In The Face Of Danger Snowmobile Climb May Draw Hundreds Of Machines

Flatlanders may be ankle deep in mud, but there’s still enough snow in the mountains for a last winter bash.

And bashes could be plentiful at Lookout Pass’ second annual Race the Face Snowmobile Hill Climb, which will send snowmobilers shooting up the slope skiers recently came down.

“In this kind of race, danger is inherent, though we’ve designed the course to be as safe as we can,” said Jim Fowler, one of Lookout’s three owners.

Put a snowmachine on the nearly vertical surface of the face, and racers run the risk of tipping their machines over.

Last year brought a few minor crashes, although no injuries. This year, the course includes jumps, ditches and curves designed to slow racers. But they could still be moving faster than 80 miles per hour, Fowler said.

The event runs today and Sunday, starting at 9:30 a.m. both days. There are 11 categories in three classes - stock, pro stock and modified.

“Some of the sleds are just unbelievable - what Batman might use. They just fly,” Fowler said.

More has changed than the course. Last year, not expecting much of a turnout, Fowler planned to handle the event himself, with a small staff.

“We were mobbed. We ran out of food, beer, everything. It really caught us with our pants down,” he said.

The danger may attract spectators, as well as the fact that there’s not much else to do outdoors in the spring. And though there’s a regular race-the-face circuit elsewhere, there are no similar events in the Spokane-Missoula region.

This year, Lookout is ready for crowds. The event netted numerous sponsors, including Budweiser. KDRK will broadcast live from the pass. Arrangements have been made for overflow parking. Viewers can watch the races from the top or the bottom of the ski hill, with concessions available at each.

“It should be a lot better for the spectators,” Fowler said.

It will be better for the racers, too. Last year, no cash prices were offered. This year, there’s an 80 percent payback on the $50 and $75 entry fees. Despite a 200-entrant limit, that could add up.

“Some of these people are going to walk away with a lot of money,” Fowler said.

The remainder of the fees will go to the Shoshone County Grooming Fund for snowmobile trails.

Fowler expects anywhere from 500 to 2,000 spectators, depending on the weather. He may have to turn late-registering racers away.

“People should dress warmly. They’re welcome to bring chairs. It should be exciting,” he said.