11th Annual Abominable Snow Race

Lake Geneva’s winter obstacle race brings the mud run concept to frozen Wisconsin with a 5K or 10K course that winds through snowy terrain, over cargo nets, through icy water crossings, and past themed obstacles designed to test your grit when temperatures are barely above freezing. The vibe is more fun than fierce—costumes are encouraged, teams cheer each other through the cold zones, and the post-race party with hot drinks and food trucks celebrates every finisher equally. First-timers and serious obstacle racers mix comfortably, united by the slightly absurd commitment to running through snow in January.

The race typically happens on a Saturday in late January or early February, with wave starts beginning mid-morning to take advantage of the warmest part of the day (which still means 20s or low 30s). Registration includes a T-shirt, finisher medal, and access to the post-race party with warming stations and vendor tents. Bring multiple changes of clothes—one for racing, one for immediately after when you’re soaked and cold, and one for the post-race hang when you’ve warmed up. Parking at the venue is free but prepare for muddy, slushy conditions in the lot.

Make this a full winter weekend by booking a lakeside rental on Lake.com with a hot tub or sauna for post-race recovery. Race Saturday morning, spend the afternoon thawing out and napping at your rental, then head into downtown Lake Geneva for dinner and evening drinks. The contrast between frozen obstacle course intensity and warm lakeside recovery makes for the kind of weekend story you’ll tell for years. If you’re spectating rather than racing, bundle up and claim a spot near popular obstacles where you can heckle friends and strangers with equal enthusiasm.