRCD 2008

1. Go to (to be  set up soon)  and register directly on-line

2. Go to: www.steamboatxcski.org, click on the "COUREUR DES BOIS" tab.  Click on “Registration form”.

Forms may be mailed in, faxed or dropped off.  All instructions, locations, address and numbers are on the registration form.

 

Register deadline is on March 12th at 5:00 PM or when the race entries have reached the limit.  Maximum number of racers for both events will be a total of 200.

Early registration ends February 15th, 2008

 

Race packet pick up Steamboat Lake Visitors Center between 6:00 – 7:30 AM on RACE DAY, March 14th, 2009.

 

The Forest Service and Search and Rescue require that all racers have either a current Colorado State fishing license, hunting license, ATV or snowmobile registration or a CORSAR card. All of these cards provide coverage if an evacuation or rescue was required. If you already hold one of these card you are all set, but you must have it with you to show the race officials when you pick up your packet.

If you do not have a valid card you will be required to purchase a CORSAR card for $3.00.

§         You are encourage to purchase a card a head of time at a state vendor or directly by phone through the 10th Mountain Hut Office 970-925-5775

§         You can purchase a card when you register either on-line or by mail and pick it up at the CORSAR desk at registration

§         You can purchase a card at the CORSAR desk near the registration area 

Age Group, Divisions and Prizes: 

45k and 90 kilometer race event: All racers must be 18 years of age or older to compete in 90k event

  • Age Groups:
    • 29 and under
    • 30-39
    • 40-49
    • 50-59
    • 60 and over (new this year)

 

*      Unique trophy and new top line race skis for male and female winners of the 45k and 90k

*      1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals for top three finishers in all events as well as all age divisions.  These are unique hand casted medals created only for the Coureur des Bois

*      All finishers will receive a valuable Smartwool clothing item embroidered with the Coureur des Bois logo

*      Numerous give a ways from our sponsors

*      $150 cash award to anyone breaking an overall course record (see records below)

*      You are almost guaranteed to walk away with prizes worth more than your entry fee

 

Race Officials
Race Director: Daniel Smilkstein
Phone: (970) 879-5916
Email: dsmilkstein@earthlink.net

Chief of Course

Dave Mark
Phone: (970) 846-8066

 

Timing

 

Cancellation Policy

If this event is canceled by the organizers (Steamboat Springs Nordic Council) for any reason, racers who have registered will receive a full refund.

If a registered participant decides to cancel for any reason they may not get a refund, but upon notification of the race organizers (Steamboat Springs Nordic Council) they may transfer their registration to another racer.

Preliminary EVENT SPONSORS List

Primary Sponsor: Smart Wool

Other event sponsors:

Nobel Sysco Foods

Hammer Nutrition

Wells Fargo Bank

Starbucks Coffee

BAP Outdoor Gear

Honey Stinger

ACE At the Curve  

Alpine Bank

Christy Sports

Rossignol Skis

Madshus Skis

Ski Haus

B&K Distributors

Steamboat Resorts

Steamboat Ski Area

Sheraton Resorts Golf

Steamboat Springs Nordic Council and the Steamboat Springs touring Centers

The Ore House Restaurant

Cantina Restaurant

Samantha Caparrelli Massage

Lyons Drug

Steamboat Bike and Kare

Bucking Rainbow

FM Light and Sons

Rio Restaurant

 

SPECIAL THANKS:

Hahn’s Peak Village

US Forest Service

Colorado State Parks Service

Routt County Search and Rescue

Steamboat Lake Outfitters

All volunteer aid station and course supporters

 

Course Records:

Overall 90k Skate

4:16:57   Scott  Oberbreckling        Boulder            CO   2007               
    
5:28:41    Chantal  Thompson        Boulder            CO  2007               

Overall 90k Classic

7:23:38   Jim Harkness                     Steamboat Springs  CO    2008               
    
8:38:26    Zoe Roy                             University of Utah 2008
 8:38:26   Sarah MacCarthy              University of Utah                2008

 

Overall 45k Skate

 

2:05:11      Michael  Brothers            Monument            CO          2007
2:40:09      Sarah     McCarthy     Steamboat Springs/University of Utah  CO  

 

Overall 45k Classic

 

2:05:11      Christian Coe   Fairbanks            AK           2008
4:10:13      Marie Delaney                 Boulder                 CO         2008  

 

Age Group Records 90k:

Male 18-34

Matt  Zak           33             Rhinelander         WI                          4:45:45 

    
FEMALE AGE GROUP:  18 – 34
Christy  Sauer       31        Aspen                    CO                      6:29:00 
    
MALE AGE GROUP:  35 – 49
Scott  Nielson      42         Salt Lake City      UT                        4:37:44 
 
FEMALE AGE GROUP:  35 – 49
Kristin Ames               Los Alamos    NM             6:11:43 
    
MALE AGE GROUP:  50 – 99
Dawes    Wilson     53             Vail                 CO                      4:42:36 
 
FEMALE AGE GROUP:  50 - 99

Sharon  Crawford    62           Frisco              CO                      8:11:18  

 

45K Age Group Results

MALE AGE GROUP:  00 - 29
Paul  Rose          18      Steamboat Springs   CO                      2:22:31 
 
FEMALE AGE GROUP:  00 - 29
Jessica  Philip     24      Steamboat Springs  CO                      3:19:12 
 
MALE AGE GROUP:  30 - 39
Barkley    Robinson 33   Steamboat Springs  CO                      2:22:59 
                            
FEMALE AGE GROUP:  30 - 39
Kristen Bergquist   33   Steamboat Springs  CO                      3:31:10 
    
MALE AGE GROUP:  40 - 49
David    Knoop      48      Park City          UT                        2:23:00 
    
FEMALE AGE GROUP:  40 - 49
Marianne   Osteen   47 Steamboat Springs  CO        2:49:59 
                        
MALE AGE GROUP:  50 - 99
Tom   Sain          50         Breckenridge        CO                      2:36:24 
 
FEMALE AGE GROUP:  50 - 99
Kathy       Williams   57      Edmonton           AB                      3:53:48