NEW YORK ROCKS!

New York transforms into a winter wonderland when the snowflakes start to fall. Beyond the bustling cityscape, the state boasts a hidden gem for winter sports enthusiasts – snowshoe racing. With its unique combination of lake effect snow and bone-chilling temperatures, New York becomes a prime destination for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping snowshoe adventure.

One of the key factors that make New York an ideal location for snowshoe racing is the infamous Lake Effect Snow. The state is surrounded by the Great Lakes, including Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, which play a significant role in creating this meteorological phenomenon. As cold air sweeps over the warmer lake waters, it picks up moisture, leading to heavy snowfall downwind. Regions like Buffalo and Syracuse experience copious amounts of snowfall, creating perfect conditions for snowshoe racing.

Snowshoe racing enthusiasts are treated to a plethora of well-groomed trails, draped in a pristine blanket of fresh powder. The trails wind through picturesque landscapes, including dense forests, open meadows, and along the shores of frozen lakes, providing a scenic backdrop for the exhilarating sport.

Now lets dive into the plentiful snowshoe races New York state offers! 

The Norway 5K Snowshoe Race

Kicking off the snowshoe races, the Norway 5K snowshoe race is a great way to start the new year.  Open to adults and youth, youth 17 and under can race for a discounted fee. Snowshoes are available to rent for this race.  Located close to the eastern shore of lake Ontario, snow should be plentiful for this race by the New Year. 

Free food for participants and family members, a well-marked course, and swag for the first 50 registrants are highlights of this race.

The Cock-A-Doodle-Do Snowshoe Race

This race takes place through beautiful snowy woodlands at the North tip of the state less than 20 miles from northern Vermont.  Don't let the name fool you, this race can be a challenge! There is an adult and kids race for racers of all ages and skill levels. 

5K Snowshoe Race & Family Winterfest

Every year, Greenfield, NY hosts the eagerly anticipated Annual 5K Snowshoe Race & Family Winterfest, a highlight of the winter calendar. Participants strap on their snowshoes to navigate the pristine snow-covered trails, weaving through Greenfield's picturesque landscapes, creating an unforgettable racing experience. Beyond the competition, the event transforms into a Family Winterfest, offering a delightful day filled with winter-themed festivities, bonding families, and the community through the shared joy of snowshoeing in this charming corner of New York.

Stonewall 5K / 10K at Winona Forest

The Pond Hockey Trail Run and Snowshoe Race in New York have become a cherished winter tradition, blending the excitement of competition with the serene beauty of frozen landscapes. Participants lace up their snowshoes or running shoes to navigate the picturesque trail that winds around frozen ponds, creating a unique and challenging course. This annual event not only celebrates the joy of outdoor winter activities but also fosters a sense of community among runners and snowshoe enthusiasts who gather to share the thrill of the race against the backdrop of New York's frosty beauty.

The Gurney Lane 5K Snowshoe Race

The Gurney Lane 5K Snowshoe Race stands out as a special winter event, captivating participants with its scenic course and community spirit. Held amidst the charming landscapes of Gurney Lane Recreation Area in Queensbury, New York, this race offers a unique blend of challenging snow-covered trails and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among both seasoned snowshoe racers and those new to the sport.

The FRIGUS Winter Series - 5k, 15k, Marathon, 30-Hour Ultra and 1 Mile Kids Race

The FRIGUS Winter Festival in New York transforms the frosty season into a celebration of snowshoe racing with a diverse array of events. Perhaps the grand-daddy of them all, there are 5 races during the FRIGUS, from a kids 1-miler to a 30-hour intense Ultra for the most hardcore racers.

Participants eagerly anticipate the annual FRIGUS Snowshoe 5K, a thrilling race that winds through the festival grounds, featuring both challenging terrain and breathtaking winter scenery. This race is about 750 feet of elevation gain - nothing to sneeze at. For even more of a challenge The festival also hosts the FRIGUS Snowshoe 15K, for those wanting a bit more of a challenge than the 5K offers, with 2,300 feet of elevation gain. 

For those seeking a longer challenge, the FRIGUS Winter Festival introduces the Snowshoe Marathon, a test of endurance through the snowy landscapes that offers a unique and rewarding experience. If you are ready for a Marathon snowshoe race, it would be hard to pick a better place to test out your running snowshoes.  3 loops with 2,300 feet of gain each makes a whopping 6,900 feet of elevation gain!

Perhaps the most intense, The 30 Hour Ultra will require participants to run as many laps as possible on the 15K Course in 30 hours. Each lap is 2,300 feet in elevation gain, which is a lot of incline to tackle!

With its diverse range of snowshoe racing events, the FRIGUS Winter Festival has become a highlight for athletes and families alike, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and adventure in the frosty heart of New York.

Saratoga Winterfest 5k Snowshoe Race

This race is mostly flat with a few short, steep hills to conquer. Snowshoe rentals are available for $5/pair. Typically, the top male and female racer will receive a complete set of racing snowshoes as a prize at the conclusion of the series, and all series participants are entered in a raffle for prizes that include  snowshoes and gear.

Super Frosty Loomis Snowshoe Race 2024

The well-marked 5K and 10K courses are part of the Hammond Hill State Forest trail system, which is commonly used for snowshoeing. Typically, the race course is packed down unless there is a big snowfall the night before. This 10K is intended for those who are well-trained and have some experience on snowshoes while the 5K is awesome for beginners or a more casual experience. Keep an eye on their our Facebook page as the race gets closer for more updates!

SnoFatShu Snowshoe and FatBike Duathlon

Be sure you understand what this duathon entails before registering! The SnoFatShu is the first snowshoe/fat bike duathlon of its kind in the country, named after the relatively unknown monster of Japanese mythology. 

This race consists of a snowshoe leg of approximately 3 miles arriving back to the transition area to send the partner racer out with the fatty for about 6 miles of fat trail heaven. Distance will depend on snow conditions. Once back, the snowshoe runner will head out for the final 3 mile lap. The sequence will be: Run, Bike, Run. Team or solo, it is your choice.

This event is brutal, challenging and FUN. Athletes will test their limits on what could be the most difficult event ever attempted. A true test of endurance, stamina, and mental toughness!

The Orange Course Snowshoe Race in Mannsville

Rounding out the snowshoe race calendar, this 3.65 mile loop trail has a lot of variety.  This event closed out at less than an hour last year, so there are some fast racers! Be sure to register by January 15 in order to receive commemoratiev Orange Course Swag!

RACING SUMMARY

If you're interested in participating in a snowshoe race in New York this upcoming winter, be sure to check the event websites for registration details and race schedules. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and bring your own snowshoes or rent them from a local outdoor gear shop. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a beginner, snowshoe racing in Wisconsin is a thrilling and memorable experience that shouldn't be missed.

If you still need running snowshoes, Northern Lites running snowshoes aren’t only ultralight and durable, they’re very easy to use and beginner friendly. The goal of our running snowshoes is to make them feel effortless, like a running shoe would. There’s a reason champions wear Northern Lites!

GEAR FOR SNOWSHOE RACING

New to snowshoe racing? Northern Lites and snowshoe racing go way back. We've developed the lightest and fastest snowshoes for racing, great for beginners and experts alike. Our Race Snowshoe can get you into this great sport in no time. We have great running accessories, like the USSSA snowshoe gators that keep any snow out of your