So the cold, snowy days of winter are here. But that doesn’t mean the racing has to stop!
Winter triathlon, the run-bike-ski cousin of swim-bike-run is a fun way for triathletes to spend time outside in the fresh air during the traditional tri offseason. "A growing multisport discipline, the cross-training benefits of winter triathlon training are huge," said Jason Lamoreaux, longtime race director of Alaska’s Tri-Flake Winter Triathlon, which hosted USA Triathlon Winter Triathlon National Championships in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
“A great thing about winter tri is that just about any form of activity will help build fitness for this event,” Lamoreaux said. “Between running, biking, and Nordic skiing, you are using just about every muscle group in your body.”
The composition of winter triathlon can vary and is often dictated by the race director and snow conditions, but traditionally, the USA Triathlon Winter Triathlon National Championships are comprised of a run, a bike (it’s common to see competitors ride a fat-tire bike, running tires with low PSI) and a cross-country ski (either classic or skate-ski) —all done on snow.
Ever-changing snow conditions can make the cross-country skiing part of the sport slightly unpredictable — a good way to sharpen skills for your summer triathlon races. And for those without access to snow, roller skiing on pavement is a good way to practice for cross-country skiing.
What about clothing gear? Lamoreaux’s top tip: Practice layering.
“Clothing is probably the hardest part to get right for an event like this. Your body generates a lot of heat when running, but then you are faced with the bike leg where things like hands and feet are exposed more and encountering more wind. Too much sweating during the run can result in getting chilled or worse during the bike,” Lamoreaux said. “Then you have to figure out how to work your fingers to change from bike equipment into ski boots.”
Figure out how your body works with different layer choices, Lamoreaux said and have options available for race day if the weather is different.
A Fun Community
World Triathlon hosts the Winter Triathlon World Championships each year, and the U.S. annually sends a small, but mighty, age group Team USA squad. Longtime Team USA member Sheri Schrock loves the camaraderie among the athletes from the European countries, and she often stays at the same team hotels as the German and Austrian competitors, so the teams can dine together.
“We have a tradition that after the race, the ‘loser’ buys the winner a bottle of champagne,” said Schrock who was a member of the three-strong Team USA squad in 2018. “Being new to winter tri and not having a USA coach at Worlds, we needed a mentor to understand how things run. Hans Peter Grunebach, one of the top German competitors, looked after me that year and the following years. Even though his wife Marianne and I battle it out every year, Hans Peter has kept me informed of what’s going on.”
Fellow Team USA member David Lasorsa also appreciates the tight-knit and supportive community of winter triathlon and instantly fell in love with the sport at his first winter triathlon.
“During my first winter tri in Anchorage I saw a person competing in a pink tutu and another in a leopard-skin suit,” Lasorsa said. “That convinced me this is the kind of sport I could love!” he said.”
What Athletes Are Saying About Winter Tri
“Winter triathlon is a fun way to train in the offseason. Playing in a winter wonderland is magical.” — Barbara Kostner
“Winter triathlon will make you a better summer athlete. It gets me training outdoors in the winter and gives me a new way to challenge myself.”— Chris Wodke
“Winter tri is so much less stressful than other racing — it's a small sport and there is great camaraderie. You don't have to be proficient at skate-skiing, you can start with skin skis and not worry about waxing. Just put your skis in the tracks and do classic-style.” — David Lasorsa.
“Winter tri is excellent cross training — Nordic ski helped my run speed big time. Advice: Don’t overdress. You will sweat. Invest in good underlayers — windbreaker underpants are a thing and they are great.” — Noah Billings
2025 USA Triathlon Winter National Championships
February 15-16 | Breckenridge, Colo.
2025 Winter Nationals is headed to Breckenridge, Colorado! For the second year, Winter Nationals will be hosted alongside the Breckebeiner at the Gold Run Nordic Center.
Nestled in the Rockies, Gold Run Nordic Center offers the perfect spot to host Winter Nationals. You'll run, bike and ski across 30,000 acres of groomed cross-country ski trails, finishing with picturesque Breckenridge around you. Athletes can race in the Winter Triathlon National Championships (run-bike-ski) and the Winter Duathlon National Championships (run-ski). Both National Championships have sprint and intermediate distances. Plus, you can qualify to compete for Age Group Team USA at 2026 Winter World Championships Italy!
No gear? No problem! Gold Run Nordic Center offers ski and fat-bike rentals, plus they have a full-service ski shop. You can find more information about rentals on the FAQ page.
Whether you've raced before or want to try a winter multisport format, challenge yourself, embrace the chill and experience competing in one of the most scenic locations in the U.S.!
"The snow at last year’s Breckebeiner was fantastic," said Mike McCormack, Breckebeiner and Winter Nationals Race Director. "This year’s is nearly double that already. So super-fantastic, I guess? It’s perfect for a national championship! We’re thrilled to once again welcome the winter triathlon and duathlon communities back to the beautiful Gold Run Nordic Center in Breckenridge. Along with our grooming and race operations teams, we’ve been looking forward to this weekend all year. See you in Breck on February 15-16!"
Winter Triathlon and Winter Duathlon 101
In this webinar, USA Triathlon Certified Coach Heather Helzer and Winter Worlds age-group Team USA athlete Sheri Schrock discuss what you need to know about trying the exciting format of Winter Tri! Mike McCormick, 2024 and 2025 Winter National Championships race director, also shares information about the Nationals event in February in Breckenridge, Colorado.
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