About This Race
The CROWBAR (Cache Regional Overland Winter BAckcountry Race) stands as one of the only ski mountaineering races held entirely outside ski area boundaries in the United States. Set in the rugged backcountry near Logan, Utah, this event challenges participants with technical ascents, booters, and powder-filled descents across the Cache National Forest terrain. What sets CROWBAR apart is its commitment to authentic backcountry racing. Participants navigate marked skin tracks and booters while carrying mandatory avalanche safety gear, making this as much a test of mountain skills as physical endurance. The race offers multiple divisions from a 5-mile short course suitable for newcomers to an 8-mile long course featuring five major climbs and technical sections including a Via Ferrata. This is a self-supported event with no aid stations on course, requiring runners to carry all food, water, and emergency equipment. The combination of technical terrain, weather variability, and backcountry exposure creates a uniquely challenging winter racing experience that has drawn participants for over a decade.
The course starts at Swan Flat trailhead in Logan Canyon and ventures deep into Cache National Forest backcountry. Short course participants tackle four significant climbs over 5 miles with 2,500 feet of vertical gain, following marked skin tracks on ascents and red-flagged descents through powder-filled terrain.
Long course runners face five major climbs across 8 miles with 3,600 feet of elevation gain, including two technical booter sections and a Via Ferrata requiring harness and climbing hardware. The course features a mix of skinning terrain, bootpack sections, and technical descents, with volunteers setting tracks when conditions allow. Route modifications are common based on avalanche conditions and weather.
Location
Practical Info
Late January conditions in northern Utah typically feature cold temperatures, potential snowfall, and variable backcountry snow conditions requiring careful avalanche assessment.
SLC - Salt Lake City International Airport
Logan and Bear Lake area offer various lodging options. Race organizers provide lodging resource links on the event website.
- Avalanche beacon
- Helmet
- Light puffy jacket
- Hydration (minimum 1 liter)
- Via Ferrata kit for long course (harness, 2 carabiners, 36-48 inch runner)
Best For
Notable Features
CROWBAR is distinguished as one of the few ski mountaineering races held entirely outside ski resort boundaries in North America. The event combines technical climbing sections including a Via Ferrata with traditional skimo racing, creating a unique challenge that tests both skiing ability and mountaineering skills. Its self-supported format with no aid stations and mandatory avalanche safety gear requirements reflects the serious backcountry nature of the event.