Winter Wild: Ragged Mountain

Saturday morning, my Dad and I were off to compete in the first of three Winter Wild uphilling events. Uphilling is an event where the individuals ascend and descend a mountain via ski slopes under their own power. There are several categories in which you can choose to compete: open - snowshoes, traction, or running shoes; track skis - cross country skis or skate skis; telemark; and, heavy metal – alpine skis or boards. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. On this day, a runner was the first person to cross the finish line, edging out a telemark skier by a mere 2 seconds.

With less than ideal driving conditions, we pulled into the parking lot 10 minutes before the start. We rushed to pick up our bibs and bundle up before stepping out into the freezing cold. It was in the single digits and very windy. Within minutes of starting, I could feel my fingers beginning to freeze in my light running gloves.

In case, you're wondering just how much fun we had, the entire experience goes something like this: After huffing and puffing, and sweating profusely on the way up, you then have the downhill to look forward to… wind stinging your exposed skin, eyes watering, and the sensation of running down a ski slope with limited depth perception. 

Upon finishing. I headed back inside the lodge and camped out by a large window overlooking the slopes to watch the rest of the finishers, keeping a lookout for my Dad. Luckily, I spotted him trotting downhill in his snowshoes. I hobbled outside to the finish and thankfully, there was a huge smile plastered (or perhaps frozen) on his face.

Later that morning, during the post-race age group awards, my Dad and I both got called up for our respective age categories. My Dad now has a blue pint glass to prove his BAMF status! I think he might be hooked...