The 14th annual Wasatch Powder Keg backcountry race will be held on March 4, 5, and 6th at Brighton Ski Resort. The Powder Keg is a test of speed, strength, and endurance for any backcountry skier. This year will once again feature 3 races and racers have the option of doing any individual race or all 3 races. The Powder Keg is part of the US Ski Mountaineering Association National Race Series and is sanctioned by the International Ski Mountaineering Association (ISMF) as an ISMF Series Race.

Friday will be a Sprint race followed by the mandatory pre-race meeting for the Saturday and Sunday races.

Saturday will be the traditional Powder Keg Individual Race. As always, the race will have captivating views of Heber Valley, Mt Nebo, Mt Timpanogos, and the Cottonwood Canyons. The race and heavy metal divisions will cover 11 miles and have 6 climbs for a little over 6,000’ of climbing. Any racer with a ski/binding weight of 1,450g (51oz) or less, must race the Race division. The Recreational division will cover 6.5 miles and have 4 climbs for 3,500’ of climbing. All divisions will have categories for male/female.

Sunday will be a Technical Teams Race (teams of 2). The course will have 6 climbs and over 9,000’ of climbing. The highlight of the course will be the fixed ropes climbing up and traversing Mt Millicent. Racers will be required to work as a team to complete the course and incorporate mountaineering skills to ascend and traverse the roped section.

There will be food for sale at Milly Chalet between the Friday Sprint Race and pre-race meeting. There will be a BBQ, awards ceremony, and raffle following the Saturday and Sunday races at the Milly Chalet.  For more details see www.wasatchpowderkeg.com.