robert

Kahtoola sponsors MYAU 2022

There are more dangers to the winter than hypothermia and frostbite. It’s an obvious one! Yes, I am talking about slippery surfaces due to ice or snow. Right when I started organising the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra, almost 20 years ago, I knew it’s something I should look into. I quickly came across Kahtoola, a US-based company that was started by climber Danny Giovale in 1996. He had slipped on snow while descending from a mountain in the Italian Dolomites. Afterwards, he searched for a packable traction device for flexible footwear that could be used in more versatile situations than a bulky, heavy mountaineering crampon. Back then, Danny did not find anything that convinced him and invented the first KTS Hiking Crampon for flexible boots. The rest is history.

Since then Kahtoola has invented their famous MICROspikes which have helped make mountain adventures a lot safer. This combination of a chain and spikes is light, compact and super easy to use on any running or hiking shoe, and makes them well suited for steep, challenging snow and ice.

Another great product for winter running are the Kahtoola EXOspikes. They excel on a wide variety of terrain and surfaces because of the innovative profile and spike solution they feature. Plus the EXOspikes are incredibly abrasion-resistant and you can leave them on if your run or hike takes you over areas with no snow or ice cover. From fall to spring, when there is a chance of coming onto slippery trails in the mountains where I live, I have got my EXOspikes with me.

For the MYAU you can use either. The MICROspikes will give you a bit more grip on the steep up- and downhills. If your plan is to mainly use your spikes for those situations and otherwise you are confident you will be fine without them, that’s the product you should go for. If you feel more comfortable with traction also in less steep terrain and you want to wear them as a precaution a lot of the time, then I recommend the EXOspikes. They will feel more natural when the surface is hard.

For more information about Kahtoola please check out their website kahtoola.com.

robert In NEWS ENGLISH

Cumulus Excuistic 1500 – the official MYAU sleeping bag

At any multi-day winter adventure the sleeping bag is a key piece of equipment. It will determine if you have a great night’s sleep or if you suffer. In really tough conditions it can even make the difference between life and death. So, when it comes to your choice of sleeping bag you do not want to compromise. At the same time, for most adventures weight and space are important factors. You want that durability and warmth but you also want to save as much weight and space as possible. Cumulus has got sleeping bags that have these traits. That is why I am super happy to announce that the Polish company Cumulus is now our official partner for sleeping bags.

Every product that is designed at Cumulus has to be as light as possible. They use advanced technical solutions, world-class fabrics and constantly improve their manufacturing techniques to achieve this goal. Cumulus was founded in 1989 by Zdzisław Wylężek who knew about the superb qualities of Polish down. From the beginning, Cumulus has closely cooperated with PERTEX® who also are a main sponsor of the MYAU. Combining their lightweight fabrics with Polish down, Cumulus started the production of quality sleeping bags. By now they are an internationally recognized brand used by outdoor professionals all over the world. They completely control the production, which is fully based in Poland and meet highest ethical standards.

The official MYAU sleeping bag is the Excuistic 1500. Cumulus have created the Excuistic series with polar and winter alpine expeditions in mind. In designing them they used not only their vast experience in the production of down sleeping bags, but we also carefully listened to the needs of users. All Excuistic bags are filled with 900 Fill Power best Polish goose down and made with the reliable, water resistant outer fabric PERTEX® Quantum Pro 36 g/m². The Excuistic 1500 has as many as 71 down chambers, and their arrangement in two layers minimises the risk of creating cold spots. The side panels, running along the length of the sleeping bag, further reduce the possibility of any migration of down and help to stabilise it where the risk of disturbing efficient insulation is the highest. The advanced design of the hood and of the foot box gives extra protection to the most vulnerable parts of the body. The hood is adjusted by elastic cords, and the long pullers on the sliders are easy to grab with thick gloves. The sleeping bag has two internal mesh pockets, thanks to which it is easier to manage the pockets’ contents. The wider cut makes it possible to sleep in large expedition clothing and also to keep several items in it that most need protection from the cold. Cumulus have applied all these solutions while bearing in mind the need to keep the weight of the sleeping bag as low as possible, so that it still weighs only 2,280 g, of which 1,500 g is down.

Cumulus Excuistic 1500 Features:

Fill: 900 Fill Power ethically sourced Polish goose down
Shell: PERTEX® Quantum Pro 36 g/m², 20-denier ripstop, DWR finish (100% Nylon)
Liner: PERTEX® Quantum 29 g/m², 15-denier ripstop, DWR finish (100% Nylon)
120 cm, 5 mm YKK® zip with 2 self-locking sliders
Zip slider with anti-snag system
Independently filled top and bottom of the sleeping bag
2 down-filled zip insulating tubes
Additional anti-snag tapes on zip insulating tubes
Mummy shape
Anatomically shaped hood with an advanced, 3D construction
Advanced foot area construction for better protection
Construction: Double H-shaped chamber design
Differencial cut design
Separately filled front and bottom
2 inner pockets for small items
Can be opened and ventilated
Can be combined with other Excuistic sleeping bags
Hang loops for storage and drying
Stuffsack and storage sack included

Cumulus Excuistic 1500 Specifications:

Down quality: 900 FP
Total weight: 2,270 g
Down weight: 1,500 g
Weight of unfilled sleeping bag: 770 g
Comfort Temperature: -32 ℃
Limit Temperature: -46 ℃
Extreme Temperature: -70 ℃
Maximum user height: 192 cm
Length: 210 cm
Width (top/bottom): 87/60 cm
Stuff sack dimensions: 33/30 cm
Stuff sack volume: 23 l
Number of down chambers: 71

robert In NEWS ENGLISH

Don’t forget your BICO!

Hypothermia and cold injuries are amongst the main concerns when participating in any outdoor activity in winter. So, knowing how to avoid these dangerns is very important for all MYAU athletes. Unfortunately, we also know that – even with perfect preparation – participants can suffer from both, hypothermia and frostbite. In that case it’s important to know the warning signs, different stages there are and how to treat any injuries. This not just goes for self-analysis but also for a scenario where an athletes comes across a fellow competitor who is in trouble. When this happens, knowing how to help can safe someone’s life.

Therefore, I am very happy that the “Baby It’s Cold Outside” course exists. It’s an awareness and educational program about hypothermia and cold injuries developed for professional Search and Rescue Responders. It’s also great for anybody venturing out into nature during the cold time of the year.

So, as we have done it in the past, any athlete in the MYAU needs to do the BICO course. It’s online, it’s free of charge and it can be split up over several sessions if need be. At the end of the course the system issues a certificate. To all athletes, please email me your certificate once you have done the course. Personally, I suggest you do it just a couple of weeks before the race. That ways things will be fresh in your memory. If you already did the course earlier this year, I suggest you do it again. Unless you are 100% sure you still know the answers.

robert In NEWS ENGLISH

Coast Mountain Sports – Services for MYAU athletes

Once again Cost Mountain Sports will be available for MYAU athletes to fill their fuel bottles. If you are signed up for our 2022 race just come to Coast Mountain Sports between January 27th and February 2nd, bring your empty fuel bottles (max. 2) and they will fill these up for you. Athletes who rented a stove will get 2 empty fuel bottles with their stove kit. After the race you can bring unused fuel back to Coast Mountain Sports again.

Coast Mountain Sports will also offer you the service to reserve any gear that you would like to purchase with them. One item that is always in high demand are Neos Overshoes. Apart from that, they have of course pretty much anything you would need for an extreme cold weather adventure. For enquiries and purchases/reservations, please email Corina Zumer at czumer@tsgyukon.com.

As you may know already, the outdoor industry, like many other industries, is facing problems with stock and logistics. In other words, some products may not be available or only available in lower numbers than normal. Therefore, if you know what you want to buy locally, please email Corina as soon as possible. Due to the shortages Coast Mountain Sports will also ask for pre-payment. Once you email Corina, she will let you know how payment is done.

robert In NEWS ENGLISH

From Coast High Country Inn to Gold Rush Inn

After almost 20 years of having the Coast High Country Inn (HCI) as a partner hotel, this era will end in 2022. I do not know any details on the current project of turning the HCI into a supportive housing development. However, it’s a fact that now all existing athlete and MYAU bookings have been transferred over to the Best Western Gold Rush Inn. The good news is that both hotels belong to the same company and thus the transition has been smooth.

The MYAU would like to thank Nicole Horlbeck, General Manager at the HCI, and her entire team for the many years of outstanding service. A big thank you also to Northern Vision Development LP (owner of Yukon Hotels) for the continued support.

robert In NEWS ENGLISH

Meet our official MYAU 2022 photographer

It can be quite challenging to participate in an extreme race like the Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra and take photos at same time. So, we are all lucky to have someone who is willing to suffer for us, getting his fingers cold and driving his snowmobile to very remote places on the trail to capture some magic moments. Someone who shows us, the athletes and everyone back home just how tough, wild and magnificent the MYAU is. After 2019 and 2020 I am very happy to announce that once again Mark Kelly will be our official race photographer. You can have a look at his bio on www.depthoffield.ca. There you will also find great examples of Mark’s work.

For some inspiration, here are a few of Mark’s favourite photos from our last two MYAU editions:

robert In NEWS ENGLISH

Preparing for the MYAU

I am already getting enquiries about the MYAU 2023 and beyond. One of the first questions that usually comes up is on how best to prepare and train for the world’s coldest and toughest ultra? There is no answer that is right for everyone. In general, I would say it makes sense to get as much cold weather training and experience as possible. If you do not already have cold weather experience, how about a training course? Or you could plan a winter tour to a region that does not get quite that cold. Maybe look for a company that offers a guided adventure to begin with? And there are of course other winter races out there that will help you build up your skills and confidence without taking you right to – 50 degrees Celsius and everything that comes with it. In the UK there is the Montane Spine Race and the Montane Cheviot Goat. You will find many other races and great input on the Terra Glacialis website. And most important of all, there is now also the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra! It features a 185 and 500 km to choose from, all the typical winter landscapes, Northern Lights and plenty of elevation. Temperatures just don’t get as extreme.

So, there is a lot you can do to prepare for the MYAU. In any case, enjoy it! And if any of you ever have more questions about trainings and winter ultras, please feel free to ask any time.

This is a short video documentary Swedish Lapland filmed last winter while I was working on the development of the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra. Just for some inspiration. Enjoy watching!

robert In NEWS ENGLISH

New Montane kit

Temperatures are getting colder and snow has arrived in the Yukon. Time to look at our kit and see what may be missing or what’s new and exciting. All of Montane’s new winter 2021/2022 clothing is now in stores. As always their range is amazing and they feature many items that work perfect for the Montane Arctic Ultra and any other cold weather adventures. Here are just some of the highlights:

The Montane Axis Alpha Jacket is the ultimate piece of protective clothing for fast-paced activity in cold and changeable conditions. Based on cold chamber lab research and extensively athlete-tested, this jacket has been engineered with body-mapped fabric and insulation technologies from GORE-TEX INFINIUM™, PERTEX AIR and POLARTEC® ALPHA® DIRECT to balance protection from the elements with efficient heat and moisture management, keeping you comfortable when working hard in the elements.

While the MYAU is not necessarily fast-paced, it does require a lot of physical effort and changing terrain and temperatures cause the body to react. You may get cold or too hot. So, any piece of clothing that featues a hybrid construction to deal with what happens when you are working hard, is a great thing. Another issue is the strain of wearing a harness and/or backpack on clothing with insulation. Especially if it’s down. The Axis Alpha Jacket takes this into consideration and offers great solutions.

Construction

30 Denier GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ nylon in the core body and over arms
30 Denier PERTEX QUANTUM AIR nylon across the back and under the arms
120g/m2 POLARTEC® ALPHA® hi-loft insulation across the back, under the arms and in the hood
90g (M) of 90/10 water resistant fluorocarbon-free HyperDRY™ goose down at 800+ fill

Features

Micro chamber construction in the core body
Fully adjustable roll-away insulated climbing helmet compatible hood with stiffened peak
Full-length two-way YKK VISLON front zip with internal storm flap
Two zipped hand pockets
Concealed zipped chest pocket
Pre-elasticated cuffs
Adjustable hem with cinchable drawcord

Designed for all types of expedition, the Featherlite Down Pants are a luxuriously warm PERTEX® QUANTUM ECO pant filled with high quality 800+ fill power goose down. Light and packable, they are the ideal way to boost lower body warmth whether as part of a layering system, in a bivi situation or for hut to hut use.

For the MYAU down pants are not a must. There are other options, like having good layers and for the really cold temperatures something with a synthetic fill, like the Montane Prism Pants. But obviously when temperatures reach the absolute extrem and you are not on the move, a down pant will give you extra warmth and comfort. If that’s what you are looking for, look no further!

Construction

PERTEX® QUANTUM ECO 100% recycled outer with DWR
140g (M) of 90/10 water resistant fluorocarbon-free HyperDRY™ goose down at 800+ fill
PEAQ Down lining
Responsible Down Standard (RDS) and Track my Down™

Features

Midi baffle construction throughout
Pre-elasticated waist with adjustable waistcord
Zipped fly opening
3/4 length two-way side zips
Two insulated hand front hand warmer pockets
Low profile hem cuffs
Montane stuff sac

The Icarus Vest is a classic mid-weight insulated micro baffle vest filled with PrimaLoft® Thermoplume®; a 100% recycled synthetic insulation which mimics the heat-trapping properties of natural down whilst being extremely fast drying. Combined with the PERTEX® Quantum Eco outer fabric which has a DWR for shedding light rain, this is the ideal core body insulation choice for mountain walking in mixed conditions.

Vest are perfect for cold weather activities. They give you warmth where it is most needed, at your core. Thus you can work hard, reduce your sweat and still get enough warmth to the rest of your body.

Construction

PERTEX® QUANTUM ECO 50% recycled outer with DWR
105g (M) of PrimaLoft® Black Thermoplume® 100% recycled insulation
100% recycled PEAQ synthetic ECO lining
Micro baffle construction

Features

Close fit collar
Full length YKK front zip with internal storm flap
Lightly elasticated armholes
Two zipped hand pockets
Adjustable hem with cinchable drawcord

Montane has got many more great products for this upcoming winter! To check it all out, please have a look at their website montane.com.

robert In NEWS ENGLISH

Remembering Shelley

This past Tuesday night Shelley Gellatly lost her fight against cancer. She had beaten it once and afterwards participated in the MYAU in 2020. It had been looking good but at some point the cancer returned.

Shelley was part of the MYAU family right from the beginning. She was one of our first finishers in the 300 mile distance and got involved in many ways. She kept participating, helped us as a volunteer, a rep for Canadian athletes and by organising training and survival courses. Shelley was also a great local ambassador, motivating many Yukoners to give it a try and helping athletes from all over the world with advise on training and preparation.

When we are lucky we meet people in our lives who inspire us, who we can look up to and learn from. That is what Shelley was to me personally. She was always ready to help – no matter what and what time of day or night – you could count on her. Shelley was incredibly positive, too. Of course, like any of us, she would be disappointed about a DNF but she almost immediately looked at it as part of life and an important learning experience.

Like a common friend said yesterday „Shelley was a one in a billion“. And so I have been very sad and will continue to be sad that she is gone. It was another sentence that I read from one of the many people who knew her that actually made me smile, though. It was about her „distinctive laugh“. I had never really thought about it that way but I immediately had all these memories in my head of Shelley laughing about something and I could not help but laugh with her.

Of course Shelley would not want us to be sad. Just like she did not want us to worry too much when she had been fighting this terrible disease. I am sure she wants us to continue organising races and participating in them or whatever else it is that we enjoy and that challenges us. I like to think that she is up there now in the stars and looking out for us and cheering us on. One day we will hopefully meet again and we can run an ultra in heaven and exchange the many stories that have come with being a part of our race.

Our thoughts and love go out Shelley’s partner, Gary, all family members and friends.

Robert and the entire MYAU-family

robert In NEWS ENGLISH

Update on training courses

Athletes without extreme cold weather experience have to participate in a winter training course. One option for such a course is with friends of the MYAU in the Yukon and just before the race. The information on the course that Shelley Gellatly offers together with Jessie Gladish, Gillian Smith and Marianne Heading has now been updated.

For 2022 this course is re-designed. Most of the parts that normally would have taken part indoors in the Yukon will now be dealt with in the months leading up to the race and via online meeting. The outdoor part of the course that involves, among other things, testing and working with gear still takes place in Whitehorse, from January 29th to 31st. Another change is that the course consists of several modules. Athletes who need to take the course must participate in all modules. Those athletes who do not need to take a course can book individual modules if they want to.

For all information please check out the section on Training Courses.

Stewart and Jo Stirling have not had a chance to plan for 2022, yet. When they have news I will let you all know.

Kahtoola sponsors MYAU 2022

Cumulus Excuistic 1500 – the official MYAU sleeping bag

Don’t forget your BICO!

Coast Mountain Sports – Services for MYAU athletes

From Coast High Country Inn to Gold Rush Inn

Meet our official MYAU 2022 photographer

Preparing for the MYAU

New Montane kit

Remembering Shelley

Update on training courses

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