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Pole Creek Challenge

Sun February 1 - Sat February 28, 2026
Buffalo, WY 82834 US Directions

Events

5K Classic Ski Race (Individual)

Date Range: 02/28
Time: 10:00AM MST

5K Skate Ski Race (Individual)

Date Range: 02/28
Time: 10:00AM MST

10K Classic Ski Race (Individual)

Date Range: 02/28
Time: 10:00AM MST

10K Skate Ski Race (Individual)

Date Range: 02/28
Time: 10:00AM MST

20K Classic Ski Race (Individual)

Date Range: 02/28
Time: 9:00AM MST

20K Skate Ski Race (Individual)

Date Range: 02/28
Time: 9:00AM MST

Family Pricing (Up to 4 in One Family)

Date Range: 02/28
Time: 10:00AM MST

Ski/Snowshoe Total Distance Challenge, Feb. 1-28

Price: $30
Registration ends February 28, 2026 at 11:59pm MST

2026 Pole Creek Challenge CANCELLED

Due to poor snow conditions, the 2026 Pole Creek Challenge 5K, 10K, and 20K races scheduled for February 28th have been cancelled. 

Large portions of the race routes are void of snow, and even with a couple of inches in the forecast, air and ground temperatures over the next 10 days are unlikely to improve conditions enough to hold a safe and enjoyable event.

 

We will be reaching out to those who have already registered to discuss their options and transferring registrations to next year's event.

Thanks for your support and we hope you can find some good snow elsewhere for skiing! 

Race Website

Additional race information can be found at http://www.powderpassnordic.org/events.

Place

Pole Creek XCountry Ski Area
Buffalo, WY US 82834

Description

A recreational race for cross-country skiers. Offering 5K, 10K, and 20K distances for both skate ski and classic techniques. Online registration for 5K and 10K will be open through Wednesday, February 25. On-site race day registration will be available for the 5K and 10K at an increased cost.  

In our 3rd year for 2026: 20K Skate and Classic Races.  This is our third year including this longer distance race.  In order for us to manage logistics, you MUST register in advance for the 20K.  There will be NO on-site registration for this event.  We will have a 5-person minimum.  If we do not have enough entrants, we will offer to convert your registration to another event.  Start time for this race is currently planned for 9 AM. 

For those who don't have the Need for Speed, we also offer a Total Distance Challenge: ski or snowshoe the most cumulative miles between February 1-28.  You can upload your mileage here on RunSignUp.

Paper registration forms are available by emailing powderpassnordic@gmail.com

The 2026 Race will run clockwise around the Inside Loop and Bull Moose trails.  Scroll down to see a Course Map!  Please arrive no later than 9:30 AM for the 5K and 10K races to pick up your bib and for race instructions.  Arrive no later than 8:30 AM for the 20K race.  The 20K will be two laps of the 10K course, and there will be an aid station halfway through the course, near the starting line. 

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Race Course

See map below.  In even years (2026, 2028, etc.), the course is run clockwise.  In odd years (2027, 2029, etc.), the course is run counter-clockwise.  The 20K course consists of two laps of the 10K course.

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

PDF

Directions

Race Participant Survey

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