CROWBAR Backcountry Ski Race

***** CROWBAR 2020 is CANCELED *****
Unfortunately, due to the combination of high winds/drifting snow, the all-day closure of Logan Canyon/Hwy 89, and HIGH avalanche danger, the CROWBAR committee has decided to cancel this year's ski race. We will be sending an email out to inform all race participants. Cancelling the race is not a decision we take lightly and the safety of all racers and volunteers is our primary concern. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility in this matter. Please spread to the word to anyone who might have been planning to attend. We sincerely hope to see you at next year's CROWBAR!​

CROWBAR News

  • CROWBAR 2020 is scheduled for Saturday, February 8th
  • Registration is open, with discounted prices through February 1st, 2020
  • Race will be held up Logan Canyon at Swan Flat. See below for details and parking.

Race Info
What is CROWBAR?

CROWBAR (Cache Regional Overland Winter BAckcountry Race) is a ski mountaineering race held annually in the vicinity of Logan, Utah. CROWBAR is one of the only ski mountaineering races held 100% outside the bounds of any ski area.
CROWBAR will be held at the Swan Flat trailhead located approximately 28 miles up Logan Canyon (US 89) from Logan, Utah. The Swan Flat is within a few miles of Beaver Mountain Ski Resort, so you can finish the event with lift-served runs or a long sit by the fire in the lodge.

Parking is limited at the Swan Flat trailhead, please see info below about carpooling.

Race Schedule

  • 8:00 am: Park and gear check
  • 8:30 am: Mandatory pre-race meeting
  • 9:00 am: Event start​​

     Participants should finish in approximately 2-5 hours.
The 2020 CROWBAR Backcountry Ski Race will have 4 divisions: Junior (18 & Under), Recreation, and Race/Heavy Metal. 

The  distances and elevation gains will be similar to previous races. Elevation profiles here

The course will be marked prior to race day. Volunteers will set skin tracks and booters on ascents with passing lanes in critical areas. Skin track condition will be weather dependent.  Please be aware that weather, avalanche conditions, or other factors may require course changes or cancelling the event.

We will award gold crowbars and prizes donated by CROWBAR sponsors to the fastest male and female participants in each division and prize (gear) category
Division
Description
Length (miles)
Vertical (feet)
Booters
(#)
Maps/ Profiles
Junior
Short, FUN course for those under 18!  Juniors may be accompanied by an adult. 
4
2,000
1
2019 Junior Course
Rec
​Ideal for the average backcountry enthusiast. Three moderate climbs and fun powder-filled descents.
5.4
2,900
1
2019 Rec course
Race
Five big climbs and quad-burning descents, and two technical booters.  No groomers here! 
9.3
5,400
2
2019 Race course
One unique challenge of holding a ski race entirely in the backcountry is developing a course that is safe and fun regardless of the conditions.  Use these resources to stay up to date on course conditions:Certain conditions may require us to significantly alter the course routes or cancel the event.  We can't control the conditions, but we will do our best to adjust and put on a safe race.  Please review the Registration and Refund Policy.
  • Avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel)
  • Helmet
  • Light jacket

​We will check for all gear before the event starts.

The CROWBAR is a self-supported event.  There are no aid stations on the course.  Participants must carry all food, water, and equipment.  Volunteers at checkpoints will only have emergency supplies.
Sign up at Ultrasignup!

Discounted registration will be available until February 1, 2020.  Prices for Race / Rec / Junior divisions will be $60 / $50 / $25.  

Week of registration (February 2-6) prices will increase by $20, so the prices will be 80$ / 70$ / 45$ for Race / Rec / Junior divisions respectively. 

The combined ski/binding weight cutoff for the Elite Race/Heavy Metal division is 1,450g (51 oz) per ski.  If your setup is below this weight, then you are required to register for the Race division. 

Also, please print and sign the Nordic United Waiver ahead of time.
There are no refunds if you do not participate in or complete the event.  If the event is cancelled for reasons or conditions beyond our control, we may return a portion of your registration fee but cannot guarantee if or how much until after determining the overall costs incurred.
Parking is limited at the Swan Flat trailhead where the race starts.  We will only allow cars with three or more people to park at the trailhead.  Meet at First Dam at the mouth of Logan Canyon between 6:45-7:15am to informally consolidate cars.

Additional, overflow parking is also available at Sink Hollow Trailhead,  Peter Sinks Trail Head (1.5 miles east of Swan Flat) and Limber Pine Trail head/Bear Lake Summit (2.4 miles east of Swan Flat)

You can also sign up on the 2020 Carpool Signup Sheet
We need volunteers to help put on CROWBAR!  Help includes:
  • Pre-event promotion
  • Lining up sponsors
  • Marking the course
  • Preparing food and race bags
  • Vehicle parking
  • Check-in
  • Course checkpoints
If you would like to help, fill out the volunteer form here, or contact the event coordinator.

Contact us

Ryan Choi
Race Director
crowbar@nordicunited.org

Lodging Options