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Written by Emma Garrard/Tahoe World
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Tuesday, 25 March 2008 |
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Gasping for air, legs burning and still two miles of uphill to go with no break … Am I out of shape?
No, this is how even the most finely-tuned athletes feel while racing up mountains.
Although skiing uphill is an oxymoron for most, the challenge is enough to draw a crowd each year for the Billy Dutton Uphill at Squaw Valley USA. A record 148 competitors raced last year on either snowshoes, running shoes or cross country and randonee skis.
Now uphill enthusiasts have can have twice the fun this weekend with the 2nd Annual Diamond Peak Uphill on Saturday, March 29 and/or the Billy Dutton Uphill on Sunday, March 30.
There’s no doubt racing uphill will be one of the toughest types of racing around. Racers expend twice the energy and strength it takes to move on the flats, but it’s also a great way to improve strength and fitness.
 No matter how you get to the top, with more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain in 3.2 miles makes the Billy Dutton Uphill tough but rewarding, said Jeff Schloss of Truckee who competes in the race very year.
“It’s really, really hard (to skate uphill); there isn’t much glide,” Schloss said. “But there’s a huge sense of accomplishment when you get to the top.”
If you like a challenge and panoramic views from the finish line, these races are for you.
Tips to get you to the top:
• Try to keep a consistent and quick cadence when moving uphill. Take smaller steps and expect your pace-per-mile to be much slower.
• Do not start too fast.
• Know the course and where there are flatter sections for recovery.
• Think about moving your arms when racing, this will help you move your legs.
• Look up the hill as opposed to down at your feet or skis and chose your line.
• Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect you from the bright sun.
• Bring a water bottle or hydration pack to stay hydrated.
 • The lighter your skis/snowshoes and pack, the better.
• If you are feeling really bad, take in the views to keep your mind off the pain.
• If possible, try to have dry shirt and jacket at the top, you will cool off quickly once you stop racing.
Tips for those wanting to win:
For the last few years the Billy Dutton Uphill has been a snowshoe vs. cross country ski race, with Tav Streit (on skis) barely catching the top snowshoer Bill Raitter just past high camp. Six snowshoers placed in the top 10 overall.
On some of the steeper sections snowshoers and runners have an advantage because gliding is almost impossible. Where skiers have an advantage is on the last downhill to the finish.
 March 29
The 2nd Annual Diamond Peak Uphill Race
The opposite of the famous Last Tracks, this First Tracks Uphill Race will challenge people interested in going up the mountain on their own. Racers competing in the 2nd Annual Uphill Race will go up to the Snowflake Lodge under their own power on skis with skins or snowshoes. And all participants will need to have equipment to ski or ride down from Snowflake Lodge – skis, snowboards, telemark skis, or split boards are all acceptable.
Enjoy breakfast and award ceremony at Snowflake Lodge and ski or ride for the rest of the day. Race starts at 8 a.m. Prizes will be provided for best time (male and female) plus a raffle for everyone participating. The cost is $10 which includes a T-shirt. If there’s enough of an interest, an advanced race will be added. Please call (775) 832-1120 for more information.
Diamond Peak is located at 1210 Ski Way in Incline Village, Nevada. For more information regarding events or weather conditions, please contact (775) 832-1177 or visit www.diamondpeak.com.
 March 30
Billy Dutton Uphill at Squaw Valley USA
The Billy Dutton Uphill is Squaw Valley’s original “run what ya brung” uphill race — an uphill answer to the famous ‘Chinese Downhill’ of the 1970s that sends participants 2,000 vertical feet in 3.2 miles from the bottom of KT-22 to High Camp.
The 19th annual event, which is held in remembrance of friend and local legend Billy Dutton, will take place Sunday, March 30.
It has been 18 years since Billy Dutton passed away at age 39, but his spirit lives on.
Captain of the Squaw Valley Chiefs broomball league during the 1970s at Blyth Arena, the always-smiling Dutton loved cross country skiing. His passion led him to a vast knowledge of the Tahoe Basin and the surrounding backcountry.
Based on that passion, Dutton helped establish the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue (TNSR) in 1976.
“Bill was our strongest skier,” said Doug Read, another original and current member of TNSR. “I was always sure to be with the likes of him when we teamed up on searches.”
Read recounted the time when Dutton herringboned 8 miles up and out of a canyon near Diamond Crossing carrying an injured woman on his back to safety and recovery.
“All he asked was if I would carry his poles,” Read recalled. “He was the type who made our community such a wonderful place to live.”
Dutton continues to be remembered by friends and family each year at the Billy Dutton Uphill, which is open to Nordic skiers, snowshoers, runners and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Sign-ups for the race begin at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m. at the bottom of the Funitel. The $20 entry fee includes a T-shirt and goodie bag. Proceeds from the race benefit the Tahoe Nordic Race Scholarship Programs, which helps fund local youth Nordic athletes. Prizes will be awarded for all age categories.
For more information call 583-5170 or 583-6985 or visit www.squaw.com.
Photos by Emma Garrard/Tahoe World
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 25 March 2008 )
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