BELLINGHAM, Wash. – It is not too early to start thinking about Ski to Sea.

Registration for the Memorial Weekend relay race from Mount Baker to Bellingham Bay opened on January 1st, and 44 teams have already signed up.

It costs a bit more to take part in the race this year.

Sponsor Whatcom Events says increased costs have forced them to charge $65 more per team, or $8.13 per racer.

The total cost per team is $664 before March 1st when it will go up $50.

To celebrate 50 years of Ski to Sea, Whatcom Events is hoping to have racers from all 50 states take part this year.