Making friends with a hilly high-elevation course
Due to low snow, the Teton Ridge Classic is headed up to Grand Targhee Nordic. While those of us who love a lap around Quakie Ridge are delighted it will be groomed, there may be a few racers who groaned (but with a smile) about the additional challenges of skiing hard at 7,800-8,200 feet.
Experts to the rescue! Not only has Erich Wilbrecht raced the TRC in year’s past when it was held at Grand Targhee, he’s raced all over the world! JH Nordic Alliance asked him to share a few tips on how to approach this course.
TRC racers leaving the Hamster Loop, Grand Targhee 2019. Photo Credit: Blue Bunch.
Erich Wilbrecht’s Thoughts on Racing the Teton Ridge Classic.
If you’re headed to Targeee on Saturday for the Teton Ridge Classic, I’ll be with you. Here are few things I’m thinking of in my lead-up to the race.
#1 Altitude
Targhee is high for a nordic race, around 8000ft. The start area is below the parking lots, and we’ll climb for almost 10 minutes to the upper bowl. If you go out too fast, you might blow up and have to drastically slow down to get your breathing and heart rate down to a manageable level.
So, the takeaway is this – start out at a manageable pace, with good technique, and work your way into the race. Let other skiers go ahead and don’t worry, it’s a long race.
#2 Uphills
Is it possible that the race only goes up? It only feels that way at Targhee—as such, you need great kick. To get this, you’ll need to wax a bit thicker and warmer directly under your foot.
Dan Struebel is writing the Toko Wax Tip (link to Toko Wax Sheets). He’s been on the tracks and knows it well, so trust his advice. For your skis, if you know the kick zone well, show up to the race with a kick wax or binder wax ironed smooth, and then start adding light, well corked multiple thin layers of kick wax .
You’ll need to test your race skis well on the uphills from the start, so arrive with plenty of time to ski. This will accomplish a couple of things. First, you’ll give your body a chance to wake up and move blood and breathe before you start racing. Second, you can add additional layers of wax to ensure bomber kick.
Beware of kick waxing too long, or you’ll slow your skis down. And, watch out for adding thick layers of kick wax. This might seem like a good idea to generate kick, but usually it just creates a mess and doesn’t kick well.
How do you know you have bomber kick? My test is to see if I can run up a steeper section of hill without using my poles.
#3 Use all of the groomed track to your advantage.
If you’re struggling with kick, ski out of the tracks. With the steeper, long grades at Targhee, it’s easy to bog down in the tracks. Jump out of them and run in the corduroy instead. Here you can take smaller, quicker steps and ensure your wax sticks.
#4 Manage your pace and be patient.
A lot can happen during a longer event. Almost all racers go out too fast. One way I try to manage pace is to find a skier of similar ability and drop in behind them. Match their strides and pace. Following someone is easier than leading, not just because of the drafting effect, but because you can simply match stride and technique and let your mind take a break.
#5 Hydrate
This isn’t a marathon, but with the cold air and altitude you should carry water, or a diluted electrolyte drink. Drink early and often on any slight downhills.
#6 Perspective
This is an early season race. For me, it’s my first timed effort. Relax, enjoy and ski your way into the event. It’s always better to feel great toward the end of any race. You can pass your nemesis while smiling…;-), and keep your technique intact. Use this race as a training day.
Have fun, good luck and see you at the start!
More Pre-Race Information
Pre-Race Wax Clinic & Race Day Wax Sheet
Toko wax techs are hosting a TRC wax clinic at Yostmark Mountain Equipment in Driggs the evening before the race.
See wax clinic details here.
Race day wax sheet from Dan Struebel is also posted on the Toko website here.
Dave Bergart on the Seder-Skier Podcast
Listen to local legend, TRC director and JH Nordic Alliance board member to get inspired!
The podcast includes race history and why you should sign up if you have not already. 🙂
Look for the interview dated 12.21.25 on The Seder-Skier Podcast.
Race Day is January 31, 2026
Become part of the tradition: race at the Teton Ridge Classic.
With a venue switch to the Grand Targhee Nordic Trails the snow is for sure going to be great!
Registration closes at 1700 MT 1.30.26.
Classic skiing at it’s finest!
