Race Status
Updated 1/31/2025 at 9:00 AM
We are closely monitoring the weather as tomorrow approaches to ensure a safe race experience for all. At the present time, the BMT is still expected to take place as planned. As a reminder, we will gauge the probability of holding the race daily using Green, Yellow, and Red ratings. Our safety committee will make assessments today at 4 p.m. and tomorrow, at 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. Green is proceed, yellow is caution, and red is a full stop. Mountain forecasts can change quickly, particularly in Idaho, and we are keeping a careful watch on all conditions that could impact the race. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible information so you can be prepared for whatever Mother Nature delivers.
Weather and Course Conditions
A NOAA Winter Storm Warning was issued at 2:20 a.m. today, January 31. According to the forecast, between 11 a.m. today and 5 p.m. Saturday, the racecourse could receive 8 to 15 inches of snowfall, with up to two feet accumulating at Galena Summit (8,701 feet). During race hours on Saturday (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.), forecasts predict an additional 3 to 6 inches of fresh snow on the Harriman Trail, making for soft and potentially challenging ski conditions. The probability of snowfall is rated at 100 percent.
Temperatures are expected to range from 29 to 35°F, hovering around freezing. A key concern is the rain/snow line, which is expected to rise onto the racecourse for a significant portion of the event. If snow turns to rain, combined with winds of 8–10 mph (gusting to 22–25 mph), it could create a serious hypothermia hazard. This is something we are watching very closely.
Avalanche Risk and Road Safety
Another significant factor we are assessing is avalanche danger. The new snowfall will land on an already weak snowpack. While the Harriman Trail does not cross major avalanche paths, it does intersect several smaller ones that could present a real risk under extreme conditions. We are working closely with the Sawtooth Avalanche Center (SAC) and will reassess conditions late tonight and early Saturday morning. An “extreme” avalanche danger rating is a red flag for us, though SAC currently believes this is unlikely unless we receive the highest forecasted levels of snowfall and wind.
In addition, we are in constant communication with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Blaine County Sheriff’s Office, Blaine County Recreation District, and the bus companies that provide racer transportation. ITD does an excellent job of maintaining road safety, but severe weather can sometimes push conditions beyond their control. Like the avalanche risk, final road conditions will likely not be clear until late tonight or early tomorrow morning.
To minimize traffic on the highway, we request all racers to take the provided buses rather than getting dropped off at Galena.
Final Thoughts
We understand that this may sound like a lot of uncertainty, but that’s the nature of racing in the mountains. Some storms deliver the perfect ski day, while others present challenges. Regardless of the conditions, we at the Boulder Mountain Tour are committed to transparency in our decision-making and to ensuring a safe, fun, and rewarding experience for all. If you’re excited for an adventure and ready to embrace a snowy day, this could still be an amazing tour!
We truly appreciate your patience, flexibility, and enthusiasm—we will keep you updated as conditions evolve via text and email. Thank you.
The BMT Safety Committee and Board of Directors
Updated 1/30/2025 at 9:20 AM
Safety is priority one for us at the Boulder Mountain Tour.
With this in mind, we want to apprise you of projected weather conditions for this weekend that we are currently monitoring. The forecast calls for heavy snow, a high rain line, and strong winds beginning on Friday.
With the potential for highly adverse conditions, we will gauge the probability of holding the race on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday using Green, Yellow, and Red ratings. Our safety committee will make assessments today and Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. Green is proceed, yellow is caution, and red is a full stop. We will call off the race if the avalanche rating rises to extreme or has the potential to during the race.
The BMT race is not the sole focus of our final determination. The weather must also allow for safe travel and adequate snow removal on Highway 75, area parking lots, and roadways. Galena Summit must remain open. The surrounding snowpack must be stable. The Sawtooth Avalanche Center, Idaho Transportation Department, Blaine County Sheriff’s Office, and other local emergency response agencies are assisting us in this decision-making. If conditions are unsafe for their operations at any time, we will cancel.
Concerns now are a high rain line and wind coupled with deep snow on the course creating the potential for hypothermia. In addition to our racers, we are concerned for volunteers, emergency personnel, and friends.
With this in mind, we respectfully ask for you to consider the following as we go forward:
- The 2025 BMT may be the slowest you have ever skied. Carry food, water, and fuel accordingly.
- This Boulder will truly be a tour. Plan for a long day. We highly recommend dressing for wet conditions, i.e., no skinsuits this year; wear warm, waterproof clothing.
- We cannot accommodate requests to move from the Full Boulder to the Half.
We will communicate via email today and tomorrow. On Saturday morning, the race field will receive a text message announcing a go or no go, followed by an email.