Arctic Man Sno & Go Classic 2007

Alaska likes to do things quiet differently during the seasons of the year and during our “springtime” in the northland there is an event that is locally called ‘The Arctic Man’.

Officially billed each year as “The Arctic Man Sno & Go Classic” this crazy event in its twenty second year is a combination of downhill skiing and snowmobile racing, a wacky team sport in the wilds of Alaska. It is a week long event where over 13,000 adventurers head out in motorhomes, campers, and rigs (trucks) pulling snowmachines to a narrow gorge in the Hoodoo mountains approximately 200 miles from Anchorage. The Arctic Man takes place each year close to mile 196 of the Richardson Highway, near Summit Lake, Alaska, and this years is the second week of April. Despite the sometimes extreme cold weather there is a party you have to see to believe.

The Arctic Man is a race for teams of two skilled competitors that tests the strength of an athlete and the horsepower of a snowmobile. Courage and training are essential elements of this team of snowmobile and skier.

Probably the World's Toughest Downhill Ski race and an exciting snowmobile race, rolled into one event. Truly the ultimate adrenaline rush for spectators and competitors alike. The last couple of year’s spectators and competitors came from around the nation and Canada to enjoy this spectacular Alaskan event. The snowcapped peaks and the surrounding beauty make this spring event one that you will treasure for a lifetime. Both men and women snowboarders and skiers can take part in their various disciplines and the scenery is breathtaking, making it some of the best snowmobiling country in the world.

And what do these athletes do in The Arctic Man?








The skier begins at a summit elevation of 5,800 feet on one mountaintop and drops 1,700 feet in less than two miles to the bottom of a narrow canyon where he meets up with his snowmobiling partner.











The snowmachiner’s meet their skier, on the go, both racing beside each other as the skier is handed a tow rope (no mean feat at speeds of up to 60 mph).








The combined tandem team now starts up the next mountainside and the snowmachine pulls the skier 2 1/4 miles uphill at top speeds of up to 88-90 mph.













The skier and the snowmobile then separate on top and the skier goes over the side of the second mountain and drops another 1,200 feet to the finish line with speeds of 80+ mph.

At the Arctic Man the motto of: " GO FAST or GO HOME" is heard all over the mountainside.







Well established on the extreme sports calendar, the event’s Friday race is the highlight of a fun packed weekend. The Arctic Man Ski and Sno-Go Classic is a race which tests the power of a snowmobile and the strength of the skier being pulled behind.

Besides the crazy fun of this Alaskan sport compared to the other ‘Iron Dog’, what makes people want to compete? I guess it is the prize purse beginning at $25,000, and growing with each team entry fee of $900, the racers are more than willing to risk life and limb. I’m hoping that some video footage from this year’s event ends up on YouTube.

The fun of the party . . . the roar of the engines constantly going . . . the thousands of snowmachines of the non-competitors heading off into the mountains to cut high marks along any fresh powder . . . the shear thrill of it all is what makes this a fun and fascinating springtime event each year.

Ice

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