Update 03/10/2006 

1) Snow conditions and weather report: Conditions are midwinter on the course right now.  More snow is expected over the next three days and then 3-4 days of clearing with continued cold nights (single digits to teens).  10 day forecast predicts possible snow on race day with temperatures in the low 30’s.  You can go to the “WEATHER & WAX” link on the www.steamboatxcski.org page for 4 day forecasts and wax recommendations.

2) Lodging recommendations: If you are coming from out of town and need a place to stay you can either lodge in Steamboat Springs and drive to the start on race day or stay in North Routt and walk, ski or drive to the start.  Remember to allow about 40 minutes to drive the 25 miles to Steamboat Lake.  Lodging options and maps are listed on the “COUREUR DES BOIS” page under “Lodging Options” and “Lodging Map for North Routt” .  There are very few places left in North Routt, but Steamboat Resorts can find you lodging and provide their Coureur des Bois special rate in Steamboat by calling 1-800-276-6719 or go to their nordic web page at http://www.steamboatresorts.com/winter/winter.nordic.asp.

3) Where to eat on Friday night before the race:  In Steamboat Springs There are many great options and almost all are listed on the Steamboat Dining Guide at http://www.steamboattravelplanner.com/town/town.dining.asp.  In North Routt the selection is slightly more limited, like 2.  Both Steamboat Lake Outfitters, (970-879-4404 or 800-342-1889 or email at info@steamboatoutfitters.com ) and the Hahn’s Peak Café (970-871-1495, 61070 RCR 129) are located right in Hahn’s Peak Village and with in blocks of the start line, are offering Coureur des Bois pre-race specials.  SLO is more western, but they are coming up with a good pasta loader, and Hahn’s Peak Café are more south of the border, but cook up a variety of tasty and filling dishes.  Both places serve beer to those who remember when Arnold was the Terminator.

4) Race course contingencies:  We do not need to worry about lack of snow, but high country storms with our current weather pattern are always a concern.  If potentially dangerous conditions are in effect race day we have two options for the 90k.  The two options are two laps of the 42k course or six laps of Steamboat Lake.  This decision would be made by the Chief of Course and the Race Director either Friday night or Saturday morning.  While there is nothing like going to Wyoming and back, both of these options are still great courses.  For the 42k we would do a three lap lake race if severe weather was in effect.

5) Race strategy: The 90k field has grown by over 30% from last year and there are some pretty competitive people entered.  Remember, this is a long race and there is plenty of time an room make your move.  If the 90k field stretched themselves out around the entire course each person would only have a little more than 2 kilometers to themselves.  It is key to work together both to save physical energy and to keep it mentally together.  Times will likely range from 5:30 to 11:00 hours so eating real food and staying hydrated from the start is important.  Each aid station will have fluids, energy food, snacks and real food (soup, sandwiches and more).  Don’t forget the double espresso at Carley’s Feed on the Divide.

6) On Monday or Tuesday a complete schedule will be emailed out and posted on the web site.  To accommodate people who have to head out of town or back to Steamboat, we will be giving out finisher medals, clothing items and place awards shortly after race completion for the 42 and the 90k.  Finishers will be able to get a “racers meal” at SLO when ever they finish, but the buffet will be from 5-6 PM and the party will go until everyone is satisfied.

Thank you to the US Forest Service and specifically Janet Faller for helping us through the special events application process.

Thank you to Colorado State Parks and specifically Ken Brink and Mike Walker from the Steamboat Lake State Park

Very special thanks to Habitat Construction and specifically Mike Roberts for generously donating funds that made this years event possible

Thank you to Smart Wool for providing us with their excellent products for participant awards

Thank you to BAP and Honey Stinger for providing awards, gels and the finish area tent

Thank you to B&K Distributing and Chris and Kevin Kaminski for providing our post race award and buffet adult refreshments (as they did last year)

Thank you to Ski Haus (Rod Schrage and Murray) , Christy Sports (Bob Dapper), Nordic Link (Katie Lindquist and Emily Lovett), Mountain States Restaurants (John Beaupre), Fischer Skis (Chad Gallwitz) for award donations.

Special thanks to Birgitta Lindgren of the Steamboat Ski Touring Center for her support in timing, awards and embroidery

Special thanks for Dave Mark for being Chief of Course and acting as North Routt Race Co-Director

Thank you to the private property owners along the SLO easement who gave permission and support to use this access and make this race course that much more spectacular.

Thank you to all the others I forgot to thank 

 Dan