The Frigid Infliction

Who:
Teams of 2-3
What:
Ski, Snowshoe, Posthole
When:
March, 2023, 5am-3pm
Where:
Bolton Valley, VT

The Frigid Infliction is a winter adventure race, sending fearless adventurers skiing and snowshoeing through the deep stuff since 2006.

We’re aiming to have the next Frigid Infliction in 2023. Expect a 10-hour challenge for teams of 2-3 racers. The race will feature several winter disciplines as well as requiring you to continually navigate.

If you have never done an adventure race before, this can be a great choice. This was the first adventure race for about a third of the participants the past six years, so don’t be intimidated! That said: You may want to Test Your Nettle if you’re not sure about a 10-hour event.

Teams do not need support crews for this event. Outside of what is provided by the race organizers, teams must be self-sufficient. This is an adventure, after all!
Check out some of our past racers’ comments. If you’re looking for teammates, check our contact page for suggestions.

Disciplines


This year’s race will probably feature the following disciplines:

  • Navigation with topographical map and compass
  • Snowshoeing
  • Cross country skiing
  • Perhaps a surprise – time will tell!

Keep in mind that these disciplines can occur in any order, and you could have multiple sections in the course for each activity. You do not need to have any rope experience (tyrolean, ascent, rappel, etc) to compete in this race; but it doesn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with the basics beforehand if you get the opportunity. Climbing gyms, including Petra Cliffs, are great places to pick up these skills.
This year’s race you’ll have quite a bit of control over the balance between skiing and snowshoeing. We’ll stick with our “choose your own adventure” format from 2017, hoping for more snow this time around. If you didn’t hear how that race was structured, take a look at the writeup from last March. No matter how the weather turns out, the adventure must go on! One bonus – in 2018 you won’t be forced to carry your skis at any time! They’ll either be on your feet or in a safe spot. You’re welcome.

Directions


Our host venue will be the Bolton Valley Resort. Registration will be on-site at the Nordic Center. Here are directions to the resort.
The restaurant and pub at the resort will be open Friday night as long as you don’t arrive too late.
<!–Dinner on Saturday will most likely be at the Ponds. This should be a pretty incredible meal & venue; a just reward after a day’s toil in the cold!–>

Frequently Asked Questions


Is this a good race for a team new to adventure racing?
Absolutely. A 10-12 hour race is the standard length for a beginner adventure race. One thing we do really well is providing an enjoyable experience for new teams (as long as they come prepared).
Will we be plotting UTM coordinates?
No. We use pre-plotted maps. We made the decision as an organization that in a race of this length it made more sense considering the number of new teams we see. Never fear – the navigation will be challenging enough without this extra step.
What type of skis do you recommend?
Back country XC skis with metal edges are best, but regular Nordic touring skis will work. We do not recommend heavy duty tele or AT gear. Skate skis won’t work at all, as there will be travel off groomed trail.
Skins are sometimes helpful but not required, only a handful of teams ever bring them. Consider bringing them if you have them, but don’t run out and buy them for this race. If you have them, you’ll be carrying them through the entire race, not leaving them with your skis.
A few previous races have required carrying your skis for a time. You won’t know until race day if this is required, but you should be prepared for the possibility unless we specifically say otherwise.

Documents


For your reference – please take a moment to review these documents (not finalized yet for 2021), specifically the required gear list. Note that you have to actually bring all your gear to registration for a safety check. We need to be sure that we’re not sending you out unprepared, and that means looking at everything from water bottles and whistles to skis and snowshoes!
Race Rules
Mandatory Team Gear List
Mandatory Individual Gear List

You’ll be required to sign Petra waivers online, but if you’re 18 or under, please print paper copies of those too, and have a parent or guardian sign them:
Petra Cliffs Climbing Waiver

We try to do most of our waivers online, but you may still have to sign a few paper documents at on-site registration.

Any racers under age 18 on race day will need a parent or guardian to sign waivers for them – in that case, we’ll reach out with specifics.
There are a number of other documents and policies you can review ahead of time:

Any racers under age 18 on race day will need a parent or guardian to sign waivers for them - in that case, we'll reach out with specifics.

Schedule


Here’s our schedule from 2019 for reference. The 2023 event will have updates.

Due to the nature of the sport, you must be punctual. All race activities will start on time whether your team is there or not. Set multiple clocks, hire a wakeup service, buy a rooster, do whatever you have to do to get up and be on time.
Please note: Registration includes a mandatory gear check for all members of your team. Bring all your required gear with you!

Registration:
Friday, March 1st: 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Bolton Valley Nordic Center Tennis Courts
(Not a 3.5 hour meeting, just a ~20 minute drop in)
Free Navigation Clinic:
Friday, March 1st: 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Pre-Race Briefing:
Saturday, March 1st: 4:30 a.m.
Race Start:
Saturday, March 2nd: 5:00 a.m.
Race Finish:
All racers should be off the course by 3:00 p.m.
Dinner:
Food should be served around 4:30 p.m.

Updates

Here's the latest news about this race:

Teams

Team # Division NameRacers
23CBurrrple CobrasPaul Manley, Jennifer Manley, Carl Richardson
13CBattle BoarsStephen Shriner, Eric Wyler, Paige Warren-Shriner
43CDirectionally ChallengedJohn Farley, Colleen Keilty, Dan Arpino
53CUntamed New EnglandJason Urckfitz, Lamb Dave, Jenny Johnson
33CChaos Machine/LifeStrawEvan Moreshead, Rick Keilty, Kate White
83MChris Smells!Tim Howland, Tim Ratowski, Robert Feissner
73MBeers and WaiversBrian Staveley, Philip Cody, Christian Lehner
63MAbominable Slow-menMichael Fiacco, Chris Neumann, Brendan Dix
103MMoosetooth's MusketeersAndrew LePine, Emmett Peterson, Conor Peterson
152CVermont FancyBrenda Rose, John McKinnon
132CSMC NordiesSamuel Fogg, Brianna McKinley
122CPie FaceEmily Davis, Taylor Burt
142CTeam PricklesElisabeth Fenn, Kevin Hudnell
112CCouple Stupid AnimalsBarb Anderson, Brett Anderson
162FMercatatasKit Vreeland, Ashley Eaton
182MAbsolute ZerosSam Borchard, BRUCE KAPTEYN
212MNorth is EverywhereRoss Lieblappen, Ben Deede
232MSome Assembly RequiredDavid Farley, Shawn Gilbert
92MBipedanticCharles Dunn, Jeffrey Lou
222MPurple HazeKim Abell, Ethan Abell
202MMercatorsScott Cocks, Jason Scott
242MThe O StarsJeremy Colgan, Alan Young
192MHoward and BarkerAlex Ciccone, Bradford Berry
172M100B7 without LyneDanny Chamberland, Martin Hardy

Totals: 2C:5, 2F:1, 2M:9, 3C:5, 3M:4

Register

Registration is closed for the previous event and not open for possible future events. If you'd like to be notified when things are planned, sign up for email from the contact page.

For reference, these were the rates for the previous event:
  • Dec 02 - Dec 17: $105 per racer.
  • Dec 18 - Jan 14: $126 per racer.
  • Jan 15 - Feb 10: $141 per racer.
  • Feb 11 - Feb 28: $144 per racer. No shirts included