Trail Conditions
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.
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!!!