Prepare for an invigorating winter challenge at the Frigus Snowshoe Festival, hosted by The Endurance Society on February 28, 2026, at Moreau Lake State Park in Gansevoort, NY. This exhilarating event calls snowshoe enthusiasts to conquer picturesque, snow-covered trails, offering distances of 15K, a 4.7-mile race, and a 1-mile Kids Race. Runners can anticipate typical race day conditions with highs around 37°F and lows near 15°F, and a roughly 11% chance of precipitation, ensuring a true winter running experience.

The courses are designed to test and reward, taking participants through scenic winter landscapes that include winding wooded trails, the shoreline of Moreau Lake, and commanding overlook views from atop the mountain. All races kick off and conclude on the beach in front of the nature center. For those tackling the 4.7-mile distance, expect an approximate elevation gain of 750 feet, while the 15K course presents a more substantial climb with around 2300 feet of gain. Runners often describe the terrain as challenging, featuring twists, turns, and sometimes technical sections, balanced with fast, runnable downhills.

What makes the Frigus Snowshoe Festival truly unique is its embodiment of the "Frigus" spirit—a term derived from Latin, signifying not just frigid temperatures, but also the thrilling mental battle within. Snowshoes are mandatory, emphasizing the authentic winter trail experience. The atmosphere is friendly and communal, with a passionate local following. Participants can warm up by fires on the beach and will find hot food and aid available at the finish line. All finishers receive custom medals and swag, with awards for the top male and female competitors in each distance, and snowshoe rentals may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.