Sourdough Snowshoe Race
Nederland, United States • 31 Jan 2026
Event details
The Sourdough Snowshoe Race is a donation-based backcountry event held in Nederland, CO. Distances offered include:
- 18K
- 30K
Snowshoes are required and must be worn for the entire race, although the race director may change requirements if trail conditions require it. All racers are required to carry 20 ounces of liquid and 600 calories of nutrition. The event emphasizes safety and Leave No Trace principles.
Course and logistics
The start and finish are at the South Sourdough Trailhead near the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station off Peak to Peak Highway CO 72 on County Road 116. Racers head north on the trail to Brainard Lake Road; 18K runners turn around there and return to the trailhead. 30K runners continue on the Sourdough Trail loop and return via Brainard Lake Road to the trailhead. There is a cutoff at Brainard Lake Road for 30K runners; runners who do not meet the cutoff must turn around and will be recorded as finishing the 18K after confirming with the aid station.
Bib pick-up and race-day registration take place at the trailhead. An aid station at the Brainard Lake turnaround will offer hot and sweet Sport Tea, gel-style products and granola bars. Cell phone service in Nederland is spotty and participants are advised to have the trailhead address in their navigation device. A small finish-line area will include a warming tent, a propane fire pit, and hot cider or cocoa. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.