
It's time to start planning and signing up for your 2024-25 winter fat bike ultras. If you're brand new to ultras and are looking to join your first event this winter, here are 2 options for a first winter fat bike ultra in Wisconsin & Minnesota.
Photo by Scott Rokis
If last winter's lack of snow put in the mood for a true winter adventure this coming winter, check out some of the amazing winter fat bike ultra events around the globe, and in our corner of the midwest.
Winter fat bike ultras are a true test of mental and physical toughness and if you have your eyes set on the big ones, it can take years of prep as well as working your way through qualifying events.
If you're looking to do your very first winter ultra, you've got about 2 choices: 1 in Minnesota and 1 in Wisconsin. The bigger races like Arrowhead 135 in Minnesota, Iditarod Trail Invitational in Alaska, and Tuscobia 160 in Wisconsin all have required qualifying events before you're able to register. The Polar Roll Winter Ultra in the Upper Peninsula also has had a qualifier that it's only open to those who the event "allows to register" which implies a need to have experience doing ultra events, especially in the winter.
2 Options for Your First Winter Ultra in Minnesota & Wisconsin
1. The St. Croix 40 in Hinckley, Minnesota
If you're winter ultra curious, this is a excellent place to start, both in regards to the distance of the event as well as everything you get to plan for and experience. According to the St. Croix Winter Ultra website, "The St. Croix 40 Winter Ultra is a winter survivalist race in the same spirit as the Arrowhead 135 and Tuscobia 160. Participants travel roughly 40 miles through St. Croix State Park on foot, ski, or fat bike, carrying all essential survival gear through a cold Minnesota night."
Registration opens August 15, 2024. LEARN MORE.
2. Tuscobia 80 in Rice Lake, Wisconsin
The 80 mile route is the half-distance, one-way version of the Tuscobia 160. It starts in Park Falls and ends in Rice Lake riding on the Wild Rivers and Tuscobia State Trails. Applications open on August 1st and are open for 2 weeks. Those
Applications are open on August 1, 2024 for two weeks. LEARN MORE.
Learn More About Winter Fat Bike Ultras
To dig deeper into the world of winter fat bike ultras, take a look at our 3-part introduction series