Junior Olympics Course Preview

The Junior Olympics course at Theodore Wirth should provide a very challenging venue for the competitors.  The course features at least four major climbs, including two sustained ones that have shown to be real separators in pre-competition races.

Course Photo Preview

The following map has 41 photos, meant to provide a feel for the course.    Hover your mouse over the numbered points to see a photo from that location.    Or simple access the photoset beneath (has some extra photos not included on the map).

The Hills

The major climbs on the course are at #22, #27, #33 and #39.  Lesser climbs at #10 and #14. 

In most of the races at Theodore Wirth on this course, the long hill at #33 has been the game changer.  Its a very long and sustained climb (runs from #33 to #35) -- not as steep as #22 or #27, but its a good 1-2 minute climb, and it comes after the two steeper hills, so skiers have taken a good punishment already.  The skier that can notch it up on this hill will separate themselves from the pack.

The final hill at #39 is quite nasty in its own right.  There is no run up to it, and you climb two thirds the way up, make a sharp corner and then it gets steeper.   The reward at the top is a flat stretch to the finish, if you've got anything left in the tank.

In the mass start races, the hill at #10 can play a pivotal role in the opening kilometer.  Its a steep headwall and can cause some backups, especially if you're not at the front of the pack.

This map emphasizes most of the uphills (red) and downhills (green) on the course.

Spectating

The Theodore Wirth course provides excellent viewing opportunities.  By far the best area to catch a lot of race action is along the ridge where points #31 and #36 are marked above.  Besides seeing the skiers before and after the decisive climb at #33-35, you can see the starting action at points #3/#4, and also get over to catch the finishing climb at #40/#41. 

If you're willing to hike a bit, #23 is accessible and offers a dramatic view from the top of Bassett Creek hill.   And if you're looking for possibly a few spills, the downhill at #9 and the button hook at #38 rarely fail to offer some excitement.