Equinox reminders

Greetings,
Warm weather has been bringing out the birds and drying the roads around here. Fortunately, the snow on the trails is holding in there. We anticipate keeping the 2010 Equinox course the same, but in the event of increased melting, we might move the start/finish in to the biathalon hut area, avoiding the thinnest area of the trails near the trailhead building. Check the "Latest News" tab on the website www.equinoxskichallenge.com for updates.

I hope all have had a wonderful season thus far. The Equinox Top 10 list to save you some cash and increase chances of acquiring prizes...

1. -- bring donations for the West Yellowstone Food Bank and earn an extra raffle ticket for every 5 pounds of food donated. The raffle will include skis from Madshus, Toko jackets, Patagonia vests, handmade pottery, local artwork, goodies from Freeheel and Wheel and Gallatin Alpine Sports, headlamps from Princeton-Tec, yoga passes and other cool stuff.

2. -- mail in registration closes March 15th and online registration closes March 18th. Registration is available at the event on Friday evening and Saturday morning for an additional $10.

3. -- check the Race Info page of website for gear recomendations. We will post a wax recommendation from Toko prior to the event on the Latest News section of the website. Eric Middelstadt from Toko will have a wax bench on site to make recomendations and help with racers needs. Note that his priority will be supporting the solo racers. There will be room for personal benches as well for. Eric works hard for us! Feel free to tip him!

4. -- costumes are encouraged. All racers starting in costume recieve an extra raffle ticket and the best dressed man woman or team recieves four extra raffle tickets. The costume needs to just stay on at least one lap.

5. -- potluck and fire on Saturday night beginning around 6pm. Last names starting with A-F bring appetizers, G-M bring grill items, N-S beverages, T-Z dessert. We will supply condiments. Mid race snack or post race feed frenzy, volunteer, racer or neighbor, all are welcome.

6. -- registration and bib pickup is on Friday night from 6-9 PM and on Saturday AM from 7-8:30. All on the start line at 9:45 AM for costume contest. The skiing starts at 10!

7. -- volunteers are always welcome and get a raffle ticket just like all the racers. Jobs are usually 2-3 hours and can be arranged around your needs. Call or email to schedule and we will give you a hug, a raffle ticket and a beverage appropriate for the time of day you choose to volunteer.

8. -- 24 Minute Kids Challenge! We got a fleet of young folks getting ready. These ones race for free on a .7 km course. Be around at 2 PM to do some real cheering!

9. -- discounted rates are available at the Holiday Inn! This is the closest hotel to the trails and has been kind to offer lower rates for the weekend. Equinox rates start at $59 for the standard double queen or single king rooms and $75 for a great King Spa rooms. Family suites are at $99.00 (which are two room suites with three queen beds & these are perfect for triple occupancy - everyone gets their own bed and saves some $$$).

Click on the link below or call the hotel directly 800-646-7365 for reservations and ask them for the Equinox event rate.

http://www.ihg.com/h/d/HI/1/en/rates/WYSMT?groupBookingCode=ESC&_IATAno=99801505

10. $100 cash go to the top 24 Hour womens soloist and 24 Hour mens soloist.

See you all on the 20th!