Fresh snow welcome as Ski North Ultra returns for a second year

The second running of the Ski North Ultra is scheduled for March 7. Race Director Allie Rykken told WTIP that the endurance ski race was inspired by her love for the extensive classic cross-country ski trails on the North Shore.

The event has two distances. The full-length race covers 100 km on a route of state and public trails in the Bally Creek, Cascade River State Park, and Norpine trail systems. Skiers can also opt for a shorter, 38 km route. When Rykken first launched the race in 2025, she said she wasn’t sure what the appetite would be for such a long ski race. The long route is nearly double the length of the American Birkebeiner’s classic race, which takes classic skiers 53 km from Cable to Hayward, Wis.

Rykken told WTIP that last year the snow conditions were not ideal for the inaugural race. She said that snow the night before the race helped with conditions, but that one of the things she learned during the first year of the event was how much snow can change over the course of a 12-hour race. Though conditions were not perfect, Rykken said that skiers still seemed to enjoy the race. “The cool part about it was, despite all of like, the more the challenging aspects, people were so delighted coming off the trails,” she said.

In this second year of the Ski North Ultra, Rykken said that the race organizers have made some adjustments. The course is altered slightly from the 2025 route, in part ot improve the skier experience on the end stretch. She also said that she worked with Visit Cook County to better engage with local businesses and craftspeople.

Rykken said that not only will the post-race celebration be held at Cascade Restaurant, but she was able to secure prizes for this year that reflect the art community in Cook County. She said some skiers will be taking home a turned wooden bowl by Cooper Ternes, a handthrown mug by Adrea Berres, or a painting of a classic track by Dave Gilsvik.

With nearly two weeks left until the event, only time will tell what trail conditions might look like, but Rykken said she is more confident this year than last year. She added that there are still race slots open in the 100 km race, and a chance that the race organizers might add some extra spots to the 38 km race, letting participants in off the waitlist. More information on the event, including race sign-up and information on how to volunteer, can be found on the Ski North Ultra website.

WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski spoke with Allie Rykken about the 2026 Ski North Ultra. Audio of that interview is below.

Kirsten Wisniewski February 24, 2026