22nd Wasatch Powderkeg, Solitude Mountain, Utah March 1-3rd, 2024

Skimo athletes  from across North America were preparing to race the North American Skimo Championships at the aptly named Wasatch Powderkeg at Solitude Mountain, Utah, when the resort got hit by an early March storm. The Wasatch Powder Keg comprises of three main events: the Vertical race, the Individual race and the Sprint. The Powderkeg also hosts the largest field of youth athletes with several dominant kids teams living and training nearby. It also has a Masters category, making the age range for racers 7 years to 63 years old.

 

With the 2026 Olympics drawing nearer, top athletes from other sports are joining in the fun, no doubt with Olympic dreams. For example, Maria Lamb, a previous Olympic athlete in speed skating has been dominating the Individual event this season and won the Individual race this weekend. Another crossover athlete, David Sinclair, a runner and nordic skier, placed second in the Sprint, his first time ever competing in the event. Winning times for the individual race were 1:40:11.08 for the men's race and for the women's 2:05:01.26.

The PowderKeg had its 2nd annual PowderPint race for kids ages 10 and under. They tackled a 800 vertical foot course in the blowing wind and harsh conditions. 

To try to draw in new athletes and talent to the sport, USA Skimo, the governing body for the sport in the US, has been focusing on promoting awareness of the event and the sport in general with eyes set on the Olympic podium. For the first time ever, the races were live streamed for viewers to watch on social media and online. To re-watch the action please see the USA Skimo Youtube page. To participate in a skimo event near you check out USA Skimo’s webpage for a list of races. Do you know an athlete such as an 800 m runner or football star who also loves to ski? Spread the word and try out this age-old, yet up-and-coming sport.