Whatcom Events in Bellingham, WA is pleased to announce registration for the 47th Annual Ski to Sea Race, from Mt. Baker Ski Area to Bellingham Bay, is now open. Registration opened Jan. 4 and 50 have already registered. The big day is Sunday May 26, 2019. The 3-8 racer team relay race features 7 sports highlighting Whatcom County's iconic outdoor recreation: Cross-country ski, downhill ski/snowboard, run, road bike, canoe (2 person), cyclocross bike and sea kayak in 93 miles from Mt. Baker to Bellingham Bay. Teams that register and are paid in full by Sunday January 20, will be entered into a drawing for free Ski to Sea hats and window decals for the entire team and a Samson Estates Winery Private Tasting for 10 people ($650 value). The team captain can pay for the team even if each leg is yet to be assigned, but please note that registration is non-refundable. To be entered in the drawing, teams simply start a team, pick a division and pay for the team. The winning team will be notified on Monday, January 21, 2019. New for 2019: Beginning in 2019, Ski to Sea is offering the first 20 complete High School Teams to register, a free entry to participate in Ski to Sea. Companies and organizations can still partner with a High School team, providing them assistance with gear rental, team T-shirts and Race Day food. After the first 20, the price for each High School team is $149. Help spread the word by letting students and educators know about this new opportunity. Continuing in 2019: In 2018, a change was made to Ski to Sea allowing racers to participate in multiple legs (with a maximum of three legs per individual). In 2019, teams will continue to consist of a minimum of three racers and a maximum of eight racers. Individuals may compete in up to three legs for one team or multiple teams. Details are on the Race Guide at skitosea.com. Charitable Contributions Whatcom Events is pleased to announce charitable contributions to local non-profit organizations totaled $21,500 in 2018. While recipients’ missions vary, the largest donations went to helping organizations that provide our communities with basic needs - $7,500 to Lydia Place and $6,000 to area Food Banks. Youth-based organizations that received donations include local Boy and Girl Scout Troops, Bellingham Youth Paddlesports, Explorations Academy, and Blaine and Ferndale High Schools. Recreation-based organizations who received funds include Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition, Shifting Gears and Incite! Cycles. We would like to thank all our event participants, sponsors, volunteers and community partners for supporting us this year in such an incredible way that allows us to give back to our community while promoting recreation in our beautiful corner of the world. Please visit our event websites to view the sponsors for Ski to Sea, The Tour de Whatcom, The Mt. Baker Hill Climb and Trials to Taps Relay.
