Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What sort of food and drinks will be available at the checkpoints?
A: There will be a small assortment of food and drinks available at each checkpoint to replenish race participants. Each racer will be provided with one serving of something warm and tasty that is filled with plenty of carbs and protein, such as soup, gumbo, chili, etc. There will also be cookies or brownies available as well. The checkpoint officials will have hot water for tea, instant coffee, and hot chocolate available at all times.
Q: Are the White Mountains trails wide enough for skate skiing?
A: The trails are generally wide enough for skate skiing but there are sections that
will be difficult or impossible to skate. This is especially true on some of the steep
climbs or where the vegetation is tight. These sections can be walked but it is recommended
to bring some kick wax, a cork, and a scraper along for some of the narrower portions of the
trail. If there have been strong winds, drifting and/or fresh snow, skate skiing will be challenging.
Q: Can I sleep at the checkpoints?
A: Yes. Each checkpoint has bunks and can accommodate a handful of racers. It is possible
that some checkpoints will be congested and sleeping space may be tight. So, there is no guarantee
that you will have ample space to sprawl out and sleep for many hours. If you are the type of
person that can pass out sitting up, then you will greatly increase your sleeping options.
Q: Will the White Mountains trails be groomed for the race?
A: The BLM maintains the trails and regularly grooms with a
snowmachine and dragger. Trail conditions can change daily
and even hourly if strong winds and or/snow is occurring.
Some trails may go several weeks without getting groomed.
So, there is no guarantee that trails will be freshly groomed
for the race. This unknown is part of the adventure, right?
Q: Will the race roster be expanded beyond 50 participants?
A: Although the waiting list continues to grow beyond the magic 50 participant mark, we have no intention of increasing the size of the race field. We are striving to have the smallest impact on the Recreation area and other users as possible, but at the same time still have an organized wilderness race. We feel that any more than 50 people would be impressing a bigger footprint on the area than we would like. Additional people also equates to more logistics and resources.
Q: What does it mean that the BLM land-use permit is currently being processed?
A: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) requires organized events to have a special recreation permit if the event is scheduled to take place on BLM property. The White Mountains 100 race permit is still being reviewed by BLM staff. The race is currently undergoing a 30-day public comment period. We have decided to open early registration even though the permitting process is not complete. We are aware that BLM could deny the permit or have us change certain aspects of this race. We felt that opening registration early would be beneficial to potential racers because this would allow them at least 4 months to prepare and train. This also gives us an idea of how many people are “seriously” interested and if we should continue to pursue making this race a reality. In the unlikely event that the permit is denied, ALL entrants will receive a full refund. Permitting is expected to be finalized in early January.