Frequently Asked Questions 

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Q. Can you tell me about the Course?

A. Sure, it’s challenging but not too tough. The swim is the only flat part. After that it’s all up or all down. The bike has plenty of climbing and fast downhills. It is all on fire roads and double track trails, nothing technical. The run is part trail run and part cross-country scramble.

Q. How do I know if I’m ready for XTERRA Snow Valley?

A. If you can swim 1000 yards, bike ten hilly miles, and run 4 miles you should be fine. The bike course, while not for an absolute first timer, is suitable for someone with beginner level mountain bike skills.

Q.  How do I register?

A. Follow our link at our website: www.xterrasnowvalley.com to active.com to register. Fees are $80 for early registration, $90 after June 1 for an individual. $130 for relays and $140 after June 1 for relays.

Q. Will there be race day registration?

A. Yes, you can register for either the triathlon or duathlon the morning of the race starting at 7:00 A.M.

Q. Why isn’t there mail in registration?

A. We are using active.com for all registration because it is greener, simpler, and more accurate. On-site registration will also be available.

Q. I want to race but I’m not a good swimmer.

A. That’s why God invented the Duathlon.

Q. When can we pick up our race packets?

A. Race packet pick up will be the day prior to the race (Saturday, July 31) from 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Be sure to bring your photo I.D. (driver’s license) and USAT membership card with you.

Q. Where can I park for the race?

A.  The Snow Valley Ski Resort has ample free surface parking for all race participants & spectators.

Q.  Do I have to wear a wetsuit?

A. Wetsuits are not mandatory. We expect the water temp to be right about 70 degrees. Lots of people choose to do the race without a wetsuit, but you will be faster with one.

Q. Are helmets required?

A. YES! Helmets are absolutely mandatory! USAT rules state that helmets are required any time you are on your bike from the time registration opens (Saturday at 1:00) until after the awards ceremony on Sunday.

Q.  Will drafting be allowed on the bike?

A.  In accordance with USAT rules there is absolutely NO DRAFTING, but realistically the nature of our course doesn’t allow for it even if you wanted to.

Q. Will there be wave starts for the Triathlon?

A.  Yes.  Waves will be based on the number of registered participants but we will have at least 2 waves.

Q. Will there be wave starts for the Duathlon?

A. No. The Duathlon will be a mass start.

Q. How many participants are you expecting this year?

A. We are expecting about 300 or so with an absolute cap of 500.

Q. How do I arrange my race gear for the transition areas if the race is point-to-point?

A. On race morning, after check-in, you will put your run gear in T2. Then you will bike with your swim gear up to the start where T1 is located.

Q. How will I get my swim stuff back from the lake?

A. Race participants are required to place all personal gear into their marked bag provided at packet pickup. Race Officials will transport the bags to

 

Q. Can my family member pick-up my equipment at the Bike/Run Transition (T2)?

A. No. Only participants (with race number) are allowed to pick up equipment.  This is a rule that must be enforced for the security and safety of all participants' property.

Q. What is the weather going to be like?

A. It is typically warm, with clear sunny skies at this time of year (70's in the morning with temperatures climbing into the upper 80's and possibly low 90's in the afternoon).

Q. What if it rains?

A. The race will be held regardless of weather conditions. There are no refunds.

Q.  Are spectators allowed on the bike or run courses?

A.  No!  For the safety of the participants, we require spectators to remain off the bike and run courses. They can watch the swim start and then return to the base and spectate from outside the T2/Finish Line area.

Q.  Will there be aid stations on the bike course?

A.  No. Because of the off road nature of the course and concerns about litter there are no aid station for the bike. Participants are encouraged to carry a full water bottle with them. Littering the course in any way (Gu wrappers, etc.) is cause for DQ. There will be an aid station at T2 that you can use to fill your bottle before the race.

Q. Will there be aid stations on the run course?

A. Yes. There will be one station immediately after exiting T2 and another at the run turn around. They will have Gatorade and water.

Q. What if I want to switch from being a triathlon participant to a duathlon participant?

A. This will be possible during the packet pick-up on Saturday, but this is discouraged on the day of the race.

Q. How many people make up a relay team?

A. Relays may be 2 or 3 people, all male, all female, & mixed.

Q. I’d like to win an award, how do I do that?

A. Awards will be given in both the triathlon and duathlon to the first 3 finishers overall and the first 3 in each 5 year age group.

Q. Is there camping near the race?

A. Yes. You can camp for free in the Snow Valley parking area on Saturday night ONLY. Keep in mind there are no hook ups or facilities. For campgrounds and lodging in the area check mtnweb.com.