April 2-3, 2022
Griztek Auto Appearance & Offroad, GRZ Productions, and Shanty Creek Resorts are proud to bring the action back to the ski slopes at the Schuss Mountain Snow Challenge. Years ago an event was born with the hopes of being something special. Little did anyone know that in just a short time it would grow to become one of the biggest events of the off-roading year.
The links below direct to all the details for the 2022 event. If there are any questions not answered, please email SnowChallenge@GriztekUSA.com
General Rules and Information [back]
- Two Day event. Saturday and Sunday
- ALL competitors MUST register online and pay the registration deposit.
- Link to registration will open the beginning of February and run through first week of March .
- No outside coolers or beverages allowed.
- Outside standing room only, but everyone is welcome and encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
- 1st round DOUBLE ELIMINATION. Racers losing in the 1st round will shuffle back into a losers round for another chance to advance. Winners from 1st round will advance but wait for the losers bracket to complete.
- Single elimination after 1st round.
- Only one(1) driver per vehicle. No multiple driver vehicles allowed
- Multiple VEHICLE entries are allowed, but each vehicle must be registered in different classes. (You can not race two different vehicles in the same class unless the second vehicle in entered with a separate driver)
- Multiple TIRE CLASS entries are allowed. An entry fee must be paid for each tire class entered.
- Registrants must have a valid drivers license.
- Drivers must be of age 18 and older.
- Comp parking/pits will be open to the public until 10:00 am on event days. At that time security will sweep the pits and anyone not holding a CREW PASS will be required to move into the spectator area.
- There is no RV parking available. If RV provisions are needed, Chain O Lakes camp ground is open year round with full amenities. www.chainolakescamp.com
- The SMSC will again have uniformed security officers in the pits at all times. They will be responsible for monitoring activities throughout the area and enforcing the "No Alcohol" rule. If ANYONE is found with alcohol in the pits, your event passes/tags will be taken and you will be removed from the property IMMEDIATELY. If you are a driver caught with or "smelling" of alcohol the officers will assess the situation and take appropriate actions, at the very least resulting in the forfeiture of race privileges and entry fees. The possibility of being turned over to local law enforcement is highly probable
Vehicle Classes [back]
- 8 competitive classes: Sportsman Class, DOT-A, DOT-B, ANYTIRE, SuperMod, Power Adder class, UTV, and MEGA Trucks
- NO tire studding permitted.
- Grooved tires are allowed as long as they were originally DOT approved tires.
- No aftermarket forced induction or Nitrous allowed in DOT classes
Sportsman Class (SC)
- DOT tires only
- Tire sizes up to 37" allowed
- No cut tires. Grooved tires will be permitted with a max cut width of 3/8" wide. Any multi-pass(side by side) grooves measuring larger than 3/8" will disqualify the tire and not be allowed.
- Limited to vehicles running a "stock engine block and displacement." This is gauged by the number of cylinders, not CID. This means a vehicle must be running the same manufacturer block ( i.e. CJ7 having AMC block) and will be limited to engine cylinder count that were available from the factory. Example: Wranglers, S-series trucks are limited to 6 cyl. No V8s.
- No aftermarket aluminum head.
- Vehicles must run a muffler with a minimum body length of 14". No "race bullet" mufflers allowed.
- Muffler must be inline with the exhaust system, mounted no closer than 28" to the collector or actual "Y" junction.
- Vehicle must have a full factory frame. Suspension modifications are allowed(e.g., suspension lift kit )
- These rules applies ONLY to the Sportsman tire classes.
* This class is to bring the racing action within reach of the "everyday Joe." It is intended to provide fairly "stock" vehicles that may be running larger tires or lift kits a place to have a fighting chance at winning. It's no secret the bar has steadily raised every year with faster and better vehicles competing. This has pushed the "everyday Joe" out of the racing since there is little hope to win when lining up against a 700+HP dedicated race truck. The rules are in place to keep the high horsepower rigs out of these classes. On that note, I'm sure there will be people trying to "cheat" their way in. Keep in mind no one likes a cheater, and no one respects or appreciates someone dominating the racing because their vehicle was obviously "over qualified." So play fair, be realistic, and don't ruin it for everyone else by racing where you shouldn't. Remember, let everyone HAVE FUN!
DOT Tire Classes
- DOT - A class: Must run DOT tires. Vehicles must have a full factory frame from axle to axle. Any tire size may be run.
- DOT-B class: Must run DOT tires. No chassis restriction
- Power-Adder Class: Vehicles racing in the P-A class are required to run DOT tires . Allowable are nitrous, turbos, and bolt-on street superchargers, e.g. Vortech, Pro Charger, ect.
- Vehicles racing in DOT and ANY TIRE classes will be required to remove nitrous bottles from the vehicle. It will no longer be acceptable to just disconnect the line.
Special Vehicle Classes
- Three classes: ANY-TIRE, SuperModified, MEGA Truck
- ANY-TIRE class : No aftermarket forced induction or nitrous. Any modifications, tuning, lift kits, tire size and style(including non DOT tires) are allowed
- SuperModified : Alcohol, turbo, blower, or any other kind of aftermarket forced air induction means you enter into this class. Non - DOT tires allowed. Pretty much anything goes.
- MEGA Trucks : MEGA trucks are defined by trucks running axles rated at 2.5tons or higher and tires larger than 44". MEGA trucks will race on the Mellow Yellow hill and will contain jumps. ***1 ton axle amendment: a MEGA truck running 1 ton axles WILL be allowed into the class only by running 48" or taller Non-DOT/AG tires/tractor bars.
- UTV : This is a run-what-you-brung class that will utilize a couple turns, a few jumps. Racers will compete on the Melow Yellow hill using the same jumps as the MEGA truck class.
Entry Fees / Admission [back]
- ALL competitors MUST pre-register.
- A $45 non-refundable registration deposit is required before registration can be submitted.
- A cap on class entries is in place.
- There will be NO/NONE/ZERO entries/registrations available the day of the event.
- SuperMod class: $75 entry
- Competition vehicles : *$45/vehicle first class entry , $30.00/vehicle each additional class.. *Includes two CREW Passes
- Crew Passes: Crew passes will only be available when going through Tech Inspection, at which time competitors MUST obtain ALL the passes needed for the weekend. In addition to the 2 included passes competitors are allowed to purchase up to 3x more passes at $15/day/person.
- A $45 non-refundable registration deposit is required when registering. This will cover your first competition class
- Spectator entry fee : Saturday $20.00/adult, $10.00/children (12 under). Sunday $15/adult $5.00/ Seniors & veterans/military
- All spectators and drivers will receive a lift ticket style tag that must be worn and visible for the duration of the event.
OPEN!!! REGISTER NOW
Schedule / Itinerary [back]
Friday
- Pre Parking/registration - gates open from 12:00 - 4:00pm
- Saturday Competitors ONLY are allowed to park Friday
- Friday will be run just as Sat/Sun morning. Vehicles will run through the two line inspection area and then parked after tech is done.
- Any competition vehicles arriving Friday will be required to go through tech inspection, receive necessary ribbons and number, and pay competition registration fees. ($30/additional class)
- If you are driving to the event in the vehicle you are competing with, it is highly recommended that you leave your vehicle in the lot to avoid the line in the morning.
- Anyone entering the main parking area are required to have a Crew- Pass.
*Please note - Any vehicles parked in the main competition parking lot NOT registered through tech inspection, or unattended trailers whose owners can not be located, will be REMOVED from the parking lot at the owners expense. Pass on the word.
Saturday *subject to change
- Sportsman Class, DOT-A class, Power Adder Class, SuperMod Double Elimination rounds
- 8:15 am - 10:00 am : Gates open, check in and tech begins.
- 10:30 am : Drivers meeting and general announcements. Racing to begin immediately following.
- Sportsman class races on Mellow Yellow
- Short intermission then the DOT-A class begins racing.
- Short intermission then the Power Adder class begins racing
- Transfer over to the Face and SuperMod Elimination rounds take place
Sunday *subject to change
- UTV, MEGA Truck, DOT-B class, ANYTIRE Class, SuperModified Class Finals
- 8:15 am - 10:00 am : Gates open, registration and tech begins.
- 10:00 am : Drivers meeting and general announcements. Racing to begin immediately following.
- UTV class races Mellow Yellow/Good Knight
- MEGA Truck class races on Mellow Yellow
- Short intermission before the DOT-B class races on Good Knight
- Short intermission before the ANYTIRE class takes on Good Knight.
- Equipment will then be moved over and readied for the SuperModified class to run/complete on "The Face."
- Schuss Mtn Snow Challenge concludes
What's new for the 2020 SMSC? [back]
***Note: All the following information is carried over from the changes made for the previous canceled years.
- Pre-registration is now $45, covering your first class entry
- Additional class entries will be $30/class
- Purse winnings will be increased across the board, with the SuperMod class winner taking home at least $1500 in cold hard cash.
- Cool down periods between rounds of racing will be limited to 5 minutes. There are built in "breaks" at the semi final rounds and final round to help. Be prepared.
- The SMSC will continue to have uniformed security officers in the pits at all times. They will be responsible for monitoring activities throughout the area and enforcing the "No Alcohol" rule. If ANYONE is found with alcohol in the pits, your event passes/tags will be taken and you will be removed from the property IMMEDIATELY. If you are a driver caught with or "smelling" of alcohol the officers will assess the situation and take appropriate actions, at the very least resulting in the forfeiture of race privileges and entry fees. The possibility of being turned over to local law enforcement is highly probable. .
- [carry over]As a result of the continuous problems with competitors getting themselves stuck on the hills, each race will be monitored by the line crew. Simply put... if a competitor buries their vehicle and has to be recoved on the hill their class tag will be removed and they'll be sent to the pits forfeiting that class of racing. Common sense will be used to make said decision and decided between the 3 linesmen. There are extenuating circumstances which will be considered. But make it easy, don't get stuck
- Competitors will go through the same Tech inspection run Sat/Sun morning. Comp vehicles must remain in the parking lot on trailer(unless you are driving your rig there.)If choosing to come in Friday you will also need to pay for the race classes entered. Competitors will also receive their entry event tag for the weekend as well. DO NOT LOSE IT! Any misplaced tags will have to be repurchased. Only competitors can acquire their Crew Pass event tags for the weekend(no spectator tags will be distributed)
Tech/Safety Requirements [back]
- DOT / SNELL helmet requied to be worn during racing.
- Vehicles must have restraining devices ( i.e. seatbelts, multi point harnesses )
- Battery hold down strap. No bungee cords
- Vehicles competing will only need to run through Tech once for all classes throughout the weekend. It is the competitors responsibility to retain their class ribbons and number.
* Information is subject to change without notice
Racing Format Explained? [back]
* * * Drivers/competitors are not required to know this information. This is presented for understanding, not required memorization.
Because the SMSC is a heads up, run what you brung, just-have-fun-racing style meant for pure enjoyment(so all you serious racers out there, lets not nit-pick this to death.....) and minimal rules/bracket concerns, we will be retaining the hat draw initiated at the 2012 SMSC. The main focus of this is to avoid going into the semi final rounds with an odd number of trucks. What happens will be determined by how many trucks are still racing toward the end of the class. Every effort was taken to assure no one received a "free ride" into the Semi Finals. Drivers will always have to race and win to get into the Semi Final round. It is broken down as follows:
- 10 Trucks remain: 10 drivers draw from the hat, 4 tiles say "RACE". Those drivers drawing the "RACE" tiles will race for the 7th and 8th positions to make it to the Semi Final round with the left over 6.
- 9 Trucks remain: 9 drivers draw from the hat, 2 tiles will have "RACE" written on them. The 2 drivers drawing the "RACE" tiles will go head to head and race to win the 8th spot. Winner continues and simple single elimination continues from there.
- 8 Trucks remain: Obvious, no action. 8 leads to a 4 truck Semi-Finals.
- 7 Trucks remain: 7 drivers draw from the hat, 2 tiles will have "RACE" written on them. Those 2 drivers will go head to head and race for a BYE into the final 4. The loser in that race will file back in with the remaining 5(making 6 trucks race), leaving 3 winners to join the BYE winner for a 4 truck semi.
- 6 Trucks remain: All 6 drivers race. 3 winners will advance to the Semi Final round. The 3 LOSERS will draw from the hat, two will race for the 4th position.
This set up is meant to be simple and straight forward. It isn't any sanctioning body's rules or professional by any means. This is the SMSC format. PERIOD! It's meant to keep things moving along during the main body of racing regardless of the number of race vehicles. At this point in racing many trucks need time to cool off anyhow, and allows the staff to prepare for the final rounds. So, just like so many other parts of the event . . . JUST HAVE FUN WITH IT!
The 2022 Schuss Mtn Snow Challenge would not be possible without the help from these great businesses and organizations.
Interested in hillside advertising? Would you like to promote your business with a vendor spot? Email SnowChallenge@Griztekusa.com for advertising and vendor spot info and rates.
What is the Schuss Mountain Snow Challenge? [back]
The roots of the event lay in an event missed for years in Northern Michigan. For over a decade ski slope uphill racing was absent from the calendar of winter time activities. In 2009 all that changed.
The Schuss Mountain Snow Challenge (SMSC) was born from an ever present interest in the motorsports community for the return of an event like this for all to enjoy. The head to head racing format lends to nearly non stop action for the duration of the classes racing. The minimal requirements meant everyone could worry less about rules and focus more on having fun.
What is the SMSC? It is a run-what-you-brung, side by side, uphill race with whatever kind of truck, SUV, buggy, rail, or self dirived vehicle you can drive on 4 wheels. The rounds move fast and the racing is non stop until the end. The rules are minimal. What you won't find are big purses and a bunch of restriction cramping the fun factor. The only requirement to be a part of the event is to come losened up and remind yourself that it's for FUN! Don't get too serious... Seriously!
Everyone at the SMSC comes because this is the only event(that we know of) where you can race your truck up a ski slope. A SKI SLOPE for crying out loud! Usually you would be arrested and have your rig impounded for doing something like this. No one comes for the big money, corporate sponsorship, or to wrangle in the points. Show up ready to race, run your hardest, and just have a good time.
Photos below courtesy of Joanie Moore and Shawn Clanin. Visit their gallery of photos from the past SMSC years and help support their efforts to capture some of the best images coming from the event.
www.lucky13photos.com
*Last updated 2/22/22
**IMPORTANT**
Instructions
1) Click the "OPEN" above
2) Type competitors name in the field box, then hit PAY button
3) Make your payment
4) Click return to merchant link after payment.
Registration Form
Liability Form
Master List
Downloads
Monster truck rides return to the SMSC! Climb aboard the SALUTE monster truck and take a ride across the snow at the SMSC. A portion of the proceeds raised will be added to the annual donation to the local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans. $15/person
