The Appleton Rum Peak to Valley Race is arguably one of the most grueling ski races on the planet, with competitors carving their way through 180 gates down a vertical drop of more than 1,400 metres. The course is over five kilometres long, and includes a wide range of challenging terrain. Even former World Cup skiers are hard-pressed to finish the course in less than five minutes, and even they look like they’re about to pass out at the finish.
So naturally the event is once again sold-out, with teams of four snapping up every available spot.
Every team must have at least one member of the opposite sex, and groups are classed by the total combined age of the skiers.
Now in its 19 th season, the event was created by the late Dave Murray to give Whistler ski jocks a run for their money. Now the event is a testament to Murray’s own competitive spirit.
The Peak to Valley is run over two days, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, with half the members of each team racing on each day to make it fair if the conditions should change from day to day.
Although all the start bibs have been allocated, spectators are welcome. There are also tickets available to the dinner at the Roundhouse Lodge for $55 at the invitation of team members.
For more information, visit the Whistler-Blackcomb Web site at www.whistler-blackcomb.com/calendar/events/peaktovalley.asp.
