Local ski club and IRONBULL to host Ring of Snow Challenge
The Ring of Snow Challenge ski event allows soloists or relay teams to tally as many laps as they can in the 3-hour or 6-hour time limit. Photo credit: Ann + Lee Photography
A free kids ski invites all ages to take part in the event, with ski equipment provided to youth. Photo credit: Jessica Schaefer
WAUSAU – The Wausau Nordic Ski Club (WNSC) and IRONBULL have collaborated to organize a Nordic ski and snowshoe event, the Ring of Snow Challenge. The Ring of Snow Challenge offers an avenue for winter enthusiasts to chase personal goals skiing or snowshoeing on January 27, 2024. The event offers more than just hard-core racing with a free kids’ ski, twilight snowshoe hike, soup buffet, cornhole, and even snowman making. Solo or relay skiers attempt to tally as many laps on the 3.5 kilometer course as they can in the three or six-hour time limit, but may also earn bonus laps by partaking in the cornhole and snowman making. After declining registrations for the Badger State Games (BSG) Nordic skiing event over recent years, the reimagined event will take place over the same weekend at a new venue in collaboration with Bunkers at Tribute Golf Course with a fixed time format to promote a community atmosphere.
“This new event will try to capture the spirit of camaraderie and fun-based competition that is the essence of all IRONBULL events,” said Gary Zimbric, a longstanding WNSC member and co-event organizer. “And it will build on the style of Wausau 24 mountain bike and Ragnar running events that have become so popular with a newer generation of athletes, who want more than just a focus on time and competition.”
Last year, WNSC took over grooming at Tribute Golf Course and returned the location of the Snekkevik Ski Race, the second oldest continuing organized ski race in the state, to Tribute Golf Course. After serving as a successful venue for the 2023 Snekkevik in low snow conditions, WNSC approached IRONBULL to hold a fixed timed event, and the Ring of Snow Challenge was born.
The start of the 2023-2024 winter started slow with record high temperatures and little snow, forcing the Snekkevik Ski Race to be cancelled earlier this month. With the recent snowfall, event organizers are hopeful to launch the Ring of Snow Challenge, but realistic, not charging for registrations unless the event takes place. Free snowshoes rentals and youth ski equipment will be available to reduce barriers of entry.
More details at: https://www.ironbull.org/ring-of-snow Registration remains open including same day registration at https://ironbull-signup.redpodium.com/2024-ring-of-snow
IRONBULL will also be hosting the Snowbound in the Underdown snowshoe and fat tire bike races this winter. Experience fat tire biking and snowshoe racing on the unique winter trails starting at Prairie Dells on February 24, 2024. Bikers start first with a journey up the Prairie River gorge before hitting the hills and lakes of Underdown for rides of 10, 15 and 25 miles. Six-mile snowshoers will get to the majestic Prairie Dells while three-milers will take in the overlooks of the new Heinemania Loop. Free snowshoe rentals will also be available at this event. More info at: https://www.ironbull.org/snowbound-in-the-underdown
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IRONBULL is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that promotes outdoor adventure sports in Central Wisconsin. IRONBULL aims to drive economic development, benefit community organizations, and attract and retain a talented work force through the production of high quality races and events that promote healthy living in our community.
The mission of the Wausau Nordic Ski Club is to support cross country skiing in Marathon County by enhancing facilities and programs that support cross country skiers of all ages and ability levels.
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