Do you have a desire to ski, skin, and climb in the mountains? If so, the Bear Valley Adventure Race is your chance to challenge yourself over both resort and backcountry terrain*. Doesn't matter if your a seasoned backcountry traveler or new to the scene, this event is intended to both challenge and inspire winter enthusiasts.

• About
• Courses
• Banquet
• Registration
• Carpooling
• Volunteers
• Sponsors

* - backcountry terrain is on the "Mt. Reba Challenge" course.

The Bear Valley Adventure Race follows a traditional randonee (ski mountaineering) format with "... a timed event that follows an established trail through challenging winter alpine terrain while passing through a series of checkpoints. Racers climb and descend under their own power using backcountry skiing equipment and techniques"(USSMA). The Bear Valley Adventure Race has two courses that will challenge both serious and recreational participants.

The Bear Valley Adventure Race is about having a great day outdoors and less about shaving seconds off you time. That said if you want to push your limits we will be timing the event from start to finish. All participants should be comfortable descending advanced ski slopes.

Mandatory gear: racers must carry this equipment throughout the race and be prepared for an inspection the morning of the event.

• Randonee*, telemark* or splitboard
• climbing skins* (snowshoes prohibited)
• avalanche beacon*n (457MHz)
• avalanche probe*
• snow shovel*
• helmet*

Recommended Gear:

• water/food** as needed by competitor
• wind-proof jacket or similar shell

* - rentable gear with MAS
** - check stations will be lightly supported with water and CLIF Bar products

• All participants must attend a pre-race meeting at 7AM on the morning of the event at the Bear Valley Mountain Resort.
• Participants should follow the course as close to the map as reasonably possible.
• Helmets are mandatory during the entire race.
• Skis must be securely carried on a backpack for the booting section.
• The participants must use climbing skins for ascending, except for the designated boot-pack section of the course.
• Passing is allowed in all areas, safety first.
• Any competitor who is caught up to must immediately yield the trail to the faster participant.
• All racers are obligated to come to the aid of a person in danger.
• Check Points (transitions to or from skinning or skiing) will be marked with flags or banners, and will have a course marshal present.
• At each checkpoint, participants must shout their bib number to the Course Marshal and confirm that Course Marshal replies with your correct number.
• The Race Director reserves the right to modify the event and race course at any time for safety reasons.
• In case of withdrawal during the event, the competitor must notify a Race Marshal (via the closest checkpoint) by any means and in the shortest time possible.
• The Organizers reserve the right to force a competitor to withdraw for health or safety reasons.
• Waivers must be signed by all racers immediately following the pre-race meeting.

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This is the most celebrated freeheel party of the year and not to be missed. Appetizers, drinks dinner, slide show, prizes, live music and dancing generate an infectious vibe that make it hard to stay seated. Spaces are limited so don't wait until the last minute to reserve your space.

Important: Please bring a pair tennis shoes or non-scuffing dancing shoes (aka - no black soles) for dinner and dancing. Black soled boots can be left at the entrance in a self service boot closet.

MAS strives to serve good food with swift service and a eye to sustainability by providing fresh local food, durable plates, silverware, cloth napkins, recycling and composting.

After dinner settle into a short movie or slide show before we launch into our monstrous prize giveaway.

Just when you thought the evening couldn't get better, it does! This year's band is a derivative of Quartet Minus One with their "Gloves vs. Glasses" project. With 8 members strong, featuring a 3-piece horn section and male and female vocalists we know the dancing floor is going to hopping!

Proceeds from the evening benefit the Sierra Avalanche Center.

All participants need to use our Online Registration Form. Registration fees include pre-race meeting, course map, marked & staffed transition zones, ski patrol support and event T-shirt.

The Bear Valley Adventure Race requires a lot of work before, during and after the event. We are looking for a small group of motivated and fun people to help us outt. In exchange we are more than happy to trade out such items as registration fees, lodging or other creative solutions. If you are interested in becoming part of the team please contact us.