Regulations

The races are open to adults aged 18 or above in the following categories:

Individual Male (M)
Individual Female (F)

Individuals who wish to race on non conforming equipment i.e. telemark, nordic or split boards are welcome to enter the Individual categories (either M or F) but must stipulate on the registration form what type of equipment is used. With the exception of skis, boots and bindings all other equipment must conform with equipment requirements.

There will be 2 races throughout the 2023/2024 Scottish winter ski season. The races will be held at 2 established Scottish ski resorts.

More information about specific races are published separately.

At the start of each race, there will be a briefing given by Skimo Scotland highlighting any last minute changes.

Racers will be able to register online directly through the website. Only once the racer name appears on the Starting List, is the place confirmed. Race entries close normally 7 days prior to race days.

Skimo Scotland reserve the right to limit the amount of racers competing. Skimo Scotland reserve the right to refuse entry and retains the right to allow late entries.

Racers will be required to sign a Participation Statement on the day of the race.

• Racers are expected to be able to look after themselves in an emergency, attract attention and raise the alarm to other competitors. There will be ski patrol in attendance throughout the race.
• Do not stray off the course, enter out of bounds areas or leave the patrolled ski area.
• Racers are wearing or carrying the appropriate mandatory and recommended equipment at all times.
• Racers must wear their race number on the rucksack and it must remain visible at all times of the race. The race number on the right thigh is optional.
• Stop and assist any racer in need of medical attention and alert a race marshal/ski patrol ASAP. Ensure any injured racer in proximity is adequately provided for before continuing.
• Co-operate with race marshals at all times and be especially nice to them.
• Adhere to timing and location instructions and any additional instruction given by race marshals during the race.
• No external material assistance may be provided to racers.
• If racers wish to continue skiing after they have completed the course, they must remove all race numbers to ease confusion for marshals.
• The organisers decision is final.
• Please respect the general public. We are growing in numbers and have an impact both at registration areas and on the piste.

The ski areas are not exclusively for our use during race day. Skimo Scotland co-ordinate directly with Ski Patrol, prior to race day and on race day, and direct racers away from the public as much as possible. We race towards the end of the day as to allow the ski resorts to naturally quieten down. However, sometimes the snow conditions will force us to push competitors amongst the public and it will not be uncommon to have racers and the public using the same area. If you do encounter a problem, please refer them to the organisers and we will resolve the issue either then or after the event.

Equipment requirements follow ISMF guidelines as closely as possible. We are aware that we encourage dedicated racers and recreational tourers to our series and although we follow ISMF guidelines, we are happy to adapt for our races. For racers planning to race on the continent, we strongly suggest that you refer to the official texts from ISMF. These are minimal requirements and if racers feel that they wish to carry more, the organisers have no objection to this. It should be noted that all equipment may not necessarily be required for every race - this remains at the discretion of the organisers. The mandatory equipment list will be made available at registration having taken actual race day conditions into consideration.

• Ski’s with metallic edges covering at least 90% of their length, and minimal width of at least 80mm in the front, 60mm under the boot and 70mm in the rear. Ski length must be of at least 160cm for men and 150cm for women.
• Binding which allow heel movement during ascents and are blocked for descents; they may or may not be equipped with security straps. The Binding-System must have a lateral and a front complete release system (the boot is completely separate from the ski). The lateral release (front part) has to be lockable manually without tool. If a Binding is TÜV certified, the locking mechanism is not necessary. Boots and bindings must be set according to the instruction for use given by the manufacturer in order to guarantee optimum working of the release systems and the best protection of bindings and ski structure. Note: the use of ski brakes is compulsory for official ISMF races from the 2021/22 season on but Skimo Scotland will not enforce this. Minimal weight for skis and bindings: Men: 780 grams; Women : 730 grams. Mixed bindings (front part from one manufacturer and rear part from another one) are not allowed.
• In case of bikini liners, only the shell must cover the ankles and have notched rubber soles. The minimum notch depth is 4mm. There must be at least 8 notches under the heel and 15 under the front part of the sole, with a minimum surface area of 1 cm2 per notch. Each boot must have at least two independent closing systems. Boots must be designed to be used with metallic crampons.
• A pair of ski poles 25mm in maximum diameter, and with non-metallic baskets.
• The skins have to cover at least 40% of the snow contact length of the ski.
• A rucksack with sufficient capacity to hold all the equipment required for the duration of the race, with straps for carrying skis.
• Clothing: upper body - 3 layers that fit the competitor including a windproof layer; lower body - 2 layers with long legs including a windproof layer.
• A pair of gloves covering the hand and wrist worn throughout the duration of the race.
• A helmet conforming to UIAA 106 standards and EN 1077 class B standards or CE EN 12492 and EN 1077 class B standards. Helmets must be used (chin-strap has to be fastened) during the whole race (from the start to the finish line).
• Snow shovel minimum 0.2m x 0.2m without any modification subsequent to manufacture.
• A whistle.
• Snow probe of 2.4m, minimum diameter of 10mm.
• A survival blanket of minimum 1.80m2.
• An avalanche transceiver conforming to standard EN 300718 457 kHz frequency. Each racer must wear this device under clothing in transmitting mode. This has to be equipped with a 3 antennas receiving system.
• Pair of crampons conforming to UIAA standards 153 with at least 10 points. When not used, crampons must be stored in the bag, spikes against spikes.
• A head torch in full working order.

Skimo Scotland are a small organisation with a very limited and tight budget. We feel that you are more interested in a good race and cheap entry and not posh prizes. However, due to the continued support from Dynafit, every competitor who enters and turns up to race will receive a 'give-away'. We'll continue with our traditional prize giving ceremony only because we quite enjoy doing it and it's a nice round up to the day.

Skimo Scotland do not officially publish time penalties but reserve the right to allocate time penalties if they feel appropriate.

Skimo Scotland will ensure that all race results are uploaded onto the website as soon as possible.

Skimo Scotland are an affiliated member of Snowsport Scotland, providing public liability insurance for our volunteers and racers on race days. All volunteers and racers in essence will become a member of Snowsport Scotland for the day - Skimo Scotland will co-ordinate this on your behalf with Snowsport Scotland.

More information can be found on the Snowsport Scotland website - https://www.snowsportscotland.org/member-insurance.

One of the biggest challenges we have, is the weather and mountain conditions. Skimo Scotland will endeavour to update racers regarding the conditions as honestly as possible. There will be cases when it will be very easy for us to cancel a race but there are also cases when it could go either way. Many of the racers will be local or will be in the area, and therefore we will make a very last minute decision to race or not for the benefit of these individuals. Racers travelling great distances are advised to make their own sensible decisions.

We keep your email address on our system and do not share it to any other 3rd party. It's simply for communication purposes.

By participating in the race racers consent to being photographed and or be included in the filming of the event without claim for remuneration.

Please be aware that everybody involved directly with Skimo Scotland are volunteers. We continue to run the series because in some weird way we actually enjoy it. However, any kind of abuse directed to our volunteers will not be tolerated and the racer will be instantly disqualified from the race. Only with severe grovelling will the competitor be allowed to race again in the Skimo Scotland race series.

Last updated: November 2023