Gravity-defiant snowsports enthusiasts will have to decide between a pair of endurance epics Saturday: the first event of the Colorado Ski Mountaineering Cup (COSMIC) at Sunlight Mountain in Glenwood Springs or the Colorado State Snowshoe Championships at Tennessee Pass.
Saturday’s “Heathen Challenge” randonnee race begins at the base lodge of Sunlight (8 a.m. start) and climbs nearly 2,000 vertical feet in less than a mile and a half, including three brief ascents and descents of the 52-degree pitch on The Heathen run. A recreational division course eliminates some of the steeper sections.
Those less inclined to slide the snow can get their tramp on at the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse Colorado State Snowshoe Championships at the Nordic Center near Ski Cooper (10 a.m. start). The 10K event serves as a qualifying race for the U.S. National Championships. A 5K division is also offered.
Do it: Register online at (970-945-7491) or (970-845-0931).
