Fatbikes dueling skis, dueling snowboards? It’s finally going to happen.
Fatbikes are now a common, if impressive, sight on the trails in winter — at least in Minnesota. But we’ve never seen fatbikers run a downhill slalom course against a skier or a snowboarder.
We soon will. On March 4th and 5th, Spirit Mountain in Duluth, Minn., will host the second Frosted Fatty Weekend. Two days of fatbike demos, XC bike races, music, and for the first time, dual head-to-head slalom races pitting skis against snowboards against fat tires.
Frosted Fatty Weekend
Event organizers expect more than 300 participants from around the country, mostly fatbikers, to compete for upwards of $5,000 in prizes. There will be plenty of activities for spectators as well: live music, food and beverage tastings, family activities, and a silent auction.
The event is primarily for fatbikers, with downhill and XC races. The only event for skiers and snowboarders is the downhill slalom head-to-head-to-head.
The interdisciplinary slalom races will be winner-takes-all. And if you don’t know how competitive skiers are against fatbikers, check out this cross-country race below.
The event, sponsored by canvas pack-maker Frost River, will raise money for Spirit Mountain’s All-Weather Trail (AWT). The planned AWT, when finished, would be the Midwest’s only all-season, all-conditions bike trail for events.
Think you’ve got what it takes to be first down the mountain? Pre-registration is open until Feb. 24. The price jumps $10 per event after that date. We’ll definitely be there to see who’s crowned king or queen of the hill.
