Is the course groomed?
No, the course is not groomed (except for a few kilometres in the ski trails between the Chalet and Back Bay). This is a trail run/ski adventure event and not a loppet.
Is there a mandatory gear check?
Mandatory gear checks are undertaken depending on the day-of temperature and the familiarity of skiers to extreme cold conditions. We encourage each skier to assess their skiing experience and pack accordingly, and will request equipment checks if skiers seem unfamiliar with the course or inexperienced.
Is there support?
Each staging point will have water. If you want food or a change of clothes, it is your responsibility to have someone drop these off for you at the checkpoint. All checkpoints are road-accessible.
How do relay members get to a checkpoint?
There are currently no shuttle services to or from check points. Racers are responsible for getting to check points and are responsible for their own transportation back to town. Car pooling with other racers, volunteers or media is the best option.
Are dogs allowed on the race?
Dogs are NOT ALLOWED to participate in The Frostbite. Though skiing with your pups is a fantastic activity, during The Frostbite they represent an added hazard and/or nuisance for participants. We kindly ask participants to leave their dogs at home for race day to ensure the enjoyment of all participants. Well-behaved and under control dogs are welcome to stop in at checkpoints. Dogs are strictly prohibited on the Yellowknife Ski Club trails.
When skiing around Yellowknife, dog owners should be aware that there are active traplines around Yellowknife, including at points along The Frostbite course.
What is the temperature cut-off?
The Frostbite organizers will meet the evening before the event and the day of the event to decide event restrictions or cancellations due to weather. The race organisers will make every effort to run the event but, in the event cancellations in necessary due to weather or other participant safety concerns, entry fees cannot be refunded as the funds will already be committed by race day.
What happened to the Frostbite 45, then the Frostbite 50, and now the Frostbite 55?
We're attempting to standardise the name of this event by removing mention of distance. The Frostbite stems from a proud tradition of challenging yourself physically and mentally, it originated as a 45km ski and a single day version of the Rock and Ice Ultra Marathon (a multi-day, tent-sleeping ski excursion that had a 250km option). It's continued to evolve and adjust to reflect distance and course changes, and as it does it has needed to rebrand as the Frostbite 45, then Frostbite 50, then Frostbite 55. Standardising the name allows us to continue running grueling events while we adjust the course route and distance to ensure an enjoyable event for veterans and rookies alike!