The Mountaineers
Washington’s premier ski-touring race is back again and open for registration! The Patrol Race is the oldest continuing ski race in the northwest – traversing nearly 20 miles and approximately 4,500 feet of gain and descent – taking racers from Snoqualmie Pass to Meany Lodge. With a rich history dating back to the 1930s, the Patrol Race is an experience steeped in snow, tradition, and adventure that you won’t want to miss!
This year’s race will take place Saturday, March 16. Register your team today to participate in the race, or mark your calendars to view the skiers as they cross the finish line at Meany Lodge.
2022 Patrol Race skiers stoked for a day of skiing. Photo by Rick Meade.
How to Register
We are excited to share that we have increased our race participant capacity and foregone the lottery! Each member of your team can now register directly.
Please ensure that each team member registers separately and notes in their registration application the name of your team leader. The registration fee is $100 per member ($110 for guest members) and all racers must have completed AIRE Level 1.
To top off an incredible day of racing, we will end at Meany Lodge with fires, food, and drinks. The lodge will be open for day use and overnight reservations. Racers and non-racers alike are encouraged to enjoy all that Meany Lodge has to offer. If you’re up for some more ski fun, stay until Sunday and experience Meany’s rope tow! Lodge reservations will be discounted for participating racers.
Need a team?
There have been requests for a forum where folks can get connected with other racers to form a team. A very simple google sheet has been put together to help facilitate. If you are interested in finding someone to complete your team or looking to plug into a team, add your name to the list and start the conversation.
How to View the Race
If you want to experience the thrill of the patrol race vicariously, there are a few spots where you can cheer on the racers as they traverse the trail. One spot is near Rockdale Creek, and the others are near Windy Pass or Ollalie Meadows (read here for specific viewing location details).
However, the best way to celebrate the racers is by joining them at the finish line at Meany Lodge between 1-5pm.
Non-racers are encouraged to reserve a stay at the lodge to keep the good times going.
2023 Racers at the start line. Photo by Rick Meade.
Know Before you Go
Teams will start between 6-8am from Summit West, depending on what category you register under. More specific information will be sent to team leaders prior to the race start. Carpooling is encouraged as parking spots are limited.
Because the ski race covers backcountry terrain, all participants are expected to be proficient in route finding and avalanche safety. While our volunteers will do their best to maintain the routes, weather is unpredictable, and your team must be capable of navigating snowy terrain and exiting via bailout if necessary.
This is a team race and all three team members must start, race, and finish together.
2022 Patrol Race volunteers ready to fuel participants with some hot drinks. Photo by Rick Meade.
There will be two staff checkpoints, but no aid stations along the way. Teams are responsible for providing their own food, water, and clothing. Most of the route lacks cell service.
Depending on weather, on-course times vary between 5-10 hours. There will be two cutoff times, and teams that fail to make the cutoff times will be taken to Meany Lodge via snow machine.
Route Map
Download the GPX route map before the race. Ignore the stats shown when you click on the track as they are inaccurate.
Bailout and Access Points
You can exit or access the course by way of groomed snowmobile roads. Click here to download a GPX map of bailout and access points.
For more information on how to register, race rules, safety information, and FAQs, visit our Patrol Race webpage.
Participating teams of the "first modern race" in 2014 at Meany Lodge. Photo by Jason Hummel.
A Rich History
Run entirely by volunteers, the Patrol Race has been operating since the 1930s. In 2014, Mountaineers member Nigel Steere and Meany Lodge Committee members revived and revamped the race to what it is today. For some interesting reading on the history of the Patrol Race, check out these resources:
- Mountaineers Patrol Race: A Grand Tradition Revisited
- Historic Ski Race Resurrected After 73 Years
- Chasing History: Snoqualmie to Stampede Pass – The Mountaineers Patrol Race
- A personal account from Cascade Skimo
- A personal account from Kyle Miller
Get inspired for this year's race by checking out our Patrol Race Facebook!
