Crews clearing the way for the ‘race to the clouds’

The International Hill Climb is just three weeks away, and crews are working around the clock to make sure it happens.

Race Director, Randy Ruyle say’s he hasn’t seen this much snow on Pikes Peak during the months of May and June, but he won’t let weather stop the race from happening.

“That chance of weather cancelling or moving the finish line is every year, it’s really no different for us. We’re continuing on to do the same we always do,” said Ruyle.

Crews are digging their way out of a record breaking May using snow plows. This year, they have 4 to 5 feet of snow with 10 to 15-foot drifts. This time last year, crews saw 1 to 2 feet of snow.

“We’ve been working mostly through the month of May on and off and depending on weather. If we get more snow, we’re starting over,” said Jack Glavan, manager of Pikes Peak.

Right now, driver safety is their priority.

“You have the snow blowing, you have melting snow and ice they have to worry about as well. We have so much snow we have created a false edge, so actually you don’t have ground, your actually on frozen snow out there,” said Glavan.

Despite the delay, the road is expected to be cleared by this weekend.

“We have 160 competitors entered, it’s a pretty big race in the community, a lot of people want to come and do it,” Ruyle said.

The race week kicks off on June 22, followed by race day on June 28.