For the first time in the 10-year history of the series, The Yeti XC snowshoe race is coming to the Callaghan Valley.
On Saturday, Feb. 19, Whistler Olympic Park will host an event in the series. Series technical director Dave Howells said he's excited to bring the race to the same facility that hosted Nordic skiing, biathlon, ski jumping and Nordic combined at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
"It'll be our first time at Whistler Olympic Park and it's going to be a great venue for us," he said. "It's the first-ever snowshoe race that will be held there and I think it's great to be in the same place the Olympics were held."
Howells said that he would like to eventually see snowshoe racing in the Olympics and this race will give the tour a chance to perform on former Olympic snow.
"It's dream of ours to see snowshoe racing one day in the Olympics," he said. "To have our event in the same facility as the Olympics could be foreshadowing of sorts."
Yeti participants have three different ways to hit the snow - a five-kilometre sport course, a 10-kilometre enduro course and a brand new duathlon race. The duathlon race features a 10-kilometre cross country ski race sandwiched between two five-kilometre snowshoe runs.
The addition of cross country skiing is tailor-made for Whistler Olympic Park and Howells said it's an important step to include the sport.
"We don't want to be known only for snowshoeing," he said. "We want to grow and build this series and that means including all sorts of winter sports."
Howells added that response to the duathlon for the Whistler race has been strong and over 100 people in total have signed up for the Feb. 19 race.
Participants can either race solo or on a team and pre-registration is available online at www.theyeti.ca. Participants can also register on the day of the event.
The solo enduro and sport races each cost $45, while a team of five for either race works out to $40 per participant. The duathlon costs $50 for a solo racer, with a team of two working out to $40 each.
Those new to the sport also have an opportunity to rent snowshoes at a cost of $10. Howells recommends wearing a pair of light running shoes to go along with the snowshoes.
Awards are given out to the top three in each category and Howells said participants are eligible to win draw prizes. The race is also looking for volunteers in a number of positions such as course marshalling and timing. Volunteers get several benefits, including free food and beverages and an invitation to the wrap-up party later this year.
Check-in and race day registration begins at 9 a.m., with the races kicking off at 11 a.m.
"We've got a fantastic venue and I encourage people to come on out and share in the excitement," Howells said.
For more information on the race and how to volunteer, visit www.theyeti.ca.
