This used to mean that I started training hard for the Wasatch Powder Keg ski race (www.wasatchpowderkeg.com).   For the last 2 years, it has meant that Emily and I along with our friends Mark and G spend 4 months getting ready to put on the race.  Last year, when the race lost its sponsors and coordinators, the 4 of us wanted to see the race tradition live on so we took over the reins.   We all had a large interest in the race.  I had raced in every race, Emily had been an on-course volunteer in all but the first year, Mark had raced all but the first year, and G had raced 4 years.  None of us really knew what we were getting into, but after hundreds of tiring hours, we were able to put on a very successful race.  We had underestimated the amount of work, course setting alone to 90 person-hours over 3 days.  We weren’t able to get the entire race course set prior to the race, so a friend and I were out at 3:30 AM setting the course under headlamp.  They both learned that there is nothing like skiing one of Alta’s hardest lines in the pitch dark with 30+ pound packs on.

2009 Powder Keg: 18V drill – check; 200’ rope – check; course wands – check

 2009 Powder Keg Booter: skies secured to pack – check; course wands – check; wallowing in thigh deep snow - check

Well, this year, we created more work for ourselves.  We decided to move the race from Alta to Brighton Ski Resort.  This means designing an entire new course and building relationships with new Brighton staff all while doing the rest of the planning and coordinating sponsors.  We have been very lucky to be able to get great sponsors to provide really good race awards and raffle prizes. Unfortunately, financially, the race depends 100% on racer entries.  If we get enough racers, we break even, if not, we lose money.  Last year, our payment for the hardwork was a sushi meal.  The awards are great, they range from skis to binding to skins and raffle prizes are anything from shirts, ski straps, socks, capilene,  ski movies, and more.

2009 Powder Keg: Andy catching a ride while course setting.

2009 Powder Keg: Post Race Beer!

We are looking forward to a great race this year.  The course traverses from the backcountry to the north of Brighton (Hidden Canyon) all the way to the backcountry to the south of Brighton (Mt Millicent and Stupid Chute).  Throughout the course there are fantastic views of Heber Valley, Mt Nebo, Mt Timpanogos, and the Cottonwood Canyons.  For race details see the website.

2010 Wasatch Powder Keg Course Map and Profile