Larch Madness

It's not everyday you stumble into such a brilliant and terrible idea. While scouting the trails on the eastern edge of the North Cascades at the Loup Loup Ski Bowl for a different race idea (stay tuned for details on that one) we couldn't help but notice that it seemed like every tree was a larch! The Loup, unknown to the masses, is a treasure chest of hidden fall colored riches! But don't be blinded by brilliance and fooled into thinking this is a golden oasis. There's a dark side to this place. It's steep. And even worse the footing often is horrendous. There's only one way up this mountain (riding the chairlift) and one way down this mountain (on skis) that could be considered fun to most people. But those options are only available in the winter. For you, you'll have to run, hike or crawl your way around this beautiful but rugged place. All kidding aside this is a very beautiful race. And the 5K will be moderately difficult, challenging but doable for a beginner while still hard enough to not be taken lightly by even those who are experienced. The 5K is one single loop basically following the perimeter of the ski area going up Uphill Route, a "steep dirt jeep road" and down Loup Run, something the United States Forest Service was once classified as a "road" but is now best known as Loup Run the least steep of the eleven ways skiers can choose to come down the down mountain. The 15K, 25K and 50K options are quite difficult due to the elevation gain and elevation loss but even more so because of the substantial off-trail, rough terrain sections. 35-45% of these courses are what you'd call "off-trail". It's steep! At times you very well could be slower on the downhills than on the uphills, and that's saying something, just because of how rugged it is. A dusting of snow would not be out of the question for this location at this time of year. Shoes with good traction (and maybe hiking poles too) are highly recommended especially for the longer distance folks and or if there's precipitation as that will make it even harder to stay upright on the downhill sections. ​ Dispersed style camping available at the start/finish Friday and Saturday nights for $25/per adult (includes both nights for that price). Other than bathrooms and water don't expect any other services other than maybe firewood for sale by the bundle IF it's safe to have fires by race week which we really hope will be the case!. No Bring Your Own Wood and no fires if we're still under a fire ban. The camping and firewood fee go 100% to the Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation the non-profit organization that owns and operates the Loup Loup Ski Bowl and who is the featured beneficiary for this event! There will be a post race party on Saturday at the finish area with a wide variety of food and drinks free for all the participants and volunteers. Friends and family can also get food and drinks for an additional $20/per person.