Based on data from station USC00487260 (<1 mi away)
The Drift 100, set for March 13, 2026, in the rugged winter wonderland surrounding Pinedale, Wyoming, offers an unparalleled challenge across 103 miles of high-altitude, remote wilderness. This isn't just a race; it's an immersive experience for those daring enough to tackle it on foot, skis, or fat bike. Named after the historic Green River Drift cattle drive, the course carries the spirit of Wyoming's untamed landscape, promising formidable conditions and breathtaking, yet often unseen, scenery in the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests.
Drifters will navigate a demanding figure-eight course with over 9,000 feet of elevation gain and loss, traversing the Continental Divide multiple times, with roughly half the race unfolding above 9,000 feet and reaching a high point of 9,840 feet. While much of the route follows groomed snowmobile trails, expect varied terrain ranging from packed snow and ice to deep drifts and ungroomed sections that demand unwavering focus and self-sufficiency. Typical race day conditions in the Pinedale area might see highs around 40°F and lows around 13°F, with minimal precipitation; however, racers should be prepared for the mountains to deliver sub-zero temperatures, relentless winds, and significant snowfall.
The Drift 100 is celebrated as the highest winter ultramarathon in the United States, renowned for its difficulty and the profound sense of accomplishment it bestows. Four manned, heated aid stations are strategically placed along the course at approximately miles 25, 50, 67, and 83, providing essential hot drinks, water, and warm food. However, with no drop bags and limited to no cell service, racers must embody true self-reliance. The race maintains a strict 48-hour cutoff and reinforces commitment with a $200 snowmobile evacuation fee for those unable to finish after the first aid station, underscoring the serious nature of this demanding winter ultra. Finishing The Drift 100 is not merely about speed, but about enduring the elements and embracing the wild.