About one hundred intrepid athletes will celebrate the storied history of the Thunderbolt Ski Trail on Mount Greylock Saturday. Unlike a typical ski race, it’s a race to the top – then the bottom – twice.For its 80th anniversary, organizers are introducing a Rando Race with the clock beginning with a mass start at the bottom followed by two ascents up the mountain and two descents down. Race director Jonathan Shefftz describes the alpine touring gear most use.
“The binding that switches essentially between a cross country and a downhill binding,” Shefftz said. “You also have climbing skin on the base of the ski. It stays on with glue similar to a postage note. It’s just strong enough to keep the skin attached to your ski when you’re going up and then you just peel it right off.”
The best times for the 12 mile journey are expected to be two hours. The race starts at 10 a.m. followed by an afternoon celebration in Adams.
On site pre-race registration is available from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
