Latest Trail Conditions:
The BLM maintains a network of 200+ miles of groomed trails in the White Mountains Recreation Area. Trails are regularly groomed during the winter once sufficient snow has accumulated for travel by snowmachine. A recorded version of the trail conditions report can be heard at (907) 474-2372. The trail report is also available online here: White Mountains Trail Report. Current weather conditions at the Wickersham Dome trailhead (race start/finish) are available online HERE.
Race Hazards:
The White Mountains 100 is a dangerous wilderness race. Participants must seriously consider the ramifications of not being prepared physically and mentally for a race of this caliber. Racers will be exposed to environmental and physical conditions that will stress the body to the point of exhaustion. Racers must be self-sufficient and have the ability and will to take care of themselves. It is up to each participant to ensure that they have adequate outdoor gear, plenty of food and water, are in top physical shape, and have the mental strength to endure the hardships that will be encountered along the race course. It gets lonely out there in the country between cabins. The race will be held on groomed trails with evenly spaced checkpoints in the White Mountains National Recreation Area -BUT- this does not imply that conditions along the course will be easy. Racers must be prepared to contend with frostbite, hypothermia, sleep deprivation, extremely cold temperatures, strong winds, blowing snow and whiteouts, overflow, glare ice, ruts in the trail, bumps, dirt and rocks, overhanging trees that can impale a person, blind corners, unexpected obstacles on the trail, steep and narrow descents, getting lost, and, rarely, aggressive wildlife. Any one of these factors can lead to serious injury or even death. It is up to each racer to ensure that he or she is prepared to deal with the potentially lethal consequences of participating in such a race.Â
Overflow is not only common in interior Alaska but you will be guaranteed to have the opportunity to encounter active overflow first hand at some point during the race. This may vary from a sheen of liquid water on the surface of glare ice, to several wet inches on a creek, and maybe even more than a foot of water hidden just under the snowpack. So be prepared for the possibility of getting your feet and equipment wet and subsequently freezing up if the temperatures are cold. Overflow poses one of many significant hazards that can either injure or kill you. Be prepared!!!