The Abominable Snow Triathlon
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Event overview
The Abominable Snow Tri takes place Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Cannonsburg Ski Area in Belmont, Michigan. The event offers multiple formats: a winter triathlon, a duathlon (run/bike), a triathlon relay for three-person teams, a fat-bike-only event, and a run-only event. Single-discipline options are a 5K run or a 10K fat-bike. Race entries include medals, food, and post-race beverages; the triathlon entry specifically includes a custom snow-globe medal and a sweatshirt, and other entries can upgrade to the sweatshirt for $20. A “Double Down Challenge” option pairs this race with another winter triathlon for an additional $10; that challenge is limited to triathlon entrants. Proceeds benefit Cannonsburg Ski Patrol.
Courses and logistics
Courses use the ski area trail system and are color marked: run (blue), bike (orange), ski (green). The run consists of two loops on the Dirt Dawg and Haunted Forest trails for about 5K and can be technical with steep hills and quick turns; traction devices are recommended if there is snow. The bike is a nearly 10K groomed loop, mostly single track with about 450 ft of elevation gain; fat bikes with tires at least 3.8 in are required and studded tires are permitted. The cross-country ski loop is roughly 1.8 miles; classic and skate skiing are allowed, and if no snow the ski loop is replaced by an extra run loop. Transition is open only to multi-discipline racers, uses summer-style bike racks (six bikes per rack), and has designated mount/dismount lines. There is one aid station at the transition exit; no aid stations are on course, but cold water and hot Gatorade will be available. Post-race food and beverages are provided on site and participants must keep their bib as the food and drink ticket. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
