90 km Race Course Description

This is intended to be an overview, but does contain important information that will help in race strategy and point out caution areas that you should be aware of.

Remember that all the distances in this description are approximate. For best results correlate this overview with the course maps and profiles.

Section 1: Start line at Steamboat Lake to Aid 1 at Hahn’s Peak Village, 13.4 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, 14 km

After crossing 129 you will go through the finish area and be at the Hahn’s Peak Village Aid station. Stock up for the climb ahead. 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. Depending on recent snow, you may be skiing or walking/jogging about 200 meters until you hit trail 550. Volunteers will keep you informed.

Once you are on 550 you will gradually climb for several kilometers. Once you hit the high point you will descend for almost 5 km to the Little Red Park Aid station at 28 km. The cut off for this check point is 3 hrs and 45 minutes (11:15 AM). If you are over the cut off you will be directed right across Little Red Park to the 42k loop. For everyone under the cut off time who wish to continue on the 90 km, you will head left at Feed/Aid 2.

Section 3: Little Red Park Feed/Aid Station 2 to Wyoming State Line Aid station, 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 Little Red Park Feed/Aid Station 6, 28k

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 Carley’s 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 5: Little Red Park Aid station return to Finish Line, 14 km

You then head left on to the 509 for a burley hill. Not real long but steep and at this stage it will feel plenty tough. From Feed/Aid 6 at the top of the climb, it is almost all down hill to the finish, but is it still 11k so pace yourself. The initial part of the down hill will be groomed to perfection, but control your speed as it is steep and through the trees (still groomed 18’)