The Fifth Annual Snowshoe "Face Race" at the Suicide Six Ski Area will take place on Saturday, February 1 and, according to the Director of Recreational Experience Christina Mattsson of The Woodstock Inn & Resort,  it’s an experience that can’t be missed.

"This is a fun and lighthearted event in which all participants and spectators support one another and finish with a smile," said Mattsson. "It’s always a wonderful opportunity to get a little exercise and enjoy time with friends and fellow snow sports enthusiasts."

Suicide Six General Manager Tim Reiter agreed.

"We’re super stoked," said Reiter. "This event is always fun, and spectators and participants relish it. We love peppering in events that are just a little different than your average ski race, so this is one we always look forward to."

The idea behind the race is to "stomp" the face of the Suicide Six area. The approximately 1.5-mile course begins at the J-bar, leading participants along a 600-foot vertical climb up the face of the mountain, continuing to the Easy Mile before finishing at the lodge.

"The Face Race is an opportunity for Suicide Six skiers to enjoy the mountain in a totally different way and to connect as part of the S6 community in the greater community by supporting the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock," said Mattsson. “Racers young and old have an opportunity to enjoy this event at their own pace for their own purpose.”

Reiter related that the race is a different way of looking at the challenge of the mountain – to up instead of down.

"It’s a race that brings all types of athletes," said Reiter. "From the hobbyists who just want to challenge themselves to the Florida gentleman who comes here every year to do the race with his adult daughter because it’s an annual commitment they made to each other a few years ago to the local skier who wears a chicken suit or dresses like Braveheart – the fun and pageantry of it all is pretty cool and becoming increasingly rare in the world we live in."

Since its inception, the Face Race has been an exciting event for racers and spectators alike, said Courtney Lowe, VP Marketing & Business Development at the Woodstock Inn & Resort.

 "I love the idea of alternate use of our beloved ski area, and the excitement this event brings as well as its relationship to our wellness programming," said Lowe. "Most of all, I enjoy seeing racers beat their personal best."

Perley’s Pourhouse of Suicide Six will host an apres race party with live music from singer-songwriter Jim Yeager, in addition to prizes and specialty food items including BBQ pulled pork sliders, macaroni with Vermont cheese, and local beer on tap.

"Spectators will certainly enjoy the costumes and cheering on the racers," said Mattsson. "They’ll also be treated to live music, great food and tasty beverages from the talented Perley’s Pourhouse bartenders!"

Race check-in takes place from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., followed by a pre-race meeting for all participants at 3:50 p.m. before gathering at the starting line at 3:55 p.m., Mattsson noted.

The kids’ race begins at 4 p.m., followed by the youth, men and women that starts at 4:15 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each 1.5 mile category.

Online registration fees are $35 for adults, $20 for youth (ages 14-17). Kids 12 years old and younger can participate in the 400-meter base race for $10.  There is also an option to hike the face untimed, enjoying views for $35. Online registration is open until Friday, January 31 at 5 p.m. at https://www.runreg.com/face-race. Same day pricing is $40 per adult, $25 for youth.

"The Face Race is just pure joy and excitement to see loved ones and friends compete as well as enjoying another exciting social event," said Lowe.

All proceeds from the event benefit Children's Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD), providing primary, specialty and tertiary care to the children of NH, VT and beyond.