The 2015 Royal LePage Comox Valley Snow to Surf Adventure Relay Race is a go. But without the snow.
The lack of snow on Mount Washington that caused the alpine resort to close operations in early February is the problem. So the 33rd edition of the event will be a turf to surf race.
In an email to team captains, race director Rick Gibson notes, “We have been as patient with Mother Nature as we can be, but the event is now 15 days away and we have had to make some hard decisions…
“First the race start is unchanged and will start at 8:45 a.m. on Sunday (April 26). The first three legs have been changed to accommodate the no-snow conditions. We have looked at many, many options, but this is the solution that we have decided on,” Gibson said.
“At this point in time, if snow falls, it is too late to get the runs groomed etc. so this goes with snow or no snow…..
“The alpine leg is going to start in an area near Raven Lodge. The exact start location is still to be confirmed but it will start with a small hill climb. It will then cross the amphitheatre and follow West Passage to the loading area of the Hawk Chairlift.
“The snow ‘shoeshoe’ leg will start near the loading area of the Hawk Chairlift. The snowshoer will then follow a route up Big Easy (in between the two Magic Carpets) and will finish in the bus parking lot (No. 2 parking lot). If there is snow, you will need your snowshoes,” Gibson advised.
“The Nordic leg will start in the bus parking lot and you will run down to the Sunrise Parking lot where the first runner exchange will be. Please note the first runner will have an additional small distance to run.”
Gibson added that because of the changes the race package pickup is moving from Mount Washington to the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay.
“This is now the plan and we have delayed as long as we can in hopes of snow, but we now have to make plans and we know you also need time to do the same. Even if we get hit with lots and lots of snow, we will not deviate from this solution,” Gibson informed the team captains.
“But snow now means more snow pack for our environment, which is extremely important,” Gibson added.
For more on the race, visit snowtosurf.com
