The Frigid Infliction

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

The next race is scheduled for Saturday, March 2nd 2019 near Bolton Valley, VT. 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.

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.

Cost

The Frigid Infliction aims to be one of the most affordable adventure races in the northeast. We’re a non-profit, so all the fees go towards making the event awesome.

Please take a minute to review notes on costs and refunds including important details about what happens if you withdraw closer to race day.

Race fees generally cover the following (some of this TBD for 2019):

• Race entry for your team – an opportunity to explore the outdoors in a new way, creating memories and friendships that last for years.
• Race maps and instructions
• Transport of gear or racers (if needed)
• All insurance, permits, and safety staff
• Pre-race navigation clinic from GMARA experts
• One of the best post-race parties in the industry!
• Thousands of full-size race photos, 100% free to racers.
• Prizes for top teams in each division as well as a gear raffle for all racers at dinner
• $400 sponsorship towards USARA nationals for the top 3-person coed team
• USARA Regional Qualifier (top teams qualify for nationals)
Rope setup and management by Petra Cliffs

Additional costs:

We love it when you bring guests at dinner, but to help offset those costs we’ll have to ask you to pay for dinner – often $25-$30 each. It’s worth it, our post-race party is one of the best around, and the company can’t be beat. You will need to plan ahead, though, and let us know about guests early enough that we can order food. Ideally, just talk the guests into racing.

Extra shirts are usually between $10 and $25 each, depending on the style chosen.

If the race requires a harness and you don’t have one, let us know early on – Petra Cliffs will rent them for $5-10, and we can coordinate that pickup and have them waiting at registration. You must plan ahead if you need a rental harness though – we don’t have a pile of extras just waiting for the unprepared.

We’re not making a profit on any of these, just passing along our costs to you.

Register

Documents

For your reference – please take a moment to review these documents (not finalized yet for 2019), 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

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

• You can review the online waivers before registering if you have any concerns.
• A downloadable copy of the USARA Waiver is here.
• The basics of the GMARA photo release are included on the Race Rules Page.
• You’ll have to fill out this Emergency Contact and Medical Form at registration.
• Bolton Valley has us fill out paper copies of their waiver at 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.

Schedule

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!

Updates

• March 7, 2017 - Frigid Infliction 2017 Results
• January 5, 2017 - New for 2017: Test Your Nettle
• December 10, 2016 - 2017 Frigid Infliction – Important Update
• March 6, 2016 - OGE Frigid Infliction 2016 Results
• February 27, 2016 - Frigid Infliction 2016 – Important News!
• March 3, 2015 - OGE Frigid Infliction 2015 Results
• February 9, 2015 - Frigid 2015 Updates
• February 9, 2015 - Frigid 2015 Shirts
• January 5, 2015 - Frigid Poster Contest, Early Reg Ending
• November 21, 2014 - Frigid & Wintry!

Teams

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.