Whites 100 2026

The Whites 100 begins and ends at the Wickersham Dome trailhead on the Elliott Highway, approximately one hour north of Fairbanks, Alaska. This is a 100-mile winter backcountry race crossing the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Participants can choose to race on foot, ski, or bike, with a 40-hour time limit to complete the loop. The event is not intended for casual participants; racers must demonstrate self-sufficiency in winter conditions and provide proof of recent experience in a long winter event to enter. The course proceeds counterclockwise, primarily utilizing partially maintained snowmachine trails, and involves over 8,000 feet of climbing. Racers will navigate rolling hills, black spruce forests, frozen lowlands, ridgelines, steep descents, and open terrain. Factors such as wind, drifting snow, Arctic cold, water crossings, and wildlife encounters may be present. Aid stations are positioned approximately every 20 miles, offering shelter, food, water, limited sleeping accommodations, and some medical or emergency assistance. Nevertheless, participants are expected to manage themselves for extended periods between these points. Notable features of the route include the ascent above treeline to Cache Mountain Divide, vistas of limestone formations, and the ice lakes – a mile-long frozen overflow section that can present challenges for footing or tires.