Snowshoe & Fat Bike & Ski Races
Virtual January 22 – 28, 2022
In Person January 29, 2022
The 2022 Powder Keg will be a hybrid event, giving everyone the chance to participate virtually and in-person. Our in-person event is back on track and will include snowshoe and fat bike options happening on Saturday, January 29th in Eau Claire. You’ll have groomed trails, friendly volunteers, and the chance to get outdoors for the day!
The virtual version will include options for snowshoeing, fat biking, an cross country skiing with marked courses for each. Registered virtual racers can do as many events as you want between January 22nd and January 28th, 2022.
All events will be staged out of the Eau Claire County Expo Center in partnership with the Eau Claire Curling Club and Lowes Creek County Park. Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Powder Keg 2022 Facebook Page.
Virtual Participant FAQ and Instructions
Events and Options
Snowshoe (In-Person and Virtual)
We will set up 5K and 10K courses for 2022. You can choose your distance or you can do both as individual events. Course information will be available as we get closer to the event dates.
Fat Bike (In-Person and Virtual)
We will set up the course which will include groomed trails at Lowes Creek County Park. You can choose to enter into the categories of 1 or 2 laps. Tires must be 3.5” or larger. Course information will be available as we get closer to the event dates.
Cross Country Ski (Virtual only)
We will set up a ski course that will allow you to either do skate skiing or classic. You can choose to do 1 or 2 laps of the course. Course information (approximately 5K) will be available as we get closer to the event dates.
Triple Snowball (Virtual only)
Do it all. This can be in any order and includes one lap of each that you choose. Results will be tallied separately for those that do the 5K versus the 10K snowshoe portion. To be eligible for an award in this category the goal is to complete all three in one effort but don’t let that stop you from trying all three anyway!
In all cases, please remember that none of the trails are closed to the public so be aware of others out there as you are snowshoeing, fat biking, and skiing.
Off-Site Option (Virtual only)
Do you live outside of Eau Claire or otherwise not find yourself anywhere near Lowes Creek during the time of the Powder Keg? Never fear, as long as you find some snow you can participate anywhere. This is a non-competitive option but you will be able to log your results. Snowshoe, Fat Bike, or x-country ski.
Volunteers
We will be looking for volunteers to help with course setup, take down, and to do daily checks of all the courses to ensure the marking is good to go. Volunteer Sign Up.
Additional Information
CORBA does reserve the right to cancel or postpone the in-person event due to weather or COVID health guidelines and is not able to offer refunds. We ask that participants at the in-person event adhere to the following:
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Wear a mask if unvaccinated
- Maintain appropriate social distancing
- Have fun
Registration
When you register, you will choose between the In-Person, Virtual, or both options. For the In-Person, we ask you to select your event (snowshoe, fat bike or both) and you will participate on January 29th. In-person online registration will close on Wednesday, January 26th at 10pm and day of sign up will be available. In-person registration will be available on the day of the event at an increased price.
For the virtual, there is no need to choose your event(s) ahead of time. You will simply register once, and you can participate in any or all of the events. You will participate at your convenience during the period between January 21st – January 28th (dusk). Virtual participation is not allowed on January 29th. Registration for the virtual will remain open until Wednesday, January 26th at 10pm.
Those participating in the virtual event and choose to receive swag are welcome to come out to the race and pick up your packet during the event. You can also come out to volunteer. Click here to sign up for volunteer positions. Packets not picked up at the race will be mailed.
Race Day Schedule
- 7:00 – 8:15 am: Packet pickup and same day registration (bikes by 8:15am, snowshoes until 10:30am)
- 8:30 am: Fat Bike Start
- 11:00 am: Snowshoe Start (long and short courses)
Swag
Registered participants (who chose the swag option) and volunteers will receive the 2022 Powder Keg Beanie.
Visit the Powder Keg Facebook Event Page
Volunteering
Events like the Powder Keg could not happen without the help of our tremendous volunteer community. There are plenty of spots to choose from including checking the course during the week to ensure it’s set for those participating virtually to course marshaling (helping those racing with directions and assistance) on race day, to baking some fresh cookies.
If you’re interested in volunteering:
- Head over to the trail log page and fill out the General Waiver
- Sign up for a spot (or a few!)
- For volunteers who are members of CORBA, this will count towards entry into the CORBA “Win Gear” drawing. So head back to the trail log page after your volunteer and submit your hours
- Powder Keg
December 15, 2021 - January 28, 2022
7:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Venue: Eau Claire Expo Center/Lowes Creek County Park
Address: