times, and was last updated on March 1, 2010.
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February 20th, 2010
The Thunderbolt Ski Run 75th Anniversary Race is
being held under the auspices of
The Thunderbolt Ski Runners.
Racer
Info
&
Maps
  • All racers MUST wear a helmet.
  • Snowboards and telemark skis must have leashes.
  • All racers MUST ascend Mt. Greylock via the Super Highway.   Skinning,
    snowshoeing, or boot-packing are all acceptable. No motorized transportation
    to the summit!  Any racer who receives a ride to the summit will be disqualified.
  • Racers who did not pick up their race materials on Friday, March 12th at the
    pre-race dinner must report to the Racer Check-In tent located in the Glen no
    later than 11:30 A.M.
  • Racers must hand sign the race waiver in ink before the ascent.  Failure to do
    so will result in disqualification.
  • Racers who fail to summit, or who fail to meet their start time will be
    disqualified.  No refunds will be given.
  • The Super Highway will be closed at 11:30 PM.  Any racer who has not
    started up the mountain by that time will be disqualified from the race.  Any
    racer who ascends the Super Highway after 11:30 PM will be considered a
    non-participant.
  • Racers will be assigned an approximate start time for their run, and must be
    on the summit a minimum of 30 minutes before that time.
  • Racers will leave the start line every 2 minutes.
  • Racers who miss their start time will be disqualified.
  • No racer will leave the summit after 1:50 PM.   Any racer who leaves the
    summit after 1:50 will be disqualified and will be considered a non-participant.
  • Passing is allowed, but it must be done carefully.  Racers are asked to
    announce the direction of the pass as either skier’s left or right.
  • The Super Highway and the Thunderbolt will be swept at 2:00 PM.
  • In the event of a lack of snow on March 13th, the race will be postponed until
    2011.
Race Rules
Course Maps
The Greylock Glen.  
  • Race headquarters (HQ) is in a small
    outbuilding on the Gould Farm called "The
    Roost."  This is where all racers MUST
    check in before their ascent.
  • Parking for racers and their families will be
    reserved in the big field to the south of
    Race HQ.
Detail of Race HQ - "The Roost."  
  • Racers head up Greylock via the Super
    Highway.  Spectators head up to the
    Thunderbolt on the Spectator Access
    Trail.
  • note: on State DCR maps the spectator
    access trail is often called the Bellows Pipe
    Trail.  It is also called The Apple Trail by
    locals.  On our maps, we are calling it the
    Spectator Access Trail.
  • The Super Highway is about 3 miles long
  • The Spectator Access Trail is 1 mile long
Overview of Mt. Greylock on race day.
  • The Bucket Trail is only for racers who
    want to ski back down to the Race HQ and
    the parking area after their run.
  • Porta-Pottys will be available at Race HQ
  • Food and beverages will be available
Detail of The Thunderbolt.
  • An average run is probably going to be
    around 6 minutes.
  • Race Marshalls will be positioned all along
    the trail for racer safety.
  • The ascent will take expert backcountry skiers in top shape a minimum
    of one and a half hours.  Intermediate skiers in good shape might take
    two to two and a half hours.  Novices and those who lack fitness may
    want to consider a different race.  This is not a beginner’s race.  
    Racers who fail to summit, or who fail to meet their start time will be
    disqualified.  No refunds will be given.  
  • The Thunderbolt Ski Shelter will be open and heated on race day for
    your use.  
  • The Thunderbolt Ski Run will not be groomed.  It will be left in its
    natural condition on race day. For the uninitiated, the Thunderbolt Ski
    Run is considered intermediate terrain, yet expert conditions.  
    Preparing yourself for the worst possible conditions is probably good
    advice.  
  • Chicanes, gates, and bamboo poles will be used extensively to slow
    down racers.
  • There will be NO netting, pads, or hay bales.  This is a backcountry ski
    race.
  • Race organizers are not responsible for transportation of packs or
    gear of any kind down the mountain.  Either wear it down, or have a
    friend do it.
Race Information
Rain Date and Cancellation Policy
  • There is NO RAIN DATE for this race in 2010.  
  • If there is not enough snow for the March 13th race to occur on skis,  the
    event will be postponed until 2011.  
For information about spectators, getting to the
Glen, and parking please see the Spectator Info page.
Pre-Race Dinner, Post-Race Banquet, and Awards
  • There will be a pre-race pasta dinner in Adams at the Elks Lodge on
    Friday, March 12th.  It will be an informal event.  Racers may pick up their
    race materials.  Racers may also pick up their race packets in the Glen
    on Saturday morning at the Racer Check-In tent starting at 7:30 A.M.
  • There will be a post-race awards ceremony and banquet the evening of
    the event starting at 6 PM at the Bounti Fare in Adams.  Prizes will be
    awarded 5 deep in each of the following categories:
  • Alpine
  • Telemark
  • Snowboard
  • Women’s Overall
  • The Ascent
  • There will also be a "King of the Mountain" trophy awarded to the racer
    with the fastest combined time on the ascent and descent.
  • There will be a ton of doors prizes given away to include skis, gloves,
    hats, goggles, and other active wear!
Things to Remember
•       Check in at summit at least 15 minutes before your start time
•       Know the skier responsibility code – it is in effect in this race
•       This is a backcountry race – bring what you need to spend a day outside
•       It is your responsibility to navigate around obstacles,
  • including but not limited to, trees, rocks, skiers, spectators
•       Stay in control – trails are not groomed
•       Stay in control – no padding, netting or other barrio devices are installed
•       Stay in control – you must regulate your speed, there are no gates
•       Stay in control – high skier traffic may result in thin cover
•       Stay in control – trail conditions may change rapidly
•       Enjoy the mountain and have fun
A partial list of the National Ski Patrol Responsibility Code
•       Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
•       People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
•       You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
•       Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
•       Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
•       Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas
Race Day Trail Map...this will be printed in the official Race Program