Snakes and Ladders VI Cross Race
2026
In association with
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Snake Hill - Sundre, Alberta
Introduction
We are back for this special fifth installment of Snakes and Ladders. The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep. Officially known as the Snakes Head Natural Area but customarily referred to as Snake Hill, it is a provincial natural area managed by the Town of Sundre. You’re unlikely to encounter one of the few garter snakes that inhabit it but deer and moose are not uncommon. Large predators are also around but stay away when there’s human activity present - at least we hope that continues to be the case. The trails on Snake Hill were originally opened by the Biathlon Club and additional development took place for the Alberta Winter Games sometime in the 1980s. The cross country ski trails are maintained by Town staff during the summer while the Bike’n Ski Club develops and maintains single track trails for mountain biking. During the winter, the Club grooms the trails for cross country skiing and fat biking.
Land Acknowledgement
We would like to take this opportunity to respectfully acknowledge that we are gathering on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional and contemporary territory of the nêhiyaw (Cree), Dene, Anishnaabe, Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Saulteaux and Nakota Sioux, whose footsteps have marked this land since time immemorial, as well as the Métis people of Alberta, who share a deep history with this land.
Race Organization
Race Organizer: Felix Lee: flixlee@gmail.com
Medical Coordinator: Adam Hooson ahtl@live.ca
Officials
Chief Commissaire: Michael Pinkoski
Cycling Alberta TD: Sam Hargraves
Registration Closes Wednesday October 8 at 23:59PM
LINK: https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=42696
You will need a race licence to participate in each race on the weekend. If you have a Provincial or UCI licence then that will cover all events on the weekend. If you do not have a Cycling Alberta (CA) race licence you will need to purchase a Single Event License (SEL) for each race you register for. Single event licences are $20 per race. A maximum of three SELs can be purchased per season and these can be purchased when you register through zone4.
Ability Categories and Fees
Open Women $35
Open Men $35
Expert Men $35
Sport Women $35
Sport Men $35
Novice Men $35
Single Event Licence $20 (for Novice Men or Sport Women, maximum three per season)
Schedule
October 9:
14:00 Course will be fully marked on the afternoon of October 9
October 10
Race day schedule subject to change for weather or category consolidation
08:30 AM Registration opens
08:30 AM to 9:00 AM Course open for practice
09:10 AM Novice men – 35 minute race
10:10 AM Sport men – minimum 40 minute race
11:10 AM Open Men - 60 minute race
12:20 AM Course open for practice
12:40 PM Sport women – 35 minute race
01:30 PM Expert men – 50 minute race
02:40 PM Open women – minimum 40 minute race
Awards for each category will be held at the conclusion of each race, following posting of official results and the appropriate protest period. Results will be posted, once approved, at the sign-on/licence check table.
Rider Conduct
Unsporting & unbecoming conduct will not be tolerated, including but not limited to public urination (there are multiple outhouses, in multiple locations), littering of anything, use of profane language and any verbal abuse whatsoever of officials, organisers, volunteers, other participants, and local residents
Anti-doping statement
CA complies with and fully supports the UCI anti-doping regulations, the clauses of the World Anti-doping Code and its international Standards to which the UCI antidoping regulations refer and to the anti-doping regulations of other competent bodies as per the regulations of the UCI.
Directions
Sundre rodeo grounds/ Sundre Ball diamonds.
From Olds, head west on Highway 27 to Sundre, turn north on Center Street, Turn west on Fourth Street (at Joko Convenience). Parking is available along the ball diamonds and along the rodeo grounds fence.
Team tents can be set up on the east side of the access gate by the start finish area and toilets.
Race course
Prologue
The first 500m of the course leads from the start line to the race loop. Once past the first climb, racers will pass by the LAP / FINISH area.
Race course
Registration/ Start Line / Number Pick Up
Registration will be located next to the start line. On the west side of the access gate in the parking lot. Washrooms will also be available here. There is no water available on site, please be prepared to supply your own.
If you have not already received your cyclocross body numbers this season, you must pick them up on race day at rider check-in. Your ABA cyclocross numbers are yours for the season.
Please bring your own pins to attach your body numbers. You will need a minimum of 12 pins.
Numbers should be attached as shown:
Feed/Tech zone
A single tech/pit zone will be marked immediately before the lap through zone. This zone is not neutral. You must supply your own feed and technical support. Please ensure no food, gels or electrolyte drinks hit the ground. Snake Hill is home to many animals and we do not want to disrupt their feeding habits.
Finish
Upon completing the required number of laps, racers will follow the signage back to the start finish area
Emergency Response Plan - Medical and First aid
Medical services will be based at the start/ finish area for the duration of the race. There will be 2 medical personnel on shift for the race. Race marshals and ABA staff will have cell phone and radio communication in case of a medical emergency.
The Sundre Hospital is located three minutes by car from the event site-
Location 709 1 St NE, Sundre, AB T0M 1X0
