from www.rockymountainnews.com - February 4, 2006

Hill's challenge? A timely record
His goal is to ski 50,000 feet in 24-hour period

By Carol Kauder

Special to the News

No. 1 on the list of race rules for the 24 Hours of Sunlight is, "no whining."

" It will be as grueling as you want to make it," said Mike Marolt, who came up with the race concept and plans to compete in the event as a solo racer.

Granny Gear Productions, sponsor of the ever-popular 24 Hours of Moab mountain bike race, is having a go with the ski concept Feb. 11-12 in Glenwood Springs.

Inspired to raise money for the Heuga Center for multiple sclerosis, Marolt looked at the success of 24-hour mountain bike races and added a ski-mountaineering twist.

Canadian ski mountaineer Greg Hill said he intends to use the event to set an official world record for the greatest elevation gain in 24 hours of uphill/downhill skiing.

Last year, Hill skied up and down 40,170 vertical feet in 21 hours. He said his goal at the time was to "get as much powder as he could," and this time, he will focus more on setting an official record.

Utah ski mountaineer Andrew McLean, notorious for his extreme exploits, will be joining Hill in the record attempt.
" The ultimate goal would be to ski 50,000 feet in 24 hours," Hill said.

" I've always been curious to see what's physically possible, see what I can do."

Hill said he expects to complete the event in one continuous push, stopping only long enough to put on and remove his skins, drink some water and eat a quick snack.

Those participating on teams can expect a little more downtime.

Space will be available for camping at the Sunlight base area, or participants can rent a room in one of Sunlight's two lodges.