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A Guide to Winter Triathlon: What It Is, Why It’s Awesome, and Where to Race

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by Stephen Meyers | USA Triathlon

When the temperature drops and the roads get icy, many triathletes head indoors. But winter doesn’t have to mean stepping away from competition — not when winter triathlon exists! 

Winter triathlon is the run–bike–ski cousin of swim–bike–run. Athletes trade their wetsuits and road bikes for trail shoes, fat bikes, and cross-country skis, racing across snow-packed courses in some of the country’s most scenic cold-weather destinations. It’s a sport built for adventure, grit, and a love of fresh winter air.

Winter triathlon is an energizing break from traditional racing, offering camaraderie, low-pressure fun, and incredible off-season fitness benefits.

“The cross-training benefits of winter triathlon are huge,” said Jason Lamoreaux, longtime race director of Alaska’s Tri-Flake Winter Triathlon. “Between running, biking, and Nordic skiing, you are using just about every muscle group in your body.”

Courses vary depending on snow conditions and the creativity of race directors, but the traditional format includes a winter run, a fat-tire bike leg, and a classic or skate-ski finish. And if you don’t have easy access to snow, roller skis provide a solid alternative for ski training. 

Gear prep matters, too — especially layering.

Lamoreaux’s top tip for clothing: Practice layering.

“Clothing is probably the hardest part to get right for an event like this.  Your body generates a lot of heat when running, but then you are faced with the bike leg, where things like hands and feet are exposed more, and you’re encountering more wind. Too much sweating during the run can result in getting chilled or worse during the bike,” Lamoreaux said. “Then you have to figure out how to work your fingers to change from bike equipment into ski boots.”

Figure out how your body works with different layer choices, Lamoreaux said and have options available for race day if the weather is different. 

Why do athletes keep coming back?

Because winter triathlon is uniquely fun.

“Playing in a winter wonderland is magical,” said athlete Barbara Kostner.

“It gets me training outdoors in the winter and gives me a new way to challenge myself,” added Chris Wodke.

And from David Lasorsa: “You don’t have to be proficient at skate-skiing. You can start with skin skis and not worry about waxing.”

Whether you’re chasing a national title or simply looking for a new winter challenge, there’s a race — and a snowy adventure — waiting for you.

Below are the 2026 USA Triathlon sanctioned winter triathlons, each with its own personality, terrain, and winter adventure.

2026 USA Triathlon Winter Triathlon Events 

ALMAGeddon  

Jan. 17, 2026 | Alma, Colorado

Why It’s Cool:
A high-altitude suffer-fest with fat biking, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing — all above 10,600 feet. Limited to just 60 athletes, ALMAGeddon feels like a backyard grassroots event, set on top of the world.

Fast Facts:

  • Elevation: ~10,653 ft with ~1,646 ft of gain
  • Format: ~12.5 miles of fat bike + ski + snowshoe
  • Perks: ALMAGEDDON beanie, camp-mug finisher award, homemade soup/chili/cookies
  • Vibe: Steep climbs, soft snow, and big altitude — some technical skill and smart layering required
  • Registration and information: https://runsignup.com/Race/CO/Alma/ALMAGEDDON 

 

Tri-Flake Winter Triathlon  

Jan 17, 2026 | Anchorage, Alaska

Why It’s Cool:
A legendary event in Anchorage’s Kincaid Park, Tri-Flake has hosted USA Triathlon Winter Nationals multiple times. The course hits coastal trails, singletrack, and world-class Nordic ski loops.

Fast Facts:

  • Run: ~6 km out-and-back on the Coastal Trail
  • Bike: ~8 miles on multi-use trails + singletrack
  • Ski: ~6 km freestyle (skate or classic)
  • Options: Solo or 2–3 person relay
  • Vibe: Fast, beautiful, and community-driven — fat bikes strongly encouraged
  • Registration and information: https://www.alaskatriathlon.org/tri-flake/ 

 

Mora Winter Triathlon and Duathlon 

Jan. 25, 2026 | Mora, MN

Why It’s Cool:

The event is held on the same pristine trails as the second-largest Nordic ski race in the Midwest, the Vasaloppet.  The trail winds through the peaceful, forested areas north of Mora, Minnesota, and start and finish at the Nordic Center.  

Fast Facts:

  • Location: Vasaloppet Nordic Center in Mora, Minnesota
  • Format: 5 km run → 15 km winter bike → 10 km ski
  • Options: Choose either a single triathlon/duathlon or grab a friend or two and compete as a team!  Live timing provided by Duluth Timing and Events!
  • Vibe:  Low-key competitive. All athletes will receive a hot lunch after the race to enjoy with other finishers. Saunas are available after the race for those interested.
  • Registration and information: Mora Winter Triathlon and Duathlon (Run/Ski Only)

 

**USA Triathlon Winter National Championships at Empire State Winter Games** 

Feb. 5–8, 2026 | Lake Placid, New York

Why It’s Cool:
Now in its 46th year, the Empire State Winter Games remains a community-driven celebration of athletic achievement, winter adventure, and the iconic Olympic legacy of Lake Placid! Competitors will race on the world-class Nordic trail system at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, the same system that has trained several members of the U.S. Nordic team that will compete in the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, that also played host to the 2023 FISU World University Nordic events and will be the site of the March 19-22, 2026 FIS Cross-Country World Cup finals. The national championship event combines endurance and grit, while testing each athlete’s limits and endurance.

Fast Facts:

  • Location: Mt. Van Hoevenberg
  • Format: 5 km run → 8 km winter bike → 10 km ski (triathlon) and 5 km run → 10 km ski (duathlon)
  • Options: National Championship Triathlon and National Championship Duathlon
  • Vibe: A showcase of iconic Olympic legacy at Lake Placid
  •  Registration and information: https://empirestatewintergames.com/ 

 

Abominable Snow Tri  

February 22, 2026 | Belmont, Michigan 

Why It’s Cool:
A winter triathlon set at a ski area, with options for all ability levels, from full tri to duathlon to single-sport events.

Fast Facts:

 

Gaylord All Outdoors Tri 45 Winter Triathlon — Frederic, Michigan 

March 7, 2026

Why It’s Cool:
Held at the renowned Forbush Corners Nordic center, this event blends high-quality ski grooming with challenging winter bike and run terrain. Perfect for late-season racers.

Fast Facts:

  • Location: Forbush Corners, Frederic, MI
  • Format: 5 km ski → 10 km fat bike → 5 km run
  • Options: Triathlon, duathlon, and relay
  • Start Time: 10:00 AM
  • Perks: Finisher medal, age-group awards, warm snacks, hot drinks, and early-registrant insulated water belt
  • Vibe: Friendly Midwest atmosphere with high-quality winter sports infrastructure
  • Registration and information: https://www.trisignup.com/Race/MI/Gaylord/2024GaylordAllOutdoorsTri45WinterTriathlon 

Winter Triathlon 

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