Broken Arrow Ascent Overview 
 

The Broken Arrow Ascent (formerly Vertical Kilometer) is slated for Friday, June 20, 2025 at 930am. The price for the Broken Arrow Ascent is $105.

The Ascent covers some of Palisade Tahoe’s most iconic terrain in a short, steep, and physically demanding sprint. From the valley floor, runners will ascend over 3,000 feet in a mere 3 miles to the summit of 9,000-foot Washeshu Peak. In true Broken Arrow fashion, the course begins on steep terrain, ascends technical off-trail talus, and finishes on an exposed ridge line. The Headwall Ridge is the most iconic portion of the race, complete with stunning views of Lake Tahoe, a bolted hand line, and the infamous "Stairway to Heaven" ladder to the top of Washeshu Peak.

The Ascent course will contain steep slabs of rock, potential snow slopes, scree and exposure. This is not your average trail run...and is one you will remember forever! Hikers are also encouraged to join this party. We promise that you won't be disappointed by one of the most stunning parts of Palisades Tahoe.

Please note that you must be 14 years of age or older to run the Ascent. Runners under 14 must be approved by the race directors and have a parent accompany them, who must also be registered for the event.

Before registering for the Ascent, please know that this is a SERIOUS mountain race with a moderate degree of risk and extreme physical exertion. Of vital importance is to remember that you may also have to descend the mountain ON YOUR OWN TWO FEET. In scenarios of adverse weather and/or high winds, the traditional tram download from High Camp may not be available. This usually happens once every five years or so and if this does occur, you will be responsible for descending to the valley floor. We will have trail marshals at key junctions on the descent, and the descent will be well marked. However,please plan accordingly and only register if you can handle what is defined above. 

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From the finish line, all participants must walk/run the 1.66-mile descent to High Camp. From here the tram will quickly whisk runners back to the valley floor, 2000-feet below. Runners are NOT allowed to descend the mountain on their own, below High Camp, unless conditions warrant it and race organizers determine it necessary.

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Aid Stations
 

While there are no aid stations for the Ascent, we will have a basic finish line feed station, with supplies from Tailwind Nutrition and Neversecond, at or around the top of Washeshu Peak. However, in big snow years, this is not possible and we are unable to get ANY support to the top of the peak or just downhill at our traditional Siberia aid station.

 

In years where snow conditions prohibit vehicle access to the top of the mountain, we will do our best to get supplies as high on the mountain as possible, including drop bags. However, if this isn't possible, skeletal support will be available at High Camp, a 1.66-mile descent from the finish line of the Ascent. 

 

We encourage you to utilize our drop bag option (see specifics below) and bring your own favorite recovery item as needed. Runners will then be treated to refreshments, snacks and cold adult beverages from our friends at Alibi and Best Day Brewing in the vendor village.​

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Recommended Equipment 

 

Running poles are allowed and HIGHLY encouraged based on the extreme uphill nature of the event. Please note that if you begin with poles, they must be carried the entire length of the route.

 

We're happy to offer all 2025 Broken Arrow participants a 20% discount on best-in-class poles from LEKI, our Official Pole Supplier. Shop our hand-picked Race Ready products (along with others from Salomon, Garmin, Julbo, Black Diamond, Neversedond, Tailwind and more) at our retail provider Alpenglow Sports. The specific discount code has been sent to all registered runners. However, if you've misplaced it please reach out to us at info@brokenarrowskyrace.com.

 

If you are going to use poles, we recommend having a good sense of how they work PRIOR to race day. This is particularly important for ascending the Stairway to Heaven ladder, where you'll need one free hand to grab onto the individual rungs/steps/hand line. You can also consider purchasing a Salomon Custom/Ultra Quiver, a storage sheath that attaches to your hydration vest and allows you to stow your poles on the fly. 

 

To assist with technique and tips/tricks, we also generally offer a free How to Run With Poles clinic with LEKI or race weekend. Keep your eyes on the schedule of events.   
 
Traction devices such as MicroSpikes are allowed in snow years and race organizers will have hand lines installed where needed due to snow patches and/or steep talus. Please come prepared for a serious run in a mountainous environment and bring your desired personal needs in order to stay comfortable.

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Drop Bag Information
 

The weather at 9,000-feet on the Sierra Crest can be markedly different from the start line on the valley floor., nearly 3,000-feet below. As such, we offer drop bag services at the top of the Siberia lift (NOT the top of Washeshu Peak) OR the highest point that we can drive to in big snow years. We recommend you stuff your drop bag with a warm hat, light puffy, gloves and any other items that will make you comfortable. We encourage you to bring warm clothes so you can stay on the summit and cheer finishers!

Drop bags MUST be left in the drop bag receptacle zone no later than 8am on Friday, June 20th. The location for Ascent drop bags is by the Palisades Tahoe preferred parking structure in front of Palisades Kid's and Red Wolf Lodge - just uphill from the temporary toilets by the Coffeebar start line. Please include your last name and bib number in large, discernible letters. If you register on the day of the event you cannot utilize this offer. 

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Ascent drop bags can be no larger than 1'x1'x1' or they will not be brought to the summit. We have to potentially  transport over 500 drop bags to the summit and invariably snow on the highest parts of the mountain can be a major complication in this regard. If you bring a bag larger than our mandated size, it will not be transported. ​

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We recommend our custom 11L drop bag if you are in need. Grab yours here!

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Drug Testing

 

 All athletes who participate in any Broken Arrow Skyrace distance are subject to drug testing performed by Clearidium (or comparable body) in accordance with the WADA/USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing. U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.  

 

The Ascent and 23k, as part of the World Mountain Running Association World Cup, are held under the International Technical Rules of World Athletics. 

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