CROWBAR Backcountry Ski Race

CROWBAR News

  • CROWBAR 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2025
  • Registration opens December 1st, 2024
  • 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 CROWBAR Backcountry Ski Race will have 4 divisions: Short Course Race Jr (under 18),  Short Course Tour, Long Course Race and Long Course Tour (formally known as "Heavy Metal").  Note that Long Course 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)
Short Course: Race Jr & Tour
Ideal for the average backcountry enthusiast.  Four climbs and fun powder-filled descents.  
Juniors may be accompanied by an adult. 
5
2,500
Long Course: Race & Tour
Five big climbs and quad-burning descents, and two technical booters including a Via Ferrata.  
8
3,600
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.
The combined ski + binding weight cutoff for the "Long Course Tour" division is 1,450g per ski. If your setup weighs less than that, please register for the "Long Course Race" Division
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). A shuttle has been added to allow higher participation (we are parking limited).
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 contact the event coordinator.

Contact us

Race Director
[email protected]

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
[email protected]