CROWBAR Backcountry Ski Race

Join us for the 15th Anniversary of CROWBAR on Saturday January 21st 2023! 

Crowbar is currently full, however you can still join the waitlist on Ultrasignup​
Registration opens November 30th, 2022 on Ultrasignup.  Register before January 1 for the best price. 

2022 Race photos can be found (and purchased) here!  ​https://ronwinsettimages.smugmug.com/2022-Crowbar-Race/

CROWBAR News

  • CROWBAR 2023 is scheduled for Saturday, January 21, 2023
  • New for the 15th Anniversary of CROWBAR, we'll have a special Pinner Category within the Rec division (75mm non-pivot tele bindings), planning other special events and swag too!
  • Registration opens November 30th, with discounted prices through December 31, 2021
  • Race will be held up Logan Canyon at Swan Flat Trail Head (Logan Canyon Summit State Sheds). 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.

Rules-
  1. Basic equipment rules can be found here (also scroll down for Mandatory Equipment)
  2. Click here for the full set of Skimo rules. 
  3. The bottom line:
  • Stick to the marked course. 
  • Notify  checkpoint volunteers if dropping from the race
  • Transition only in the designated areas (poles must be grounded)
  • Skis must be attached to pack  in at least two locations for booters
  • One parent or coach may accompany 1st season Jr racers, but should refrain from physically assisting them with equipment and transitions unless unavoidable
CROWBAR will be held at the Swan Flat trailhead located approximately 28 miles up Logan Canyon (US 89) from Logan, Utah. 
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 2022 CROWBAR Backcountry Ski Race will have 4 divisions: Junior (18 & Under), Recreation, and Race/Heavy Metal.  Note that Race and Heavy Metal Participants will need a Via Ferrata kit (improvised kit is allowed: Harness, 2 carabiners and a 36" -48" runner).

The course will be marked prior to race day. Volunteers will set skin tracks (Green Flags) and booters (Yellow Flags) on ascents with passing lanes in critical areas. Descents are marked with Red Flags. 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 and Rec
​Ideal for the average backcountry enthusiast.  Four climbs and fun powder-filled descents.  
​Juniors may be accompanied by an adult. 
Pinners sign up for the Rec course! (75mm non-pivot tele bindings)
5.5
2,300
1
2022 Junior & Rec Course
Race
Five big climbs and quad-burning descents, and two technical booters including a Via Ferratta.  ​
7.0
3,700
2
2022 Race Div 
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
  • Hydration (at least 1 liter)
  • Race division (Elite and Heavy Metal) will need a Via Ferrata kit (improvised kit is allowed: Harness, 2 carabiners and a 36" -48" runner)

​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 December 31, 2022.

After December 31,  prices will increase by $20

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.  Rollovers to next year will be at the RD's discretion (better have a good excuse). 
Parking is limited at the Swan Flat trailhead where the race starts.  Carpooling is strongly encouraged!

Additional, overflow parking is also available at the Sinks Winter Trailhead (1.5 miles from Swan Flats when heading in the direction of Bear Lake) where a shuttle will take you to the venue. The shuttle is a new addition for the 2023 event.
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

Gordon Gianniny
2023 Race Director
crowbar@nordicunited.org

Lodging Options

Food Sponsors

General Sponsors

Nordic United is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Donations are tax-deductible.

​Nordic United
PO Box 3352, Logan, UT 84323
webmaster@nordicunited.org