Embrace the winter trails at the Frosty Squatchy, a renowned "Trail Party" presented by Sassquad Trail Running on January 31, 2026, in West Orange, NJ. Held at the picturesque South Mountain Reservation, this event offers a unique challenge with 6-hour and 3-hour timed races, a 3-hour rucking division, and a classic 5K. Typical race day conditions in late January see highs around 39F and lows near 22F, with an 11% chance of precipitation, so prepare for a true winter trail experience that could involve anything from cold and snow to "little bitty stingin' rain."

The Frosty Squatchy's 5K loop course, which you'll tackle repeatedly in the timed events, provides an engaging mix of hard-packed carriage roads and technical singletrack teeming with rocks and roots. Each loop boasts approximately 300 feet of elevation gain, featuring a wide dirt first mile, a rocky descent, a climb at the 2.5-mile mark, and a final mile of singletrack. This course is an excellent introduction for new trail runners, yet still offers plenty to challenge seasoned participants. The start and finish, known as Squatch HQ, is located at the Turtleback Rock Picnic Area, offering a family-friendly atmosphere with games and ample space for crews to set up.

As a "Fat-Sass" event, the Frosty Squatchy embraces a self-supported philosophy; runners are encouraged to bring their own fuel and hydration, though water coolers are provided at Squatch HQ. This longstanding Sassquad tradition, celebrating its 9th year in 2026, is more than just a race; it's a vibrant community gathering that also gives back, having raised over $20,000 for the South Mountain Conservancy since its inception in 2018. Whether you're chasing loops or completing a single 5K, the Frosty Squatchy promises a memorable winter adventure.