HOUSING PROGRAM:

HOST AN ATHLETE

 

The Broken Arrow Skyrace Elite Housing Program connects visiting elite trail and mountain runners with local Lake Tahoe hosts during race weekend. If you’re here, you’re likely curious about or interested in hosting — and we’re grateful. (If you’re an athlete looking for information on the program, please visit this page.)

 

Your generosity directly supports elite athlete participation and helps the Broken Arrow Skyrace remain one of the most competitive trail and ultra events in North America.

 

Ready to Host an Elite Runner in Lake Tahoe?

 

If you’re new or curious about hosting, fill out our short interest form and we’ll be in contact.

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​​If you’re a returning host or ready to commit, please complete our full host questionnaire.

We’ll be in touch once we begin matching athletes and hosts.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​Why the Broken Arrow Skyrace Elite Housing Program Exists

 

At the Broken Arrow Skyrace, we always say that whether you finish first or last, YOU are a rockstar! While we celebrate the accomplishments of every participant, we also take pride in fostering world-class competition — and that is only possible with community support.

 

While we have always offered qualifying elite athletes complimentary race entries, we’ve found that race weekend lodging in Lake Tahoe can be prohibitively expensive. We want to make sure that this is NOT an impediment to participation since many of the elites in our sport struggle to make ends meet. Our Elite Athlete Housing Program helps remove that barrier.

 

Each year, we provide housing for more than 75 elite runners through the Broken Arrow Skyrace Elite Housing Program. As the race becomes more competitive, drawing an increasing number of elites each year, the utilization of the program also increases.

 

How Elite Athlete Housing Works

 

1.  Hosts and athletes complete application surveys outlining availability and preferences

2.  Starting in the spring, our team thoughtfully matches athletes and hosts based on compatibility

3.  Once paired, we e-introduce you directly to coordinate details and expectations

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

Program Guidelines

 

• Athletes may not use the program to house extended family members, but may want to bring a significant other

• Athletes are not permitted to bring animals unless discussed directly with the host after introduction

• Hosts are not required to provide transportation to and from the race, but may choose to

• Athletes may want to stay shorter or longer than race dates; matches will take into account the required days and anything beyond that is up to the hosts

 

Our goal is to create meaningful, positive home stays that strengthen the connection between elite runners and the Lake Tahoe community.

 

We feel very grateful to our hosts that donate their time and personal space to this effort. As such, like all our volunteers, hosts will receive awesome branded race gear and a $20 discount (one-time discount) on next year's race plus access to early registration!

 

Meet the Housing Program Team

 

For 2026, we’ve enlisted Tahoe local and Broken Arrow masters course record holder, Ari Backholm, to assist with the Elite Housing Program. As an experienced host himself, our Host Ambassador Ari brings firsthand experience and enthusiasm to our elite athlete housing coordination. If you have any questions, please reach out to him at ari@brokenarrowskyrace.com.

 

Once an official pairing has been made, you can expect to hear from our Elite Athlete & Housing Coordinator, Krissi Polentz. Krissi joined our team in 2025 and was instrumental in helping athletes connect with local families, as well as acting as a resource for elites throughout race weekend. Krissi can be reached at krissi@brokenarrowskyrace.com.

 

Meet Ari, Krissi, and our race organizers in person our

Housing Program Community Social!

Friday, March 27 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM

PlumpJack Inn, Olympic Valley

Refreshments provided

 

​

Thank you for considering hosting an elite athlete at Broken Arrow Skyrace. Supporting others is the bedrock of the trail community — and the housing program is successful because of you.

​

​

FAQ

 

We understand how daunting it can be to open up your home. Below are answers to some questions you may have, and you can also view the housing questionnaire before filling it out to see what information we gather as part of the matching process. 

 

Who are these elite athletes?  

The elite athletes participating in the Broken Arrow Elite Housing Program are often emerging talents, typically between 20 and 35 years of age. This program aims to alleviate lodging costs for those trying to make ends meet, so that accommodation doesn’t become a barrier to participation.

 

What type of sleeping arrangements are acceptable?  

Elite athletes thrive in environments where they can relax, focus, and rest. A private bedroom or a space that allows for privacy is ideal.

 

What are the expectations for social interaction and use of the house?  

Ideally, athletes will have access to a bathroom and the kitchen for meals. You’re welcome to prepare meals or socialize together, but it’s completely optional.

 

What about transportation?  

Providing transportation is optional and not required.

 

Is it helpful to specify languages spoken?  

Absolutely! If you speak any languages other than English, you’ll have the option to let us know.

 

Is it a problem if we have pets?  

No, and pets can even be a bonus to some. We’ll confirm any pet allergies and preferences in the housing questionnaire.

 

How many days do athletes typically stay?  

Athletes usually arrive one or two days before their event and leave on Sunday or Monday following the races. We’ll accommodate your availability as best we can.

 

How far from Olympic Valley should hosts be?  

While proximity is great, athletes are open to hosting within a 75-minute commute.

 

Can we host couples or multiple athletes?  

Yes! Athletes are permitted to bring a significant other, and if you have extra beds, we will match you with multiple athletes when possible.

 

Is smoking allowed in the house?  

Yes. We will need to be aware to ensure athlete alignment when matching.

 

What if we have a non-standard schedule?  

That’s not a problem! We’re eager to learn about your daily habits to find an athlete that fits well with your household.

 

How do we provide access to the house for the athlete?  

Once you’re introduced to your athlete(s), you can agree on a convenient way to provide access.

 

I’m not participating in the race myself. Is that okay?  

Yes, hosting is open to everyone! While we hope you’ll consider participating as an athlete, volunteer, or supporter, it’s not a requirement. We believe that these home-stays create positive experiences that connect athletes with the community.

​

​​