Join us for the 2026 Glacier Glide Event!

Saturday, January 17th, 2026

Venue 2026: Big Mountain Nordic Trails at 3315 Big Mountain Road, Whitefish MT

Time:  Start anytime between 9:30am – 11:00am (suggested times below)

In partnership with the City of Whitefish and Whitefish Legacy Partners. Sponsored by Glacier Cyclery and Nordic. 

The Glacier Glide has been held in Whitefish since 1983. It is brought to you by the Glacier Nordic Club, a local non-profit. As we have more consistent snow on the Big Mountain Trails right now, we will have year 2 of Glacier Glide – Mtn Side! 

Details: Come when you can between 9:30am-11:00pm on Jan 17th to race. All starters must begin their race before 11am. Suggested start times are listed below for each event. Individual start format. Start/Finish is on the other side of the bridge, roughly 2km from the Big Mountain Nordic Trailhead. Racers can do classic or skate, but the Viking Challenge is based off skate. (We plan to bring back the pursuit format of skate/classic combined when the races are back at the golf course!) Will have official timing by Competitive Timing. We will be there with cheer, snacks, and race energy! 

There will be both classic and skate race options. The distance options are 1k, 4km, 8km, and 20km (Pursuit Viking Challenge). The non-timed 1km race and cookie loop race for young kids will be held at the Whitefish Golf Course during the Chili lunch around 12:30pm. 

A Chili and Mac & Cheese Lunch is available for racers starting at 12:00pm going until 1pm at the Whitefish Lake Restaurant (1200 US HIGHWAY 93 W) next to the Glacier Nordic Center in town. The price of lunch for all races is included in registration. $10 for all non-racers.  

Awards will be at the restaurant at 12:45/1pm. 

1km & Cookie Scramble (Ages 10 and under) are free and at the Whitefish Lake Golf course at 12:30pm. All other races are at the Big Mountain Trailhead. 

Race registration is ONLINE only! You can register on the day of race, but it must be online. 

First male and female winner of the Adult Viking Challenge gets a:

!!!!! FREE ENTRY INTO THE 2027 AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER 50km !!!!!

(Viking Challenge – 20km Skate or Classic aka “Freestyle”)

Events: 

20km Freestyle (skate or classic) (a course of your dreams and nightmares) – Viking Challenge! – Start between 9:30am-9:45am
8km Skate (1 lap RollerCoaster/1 lap Badger) – Start between 9:45am-10:00am
8km Classic (1 lap RollerCoaster/1 lap Badger) – Start between 9:55am-10:10am
4km Classic (1 lap Badger loop) – Start between 10:00am-10:30am
4km Skate (1 lap Badger loop) – Start between 10:30am-11:00am

(If you do both 4kms, you will need two seperate timing chips)

PLEASE CARPOOL. DO NOT PARK ON HIGHWAY. Overflow parking across the road at Holbrook and we will run a shuttle bus. 

There is no warming hut, so please dress accordingly. 

No registration refunds for race cancellation due to lack of snow or weather.  

This race is a fluoro-free event. Read more about our Fluorocarbon Wax Policy.

This race is part of the new Montana Nordic Cup series.

Awards
Chili lunch starting at 12:00 and awards ceremony at 12:45/1pm.
Male and female top 3 race winners will receive an award and there will be 1st – 6th place ribbons for youth.

Timing & Results  – Competitive Timing

For more information, email glaciernordicskiteam@gmail.com