Tug Hill Yeti Quest

Tug Hill Outfitters is hosting a winter, yeti themed adventure race on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in Boonville, NY, at the Black River Environmental Improvement Association (BREIA) Trails https://www.breiax-countryski.org/. Racers must use snowshoes and/or skis to travel during the race (pending snow conditions). Teams will navigate the course using only a map and compass, no GPS allowed, and compete to see who can find the most checkpoints in the least amount of time. If teams don't make it back before the time cut-off, they will lose 1 checkpoint for every minute they're late. A performance winter beanie hat, 1 set of maps per team (with the option to purchase an extra set during registration), snacks, a post race meal, and prizes for top finishing teams are included in the registration price. Team sizes can range from 1-6 people (cap of 4 people for adult teams, but families can race with up to 6 people). There are limited quantities of snowshoe and cross country ski rentals available. 

This race has something for everyone, from families and newcomers, to competitive adventure racers and orienteering teams who are looking for a fun challenge in a cool place! The BREIA Trails, and surrounding lands are a beautiful, remote, winter paradise. If you're into cross country skiing, snowshoeing, orienteering, geocaching, treasure hunting, have seen Eco Challenge Fiji on Amazon, or are looking for a fun new twist on winter sports, this race is for you! We've got some serious fun planned! Are you yeti? 

Race Description: You can choose from four race options:

• 3 Hour Cross County Ski/Snowshoe Race - This family friendly ski/snowshoe orienteering/adventure race will take place on a combination of groomed trails (classic skiing) and the remainder will be off-trail bushwhacking through the woods. Teams may switch between skis and snowshoes whenever you want, or just ski or snowshoe the whole course, it’s up to you! Final course distances are still being determined. There will be a free navigation clinic before the start of this race. 

• 8 Hour Ski & Snowshoe Race - This adventure race will take place on a combination of groomed cross country ski trails (classic skiing) and the remainder will be off-trail bushwhacking through the woods, on either snowshoes or backcountry skis. Final race distances are still being determined. Top teams should be able to clear the course in 8 hours, while other teams will not be able to clear all checkpoints. You can switch between classic skis, backcountry skis, or snowshoes as you choose throughout the race. There may be a designated transition area where you can leave your skis, but if you plan to switch between backcountry skis and snowshoes throughout the duration of the race, you will need to carry them with you. 

• 8 Hour Snowshoe Race - This snowshoe orienteering/adventure race will take place on a combination of groomed trails and the remainder will be off-trail bushwhacking through the woods. Final race distances are still being determined. Top teams should be able to clear the course in 8 hours, while other teams will not be able to clear all checkpoints. There will be at least one designated transition area.

Event Schedule (8 Hour Races) 

• Registration: 6:00 -7:00 AM (Maps distributed at check-in)
• Pre-race briefing - 7:00 AM
• Race Start - 7:30 AM
• Race Finish - 3:30 PM
• Post-race Meal - 3 - 4:00 PM
• Post-race Awards - 4:00 PM

Event Schedule (3 Hour Races)

• Registration: 8 - 9:00 AM (Maps distributed at check-in)
• Navigation Clinic: 8:30 - 9:00 AM
• Pre-race Briefing:  9:00 AM
• Race Start - 9:30 PM
• Race Finish - 12:30 PM
• Post-race Meal - 12:00 - 2:00 PM
• Post-race awards - 1:00 PM

Race Team Categories: 
Men's, Women's, Non-binary - Solo Racers 
Men's, Women's, & Mixed Gender - 2 person teams
Men's, Women's, Mixed Gender - 3 or 4 person teams
Families of 2 to 6 person teams
Prizes for top finishers in each category.

What goes into the cost of putting on an adventure race? Hosting an adventure race can be expensive, and we're doing our best to keep costs down. Our costs include event insurance, food and drinks for race participants and volunteers, participant SWAG, prizes, advertising, gas and equipment costs for maintaining trails and parking areas, permit fees, trail passes, facilities costs (porta-potty rentals, etc.), and printing costs.  

Questions: Contact Tug Hill Outfitters, tughilladventures@gmail.com; 315-807-3696