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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Ski-Hill Climb Tests More Than Wills 49 Degrees North Holds Annual Race That’s Very Tough, And That’s No Gag

John Miller Correspondent

For the record, not one of the veteran racers grilled about Saturday’s annual “Puke Your Guts Out Hillclimb” at 49 Degrees North could recall anybody succumbing to the powerful will of the, er, stomach.

Maybe that’s a good thing.

Even though the “Skier’s Responsibility Code” clearly warns folks about obstacles on the slopes, this probably isn’t what the ski patrol had in mind.

“Sometimes you might feel like you want to puke,” said Jason Luker, winner here in 1994 and 1995. “You push as hard as you want to push. It’s mind over body.”

The race’s official name is the “Sixth Annual Hillclimb and Ski Descent.”

At 3:15 p.m., as the shadows stretch out over a run called Mahre’s Gold, telemarkers, alpine tourists - and for the first time snowboarders - will begin climbing the front face of the Chewelah ski area.

The race format is pretty simple - the first person to the top and back to the bottom wins the money. A $15 per racer entry fee (racers take advantage of a $12 day pass to use the lifts) is collected in a pot. The amount of the prize money, to be divided among each of the categories, depends on the number of entrants.

Aided by skins, or adhesive traction strips mounted on the bottom of their boards, the fastest skiers will complete the circuit in less than 40 minutes.

Last year’s male winner, Chewelah’s Jim Biancardi, finished in 36:40. The fastest female was Chewelah’s Susan Burmeister, whose time was 45:51.

For snowboarders on snowshoes, the race will take about twice as long.

“Believe it or not, the skill of climbing up that hill can be pretty great,” said race founder Matt Chase, who is Eastern Washington University’s Dean of Students. “But the main thing is everybody is really supportive and having a great time.”

An awards ceremony is set in the 49 Degrees North bar following the race. There, sponsors Mountain Gear, Adventure Tech, Inc., and Wintersport will give away free gear to competitors.

xxxx IF YOU WANT TO COMPETE Sign up for the race between 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday at 49 Degrees North. Racers get a discounted $12 day lift pass.