The Drift

The Drift is a winter race in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming, the largest mountain range in the state. Racers may ski, bike, or run on the snow-covered groomed trail. This year there will be a 13-mile half-marathon, a 28-mile marathon, and a 100-mile ultramarathon (the highest-elevation winter ultramarathon in the United States). This recreation event is authorized under a Special Use Permit with the Bridger-Teton National Forestand the Shoshone National Forest.

The Drift takes place in the front-country of the Wind River Range in Wyoming. The terrain is rugged at times and can be thickly treed in places. The race is on United States Forest Service land, which is home to many different wildlife species, including moose, black bears, grizzly bears, mountain lions, and more. Wyoming’s Wind River Range is legendary for its scenery, its remote isolation, and its weather. Snow is possible any day of the year. Be Aware: This is a winter race in formidable country. You must be self-sufficient. There will be checkpoints with supplies along your route, but racers should not depend solely on them for safety, food, water or emergency first aid. There are gear requirements. There will be pack checks, and you will be penalized if you are missing any mandatory gear. Recommended gear is strongly recommended. Use good judgement when pulling your supplies together-winter racing is its own type of beast, and in the Winds you are at the mercy of the wilderness. Frostbite, hypothermia, dehydration, sun- and windburn are all very real and potentially deadly dangers here. Be prepared. Be overly prepared. Should you show up for the race under-prepared, it is at the discretion of a Race Director to determine whether you can safely race, and you may be denied entry. So get your shit together and be safe. This recreation event is authorized under a Special Use Permit with the Bridger Teton National Forest.

Pinedale, Wyoming is the closest town to the race course(s), around 25 miles away. Pinedale is 78 miles south of Jackson and 100 miles north of Rock Springs, where the closest airports are also located. Racers may choose to fly into Salt Lake City (4 hours away) or Idaho Falls (3 hours away) for more reasonable rates.