THE RULES
The short story:
For all events, competitors must abide by the rules and skier code of conduct set by Kicking Horse Mountain Resort as well as the race specific rules set forth by the Steep Dreams Festival and Ski Mountaineering Competition Canada. All equipment used must meet the requirements of an alpine ski area, with safety devices matching KHMR's requirement and the requirements of the event. If in doubt, ask!
The longer story:
The teams race is essentially a longer individual race. The mandatory gear will be the same, or may include additional items depending on the course route and weather conditions. These will be made public before the race, via emails to registered athletes and updates on the website / social media.
Teams Race Special Rules
1. Team members must arrive at each check-point (usually transition areas) within 30 seconds of each other.
2. The teams race may be raced as a relay - this means a team of two people will complete the first portion (start to hand off area), and a second team of two can complete the final portion. The second team of two may include one of the first team members if desired (ie only one racer hands off)
3. Special equipment: you will need a harness, manufactured by a reputable company and in good working order. You must provide your own rappel device, however a limited number of devices will be available at the rappel station if the ones provided by competitors do not meet the correct standard. A time penalty may be applied to racers who fail to bring the correct device. Acceptable devices are limited to tube style such as BD ATC or Petzl Reverso only. Devices must be capable of a double strand rappel on ~11mm ropes. Extra equipment may be required and will be identified before the race.
4. Any areas where special equipment is required - for example, a rappel station or fixed ascent line - will include volunteers to control access and ensure safety. These volunteers' judgement is absolute and you will be disqualified immediately if you do not follow their instructions.
5. Towing is allowed after the ten minute mark of the race, per ISMF regulations.
The following detailed rules are specific to the individual/recreational race, but the spirit of these rules should be applied to the entire festival.
Race Rules & Mandatory Equipment
RACE BRIEFINGS: There will be two Race Course and Weather/Snow conditions briefings, one before the event at final registration / technical meeting, and one just before the start.
SUMMARY RULES: based on ISMF rules for International Ski Mountaineering Competition
All disputes will follow the rules of the ISMF Sport Regulations for Ski Mountaineering Competitions, which can be found under the "Regulations" button at: http://ismf-ski.org/ and be ruled on by the Race Dispute Committee.
PROCEDURE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
For safety reasons, extreme weather conditions or other exceptional factors, the race director is authorized to make any decision he deems appropriate if the proper safety conditions can no longer be met.
IMAGE RIGHTS
The competitors commit themselves to conform to these regulations by their registration alone, and accept the exploitation by Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and The Alpine Club of Canada, and their partner media, of photos and filming done during the events without any restrictions in time, type of medium or quantity or means of distribution. This includes the copyrights, free of charge, of all photos and video footage taken during the race for all types of commercial, promotional or advertising purposes in all types of media. (including Internet). All rights are reserved concerning the use of images from the Steep Dreams Ski Mountaineering Festival.
MANDATORY GEAR LIST
All races and competitor categories have the following MANDATORY GEAR LIST (per ISMF Sport Regulations for Ski Mountaineering Competitions). We reserve the right to check this equipment in detail before, during, and after the scheduled race. In order to do this we need the understanding and cooperation of the participants. The better prepared you are, the more quickly the process will be finished. You are required to have all of your mandatory equipment at the gear check immediately after the race finish.
SKI EQUIPMENT
*SKI MOUNTAINEERING COMPETITION CANADA / COMPÉTITION DU SKI RANDONNÉE CANADA are allowing Telemark and Splitboard setups to be a part of their races. To be allowed, skis, boots, bindings, and poles must be a Telemark or Splitboard set-up in the eyes of the equipment judges – cross country ski equipment will not be accepted.
Otherwise, all competitors must observe mandatory ski equipment items required by the ISMC rules for official races, as follows:
Skis will be equipped with metallic edges on at least 90% of their length, and with a width of at least 60 mm beneath the foot. The skis must be at least 160 cm long for men and 150 cm long for women. The bindings must allow heel movement when ascending or descending. There is no requirement for brakes or other ski retention devices during SMCC races in the 2021/2022 season. Front and rear binding devices must have lateral and frontal release safety systems. Cross-Country ski bindings and boots or their derivatives are strictly forbidden. The skis and bindings must have a minimal weight :
The Steep Dreams Ski Mountaineering Festival Individual and Teams Race is a mountain ski race with limited support along parts of its route. The equipment you carry may become crucial under certain circumstances. Organizers and officials reserve the right to include extra items in the list of required equipment if they feel it is warranted by the course or conditions, including extra clothing, headlamp, whistle, climbing harness, carabiners, etc. Food and water will be available only before the start, and after the finish of the race. Each competitor will have to carry what they feel they will need.
INDIVIDUAL RACE ACCESS
Please note that Kicking Horse Mountain Resort requires all skis loaded onto the Golden Eagle Express gondola to be equipped with brakes, leashes or other retention devices. This is a host resort requirement for lift access and not a race requirement. This requirement must be observed in order to access the Individual race course. Any questions, please ask the race organizers.
VERTICAL RACE
The Vertical race may require less equipment than specified above. This will be confirmed closer to race day.
For all events, competitors must abide by the rules and skier code of conduct set by Kicking Horse Mountain Resort as well as the race specific rules set forth by the Steep Dreams Festival and Ski Mountaineering Competition Canada. All equipment used must meet the requirements of an alpine ski area, with safety devices matching KHMR's requirement and the requirements of the event. If in doubt, ask!
The longer story:
The teams race is essentially a longer individual race. The mandatory gear will be the same, or may include additional items depending on the course route and weather conditions. These will be made public before the race, via emails to registered athletes and updates on the website / social media.
Teams Race Special Rules
1. Team members must arrive at each check-point (usually transition areas) within 30 seconds of each other.
2. The teams race may be raced as a relay - this means a team of two people will complete the first portion (start to hand off area), and a second team of two can complete the final portion. The second team of two may include one of the first team members if desired (ie only one racer hands off)
3. Special equipment: you will need a harness, manufactured by a reputable company and in good working order. You must provide your own rappel device, however a limited number of devices will be available at the rappel station if the ones provided by competitors do not meet the correct standard. A time penalty may be applied to racers who fail to bring the correct device. Acceptable devices are limited to tube style such as BD ATC or Petzl Reverso only. Devices must be capable of a double strand rappel on ~11mm ropes. Extra equipment may be required and will be identified before the race.
4. Any areas where special equipment is required - for example, a rappel station or fixed ascent line - will include volunteers to control access and ensure safety. These volunteers' judgement is absolute and you will be disqualified immediately if you do not follow their instructions.
5. Towing is allowed after the ten minute mark of the race, per ISMF regulations.
The following detailed rules are specific to the individual/recreational race, but the spirit of these rules should be applied to the entire festival.
Race Rules & Mandatory Equipment
RACE BRIEFINGS: There will be two Race Course and Weather/Snow conditions briefings, one before the event at final registration / technical meeting, and one just before the start.
SUMMARY RULES: based on ISMF rules for International Ski Mountaineering Competition
- The listed mandatory gear must be carried by the racer throughout the entire race and be available for inspection at any time.
- Competitors must arrive at the starting area at the time set.
- The Race Director reserves the right to modify the event and race course at any time for safety reasons.
- The track is marked with green flags on the ski ascents, yellow flags on the boot ascents, and red flags on the descents.
- Sequence points (generally changes in course direction) are marked as square flags or banners on bamboo poles on the course. Sequence points should be passed by within ~2 meters.
- Control Points (transitions to or from skinning or skiing) are marked with square flags or banners on bamboo poles, and/or have a course marshal present, and should also be passed within 2 meters.
- At each manned gate or checkpoint, the Racer should shout their number for the benefit of the Course Marshall recording.
- A GPS can be carried and may be used on the course.
- Cellular telephones may be carried for emergency use, but must be off during racing so as not to interfere with transceiver signals.
- Headphones or headsets are forbidden. Racers must be fully aware of their surroundings at all times.
- In case of withdrawal during the race, the competitor must notify the Race Organizers (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, or for requiring extended time to finish.
- The bib numbers are exclusively reserved for the markings printed by the Organization. They must be worn on the right thigh over all other clothing.
- Waivers must be signed by all racers at the pre-race meeting.
- Any competitor who is caught up to, must obligatorily and immediately yield the trail to the competitor who says ‘’TRACK’’.
- All racers are expected to treat volunteers, officials, staff, fellow competitors and members of the public with respect. Abuse of others during the any part of the festival will result in disqualification and may lead to a ban from future events.
- Any competitor in difficulty may abandon the race at his own initiative or be taken out of the race by decision of the Race Director, Race Coordinator, Ski Patrol, or the Race Doctor.
- Abandoning or being taken out of the race should take place at a checkpoint except in extreme circumstances. Notify race officials of abandonment as soon as possible.
- All racers are obliged to come to the aid of a person in danger. The Race Director will take into account the time spent providing assistance.
- Any failure to obey the regulations of conduct which is reported to or viewed by the Race Director must be dealt with according to the ISMF regulations and will be examined by the Race Director. This may result in a disciplinary council.
- No external material assistance is permitted.
- For those competitors awarded in any category at SMCC events, it is mandatory to attend the award presentation to receive prizes. They should ask permission of the Referee if there are extenuating circumstances.
- If a competition must be suspended owing to circumstances beyond the control of the organizer, ranking will be determined on the basis of time points obtained at last checkpoint.
- If there are some racers having crossed that checkpoint and conditions are good enough for competition:
- They will be neutralized at next checkpoint (or at finish line if there is no other intermediate checkpoint). Ranking will be determined on the basis of, firstly, arrival order at that checkpoint and, secondly, racers at the previous checkpoint.
- If, even though there are racers who crossed that checkpoint, conditions are not good for competition (avalanches, bad weather, missing land marking) ranking will be determined on the basis of time and points obtained at last checkpoint.
All disputes will follow the rules of the ISMF Sport Regulations for Ski Mountaineering Competitions, which can be found under the "Regulations" button at: http://ismf-ski.org/ and be ruled on by the Race Dispute Committee.
PROCEDURE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
For safety reasons, extreme weather conditions or other exceptional factors, the race director is authorized to make any decision he deems appropriate if the proper safety conditions can no longer be met.
IMAGE RIGHTS
The competitors commit themselves to conform to these regulations by their registration alone, and accept the exploitation by Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and The Alpine Club of Canada, and their partner media, of photos and filming done during the events without any restrictions in time, type of medium or quantity or means of distribution. This includes the copyrights, free of charge, of all photos and video footage taken during the race for all types of commercial, promotional or advertising purposes in all types of media. (including Internet). All rights are reserved concerning the use of images from the Steep Dreams Ski Mountaineering Festival.
MANDATORY GEAR LIST
All races and competitor categories have the following MANDATORY GEAR LIST (per ISMF Sport Regulations for Ski Mountaineering Competitions). We reserve the right to check this equipment in detail before, during, and after the scheduled race. In order to do this we need the understanding and cooperation of the participants. The better prepared you are, the more quickly the process will be finished. You are required to have all of your mandatory equipment at the gear check immediately after the race finish.
SKI EQUIPMENT
*SKI MOUNTAINEERING COMPETITION CANADA / COMPÉTITION DU SKI RANDONNÉE CANADA are allowing Telemark and Splitboard setups to be a part of their races. To be allowed, skis, boots, bindings, and poles must be a Telemark or Splitboard set-up in the eyes of the equipment judges – cross country ski equipment will not be accepted.
Otherwise, all competitors must observe mandatory ski equipment items required by the ISMC rules for official races, as follows:
Skis will be equipped with metallic edges on at least 90% of their length, and with a width of at least 60 mm beneath the foot. The skis must be at least 160 cm long for men and 150 cm long for women. The bindings must allow heel movement when ascending or descending. There is no requirement for brakes or other ski retention devices during SMCC races in the 2021/2022 season. Front and rear binding devices must have lateral and frontal release safety systems. Cross-Country ski bindings and boots or their derivatives are strictly forbidden. The skis and bindings must have a minimal weight :
- Men’s Skis: Minimal weight (ski + binding) = 750 grams (without tolerance) (1500 grams total per pair at minimum)
- Women’s Skis: Minimal weight (ski + binding) = 700 grams (without tolerance) (pair 1400 grams total per pair at minimum)
- Men’s Boots: Minimal weight boot = 500 grams (without tolerance) (1000 grams total per pair at minimum)
- Women’s Boots: Minimal weight boots: 450 grams (without tolerance) (900 grams total per pair at minimum)
- A pair of alpine or cross-country poles with a maximum diameter of 25 mm, and with non-metallic baskets.
- Skins originating from wild animals are strictly forbidden.
- Skins must cover at least 40% of the snow contact length of the ski.
- Use of adhesive tape is forbidden on the skins for environmental reasons.
- Two Layers for Lower body: 1. insulating 2. windproof
- Three Layers for Upper body: 1. insulating 2. insulating 3. windproof
(Extra clothing may be specified at the time of the race. All clothing must be full length, i.e. have long sleeves and legs, and fit the competitor) - Gloves: must cover the whole hand to the wrist and be worn at all times
- Sunglasses or goggles
- Beacons must operate on the 457kHz frequency, and be worn, turned on, at all times.
- Commercially made “snow shovel” as defined by the manufacturer –not modified after purchase.
- ‘Snow Claws’ not permitted.
- Minimum of 240 centimeters x 10mm diameter.
- Must be large enough to provide complete protection from the elements and be waterproof, at least 1.8 square meters.
- Must have enough space to contain all required gear.
- Must include ski carry system with at least two attachment points.
- Compulsory. No exceptions.
- Athletes who hold a valid ISMF license or who wish to compete for national team selection must wear a helmet which conforms to UIAA 106 and EN 1077 class B standards, as per ISMF regulations.
- For all other athletes, climbing, bicycling, or other lightweight sport-specific headgear is allowed.
- Must be unaltered from manufacturer’s specifications.
- Must be worn as recommended by the manufacturer and with chin strap secured for the duration of the race.
The Steep Dreams Ski Mountaineering Festival Individual and Teams Race is a mountain ski race with limited support along parts of its route. The equipment you carry may become crucial under certain circumstances. Organizers and officials reserve the right to include extra items in the list of required equipment if they feel it is warranted by the course or conditions, including extra clothing, headlamp, whistle, climbing harness, carabiners, etc. Food and water will be available only before the start, and after the finish of the race. Each competitor will have to carry what they feel they will need.
INDIVIDUAL RACE ACCESS
Please note that Kicking Horse Mountain Resort requires all skis loaded onto the Golden Eagle Express gondola to be equipped with brakes, leashes or other retention devices. This is a host resort requirement for lift access and not a race requirement. This requirement must be observed in order to access the Individual race course. Any questions, please ask the race organizers.
VERTICAL RACE
The Vertical race may require less equipment than specified above. This will be confirmed closer to race day.
