Vertfest
by SnowGoat Skimo
Now a USA Skimo sanctioned event, Vertfest 2026 is a unique opportunity to showcase your skills against the best competition (and terrain) that the PNW has to offer! Stay after the race for the beer garden, music, vendor village, gear raffle, and plenty of good vibes.
Important Information
REGISTRATION AND PRICING COMING SOON!
- Full (two loops): Open, Masters (45+), Heavy Mettle
- Short / Recreation distance (one loop): Open, Split-mo, Youth (under 18)
- Rookie Rally: Open
The Heavy Mettle division is for splitboards, tele skis, and alpine touring skis that are 86mm or wider underfoot.
- Helmet. A helmet must be worn for the duration of the race. Skimo, skiing, or climbing helmets allowed for all division. Bike helmets allowed for Recreational division.
- Avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe
- Eye protection
- Climbing skins
- Pack capable of carrying skis
- Water bladder or bottle
- Windproof upper body layer
- Skis or snowboard with metal edges and retention system. Minimum ski length 160 cm for men, 150 cm for women.
Because this race is sanctioned by USA Skimo, all USA Skimo members agree to abide by ISMF gear regulations. Notably, dual climbing/skiing helmets and brakes are required.
Courses
Vertfest will return in 2026 with both loops. The race descends double black diamond and off-piste runs, so race participants need to be comfortable navigating this terrain. Routes and course are subject to change at the discretion of Alpental patrol and SnowGoat staff.
Short / Rec Distance
The race starts directly in front of the lodge and ascend under Armstrong Express to climbers left. It circles around the lower terminal of Chair 2 and ascends through a series of two bootpacks under Chair 2. The course tops out at the top of Chair 2 before switching to the descent. Ski down Internationale and through Snakedance, back to Sessel and finish near skiers right of St Bernard.
Full Distance
The first lap is the same as the Recreation lap. For lap two, participants will transition to skinning next to the finish and then head out the Gala Gate outside the resort boundary. Racers will be following the resort boundary up, cliffs to the right and ski area boundary to the left.. The loop will top out at Knoll One before descending to rejoin the Rec Lap descent.
Rookie Rally
Rookie Rally Racers line up after the Full Distance and Recreational racers start. You’ll follow their tracks up, right underneath Armstrong Express. The primary challenge will be the steep Strawberry Hill, where you will have the choice to continue on with skis on your feet or the bootpack to the side. Ending after 1,700’ of climbing, enjoy a fun and leisurely ski back down through the Finish Chute. Rookie Rally is designed for those who want to test the sport but aren’t ready for the full sufferfest. Beacon, shovel, and probe are not required, as the courss is fully contained within the ski area boundary, but all other safety requirements still pertain.
