Come check out the 6th annual VERTFEST Festival of Freeride and Mountain Mettle this weekend at Alpental – it’s the biggest sidecountry and backcountry skiing and snowboarding festival and rando rally race in the NW. Vertfest kicks off on Sat. 2/18 with the Monika Johnson Memorial Rally. Cheer on Mike and Andy Traslin as they race to defend their title!
Festivities continue at Alpental on Sunday with some of the best athletes, guides and photographers in the biz (e.g. Martin Volken of Pro Guiding in N. Bend, Rob Gibson of Alpental Patrol, pro skiers Zach Giffin and Molly Baker, Ski Journal’s Grant Gunderson, etc.) teaching a wide variety of backcountry and sidecountry ski and snowboarding clinics. You can sign up in advance for the race and clinics at www.nwac.us/vertfest or register day of the race starting at 7:30am. Be sure to take advantage of the free backcountry ski and gear demos on both days. All proceeds benefit the Friends of NW Avalanche Center.
Below is a full schedule of this weekend’s Vertfest activities and if you’ve never been before or just want to relive the excitement, take a look at the below video of last year’s Vertfest.
Saturday Races and Demos
- Monika Johnson Memorial Rally – 10am – This randonee race is named in memory of Monika Johnson who took the women’s top podium at the 2010 Alpental Vertfest. Many may remember the tragic news of Monika’s fatal fall off Red Mountain and the difficult task the search and rescue team endured to recover her. She always raced with a stuffed kitty on her pack so please honor her again this year by getting one as well to carry along for this event.
- The Stanley Cup Fun Race - 11am - Come demo great gear and join in a fun ‘race’ for prizes. Costumes encouraged! Entry is free and sign-ups at the Stanley booth.
- After Party and Awards - 3:30pm - awards ceremony followed by live tunes with Head Like a Kite, beer and raffle prizes. Cash bar, no cover charge.
Sunday Seminars, Clinics and Demos
- Intro to Spliboarding Seminar with Neil Provo & Chris Tretwold – 9:30am-3pm – Come learn from the pros! Both Chris and Neil will show you how to make your sidecountry and backcountry experience more enjoyable with transition techniques, gear suggestions and more. Participants must have a season pass or purchase a lift ticket.
- Sidecountry Steeps clinics with Kim Havell - AM clinic 9am-12 or PM clinic (women’s only) 1pm-4pm – Kim’s knowledge and skill as a guide and instructor will help you build skills for navigating steep terrain and boost the confidence you need to ski the steep lines here in the Cascades or beyond. Participants must have a season pass or purchase a lift ticket.
- Terrain Selection Clinic with Rob Gibson and John Stimberis - 9am-12 – Join professional guides and avalanche instructors for a tour of the Alpental Backcountry where they will discuss and demonstrate travel techniques and observations related to this complex terrain. You will also get a chance to participate in a mock companion rescue drill. Group size limited to 8. Participants must possess advanced skiing or snowboarding abilities and touring gear w/ climbing skins. Participants must have a season pass or purchase a lift ticket.
- Companion Rescue Clinic with Pro Guiding Service of North Bend - 1-4pm – This course will be held near the Alpental Lodge. The majority of the time will be spent in the outdoors, but there will be an indoor component in order to explain the principles better. Ski equipment is welcome, but not needed. Please be dressed for winter conditions in the Cascades. Do not forget gaitors if you are not using ski touring boots. Most likely, there will be work in unconsolidated snow conditions. Key points that will be covered are: Comparison of beacons on the market; shovel, the beacon and the probe; Multiple burials in digital mode; Three Circle Search and flagging functions; Strategic probing and shoveling.
- Lighter, Faster and More Fun: Lightweight Backcountry Tips Seminar - 9:30am-3pm – Backcountry skiing can be a lot of hard work–but it doesn’t always have to be. We’ll examine everything from gear to clothing systems, what to carry in your pack, and what to leave behind at the trailhead. Beginner to intermediate ski-tourers should bring their typical backcountry kits. This is a ‘seminar class’ so folks should bring a lunch and prepare for skinning and extended periods outside.
- Ski Photography Seminar with Grant Gunderson - 9:30am-3pm – Come join accomplished ski photographer Grant Gunderson for a day of fun in the backcountry behind the lens. Working with professional skiers Molly Baker and Zack Giffin, you’ll learn what it takes to take your backcountry ski photography skills to the next level. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned shutterbug, Grant, Molly and Zack will give you the insights you need to advance your action ski imagery. Gear: You’ll need to supply your own camera gear, (camera, lenses, cases, etc.). This class will also require backcountry ski/snowboard gear (skins, beacon, shovel, probe, etc) as we will be away from lift accessed skiing all day. You will also need to bring a lunch as we will be in the backcountry for the duration of the class. Participants must have a season pass or purchase a lift ticket.
- Landscape Photography Seminar with Jason Hummel - 9:30am-3pm – As a skier, Jason Hummel cut his teeth in the North Cascades and the Olympic Mountains of Washington state. On a backcountry tour, you’ll learn the nuances of capturing our amazing playgrounds and deepening your ‘alpine state of mind’. Gear: You’ll need to supply your own camera gear, (camera, lenses, cases, etc). This class will also require backcountry ski/snowboard gear (skins, beacon, shovel, probe, etc) as we will be away from lift accessed skiing all day. You’ll also need to bring a lunch as we will be in the backcountry for the duration of the class.
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ryan
thanks for re-posting the video from last year. The editing and soundtrack are phenomenal in my opinion. Great, great job!! I’m not going to make it this year, but I’ll be thinking of you all.