Irwin/La Sportiva Race Scheduled for Dec 8th, 2012 is Cancelled

Crested Butte, CO- After two consecutive years of hosting the opening race of the Colorado Ski Mountaineering Cup (COSMIC) Irwin Cat Skiing operation is disappointed to announce that the 3rd annual Irwin/La Sportiva race scheduled for Saturday, December 8th, 2012 has been cancelled due to the lack of snow. The storm that Irwin’s permitted area received on December 3rd, 2012 was not significant enough to safely run the race. There are a few storms in the long-term forecast though the next one this Thursday will not give Irwin the amount of snow needed to safely host the race.

“We would need at least 12-16 inches to make it happen. Even if the racers could get up and down with reasonable passage, we could not count on providing toboggan evacuations in case of injuries or emergencies” shares Billy Rankin, Snow Safety Director for Irwin Cat Skiing.

“Elk Mountain Events appreciates all the overwhelming support & passion from our athletes who pre-registered for the event,” says Bryan Wickenhauser, Race Director. “Irwin exemplifies what the ski mountaineering scene is all about. Unfortunately, a lack of help from Mother Nature makes this decision the correct call as we have to put the racers safety first.”

Talks of rescheduling the race for later in the COSMIC Calendar have commenced. Please visit http://winter.irwincolorado.com/winter/special-events and http://cosmicski.com/race/cosmic/2012-12-07/2013-cs-irwin-lodge-rando-race for up-to-date info regarding a possible reschedule.

Pray for snow!