[Author’s Note: This is the 10th article in an 11-part series celebrating legendary aid stations. You can read about the series here.]
The Tahoe Rim Trail 100 Mile is one of the classic North American mountain 100 milers. Held each July, the race takes place in the Spooner Lake area of the Carson Range, deep within the Sierra Nevada east of Lake Tahoe in Nevada. Snow Valley Peak is the highest point on the course, sitting at 9,214 feet, and is the home of this legendary aid station. Even in the dead of summer, the weather can be challenging, with wind likely in the 20- to 40-mile-per-hour range when the afternoon zephyrs pick up.
The Snow Valley Peak aid station is known for its views, hospitality, and flamingos. All photos courtesy of Danyel Soulier.
Runners pass through the Snow Valley Peak aid station twice, once at mile 9.5 and then again at mile 52.5. To get to the aid station site, volunteers must navigate an extremely steep and rugged four-wheel drive road while towing a 210-gallon water tank, porta-potties, and a large tent. They also take all the supplies needed for three days in the backcountry. Long-time race director George Ruiz notes the spectacular location of the aid station is what makes it so special, saying, “The most remarkable and memorable part of the aid station is the panoramic view of Lake Tahoe!”
I asked aid station captain Danyel Soulier what makes her aid station so memorable for the racers. She says, “For one spectacular day, Snow Valley Peak is transformed into a pop-up mini-city to fuel hundreds of amazing athletes, completely decked out in pink!” She goes on to explain the color choice, saying, “The official theme here is flamingos, a tradition started way back by Boy Scout Troop 341 and Scout Master Bill Hartman.” She paints a vibrant image of the scene: “Imagine a food spread big enough for an army laid out on flamingo tablecloths, upbeat music blasting for almost 24 hours, and — the detail athletes rave about most — it’s the only aid station on the course that serves refreshing sorbet!” The aid station has a history of being run on youth power, and, currently, members of the Carson City High School Cycling Team greet and take care of each runner.
Boy Scout Troop 341 ran the Snow Valley Peak aid station for years.
Soulier goes on to explain the challenges of running such a remote aid station, saying, “Even though the Snow Valley Peak Aid Station is a blast, running this flamingo-themed party is a massive yearly undertaking! The brutal logistics of the location itself mean the crew has to orchestrate a true off-road convoy, requiring at least four four-wheel-drive trucks just to haul everything up an unkempt Forest Service road that chews up regular trailers.” And then there’s the sorbet. Soulier says, “Keeping that unique treat perfectly frozen until race time, and then having to manage the delicate balance of thawing it out just enough for runners to actually eat, is a constant battle.” Of course, then there are the challenges of blazing heat, freezing cold temperatures, gnats, mosquitoes, biting flies, and constant dust kicked up by the wind.
The views from the Snow Valley Peak aid station are unmatched.
Soulier says, “Snow Valley Peak is an absolute goldmine of unforgettable moments! This high-altitude haven has hosted everything from birthday celebrations to mid-summer sledding parties.” Ruiz says one time, a helicopter delivered pizza to the aid station in the middle of the race. Most importantly, Soulier says, “The aid station crew consistently offers such legendary hospitality that athletes from all over the world return year after year, simply stating that Snow Valley is their absolute favorite stop on the entire course.”
Soulier believes the Snow Valley Peak aid station is an unparalleled course favorite not only due to its epic views and the spectacle of a flamingo theme, but also because of its powerful legacy of youth participation, starting with Troop 341. She says, “We hope to continue this incredible tradition for many years to come!”
Bill Hartman, former Snow Valley Peak aid station captain, surrounded by Boy Scout Troop 341.
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s Beer of the Week comes from Shoe Tree Brewing Company in Carson City, Nevada. Ash Canyon Amber is Shoe Tree’s flagship ale. Slightly malty and rich, Ash Canyon is a crisp amber ale brewed in the classic tradition of European ambers. Perfect after a long day on Snow Valley Peak!
Call for Comments
- Do you have any fun stories from the Snow Valley aid station you can share?
- What’s your favorite aid station to visit?
