White Mountains 100
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
White Mountains 100
The White Mountains 100 is a 100 mile winter endurance event in the White Mountains National Recreation Area near Fairbanks, Alaska. Participants may travel by foot, ski, or bike and have 40 hours to complete a remote counterclockwise loop that follows mostly partially maintained snowmachine trails. Wind, drifting snow, Arctic temperatures, water crossings, and wildlife encounters are common along the route.
Aid stations are placed approximately every 20 miles and provide shelter, food, water, and limited options for sleeping and for medical and emergency support. Racers should be prepared to be self sufficient between checkpoints.
The course begins at the Wickersham Dome trailhead at Milepost 28 on the Elliot Highway, about 38 miles north of Fairbanks. The loop gains more than 8,000 feet of elevation and crosses rolling hills, black spruce forests, frozen lowlands, scenic ridgelines, and steep climbs. Notable sections include a climb above treeline to the Cache Mountain Divide, stretches of limestone jags, and a mile long area of frozen overflow known as the ice lakes.
Entry is by lottery with an entry fee of $285 and a field size near 85 participants. Entrants must show recent winter backcountry experience equivalent to finishing a winter event of over 25 miles or over 24 hours in the last two years. A pre race meeting is held at Reichardt Auditorium at the University of Fairbanks the day prior and attendance is mandatory. Parking is not available at the trailhead and vehicles must use the large pullout across the highway. Cell phone service is usually available at the trailhead.
Recommended equipment includes sufficient food and water, layered cold weather clothing, a headlamp, a rear flashing light, and an insulated water container. Other useful items are a winter rated sleeping bag, stove and fuel, overboots or traction devices, extra socks, navigation tools, and basic repair supplies. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.