This year's pentathlon harkens back to the Inferno’s historical roots as a summit-to-valley citizen’s ski race while retaining the modern Inferno’s five-stage adventure relay format. Compete individually, as a skimo/nordic dynamic duo, or as a relay team.
The new Inferno is the comprehensive test piece for winter mountain travel. Racers will ascend the eastern flank of Mount Washington to the Summit (weather permitting) and descend to Jackson Village using alpine touring, technical ski mountaineering, alpine ski racing, backcountry nordic travel, and nordic ski racing skills. The race retains the pentathlon format with relay tag zones and time splits for the following five stages.
A Mount Washington Avalanche Center Foundation Fundraiser
Compete to support a great cause! All proceeds from this event support the Mount Washington Avalanche Center Foundation. This event is a major fundraiser for the foundation whose mission is to support the Mount Washington Avalanche Center by enhancing and expanding avalanche education opportunities, advocating for responsible and sustainable backcountry recreation in New Hampshire’s unique alpine ecosystems, and expanding the reach of US Forest Service avalanche forecasts and messages.
Ascend from the Pinkham Notch parking area up the Tuckerman Ravine trail to the Mount Washington treeline.
Miles: 2.6
Elevation Gain: 2,368
This stage includes a technical ski mountaineering component. How high the course goes will depend on race day conditions.
Miles: 1
Elevation Gain: 1,888
Descent from Mount Washington Summit to Pinkham Notch, including a section(s) of gated Alpine Ski Racing.
Miles: 3.6
Elevation Loss: 4,254
Pinkham Notch to Rocky Branch Trailhead via the Avalanche Brook Trail.
Miles: 5
Elevation Gain: 725
Elevation Loss: 1,407
Travel via the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation trail network to Jackson Village.
Miles: 6
Elevation Gain: 180
Elevation Loss: 545