Life-Link announces the addition of Crested Butte to the 2003 Life-Link/Dynafit Ski Mountaineering Race Series. "Crested Butte is known for great backcountry skiing and also for the great athletes who live there. We are excited to have Crested Butte become a part of our ski mountaineering race series." states John Scott, Executive Vice-President of Life-Link International. "Crested Butte is very excited about the opportunity to debut a Randonnee Rally in Colorado," said Gina Kroft, Crested Butte Mountain's VP, event management. "Crested Butte Mountain will offer a spectacular venue for this event showcasing its legendary Extreme Limits terrain while featuring the country's best all-around ski mountaineering and endurance athletes in this emerging sport. We're proud to be associated with such fine partners as Life-link and Dynafit," boasts Kroft.

The series kicks off at Whistler Blackcomb, British Colombia, Canada on January 11th. Crested Butte, Colorado is the next stop on February 16th. The Marmot Randonnee Rally at Alpental, Washington on February 23, is next, followed by Stevans Pass, Washington on March 9, and culminates in the North American Championships on March 22, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

The Life-Link/Dynafit Ski Mountaineering Race Series tests the competitor's endurance, equipment and skiing skills while skinning up and skiing down some of the toughest terrain these resorts and their surrounding mountains have to offer.

Life-Link is expecting a great response to the 2003 series. "If the editorial coverage, increased amount of visitors to the Rally Page of Life-Link.com, the phone calls from racers, curious individuals and potential sponsors is any indication, the 2003 series will well exceed our expectations," states Christie Watts, the event manager.

Sponsoring the series are Marmot, Cloudveil, Petzl, Couloir, Off-Piste Magazine, Croakies, Mt. Hardwear, Suunto, Arc' teryx, Daggers, Boeri, Clif Bar, Honey Stinger, and Adventure Medical Kits. Check www.life-link.com for registration and course info.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Gear Editor