Empire State Winter Games Ski-O 2026
This year’s ski-o events will be held February 6, 7 & 8 in the Lake Placid area.
As of Feb. 4, temperatures and wind chill values for the weekend are predicted to be cold but tolerable and within acceptable OUSA limits. If conditions deteriorate, the format of Saturday’s race at South Meadow Farm will be changed to a one hour Score-O. You will be informed well in advance if this happens.
Most of the courses have been shortened somewhat.
Please note that Sunday’s start time has been delayed until 12 noon.
Dress warmly! Face coverings, ski mitts, hand warmers, etc. are highly recommended!
Course Notes and Start Procedure
Friday – Regular Event at Scott’s Cobble, 5:30 pm (you’ll need a headlamp!) |
Please note the event format has been changed from a Score-O to a regular format.
Saturday – Combined Day 1, South Meadow Farm, 67 Sugarworks Way, Lake Placid, 11:30 am
Saturday’s course will be on the Mt. Van Hoevenberg trails, but we’ll start from South Meadow Farm, a private maple sugar operation that has recently been bought by North Country School.
Sunday – Combined Day 2, Dewey Mt. Recreation Center, Saranac Lake, 10:30 am
All participants are eligible for Empire State Games medals.
All Ski-O participants must check in at ESG Event Headquarters located in the LP Conference Center, 2634 Main Street, LP, to pick up their event jacket.
Please note that pickup times are different from last year. If you don’t think you’ll be able to pick up your jacket in person please let us know asap!
More information about the Empire State Winter Games here.
All races will have pre-assigned start times and the SI timing system will be used. All participants must use an SI timing card. SIAC (Air+) will be enabled but is not required. Regular SI timing cards will be available for rental through the online registration site and can be picked up in person at check-in on-site. Rental cards will NOT be SIAC (Air+). The rental price is $5 per day with a $60 replacement cost if the card is lost or not turned in.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Adirondack Foundation mapholders will be available free of charge to all participants 18 years of age and under. A limited number of mapholders will be available to participants older than 18 for rental at $10 per day or $25 for 3 events. These will be available on a first come, first served basis on site. Mapholders are available for purchase through a regular retailer of orienteering supplies.
Because our cross country ski seasons seem to be so inconsistent now we will not be enforcing embargoes of the ESG venues this year so that participants can enjoy as much skiing as possible if they come to this area before the competition. However we trust you will maintain the spirit of our sport and not spend time memorizing trail maps or exploring trails off the beaten track! And as always, there is no problem with a competitor racing in a regularly scheduled cross country or biathlon event at one of the potential venues.
In keeping with U.S.S.A and IOF regulations the use of fluoro waxes by all participants is prohibited.
Event Team
Meet Directors – Janet Findlay & David Hunter
Mapper & Course Setter – David Hunter
Registrar – Janet Findlay
Course Vetters – Gabor Bobok & Laszlo Kolyvek
Starts – Elaine Glen, Bruce Glen
Refreshments – Sue Hawkes-Teeter
Timing – Phil Hawkes-Teeter, Kevin Fisher
We are most grateful to the Adirondack Sports Council, Empire Orienteering Club, and Orienteering USA for their assistance and support and to Dewey Mountain Recreation Area, Mt. Van Hovenberg and ORDA for their cooperation in planning this event.
For further information, please contact the Meet Director.
