Tuscobia Winter Ultra

Event overview

The Tuscobia Winter Ultra is a human-powered run, bike, or ski event held on the Tuscobia and Wild Rivers State Trails in Northern Wisconsin in the middle of winter. The event offers two distance options:

• 80-mile one-way
• 160-mile out-and-back

The 160-mile distance requires completion of a qualifying event and serves as a qualifier for the Iditarod Trail Invitational. One 160-mile winner receives a paid guaranteed entry to the Iditarod Trail Invitational. The 2026 edition is scheduled for January 2-4, 2026.

Format, course and rules

Both distances require specific mandatory gear and are largely self-supported with minimal checkpoint support. Participants must pass a gear check to receive a bib, and a mandatory pre-event meeting covers course changes and checkpoint rules. Outside assistance from family, friends, or other people is not allowed; spending money at local businesses for food or drink is explicitly encouraged as acceptable support. Bikes and sleds may not be brought inside for gear inspection.

Course details can change with conditions. For recent events, Butternut Lake has been used for the 80-mile start and the 160-mile turnaround, and organizers provide GPX route files. If lake sections are unusable, parts of the route have been shifted to road. Switching mode or distance is permitted only before or at bib pickup. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.