2019 Snow Running Sierra Nevada. Foto © Niccolò Guasti

Regulations for the SkySnow World Championships

1. Organisation

  • C.D. ALTALÍ.
  • MAMUT SIERRA NEVADA S.L.

Collaborating headquarters: CETURSA SIERRA NEVADA S.A.

2. Date

February 4-5, 2022

3. Planned timetable

Wednesday, February 2, 2022: arrival of the teams.

Thursday, February 3, 2022:

  • 8.00 h – 10.00 h. Official team training
  • 19:00 h – 20:00 h. Welcome Selections, Briefing and collection of race numbers. Meliá Sol y Nieve Hotel.(Ski and Mountain Resort Sierra Nevada)

Friday, February 4, 2022: 

  • 8.00 h: Official start – SkySnow Running Sierra Nevada Vertical (finish: Pista del Río).
  • 8.40 h: Approximate arrival of first runner.
  • 9.30 h: Approximate arrival of last runner.
  • 12.00 h: team introductions and prize-giving ceremony – SkySnow Running Sierra Nevada Vertical. Next to Jara charilift.

 Saturday, February 5, 2022:

  • 12.00 h. Expo Area (Next to Jara chairlift; Finish: Pista del Rio).
  • 17:15 h: Online technical briefing: to be published on the official website of the event snowrunning.es on the day of the race, with the latest news of the event.
  • 17.30 h. Entrance to the start corral.
  • 18.00 h: Official start – SkySnow Running Sierra Nevada Classic  (next to Jara chairlift; Finish: Pista del Rio).
  • 18.30 h: Official Start – Andalusian Championship and Open Snow Running Sierra Nevada.
  • 19.05 h: Approximate arrival of first runner.
  • 20:00 h: Approximate arrival of last runner.
  • 21.00 h: Prize-giving and closing Ceremony.- Telecabina Cinema 

Both timetables and routes may be modified depending on weather conditions and the evolution of the snow cover.

4. Location

Sierra Nevada Ski and Mountain Resort.

5. Categories

In official ISF competitions there are only two categories: men and women.

Both the SkySnow Vertical and Classic competitions are open to all athletes in possession of a sports medical certificate valid in the country where the race takes place and/or are members of a national mountain sports federation. In the case of especially demanding races, it is necessary to demonstrate experience in races at an altitude of more than 2000m.

In order to participate in the SkySnow World Championships, non-Spanish participants without a FEDME (Spanish Federation for Mountain and Climbing Sports) license must prove that they have taken out civil liability and accident insurance that covers them in Spanish territory and is equivalent to that in force in Spain (Royal Decree 849/1993 of 4 June). Proof must be physically shown to the refereeing team of the event.

Non-Spanish participants must also fill in the disclaimer form.

6. Registrations

Registrations should be made by contacting the ISF. Teams and participants should contact: mregis@skyrunning.com before 1 January 2022.

Registration includes:

 

  • Participation in SkySnow World Champs 2022.
  • 1 solid and liquid refreshment at the finish line for SkySnow Running Sierra Nevada Vertical. 2 solid and liquid refreshments for SkySnow Running Sierra Nevada Classic. The 1st during the race, the 2nd in the finish area.
  • Participant gift bag.
  • Finisher souvenir for participants who reach the finish line 5 February.
  • Cable car service from Borreguiles on 4 and 5 February for descent from SkySnow Running Sierra Nevada Vertical in case of evacuation or failure to complete the course.
  • Free covered car park (Pradollano) from 14:30h until 23:30h on 4 February 2022.
  • Cloakroom service.
  • Timing with chips using RFID.
  • Permanent technical office to attend to participants.
  • Emergency protocol with rescue team, option of evacuation by snowmobile and medical assistance service.

In order to collect their race number, participants will have to show their passport (original not copy) or ID card to be able to take part in the race.

REFUNDS

Registration is personal and non-transferable. Any person who attends the technical check with a number that does not correspond to him/her will not be allowed to start the race. Refunds are possible between 16 November 2021 and 20 January 2022 with an administration fee of €15.

Once registration has been formalised, it is not possible to transfer it to another person. It will only be possible to request the cancellation of the registration within the period established above.

Only in case of cancellation of the event due to the declaration of a new state of emergency due to COVID-19 will the participants be given the option to keep their place with the same price (2022) for the next edition or receive a refund of the registration fee minus €15 for organisational expenses.

To complete the return procedure, an email should be sent to info@snowrunning.es  within the established deadlines, stating your intention to request a refund.

7. Participants

All athletes over 18 years of age belonging to the National Team of their country can participate in SkySnow World Champs 2022.

Athletes from each country must be registered on the appropriate ISF form at the start of the Championships and updated only to register new members at least 48 hours before each race.

Skyrunners with dual nationality must select a nationality to represent at the start of each season.

Skyrunners who have previously represented another country at world or continental championships or in ISF-recognised world or national series, may represent their new country provided that at least three years have passed since they last represented their previous country. This period may be reduced or annulled with the agreement of the ISF and the national federations concerned.

Participants must have completed sufficient training and be in optimum health and peak physical condition for such an endeavour, given that SkySnow Vertical and SkySnow Classic takes place in high mountain conditions during winter, with the possibility of extreme cold.

In the event that a parade of National Teams is organised, the attendance of the whole participating team or at least minimal representation of the National Team will be compulsory.

8. Course description

SkySnow Running Sierra Nevada Vertical:

The total distance will be approximately 4.3km with a cumulative ascent of 950m, to be a run at the speed the participant desires.

The time taken by each participant to complete the course from the official start until they cross the finish line will be timed and recorded.

The total distance of the course may vary depending on the measuring device of each runner and the trajectory he/she follows during the race.

An essential condition for appearing in the list of classifications is for the runner to have crossed the finish line having correctly passed all the checkpoints established for the race and carrying all the obligatory material detailed by the organisers in the official race regulations.

The route will be clearly signposted with directional indications in accordance with the regulations established for this type of event. It is the participant’s responsibility to study the route beforehand and to actively check that his/her passing of the checkpoints and crossing of the finish line have been properly recorded.

The alteration or modification of the markers and signposting placed along the route will be penalised. Respect and care for these elements ensure the safety of the rest of the participants.

The organisers will establish an alternative route that, in the event of adverse weather conditions, guarantees the safety of the participants.

It is compulsory for all participants to read the technical information prior to the race, which will remind them of the established route, as well as any possible changes to it. It will be published on the day of the race before 7.15 am on the official website of the event. www.snowrunning.es

SkySnow Running Sierra Nevada Classic:

The total distance will be approximately 12.70km with a cumulative ascent of 920m, to be run at the speed the participant desires.

The time taken by each participant to complete the course from the official start until they cross the finish line will be timed and recorded.

The total distance of the course may vary depending on the measuring device of each runner and the trajectory he/she follows during the race.

An essential condition for appearing in the list of classifications is for the runner to have crossed the finish line having correctly passed all the checkpoints established for the race and carrying all the obligatory material detailed by the organisers in the official race regulations.

The route will be clearly signposted with directional indications in accordance with the regulations established for this type of event. It is the participant’s responsibility to study the route beforehand and to actively check that his/her passing of the checkpoints and crossing of the finish line have been properly recorded.

The alteration or modification of the markers and signposting placed along the route will be penalised. Respect and care for these elements ensure the safety of the rest of the participants.

The organisers will establish an alternative route that, in the event of adverse weather conditions, guarantees the safety of the participants.

It is compulsory for all participants to read the technical information prior to the race, which will remind them of the established route, as well as any possible changes to it. It will be published on the day of the race before 7.15 am on the official website of the event. www.snowrunning.es

 

9. Classification

Individual points system:

Each race will allocate points based on the winning men’s / women’s results according to the “Ranking points breakdown: 100-88-78-72-68-66-64-62-60-58-56- 54-52-50 up to 2 points and up to 40th place for men and women “.

Points system for National Teams:

A team ranking system will be adopted based on the individual points accumulated by the four best athletes (at least one per gender). In the event of a tie, the team with the highest number of athletes who have completed the race will be considered.

TITLES:

The World Championship title is awarded in each of these competitions. Combined titles and a national team category will also be awarded.

National teams from countries without ISF membership may participate at the discretion of the ISF Council. A registration fee set by the ISF is payable. ISF rules and regulations must be strictly adhered to. Only one team per nation will be allowed.

All team members must hold nationality of the country they represent.

10. Prizes

  • Commemorative medal for the top 3 male and female finishers.
  • Commemorative team medal for the top 3 ranking nations.
  • Commemorative trophy for the combined SkySnow Vertical + SkySnow Classic event for the top 3 ranking men and women.
  • Prize money for the top 3 male and female finishers in SkySnow Vertical and SkySnow Classic. And for the top male and female finishers in the Overall.
  1. Prize-giving ceremony:

The event will take place in the Cine Telecabina (Pradollano) in accordance with ISF regulations after confirmation of the different podiums and prizes by the ISF technical jury assigned to the race.

The athlete must be in possession of his or her passport or ID card.

Athletes called to the podium are prohibited from displaying banners with any kind of advertising, political, religious, etc. message. Only banners mentioning the club of origin and with a maximum size of 50x50cm are excluded from this prohibition.

Any athlete who is awarded a prize and does not attend the prize-giving ceremony will be disqualified from the event in accordance with the specific ISF regulations and will also lose the right to any prizes or awards to which he/she may be entitled.

Prize money SSWC 2022

12. Provisioning

SkySnow Running Sierra Nevada Vertical:

 A solid and liquid refreshment post will be set up: water, isotonic drink and hot drink in the finish area. At the refreshment post containers will be kept to a minimum and they will be separated for collection.

Each participant must carry their own cup in order to keep waste to a minimum.

 SkySnow Running Sierra Nevada Classic:

 Two solid and liquid refreshment posts will be set up: water, isotonic drink and hot drink at km 5 (Nevasol-Borreguiles) and in the finish area. At all refreshment posts containers will be kept to a minimum and they will be separated for collection.

Each participant must carry their own cup in order to keep waste to a minimum.

13. Race control:

The race will be controlled by the Committee of Adjudicators. In order to legally participate, holding insurance and appearing in the classifications, it will be compulsory to pass the start control. The organisation declines any responsibility for those runners who do not pass this control or do not comply with the rules issued by the organisation and/or adjudicators of the race. Disqualification is possible if:

  1. The Participant does not complete the entire course.
  2. The Participant uses prohibited substances.
  3. The Participant modifies, damages or manipulates their assigned race number.
  4. The Participant does not wear a visible race number.
  5. The Participant runs wearing a race number assigned to another athlete.
  6. The Participant crosses the finish line without a race number.
  7. The Participant does not heed the instructions of the adjudicators and organisers.
  8. The Participant does not comply with the established rules.
  9. The Participant engages in unsporting behaviour.
  10. The Participant does not wear the obligatory safety equipment required by the regulations of this event.
  11. The Participant does not assist another participant who is in danger or involved in an accident, being obliged to report the occurrence to the nearest checkpoint.
  12. The Participant does not dispose of their rubbish (bottles, cans, paper, etc.) at the points indicated by the organisers.

Disqualified runners will lose any right to prizes and trophies and will be affected by the sanctions established by the Competition Jury and the ISF Disciplinary Committee for this type of event.

14. Compulsory equipment

14.1 SkySnow Running Sierra Nevada Vertical:

The use of manufacturer-approved snow micro-crampons is mandatory for participation in the race.

Micro-crampons permitted for SkySnow competitions must have at least 10 metal spikes of 8/10mm distributed between the toe and the heel. Shoes with built-in crampons are permitted as long as they have at least 10 metal spikes of 8/10mm.

EACH PARTICIPANT must also carry the following compulsory equipment during the race:

  • Photocopy of Passport (with identifying image) or ID card.
  • A headlight and a red taillight with spare batteries or a fully charged battery.
  • Clothing (upper body): 2 or 3 layers of warm clothing to fit the participant (depending on weather conditions):
    • 1st layer (inner): thermal vest (short or long-sleeved).
    • 2nd layer (middle): long-sleeved, breathable windbreaker jacket.
    • 3rd layer (outer): breathable raincoat.
  • Clothing (lower body): 1 or 2 layers (depending on weather conditions):
    • 1st layer: thermal leggings completely covering the thigh and leg. The use of cropped trousers is forbidden.
    • 2nd layer (outer): waterproof and breathable trousers.
  • Long thermal gloves.
  • Warm hat.
  • Technical shoes for mountain running, with rigid soles to anchor chains for snow running. They should include a waterproof and breathable membrane.
  • A thermal blanket of at least 1.8 m2. Modifications are not permitted after certified manufacture.
  • A reusable container for liquids (collapsible cup, can, thermos, soft flask, etc.).
  • In case of carrying energy bars, gels, etc., participants must mark them with their race number.
  • Mobile phone, turned on and fully charged. The emergency number provided by the organization’s staff during the briefing should also be saved on the phone.

In case of carrying energy bars, gels, etc., participants must mark them with their race number.

 Running shoes with track spikes or mountaineering crampons are NOT permitted, neither football boots nor similar footwear.

For safety reasons and to avoid suffering freezing to the toes, “five finger” shoes and “huarache” sandals are forbidden.

Use of Poles: Poles may be used under the following limitations. During the group start, they may not be used until the first 150m after the start, being carried upright and in one hand. This distance will be marked by a sign and a member of the organisation, after which they may be used normally.

Before the race starts, the referees will check that every participant is carrying the compulsory equipment. They may also check it along the route and at the finish line. Those runners not carrying the compulsory equipment will not be able to participate and will be disqualified or penalised during the race.

Additional equipment:

  • GPS with a fully charged battery and the route map provided by the organisation.

14.2 SkySnow Running Sierra Nevada Classic:

The use of manufacturer-approved snow micro-crampons is mandatory for participation in the race.

Micro-crampons permitted for SkySnow competitions must have at least 10 metal spikes of 8/10mm distributed between the toe and the heel. Shoes with built-in crampons are permitted as long as they have at least 10 metal spikes of 8/10mm.

EACH PARTICIPANT must also carry the following compulsory equipment during the race:

  • Photocopy of Passport (with identifying image) or ID card.
  • A headlight and a red taillight with spare batteries or a fully charged battery.
  • Clothing (upper body): 2 or 3 layers of warm clothing to fit the participant (depending on weather conditions):
    • 1st layer (inner): thermal vest (short or long-sleeved).
    • 2nd layer (middle): long-sleeved, breathable windbreaker jacket.
    • 3rd layer (outer): breathable raincoat.
  • Clothing (lower body): 1 or 2 layers (depending on weather conditions):
    • 1st layer: thermal leggings completely covering the thigh and leg. The use of cropped trousers is forbidden.
    • 2nd layer (outer): waterproof and breathable trousers.
  • Long thermal gloves.
  • Warm hat.
  • Technical shoes for mountain running, with rigid soles to anchor chains for snow running. They should include a waterproof and breathable membrane.
  • A thermal blanket of at least 1.8 m2. Modifications are not permitted after certified manufacture.
  • A reusable container for liquids (collapsible cup, can, thermos, soft flask, etc.).
  • In case of carrying energy bars, gels, etc., participants must mark them with their race number.
  • Mobile phone, turned on and fully charged. The emergency number provided by the organization’s staff during the briefing should also be saved on the phone.

In case of carrying energy bars, gels, etc., participants must mark them with their race number.

 

Running shoes with track spikes or mountaineering crampons are NOT permitted, neither football boots nor similar footwear.

For safety reasons and to avoid suffering freezing to the toes, “five finger” shoes and “huarache” sandals are forbidden.

FOR PARTICIPANTS’ SAFETY, THE USE OF POLES IS FORBIDDEN IN SKYSNOW CLASSIC

Before the race starts, the referees will check that every participant is carrying the compulsory equipment. They may also check it along the route and at the finish line. Those runners not carrying the compulsory equipment will not be able to participate and will be disqualified or penalised during the race.

Additional equipment:

  • GPS with a fully charged battery and the route map provided by the organisation.

15. Time limits during the race

15.1. SkySnow Running Sierra Nevada Vertical

The time limit will be set at 2 hours from the start. In addition, the “Course Sweepers” or the person in charge of each checkpoint will have the power, in communication with the technical jury, to withdraw any runner from the race if their running time or state of health so requires. These time limits will be announced at the technical briefing on Thursday 3rd February at 20.00 h. Time limits will depend on the weather conditions on the day of the race and the final criteria of the technical jury. Any runner who withdraws from the race must notify the nearest checkpoint and do so in accordance with the protocol and in the manner of which participants will be informed.

15.2 SkySnow Running Sierra Nevada Classic:

The time limit will be set at 3 hours from the start. In addition, the “Course Sweepers” or the person in charge of each checkpoint will have the power, in communication with the technical jury, to withdraw any runner from the race if their running time or state of health so requires. These time limits will be announced in the technical information briefing at the start and will be published on the official website www.snowrunning.es  before 17.15 h on the day of the race. Time limits will depend on the weather conditions on the day of the race and the final criteria of the technical jury. Any runner who withdraws from the race must notify the nearest checkpoint and do so in accordance with the protocol and in the manner of which participants will be informed.

16. Race number collection

The issuing of race number will take place exclusively at the following locations and times:

Thursday 3 February 2022

  • 19.00 h – 20.00 h. Welcome Selections, Briefing and collection of race numbers. Meliá Sol y Nieve Hotel.(Ski and Mountain Resort Sierra Nevada)

Documentation required for the collection of race numbers, both personally and on behalf of participants:

  • Proof of payment (only in case of not appearing on the list of registered participants).
  • Passport or ID card.

IMPORTANT: Every participant or person responsible for the collection of the runner’s bag (documentation, commemorative garment, etc.), is obliged to verify that the bag has all its contents in perfect condition and coincides with the registration information contained in the envelope assigned to each number-participant (race number, chip, commemorative souvenir). This check will be carried out in the presence of the members of the organisation and before leaving the technical office, after which time complaints will not be accepted.

Any athlete who does not collect his/her race number on the day and at the times established above will lose all registration rights.

17. Complaints

The official classifications of the runners are the sole responsibility of the members of the Adjudication and Timekeeping Committee, therefore any complaint in this respect must be made in writing to the organisers of the race and with the payment of a cash deposit of €/$20,  which will be reimbursed if the case is accepted.

The complaint must be written and countersigned with the complainant’s name and race number at the finish line or in the publication of the provisional results. No complaints may be filed later than one hour after the publication of the provisional results. The verdict of the jury is decided by majority vote, and in case of a dispute, the decision of the ISF representative and the ISF rules will apply.

Appeals against jury decisions may be submitted to the ISF following the same procedure and a verdict will be issued within ten days of receipt.

18. Anti-doping controls:

Competitors are required to attend their assigned doping controls in accordance with each nation’s rules and WADA protocol. Competitors who receive a positive result will be immediately disqualified.

19. Commitment to respect and care for the environment:

The race takes place within the Sierra Nevada Natural Park.

Both during their training sessions and the race itself, participants must:

  • Respect the environment, do not damage the park’s natural, geological or cultural resources.
  • Respect the established route marked out by the organisation and not stray from it.
  • DO NOT dispose of rubbish (waste, wrappers, food, or equipment) except for in the bins provided by the organisation.
  • In case of carrying energy bars, gels, etc., participants must mark them with their race number and show them to the adjudicators or the organising staff upon request.
  • Denounce disrespectful environmental behaviour of other runners.

 

 Sanctions

The organisation will enforce strict compliance with these rules, including the application of the stipulated sanctions where necessary. The organising staff (race director, timekeeper, adjudicators and those in charge of checkpoints) will decide the time sanction to be issued according to the advantage obtained and the damage caused.

Actions punishable by sanction or even disqualification:

  • Disposing of waste on the course.
  • Leaving waste outside the bins provided in the provisioning areas.
  • Leaving the established route or taking short cuts.
  • Marking the course with paint or other indelible elements.
  • Not carrying the required identification (race number and identification code).

20. Good housekeeping practices for accompanying persons:

People cannot walk on the slopes due to the nocturnal nature of the event and the use of the area for other activities (night skiing).

For the environment’s safety, spectators can only stay in the areas signposted next to the start and finish line at Pradollano. They can also watch the race from the free access area at Borreguiles-Nevasol, accessible by cable-car (the cable-car service is not free).

Carpooling is advisable to reduce the CO2 footprint. The organization will provide free access to the covered parking lot at Sierra Nevada Mountain and Ski Resort.

Please, avoid noise emissions in the natural environment. Pyrotechnics is forbidden.

Please, do not alter the fauna and flora. Do not capture, collect, damage, or intentionally disturb the species of this habitat.

Do not damage the geological environment and the soil. Please, use the paths and tracks and avoid cross-country walking.  By doing this, we will respect the environment and avoid accidents.

All those present must be responsible for the waste generated and recycle it. Please, if you see any waste, collect it, and report any negligent environmental behaviour of other people.

Please, do not light matches or cigarettes. Otherwise, extinguish them carefully and throw the cigarette butts into the bins.

The race takes place at the Sierra Nevada Natural Park. Enjoy its winter landscape during the last hours of daylight and the first hours of the night.

21. COVID-19 measures:

Depending on the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, all measures to be implemented at the event will be detailed one month in advance.

COVID-19 mesasures

22. Knowledge of regulations:

All participants must be aware of and respect the COMPETITION RULES, accepting any modifications that may be adopted by the Committee for reasons beyond the organisation’s control before and/or during the competition.  Participation in this event implies acceptance of these rules. Lack of knowledge concerning the regulations does not exempt the participant from complying with them. The regulations can be viewed in full at www.snowrunning.es  and during the registration process, in which the participant will be asked to accept these terms.

23. Race characteristics and conditions:

Any person registered as a participant declares to have carried out adequate training for the SkySnow World Champs 2022 and not to suffer from any injury or illness that may be aggravated as a result of the completion of the race. The participant therefore declares to be in a sufficient state of health and sporting fitness to undertake the race, in which he/she VOLUNTARILY participates, accepting all risks and situations that may arise from his/her participation and thus releasing C.D. Altalí, Mamut Sierra Nevada S.L., ISF, FEDME, FAM and Cetursa Sierra Nevada S.A. from all liability in the event of any accident, incident or mishap.

Any person registered as a participant authorises the health services associated with the race to carry out any treatment he/she may need, whether or not he/she is in a position to request it; upon the health services’ request, the participant is obliged to abandon the race if it is deemed necessary to preserve his/her health.

Any person registered as a participant accepts the advice of the organisation to carry out periodic training sessions, as well as medical check-ups prior to taking part in any high-intensity sporting activity, as well as the importance of being a member of a federation.

Any person registered as a participant shall wear the obligatory equipment specified in paragraph 12 of the above regulations at all times.

Before or during the race, the participant shall not consume prohibited substances considered as DOPING by the International SkyRunning Federation.

If the Organisation is obliged to do so, these regulations may be modified. Modifications will be duly communicated to the participants. The organisation reserves the right to make the modifications it considers necessary depending on different conditions, including the suspension of the race if the weather conditions so dictate, or for any other reason considered ‘force majeure’.

WITHDRAWLS AND OUT-OF-TIME.  A runner may withdraw from the race whenever he/she wishes, but he/she must do so in accordance with the following conditions:

– The Participant shall withdraw at a checkpoint.

– The Participant shall wait at the checkpoint for the organisation to indicate the evacuation route.

Therefore, the participant who abandons or is out of time when passing through the checkpoints will be obliged to notify the organisation and must sign the control sheet provided by the organisation staff at the checkpoints.

 

Image rights: The acceptance of these regulations implies that the participant authorises the organisers of SkySnow World Champs 2022 to record all or part of his/her participation in the event, agrees to the use of his/her image for the promotion and dissemination of the event in all its forms (radio, press, video, photo, DVD, internet, social networks, posters, media, etc.) and transfers all rights relating to its use for commercial and advertising purposes that they deem appropriate, without the right to receive any financial compensation of any kind.

The organising entities decline all responsibility for which the participants may be the cause or victim during the course of the training sessions and the event itself, the competitors thus being solely responsible and in no case may they or their representatives bring legal action against the organisation or any person linked to it.

For these reasons, and as a condition of participation in SkySnow World Champs 2022, any person registered as a participant accepts the rules of the event, as well as all the conditions and suggestions of the organisation.

More info: ISF Regulations