
Event Description
Welcome back Saddleback! We could not be more excited to bring the Baxter party to Saddleback for the ‘Will Hike For Beer Vertical Challenge’ on Saturday March 27th.
Join us for another fantastic opportunity to explore the mountains of Maine, against the grain of gravity. This timed event will take racers on an ascent of Saddleback’s dedicated uphill trail along the western flanks of the mountain and to the summit. From the top, athletes will descend on Dazzler, Muleskinner, Nymph, and finally Tight Line back to the Lodge. The goal of this race is to bag the fastest lap, but there’s a catch…you’ll also earn 1 free beer for each additional lap you ascend/descend. While time awards will only be awarded for fastest individual lap, we will have raffle items and additional beer tickets for all multi-lappers.
This race will not have a shotgun start, but will be open to racers between 10am and 12pm. Racers may begin the course at any time in that window. Time will start and finish at the base lodge. After completing one lap, racers may either call it, or decide to do an additional lap(s). Additional laps will place racer into a new category for raffle prizes as well as an additional beer ticket per lap (21+ years). Multi lap racers’ fastest lap time will be calculated from the best lap of all their laps. Stick around afterward for some cool down beers (21+ years), swag, and shenanigans courtesy of Baxter Brewing Co.
There will be two race categories for this one: SkiMo and Heavy Metal. SkiMo will be for light weight AT gear and SkiMo gear below 85mm under toe. Heavy metal will include anything over 85mm under toe (i.e. traditional tele setups, split boards, and ‘heavy’ AT setups). Please select your division during registration.
This event will follow all Covid-19 state rules including face masks required at all times when around other people. Please maintain social distancing whenever possible.
We thank our corporate sponsor for donating $1 for each mile covered in this race, to our featured beneficiary.




Overview
Ski Mountaineering
- Entry for 1 (skimo or heavy metal)
*Heavy metal division is for all skis (and snowboards) wider than 85mm under toe. Skimo is anything below 85mm)
- $25/30 —– Entry for 1: Early Bird/Normal
*Youth 15 & under always race for $15
- Entry to race
- Baxter Outdoors: multi-use bandana buff
- Day-of race snacks and water
- Other Baxter Outdoors swag (i.e. stickers, magnets, etc)
- One beer ticket per lap climbed (must be over 21)
- 9:00am: Race registration opens
- 9:45am: Race registration ends
- 10:00am: Course is open to racers
- 12:00am: Last racer to begin course
Details
976 Saddleback Mountain Road, Rangeley, Maine 04970
*Parking and bathroom facilities available at venue
The top finisher in each age/gender category will be recognized
- Tickets are non-refundable
- Tickets are fully transferable
- All racers must sign a liability waiver prior to competing.
- All ages are welcome to race, though those under 18 y/o must sign a liability waiver on the day of the event in the presence of a responsible adult.
- Course is subject to change based on trail and weather conditions
- The race will be run snow, rain or shine except in the presence of lightning or dangerous cold, in which case a race delay or cancelation may result
- A cut off time for racers may be enforced.
- In the instance of the race being canceled due to an act of god (blizzard, hurricane, etc) a refund will not be issued. This is very unlikely.
- In the instance of the race being canceled due to shortcomings of Baxter Outdoors, a full refund will be issued to all participants.
FAQs
This course is designed intermediate and expert atheletes alike. You should not sign up for this race unless you have uphilled before and understand the levels of exertion and fitness required to climb up a mtn like Saddleback. That said, this is a very moderate ascent that can be tackled by just about anyone with some experience on uphill gear.
Similar to other live events (concerts, sporting events, etc), all sales are final. If you will not be able to make your race, you are more than welcome to give your ticket to a friend or family member. Please contact our office with any issues or questions.
All ages are welcome to attend this event. Depending on the venue, age restrcitions may apply if there is a bar.