Skip to main content

The Hochgebirge Challenge Cup

Hochgebirge Challenge Cup

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The oldest ski club race in North America is back for its 84th year! The Hoch Challenge Cup Race has been a NEMS favorite for decades. It is always an exciting race, and is considered a “must attend”, by many of our regular racers. 

The Hoch is currently the only NEMS race with a team aspect. Racers can create a team of FOUR (4) to compete for one of the legendary Ski Club Hochgebirge trophies. Team entries cost $20, are done at Mittersill, and are facilitated by a Ski Club Hochgebirge representative. Following the race, awards and the team winners will take place outside on the Performance Center patio. Additional details, including a link to the Team Form, are below.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

RACE REGISTRATION: 

Race Registration Link
  • All race registration is facilitated through the NEMS Racing online registration system, AdminSkiRacing (ASR). 
  • To register, you must have an account/profile on masters.amindskiracing.com
  • If you need to create an account, click here for instructions. It will only take a couple of minutes to set up. 
  • Once you have an account with ASR, you can register for any NEMS race with a click of a button.
  • Race Payment - A valid credit card on file is required. NEMS does not process charges until after the event. 
  • Race Withdrawal - Racers can withdraw from an event, without penalty, until the date and time listed on the event page. 
  • Did Not Start Fee - If a racer is registered for an event, and does not attend, they will be charged a Did Not Start Fee of $20.00 in place of the Race Fee. A racer is not charged both fees. For more info on the DNS Fee, please visit the NEMS Policy page: https://nemsracing.org/policies

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Race Info:

Please be sure to visit the Mittersill Race Registration Page and the Mittersill Race Info Sheet for all of the official race details.

The Race Basics:

  • Date: Saturday, Jan. 20th
  • Discipline: Giant Slalom (2 full races)
  • Race Fee: $85 (Lift Ticket - $34 Sold Separately)
  • Age Requirement: Yes - Must be at least 18 years old
  • USSS License Required: Yes
  • Helmet Requirement: Hard-sided - FIS certified 
  • NEMS Membership Required: See NEMS Membership Policy

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Info Session Replay

Please click the page below to watch a replay of the Waterville & Mittersill Info Session. 

Waterville_Mittersill Info Session

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Hochgebirge Challenge Cup

Hoch Challenge Cup Trophies

The only team event on the NEMS schedule also happens to be one of the most historic. This year will be the 86th Hochgebirge Challenge Cup. The event has survived bad snow years, wars, recessions, and even a global pandemic! While the race has seen some changes over the years, one thing that hasn’t changed is the fun the event brings on race day. 

Up for grabs are eternal glory and trophies for the following categories:

  • Fastest Team
  • Fastest Male & Female
  • Fastest All-Female Team
  • Fastest Old Guy
  • Fastest Class Team

How to Register:

  • Create a team and fill out the Hochgebirge Challenge Team Form
  • Registrations take place on race day inside the Performance Center
  • A representative from the Ski Club Hochgebirge will collect the Team Form and the $20 cash payment
  •  Important - NEMS does not facilitate the collection of forms or payment for the Hochgebirge Challenge Teams. This is only done through a representative from Ski Club Hochgebirge. 

Things to Consider

  • Parking - Be sure to park in the Mittersill lots. If coming off Rt. 93 exit, go past Cannon main parking lot. Mittersill lots are just down the road on left. 
  • You can easily walk from your car to the Performance Center
  • Food - There are limited options at Performance Center. Recommend bringing your own lunch and beverages, if possible. 
  • Bags - You can leave your bags in the lodge. Be sure your bag is properly stored in one of the cubbies on the wall. 
  • Awards - Outside of Performance Center approx. 1 hour following the conclusion of the race. 
Cannon Map

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Where to Stay:

If you are looking to stay up in the Franconia area for the weekend there are a few options, but lodging is somewhat limited in the area. Other options to consider would be Lincoln (20 min), Plymouth (35 min), or Waterville Valley (45 min). You can also check out Littleton (10 min) and Bethlehem (15 min) to the north. 

Franconia: (<5 min drive)

Littleton: (10 min drive)

Bethlehem: (15 min drive)

Lincoln: (20 min drive)

Plymouth: (30 min drive)

Airbnb / VBRO Options 

There are a number of short-term rental properties in the general area which could also be suitable options for your trip.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Where to Eat:

There are plenty of great food options to choose from while visiting the Lebanon area. 

Breakfast:

Dunkin & Starbucks - If you need your fix in the morning there are few options along the way. 

From the South:

  • Dunks: 
    • Exit 28 (Rt. 49 - Campton/Waterville) 
    • Exit 32 (Rt. 112 - Lincoln/Loon)
  • Starbucks 
    • Exit 20 (Rt. 126 - Tilton)

From the North:

  • Dunks & Starbucks: 
    • Exit 42 (Rt. 302 - Littleton) 
    •  

Polly’s Pancake Parlor (Franconia)

If you are looking for a good hearty breakfast before hitting the slopes, consider stopping at Polly’s on the way. 

 

Dinner - Franconia

Hidden Gem - Chef Joe’s Catering - The Bistro (651 Main St., Franconia, NH 03580)

https://chefjoescatering.com/the-bistro/

If you are looking for a new reason to come to Franconia, this is the spot. Excellent food, service, and location. Chef Joe’s cooking is well-known for a reason. Definitely check this place out! Reservations highly recommended!

The Quintessential - The Franconia Inn (1172 Easton Rd., Franconia, NH 03580)

The moment you walk into the Franconia Inn you know you are in for a treat. You feel the warmth coming off the roaring fireplace. The deep leather couches are an inviting sight for sore legs. The laughter of friends by the bar carries across the lobby. The smell of the delicious meal you are about to encounter hits your nose. If you are looking for a place that checks all the boxes, this is your spot. 

More Refined - Sugar Hill Inn (116 Route 117, Sugar Hill, NH 03586)

If you are looking for upscale, Sugar Hill Inn is the spot. Enjoy this cozy setting with a glass of wine and something off their delicious menu. Reservations encouraged.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Things to Do:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Event Sponsors: