Tug Hill Yeti Quest

Race Details

Tug Hill Outfitters is hosting a winter, yeti themed adventure race on Saturday, January 28, 2023, in Osceola, NY, at the Osceola Ski & Sport Resort (https://skiosceola.com/). Register early, because the race is capped at 150 participants. Racers must use snowshoes and/or skis to travel during the race (pending snow conditions). Teams will navigate the course using only a map and compass, no GPS allowed, and compete to see who can find the most checkpoints in the least amount of time. If teams don’t make it back before the time cut-off, they will lose 1 checkpoint for every minute they’re late. A long sleeve performance race T-shirt, 1 set of maps per team (with the option to purchase an extra set during registration), a trail pass for Osceola Ski & Sport Resort, snacks, a post race meal, and prizes for top finishing teams are included in the registration price. Team sizes can range from 1-6 people (cap of 4 people for adult teams, but families can race with up to 6 people). There are limited quantities of snowshoe and cross country ski rentals available. Follow our Facebook Page and check here for updates.

This race has something for everyone, from families and newcomers, to competitive adventure racers and orienteering teams who are looking for a fun challenge in a cool place! Osceola Ski & Sport Resort and the surrounding lands are a beautiful, remote, winter paradise, and the lodge at the resort is a cozy place for race headquarters and post-race awards and refreshments. If you’re into orienteering, geocaching, treasure hunting, have seen Eco Challenge Fiji on Amazon, or are looking for a fun new twist on winter sports, this race is for you! We’ve got some serious fun planned, from a lively prologue to some on course surprises! Are you yeti? 

Race Description – You can choose from three race options:

• 3 Hour Snowshoe Race – This family friendly snowshoe orienteering/adventure race will take place on a combination of groomed trails and the remainder will be off-trail bushwhacking through the woods. Final course distances are still being determined. There will be a free navigation clinic before the start of this race. 
• 8 Hour Ski & Snowshoe Race – This adventure race will take place on a combination of groomed cross country ski trails and the remainder will be off-trail bushwhacking through the woods, on either snowshoes or backcountry skis. Final race distances are still being determined. Top teams should be able to clear the course in 8 hours, while other teams will not be able to clear all checkpoints. You can switch between skate, classic, backcountry skis, or snowshoes as you choose throughout the race. There will be at least one designated transition area where you can leave your skis, but if you plan to switch between backcountry skis and snowshoes throughout the duration of the race, you will need to carry them with you. 
• 8 Hour Snowshoe Race – This snowshoe orienteering/adventure race will take place on a combination of groomed trails and the remainder will be off-trail bushwhacking through the woods. Final race distances are still being determined. Top teams should be able to clear the course in 8 hours, while other teams will not be able to clear all checkpoints. There will be at least one designated transition area.

Snowshoe & Cross Country Ski Rentals

Between Osceola Ski & Sport Resort and Tug Hill Outfitters, there are a total of 20 pairs of snowshoes to rent, which can be reserved and paid for during registration. For kids snowshoes or cross country ski rentals, contact: dustin@skiosceola.com

What’s Included

• 8 hours or 3 hours of awesome adventure racing
• Long Sleeve Performance T-shirt
• trail pass for Osceola Ski & Sport Resort
• 1 set of race maps per team (option to purchase a second set)
• Race passport (for punching checkpoints)
• Post race food & snacks
• Water & hot cocoa or hot broth at transition areas
• Prizes for top finishers in each division
• Cute, menacing yetis on site

Area Lodging

Local lodging options within a 15 to 20 minute drive are the Tailwater Lodge in Altmar, NY, and the Tug Hill Resort, or several hotels within a 45 minute drive in Pulaski, Rome, Watertown, or North Syracuse, NY.

Required Individual & Team Gear

Mandatory Team Gear – Entire Race (1 person per team must carry these items at all times)

• Compass (baseplate compass recommended)
• Working cell phone (to be kept OFF and used only for emergencies. We recommend putting this in a waterproof bag sealed inside your backpack.)
• Watch (can be a smart watch if used in AR mode)
• First aid kit. (Adventure Medical .7 is a good option – https://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/ultralight-watertight-7.html)
• Matches or lighter

Mandatory Individual Gear – Entire Race (Each team member must carry the following items at all times)

• Whistle
• Space blanket (emergency blanket)
• 1 pack hand warmers
• Map case (gallon zip lock is okay)
• Means to carry at least 50 oz of liquid (we will have limited water at the transition area for 8 hour racers)
• Waterproof jacket (mandatory regardless of weather conditions)
• Mittens or gloves
• Winter hat
• Waterproof boots (8 hour racers)

Recommended Gear

• Long pants, tights, or leg protection
• Sunglasses or hat w/ visor
• Waterproof case for phone
• food for the entire race
• writing utensils (pencil & highlighters, helpful for marking up maps)
• buff or neck gator
• spare wool or synthetic socks
• spare base layers – top & bottom – (8 hour racers)
• Garmin InReach or similar satellite communication device (8 hour racers)

Post-Race Awards & Festivities

For post race festivities, we will have snacks, drinks, a post race meal, and delicious craft beer. We’ll have awards about 30 mins after the race finish with prizes for top finishers in each division. Post race awards and activities will be held outside, as we do not have public indoor facilities. 

When

Saturday, January 28, 2023
7:30 AM – 5 PM

Where

1573 Osceola Rd, Camden, NY 1331

Registration

https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Osceola/TugHillYetiQuest
Prices will increase on Friday, December 23, 2022. The race will be capped at 150 people, and will likely sell out. Please register early. In order to be guaranteed a T-shirt, please register by Sunday, January 8, 2023.

Race Schedule

Schedule (8 Hour Races) 

• Registration: 6:00 -7:00 AM (Maps distributed at check-in)
• Pre-race briefing – 7:00 AM
• Race Start – 7:30 AM
• Race Finish – 3:30 PM
• Post-race Meal & Beer – 3 – 5:00 PM
• Post-race Awards – 4:00

Schedule (3 Hour Races)

• Registration: 8 – 9:00 AM (Maps distributed at check-in)
• Navigation Clinic: 8:30 – 9:00 AM
• Pre-race Briefing:  9:00 AM
• Race Start – 9:30 PM
• Race Finish – 12:30 PM
• Post-race Meal – 12:00 – 2:00 PM
• Post-race awards – 1:00 PM

Race Categories

Men’s, Women’s, or Non-Binary Solo Racers
Men’s, Women’s, & Mixed Gender 2 person teams
Men’s, Women’s, Mixed Gender 3 or 4 person teams
Family Teams of up to 6 people (including children under 18)
Prizes for top finishers in each category

Questions

tughilloutfitters@gmail.com
315-807-3696

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