Spend Valentine’s Day at Owl Creek Chase from Snowmass to Aspen

Making plans for Valentine’s Day? How about chasing your partner on a pair of cross-country skis?

The annual Owl Creek Chase, which last year celebrated its 30th anniversary, returns Sunday with both classic and skate divisions. Held on the Owl Creek Trail from Snowmass to Aspen, the 21K race starts at the Snowmass Cross Country Center at 9 a.m. for the classic skiers and a half hour later for skate skiers.

Low snow totals and unseasonally high temps forced the relocating of last year’s race to the trails around Aspen High School. U.S. Olympic cross country ski racer Brian Gregg took top honors in that race.

This year, the Owl Creek Trail is fully open, so the race will return to its traditional route, although with a new finish line at the Aspen Cross Country Center, according to its website.

Prize money is awarded to the top three men and top three women in the classic division. No prizes are awarded to skate skiers. Registration costs $45.

Registration is available on race day. Waivers can be downloaded from http://www.owlcreekchase.com and filled out ahead of time. Bib pickup starts at 7 a.m. at the Snowmass Cross Country Center, located on the Snowmass Club golf course.

For more information, visit http://www.owlcreekchase.com.