The 2002 Life-Link/Dynafit Randonnee Rally in Jackson Hole has been officially sanctioned by the International Council for Ski Mountaineering competitions (ISMC) and the American Alpine Club, which is the United States affiliate of the ISMC. This means that competitors in the racing division of the Jackson Hole Event will earn points towards the ISMC world rankings. The ISMC, an arm of the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA), has also invited the 2001 winners of the racing division of the Life-Link/Dynafit Rally to participate in the world championships being held in Serre Chevalier, France in January 2002.

What is Randonnee Racing?

Randonnee literally means trekking in French. The Life-Link/Dynafit Randonnee Rally is a ski mountaineering competition where competitors are required to follow a course that yo-yo's it's way up, down, and across the resort. This route allows the athletes to demonstrate their ascending and descending skills. The Life-Link/Dynafit Randonnee Rally is a laborious contest that could last for hours. The Rally begins with a LeMans-style mass start, then the athletes skin up 2,170 ft. to the first gate (racing another 400ft), down to the second gate, and back up to the third. This continues for 10 gates. Ski mountaineering competitions are unique in that competitors know where their opposition is, because they can see them. The 2001 courses are on the web site at www.life-link.com/race.htm

"The American Alpine Club is please to recognize the innovative spirit and vision of Life-Link International and its Corporate Partners in having organized the first ski mountaineering competition in the US last year here in Jackson. This year the competition steps onto the world stage, being sanctioned by the UIAA through the American Alpine Club. The UIAA is presently working on having ski mountaineering accepted in the 2006 Winter Olympics," says Jim McCarthy, of the AAC and UIAA Honorary Vice President for North and South America.

"This is a huge leap forward for American Alpine Touring and our event here in Jackson Hole. We are honored that the ISMC has seen fit to include the Life-Link /Dynafit Randonnee Rally as part of their international competitions," stated John Scott, Executive Vice-President of Life-Link International and the events founder.

On March 23, 2002 Life-Link will host the second annual Life-Link/Dynafit Randonnee Rally at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Village, Wyoming. "Last years event was a huge success for everyone involved. There were 85 competitors vying for over $10,000 in cash and prizes. With the 2002 event being sanction by the world governing body we should see participation significantly increase, especially by the Europeans." says Scott "And there is no better place to hold an event of this type then right here in Jackson Hole."

Life-Link has added a second rally to the roster for 2002. March 31, 2002 will be the first annual Life-Link/Dynafit Randonnee Rally at Alpental, at the Summit of Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. "Alpental is an excellent venue for a second Randonnee Rally. It's just outside of Seattle and it has comparable terrain to Jackson although much less vertical," says Christie Watts, Event Coordinator.

Life-Link will be sponsoring last year's male and female winners Brendan O'Neil and Nancy Johnstone, both of Jackson Hole, when they compete in the world championships to be held in January 2002 at Serre Chevalier France.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff