Life Link Ski Mountaineering Race Series Expanded

TUESDAY, 31 JANUARY 2006

The United States Ski Mountaineering Association has expanded its annual Mountain Hardwear/Life-Link/Dynafit Ski Mountaineering Race Series into seven races for this winter season. For this year's race, two new locations have been added namely Kirkwood Mountain Resort, California and Sugarbush Resort/Mad River Glen, Vermont.

The series started last January 7 at Whistler Blackcomb, Canada with the Arcteryx� Randonnee Rally and will continue at Sugarbush Resort/Mad River Glen on February 5. Afterwards, the race will be held at Crested Butte, Colorado on Feb. 11, and then to Outdoor Research� Rally in Alpental, Washington on Feb. 25, the June Mountain Race, California Mar. 4, followed by the Marmot� Race at Kirkwood Mountain Resort on Mar. 11 and will wrap up in the American Cup Race in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on Mar. 25.

There will be a race and recreational category for both men and women. The event is open to skiers, telemarkers, and split-board snowboarders. Participants will use the races to accumulate points for the overall series championship. However, for this year, competitors can also accumulate points for the Black Diamond Powder Keg Race that will be held on Mar. 18 in Salt Lake City.

Profits from the series will benefit local avalanche forecasting centers and search and rescue groups. The series is sponsored by Mountain Hardwear, Life-Link, Arcteryx, Dynafit, Marmot, Petzl, Crazy-Creek, Couloir Magazine, Backcountry Magazine, Ibex, Suunto, Croakies, Clif Bar, Off-Piste Magazine, Honey Stinger, Adventure Medical Kits, Buff Headwear. McNett Revivex, Pro Ski Service, and Mammoth Mountaineering.

For more details, log on to www.life-link.com//llrally.htm.