2023 Fat Bike Races
For the 2022-2023 Race Season
Hey friends! If you're like me, you're probably counting down the days until the snow starts falling and the trails are covered in white. That also means that true fat bike season is just around the corner! And if you're looking to get your racing fix this year, fret not – there are plenty of fat bike races on the calendar for 2022-2023. Here's a sneak peak at some of the events 2023 has in store.
Hugh Jass
Race 1
Location: Kegel-Alpha Trails - Franklin, WI, United States
Date: November 19, 2022
Distance: Most laps in 1 hour
Description: Join us for our series opener and visit the new sections of the Kegel-Alpha Trails. This course has a great mix of single-track and open fields for passing opportunities. There are many surprises in store. Get ready for a trip to Wheel & Sprocket - Franklin and a section of the course to be at The Rock Snowpark. It’s Wisconsin… in November… there could be snow, right? Registration, start/finish line, and awards will take place at the Ross Lodge. Check out metromountainbikers.com for more info on the newly vamped up Kegel-Alpha Trails.
Hugh Jass
Race 2
Location: Trek Headquarters, Waterloo, WI, United States
Date: December 17, 2022
Distance: Most laps in 1 hour
Description: Fun! Flyovers! Secret Bars! Challenging obstacles! A big ole party! Get ready for the Trek cyclo-cross course filled with twists and turns. It’s not everyday you get to ride on a World Cup course at one of the best bicycle companies. See all your Hugh Jasses at Trek!
Tuscobia Winter Ultra
Location: Tuscobia Trail, Wisconsin, United States
Date: December 30, 2022
Distance: 80 miles, 160 miles
Description: The Tuscobia Winter Ultra is a human powered run, bike or ski event held on the Tuscobia and Wild Rivers State Trails in Northern Wisconsin, in the middle of winter. There are two options: an 80-mile one-way route or a 160-mile out and back. The 160-mile requires completion of a qualifying event, and is itself a qualifier for the Iditarod Trail Invitational.
Fat Pursuit Workshop
Location: Island Park, Idaho, United States
Date: January 2, 2023
Distance:
Description: January 2-4, 2023 Fat Pursuit Workshop is meant to give participants taking part in the Fat Pursuit Race (but not limited to those participants) an opportunity to test gear, acclimate to the environment and elevation and learn additional winter travel cycling tips and tricks. We will also give you a little more insight to the race itself and ride some of the course!
Fat Pursuit
Bike Ski Run, A winter race in the greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Location: Island Park, Idaho, United States
Date: January 6, 2023
Distance: 60K or 200K
Description: A 60km or 200km human-powered winter race (Bike, Ski, Run) on a network of groomed snowmobile trails. Groomed is relative. This is a backcountry event that will require some experience and winter survival skills. You will be challenged, humbled and rewarded in many different ways. The 200km distance course will not be marked and you will need to navigate by GPS or map and compass. The 60km will be well marked. If you can read a map you will have no problem following the route. You will need to be self-sufficient and carry all your own gear, food, and water, although there will be checkpoints and aid stations.
Shelltrack
Snow Crown Fat Bike Series
Location: Silver Creek Park, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, United States
Date: January 7, 2023
Distance: 5-7 laps (1.5 miles per lap)
Description: Our events are friendly, fun and exciting! Sure, you get a number plate, and we call it a race but as we like to scream “It just doesn’t matter!” We want you to come to a Snow Crown event with one goal: smiles for miles. Whether you race your friends for bragging rights, or just ride for fun, the only thing that matters is if you had a smile on your face. Join us for the most fun you can (legally) have in the winter, because whipping donuts in the parking lot is discouraged by the man.
Hugh Jass
Race 3
Location: Minooka Park, Waukesha, WI, United States
Date: January 7, 2023
Distance: Most laps in 1 hour
Description: Fun fact- Minooka Park mountain bike trails were the site of the very first Hugh Jass race years ago. We are excited to return to our hometown fav course around. Expect kick a$$ single track… and some big climb! For more course detail- check out more on metromountainbikers.com.
The Forge Fat Tire Race
Location: Lemont Quarries, Lemont, IL
Date: January 14, 2023
Distance: 6K
Description: The Forge Fat Tire Bike Tour is an untimed non- competitive event that will allow riders to casually tour the trails at their own pace. E-Bike are allowed in the Tour.
Fat and Flurrious
Location: Boyne City, Michigan, United States
Date: January 14, 2023
Distance: 8 or 15 miles
Description: Groomed singletrack at Avalanche. Part of the Short's Brewing Fat Bike Series.
Fatty Shack
Snow Crown Fat Bike Series
Location: Hilly Haven, De Pere, Wisconsin, United States
Date: January 21, 2023
Distance: 2-4 laps (3.7 miles per lap)
Description: Our events are friendly, fun and exciting! Sure, you get a number plate, and we call it a race but as we like to scream “It just doesn’t matter!” We want you to come to a Snow Crown event with one goal: smiles for miles. Whether you race your friends for bragging rights, or just ride for fun, the only thing that matters is if you had a smile on your face. Join us for the most fun you can (legally) have in the winter, because whipping donuts in the parking lot is discouraged by the man.
Fat Bike Camp
Fat Pursuit Workshops & Camps
Location: Island Park, Idaho, United States
Date: January 26, 2023
Distance:
Description: January 26-29, 2023 Our four-day training camp is designed for the first time winter rider as well as for the more experienced winter traveler. This camp will further your knowledge and education about winter bikepacking and survival in the variable conditions one might encounter during a winter bike adventure. We will go more in-depth with these things than during our Fat Pursuit Workshop.
Fat Chance
Short's Brewing Fat Bike Series
Location: Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville, Michigan, United States
Date: January 28, 2023
Distance: Most laps in 45 or 90 minutes
Description: Fat Chance is the staple of fat biking in Northern Michigan, and is back again for another legendary race at Crystal Mountain with new and familiar faces. We're switching up our race this year and holding it on a new, fun course located at the new Cross-Country center near our summer driving range! The course will offer 360 degree viewing for spectators. The 90-minute race will have single sections to break up the pack and add some excitement to the race! Part of the Short's Brewing Fat Bike Series
Fat Viking
Location: Geilo, Norway
Date: January 28, 2023
Distance: 50K, 100K, 150K
Description: FAT VIKING is a WINTER ULTRA ENDURANCE event under somewhat more "controlled" circumstances than the Iditarod Trail Invitational. The race course runs on snowmobile tracks, dogsledding trails, snowcovered roads and cross country skiing trails around Geilo/ Skurdalen/ Dagali. Checkpoints are inside a heated building where basic food (oatmeal) is offered along with the opportunity to rest. Several "bail out options" along the route are available in case of emergency/ abandoning the race.
Arrowhead 135
Location: International Falls, Minnesota, United States
Date: January 30, 2023
Distance: 135 miles
Description: The Arrowhead 135 is recognized in the book "The World's Toughest Endurance Challenges" by Richard Hoad and Paul Moore as one of the 50 toughest races in the world. It is a human powered Ultra Marathon taking place in the coldest part of winter in the coldest city in the lower 48 states. Our average finish rate is less than 50%, the finish rate for new racers is much lower. 2014 finish rate was 35%. 135 miles Deep Winter across Northern Minnesota on rugged, scenic Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail from Frostbite I-Falls to Tower, MN Fortune Bay Casino. Pick mode of transport at start: bicycle, ski or foot. This is our 15th year, beginning with 10 entrants in 2005 to ~150 starters 2018, featuring some of the best winter ultra-athletes in the world.
8th Annual Iola Snow Bully Fat Bike Race
Location: Iola, Wisconsin, United States
Date: February 3, 2023
Distance: Most laps in 1 and 2 hour races
Description: 3 to 3.5 miles of racing "UNDER the LIGHTS" on rolling hills & twisting groomed Nordic ski trails. Snow conditions will dictate the final course layout. Great Fat Bike Birkie Training! All Races start at 6pm! The 8th Annual Snow Bully Fat Bike Race is hosted by the great members of the Iola Winter Sports Club. Be part of this fun event that kicks off the Iola Winter Carnival weekend! Event proceeds go towards helping the Iola Winter Sports Club maintain the trails that are used by Nordic skiers and the Iola Youth Nordic Ski program during the winter months. Again for 2023, we will have chip timing for all racers along with LIVE updated race results during their event allowing spectators to follow their favorite racer by smartphone or to follow on the monitor inside the lodge.
Snow Angel Fat Bike Race
Location: Stanwood, Michigan, United States
Date: February 3, 2023
Distance: 8, 16, or 24 miles
Description: This is a timed race using chip timing. The groomed trail goes between St. Ives and the Highlands golf courses located in beautiful Canadian Lakes, Michigan. Each loop is 8 miles. Included in the ticket price is post-race refreshments provided by the St. Ives Grille, as well as a beverage token. Accommodations are available at The Inn at St Ives. reservations.
Hugh Jass
Race 4
Location: Silver Lake Park, Salem, WI, United States
Date: February 4, 2023
Distance: Most laps in 1 hour
Description: We are joining forces with our great friends of KAMBA to put on the Hugh Jass SLiP N RiDE Relay! All Hugh Jassers who care about their series points should race the first part of the event- with our normal plates and buckets. All those who want to try something new should stick around with a team for the RELAY portion of this event. More details coming soon- but it will BE SOOO FUN. Note- you will need to bring a sled to this event- our mass start starts with a sled down the hill before you hop on your bikes!
Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra
Location: Whitehorse, Canada
Date: February 4, 2023
Distance: 100, 300 or 430 miles
Description: The Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra will follow the Yukon Quest trail, the trail of the world’s toughest Sled Dog Race. The marathon finishes at Muktuk Adventures just off the Takhini River. The 100 mile racers will go from Whitehorse to Braeburn. The 300 mile racers will keep on going all the way to Pelly Farm. There they will leave the river to turn around and go back to Pelly Crossing on the farm road. The 430 mile (next in 2023) participants go all the way to Dawson City. The trail will be marked. However, if there is fresh snow or a lot of wind it will be difficult to find the trail.
Empire State Winter Games Winter Bike Race
Location: Mt. Pisgah, Saranac, New York, United States
Date: February 4, 2023
Distance: Most laps in 45 minutes
Description: The cross country course rolls over some of the best terrain the mountain has to offer. Competitors can expect 45 minutes of riding with multiple laps.
Fat Camp
Snow Crown Fat Bike Series
Location: Reforestation Camp, Suamico, Wisconsin, United States
Date: February 4, 2023
Distance: 2-6 laps (3 miles per lap)
Description: Our events are friendly, fun and exciting! Sure, you get a number plate, and we call it a race but as we like to scream “It just doesn’t matter!” We want you to come to a Snow Crown event with one goal: smiles for miles. Whether you race your friends for bragging rights, or just ride for fun, the only thing that matters is if you had a smile on your face. Join us for the most fun you can (legally) have in the winter, because whipping donuts in the parking lot is discouraged by the man.
Arctic Circle Winter Races
Location: Rovaniemi, Finland
Date: February 10, 2023
Distance: 66K, 150K, 300K
Description: The first winter ultramarathon and first FatBike race in Europe
Since 2012 in the Finnish Lapland. The Arctic Circle Winter Races is a kind of races similar to those winter ultramarathons organized in Alaska.
The Arctic Circle Winter Races (before called Rovaniemi150) combine three categories starting at the same time: foot, ski and fatbike.
During the first three years there was only a 150k race and in 2015 two more races were added: 66k and 300k. The 150k and 300k are qualifying races for the Iditarod Trail Invitational (one of the most tough winter race in the world).
US Fat Bike Open
Snow Crown Fat Bike Series
Location: Green Bay Country Club, Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States
Date: February 11, 2023
Distance: 2-5 laps (3 miles per lap)
Description: Our events are friendly, fun and exciting! Sure, you get a number plate, and we call it a race but as we like to scream “It just doesn’t matter!” We want you to come to a Snow Crown event with one goal: smiles for miles. Whether you race your friends for bragging rights, or just ride for fun, the only thing that matters is if you had a smile on your face. Join us for the most fun you can (legally) have in the winter, because whipping donuts in the parking lot is discouraged by the man.
Lake McBride Fat Tire Classic
Location: Solon, Iowa, United States
Date: February 11, 2023
Distance: 30 miles
Description: The Lake Macbride Fat Tire Classic is a Fat Bike race like no other. Presented by Sugar Bottom Bikes and The Solon Centennial Lions Club, the race will take you around scenic Lake Macbride on twisty pea gravel, flowing singletrack, scenic beaches, blazing fast double track, hilly and steep snowmobile trails, challenging hiking trails, and some scenic gravel roads.
Iditarod Trail Training Camp
Location: Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Date: February 11, 2023
Distance:
Description: Completing the winter training camp in Alaska will pre-qualify participants to enter the 350 mile race the following year. Spend 5 days in the Alaskan wilderness learning how to be self-sufficient and comfortable in what can be one of the most inhospitable environments on the planet.
Grand Fat Fat Bike Race
Short's Brewing Fat Bike Series
Location: Timber Ridge Resort, Traverse City, Michigan, United States
Date: February 12, 2023
Distance: 17K or 35K
Description: The Grand Fat is a celebration of some of the best-maintained single track fat bike trails in the state! This is your chance to enjoy the pristine Pere Marquette Forest at full-speed and hit all the famous sections of trail: Logger’s Run, Yeti’s Revenge, Skyline, Drunken Sailor and Riley’s! The long race is approximately 35 kilometers (two 17.5k laps). Part of the Short's Brewing Fat Bike Series.
Lapland Extreme Challenge
Location: Rovaniemi, Finland
Date: February 15, 2023
Distance: 1000K
Description: Since 2013, the Lapland Extreme Challenge is based in doing a 1,000 kilometers tour around Finnish Lapland in winter in a maximum of 30 days. Is a self-supported human powered challenge. This challenge is no possible to do it by FatBike, best way is with wide or long skis (forest skis, OAC skis or splitboard) and universal bindings. You can start any day you want, but the best periode to start the Challenge is between middle of February and the end of February. Also is ok to start any day untill the 15th of march for less cold temperatures and longer days. What is very recommendable is to finish before the middle-end of April. Challenge start and finish in Rovaniemi, the main city in Finnish Lapland.
Dogman Challenge Fat Bike Race
Location: Mt McSauba, Charlevoix, Michigan, United States
Date: February 18, 2023
Distance: Most laps of a 2 mile course in 2 hours
Description: Revolution Bike in Charlevoix is pleased introduce the 10th Annual Dogman Challenge Fat Bike Race! The Dogman Challenge is a 2 hour winter endurance event held entirely on the multi-use trails around Mt. McSauba Recreation Area and North Point Nature Preserve in Charlevoix, MI. The course consists of a fast and challenging 2 mile loop along the lake shore and through rolling and wooded terrain. The riders to complete the most laps in 2 hours are the champions and will receive customized one of a kind Dogman metals. Metals will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in the Men and Women's Open and Master 45+ divisions and Junior Division (17 and under - 45 minute race). Part of the Short's Brewing Fat Bike Series
Actif Epica
Location: St. Pierre-Jolys, Manitoba, Canada
Date: February 18, 2023
Distance: 50K, 115K, 230K
Description: Cycle 50km, 115km, or 230km, or Run 50km, 115km, or 100 miles, based out of St. Pierre-Jolys on a 50km (cycle/run) out-and-back or 115km (cycle/run) loop. All racers start at approximately the same time and do 1 or 2 loops (longest distance runners will have an addition at the end of the 115km loop to make up distance for 100 miles). Iditarod Invitational qualifier
Susitna 100 and Little Su 50K
Location: Susitna River Valley, Anchorage, Alaska, United States
Date: February 18, 2023
Distance: 100 miles, 50K
Description: The Susitna 100 is a ski, foot, or bike race held on packed snowmachine and dog sled trails in the Susitna River valley, north of Anchorage. The remoteness of the trail, distance between checkpoints, and the winter conditions during the Race make it necessary for the racers to carry with them survival equipment. Ran at the same time as the Little Su 50K
Hugh Jass
Race 5
Location: Blackhawk Ski Club, Middleton, WI, United States
Date: February 25, 2023
Distance: Most laps in 1 hour
Description: Get ready for the series finale at Blackhawk!! The trails are wide, fast, fun, and ready for you. You won’t want to miss this one!
Fat and Flurious Fat Bike Race
Location: Mandan, North Dakota, United States
Date: February 25, 2023
Distance: 10 or 22 miles
Description: The Fat & Flurious will be a 2-lap fat bike race utilizing the Missouri River Natural Area trails and the sandbars along the Missouri River. Each lap will be approximately 5 miles. Race will begin shortly after 12pm. Laps will be counted as racers cross through the start/finish line. If 2- laps aren't enough, sign up for Too Fat, Too Flurious for twice the fun! The 4-lap race will use the same route as the 2-lap Fat & Flurious race.
Wendigo Ultra
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date: February 25, 2023
Distance: 50K, 100K, 200K
Description: The Wendigo fatbike ultra is a 200km ultramarathon that begins in cobden, at the Whitewater brewery, to carleton Place, ONtario. The route takes riders alongthe rolling farmland and forests of the ottawa valley, county of renfrew and lanark county, all along the newly reclaimed rail trail - the algonquin trail, also known as the ottawa valley recreational trail Riders then return via that same route.
Iditarod Trail Invitational
Location: Knik Lake to Nome, Alaska
Date: February 26, 2023
Distance: 350 or 1000 miles
Description: One of the most challenging experiences on the planet, participants brave extreme physical, environmental and mental challenges as they travel along the historic Iditarod Trail on bicycle, foot or skis. Requiring self-sufficiency and the considerable resilience to make it through up to 30 frozen days and nights, the Iditarod Trail Invitational has built its reputation on notoriously inhospitable conditions and minimal outside support.
Chena River to Ridge
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Date: March 4, 2023
Distance: 26 miles, 55 miles
Description: We invite you to venture north to Fairbanks to participate in this unique multi-sport endurance race in interior Alaska. The Chena River to Ridge race will take racers around maintained snow-machine trails in the Chena River Recreation Area about 30 miles east of Fairbanks. Its a challenging race course with big ascents, fast downhills, blind turns, and outstanding views of the local hills and the Alaska Range as the trail climbs high above the valley floor.
Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra
Location: Överkalix, Sweden
Date: March 5, 2023
Distance: 185K or 500K
Description: The Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra will take place on snowmobile trails in Swedish Lapland. Start and finish is in the small town of Överkalix, in the Swedish province of Norbotten. The 185 km racers will go in a loop from Överkalix to the north and then back again to Överkalix, crossing the Arctic Circle twice. The 500 km racers will then go on a second and different loop of 315 km, again, heading north and then coming back to Överkalix. On both race distances the athletes will travel on rivers, lakes and through forests.
The Drift
Location: Pindale, Wyoming, United States
Date: March 10, 2023
Distance: 13, 28, or 100 miles
Description: The Drift is a winter race in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming, the largest mountain range in the state. Racers may ski, bike, or run on the snow-covered groomed trail. For 2022, there will be a 13-mile half-marathon, a 28-mile marathon, and a 100-mile ultramarathon (the highest-elevation winter ultramarathon in the United States). This recreation event is authorized under a Special Use Permit with the Bridger-Teton National Forestand the Shoshone National Forest.
28 Below Fat Bike Race Tour
Location: Spearfish, South Dakota, United States
Date: March 11, 2023
Distance: 50K
Description: The 28 Below Fatbike race is a 50k lolly-pop loop with around 2,800 ft of climbing. It is the only race in the Black Hills that is permitted to take place on groomed snowmobile trail. Although the race takes place in mid March, the snow conditions tend to hold in the high country of the hills. This course will test your will and winter riding skill. It is challenging, and very remote, so we ask that you come prepared, with some experience fatbiking in winter conditions.
Homer Epic
Location: Homer, Alaska, United States
Date: March 11, 2023
Distance: 50K, 100K
Description: The Homer Epic is a 50 km or 100 km human-powered winter race in the Caribou Hills on some of the most scenic, marked winter trails you will find. Ski, bike, or run (you can change your choice up until you start the race). The Homer Epic is capped at 150 participants, don't miss your chance! Weather permitting, there will be a snowcat-groomed trail, suitable for skate skiing.
Tanana River Challenge
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Date: March 18, 2023
Distance: 25 miles, 45 miles
Description: Have you ever dreamed of a spring traverse up the frozen Tanana River around Fairbanks? Did that vision also include aid-stations and a party afterwards? The Tanana River Challenge (TRC) is an endurance race which includes runners, skiers, skijorers, and bikers. This year the race course loops around the mighty Tanana River and Rosie Creek forest; where you can choose between 25 and 45 miles distances.
White Mountain 100
Location: White Mountains National Recreation Area, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
Date: March 26, 2023
Distance: 100 miles
Description: After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the White Mountains 100 is back with compelling storylines, a strong field and good trail conditions. “It feels good to finally get the race started again,” race director Stacy Fisk said. “It is good to get the endurance race community back together.” Two champions — biker Tyson Flaharty and skier Shalane Frost — return from 2019, the last time the 100-mile competition just north of Fairbanks was held. With the most snow in Fairbanks in 30 years and good grooming, trail conditions should be firm and fast — barring a storm or snow drifting from recent incessant winds.