Grand Targhee Randonnee Jan. 10-11th

Grand Targhee Resort Kicks Off USSMA National Ski Mountaineering Race Series With Grand Targhee Resort Rondonnee Race on January 10th and 11th.

Alta, WY - January 5, 2009- Grand Targhee Resort will launch the 2009 National Ski Mountaineering Race Series with the two-day Grand Targhee Randonnee Race on Saturday, January 10 and Sunday, January 11, 2009. In keeping with the sustainability charter of GTR, portions of event proceeds will go to our resort non-profit partner Protect Our Winters (POW). POW is a non-profit organization dedicated to reversing the global warming crisis by uniting the winter sports community and focusing collective efforts towards a common goal.

The GTR Randonnee Race is the only USSMA race that allows competitors to participate as teams. On Saturday, teams of two will travel together up and down the resort, covering nearly 5000 feet of vertical across Fred's Mountain, Mary's Nipple and Peaked Mountain. Each team member must cross various race checkpoints before continuing on as a team, and members of top teams will each receive points. The Sunday Freeride Race is a shorter, one-time hike with a more challenging descent. It begins at the top of Fred's Mountain with a ski down to the Mary's saddle, followed by a short hike up Mary's and Peaked Mountain. Competitors will complete the race with a steep descent of the cliffs on the north side of Peaked to the base area. With a short boot pack and a fast downhill, winning times should be under 30 minutes.

"Based on the nature of athletes in our local community and region, this promises to draw some of the best national randonnee competitors," said Special Events Manager Andy Williams. "It will be an exciting race!"

This is the first USSMA two-day event where points from both races count toward the National series. Competitors are not required to race on both days. New for this year is the HEAVY METAL category, allowing for competitors with heavier equipment to race against each other.

Entry fees are $40 per team, and $10 per competitor for the Sunday Freeride individual. GTR will offer competitors a $40 full day lift ticket rate for both days. Grand Targhee Resort is also offering a 20% discount on lodging for competitors. Call 1-800-TARGHEE and mention "Randonnee Race". The discounted rate is available January 9 to 11, 2009. Competitors can register online at www.active.com, or on the morning of each race at the START/FINISH area in the main plaza if space is available. Sign up now to ensure your spot.

All racers must have the following items to compete:

•   Helmet
•   Beacon operating in the 457MHz frequency
•   An avalanche probe of at least 190 cm (Probe poles are acceptable)
•   Safety straps or ski leashes as required by GTR
•   Climbing skins
•   A commercially-made snow shovel
•   A windbreaker jacket

Maps for both days, as well as a race schedule, are available under EVENTS on www.grandtarghee.com.

Grand Targhee Resort is a year round mountain resort situated on the western slope of the Tetons in Alta, Wyoming, accessible only through Teton Valley, Idaho. Our abundance of light powder snow (more than 500 inches annually) and virtual lack of lift lines creates an uncrowded skier and snowboarder paradise, continually recognized for our great snow, genuine western hospitality, scenic beauty, excellent value and commitment to sustainability. For more information, please visit our website at www.grandtarghee.com.