Frosty Mountain Ultra
Saturday, September 12, 2026 – 12KM | 27KM | 50KM
The Frosty Mountain Ultra Trail Race is one of British Columbia’s most scenic mountain trail running events. Located in the E.C. Manning Provincial Park, British Columbia, Frosty offers an unforgettable mountain adventure through stunning alpine meadows, breathtaking wilderness and rugged alpine terrain. Scenic Lightning Lake is the location of the start and distance for all distances of this event. Join us for a true challenge that has it all. Spectacular distances include 13K, 27K and 50K designed to showcase the incrediblte beauty of Manning Park.
The Frosty Mountain Ultra was founded in 2009 by Gottfried Grosser. Gottfried passed away in 2021. His vision and passion continue to guide this event. We are honoured to follow in his footsteps and preserve his legacy. Come challenge yourself and experience the beauty of Manning Park.
Important Updates
- August 26, 2026 – Routes for 27K and 50K were updated on new website. Please update your GPX files if you have downloaded these routes prior to today. Previous routes included detour from last year (2025) that are no longer valid. Our apologizes and thanks.
- Sept 1, 2026 – Package pickup changed from Wednesday to Thursday 5 – 7 p.m.
Race page navigation is now on the webpage header. Hover over the section name, e.g., Course Info, to see the contents included in that section. The Printable racer information button will be updated closer to the event, so please check back. We will be linking to the Live Race Day Results via the button…on race day.
Course Information
The race is held in Manning Provincial Park at the Lightning Lake Day Use area. Manning Park is a 3 hour drive east from Vancouver, BC. Allow plenty of time on race day or spend the night before at the campground or lodge. All races start and finish at Lightning Lake Day Use area.
Elevation gain and course profile are on the Map & Description for each distance.
| Event | Mandatory Gear Check | Racer Check-In Deadline | Mandatory Pre-Brief | Race Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50K | Yes before 07:00 a.m. | 07:10 a.m. | 07:15 a.m. | 07:30 a.m. |
| 27K | Yes before 08:00 a.m. | 08:10 a.m. | 08:15 a.m. | 08:30 a.m. |
| 13K | No | 09:10 a.m. | 09:15 a.m. | 09:30 a.m. |
Mandatory Gear Check
Weather in the mountains can change very quickly. We want all our runners to be prepared. For safety you must carry some mandatory gear.
- Mandatory gear is, well mandatory for both the 50K and 27K distances.
- You MUST COMPLETE mandatory gear check race day morning and get a completion sticker/card BEFORE proceeding to Racer Check-In/Package Pickup.
- Please read the Mandatory Checklist carefully and make sure you have all your gear before heading to Manning Park. There is no where to purchase mandatory items at Manning Park and you will not be allow to race if you are missing gear.
Course Cutoff Times
- 1:30 p.m. – 50K first cut-off time at 27K into the course is located at Aid Station #3 (Tom’s Bench)
- 5:30 p.m. – 50K second cut-off time at 44K into the course is located at Aid Station #5 (Strawberry Flats)
- 6:30 p.m. – The course (finish line) closes
Aid Stations
Due to the remote location of the race, aid will be limited. Please be prepared and plan to carry lots of water and nutrition. First Aid personnel will be onsite. Please see Aid Station Distance and Elevation Information.
Water stations will have water only.
Aid stations will have water, pop, energy gels, bars, various candy, chips and fresh fruit.
| Events | Aid Station Name | Aid Station Type | Distance from Start | Distance to next AS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50K | #1 Windy Joe | Water Only | 8K | 12K |
| 50K | #2 Frosty Camp | Water Only | 20K | 7K |
| 50K | #3 Tom’s Bench | Aid Station | 27K | 10K |
| 50K | #4 Skyline Junction | Aid Station | 37K | 7K |
| 50K | #5 Strawberry Flats | Aid Station | 44K | 6K to finish |
| 27K | #1 Windy Joe | Water Only | 8K | 12K |
| 27K | #2 Frosty Camp | Water Only | 20K | 7K to finish |
| 13K | #6 Spruce Bay Beach | Aid Station | 9K | 5K to finish |
Course Maps
View the course route information by choosing the distance. The buttons in the next row will provide you with two options. 1) An interactive map with elevation profile and a turn by turn course description or, 2) a static map with written course description. Links to download a GPX file or a PDF printable document are on each tab.
The Frosty Mountain Ultra Trail Race is one of British Columbia’s most scenic mountain trail running events. Located in the E.C. Manning Provincial Park, Frosty offers an unforgettable mountain adventure through breathtaking wilderness and rugged alpine terrain.
The Frosty Mountain Ultra 13K starts and finishes at picturesque Lightning Lake Day Use area in E.C. Manning Provincial Park. The route circles the shores of Lightning Lake with flowing single-track trails, gentle rolling terrain and stunning lakeside scenery. There is minimal elevation gain.
Course Description Instructions
Do NOT use the course description for course navigation. Changes to the course can happen right up to race day depending on weather and trail conditions. The racecourse will be well marked with pink and black striped flagging tape, pink flags, signs, and marshals at key intersections.
The Frosty Mountain Ultra Trail Race is one of British Columbia’s most scenic mountain trail running events. Located in the E.C. Manning Provincial Park, Frosty offers an unforgettable mountain adventure through breathtaking wilderness and rugged alpine terrain.
The Frosty Mountain Ultra 27K starts and finishes at picturesque Lightning Lake Day Use area in E.C. Manning Provincial Park. The route follows the scenic Similkameen trail before climbing through beautiful forests and alpine meadows toward the Windy Joe /Frosty Junction. Runners continue to the summit of Windy Joe Mountain. Next is the traverse toward Frosty Mountain, the highest peak in Manning Park at 2,426 metres (7,959 feet). The route returns toward Lightning Lake and the finish line after experiencing the spectacular mountain scenery of the Frosty area.
Course Description Instructions
Do NOT use the course description for course navigation. Changes to the course can happen right up to race day depending on weather and trail conditions. The racecourse will be well marked with pink and black striped flagging tape, pink flags, signs, and marshals at key intersections.
The Frosty Mountain Ultra Trail Race is one of British Columbia’s most scenic mountain trail running events. Located in the E.C. Manning Provincial Park, Frosty offers an unforgettable mountain adventure through breathtaking wilderness and rugged alpine terrain.
The Frosty Mountain Ultra 50K starts and finishes at picturesque Lightning Lake Day Use area in E.C. Manning Provincial Park. The route follows the scenic Similkameen trail before climbing through beautiful forests and alpine meadows toward the Windy Joe /Frosty Junction. Runners continue to the summit of Windy Joe Mountain. Next is the traverse toward Frosty Mountain, the highest peak in Manning Park at 2,426 metres (7,959 feet). The route returns toward Lightning Lake after experiencing the spectacular mountain scenery of the Frosty area.
The 50K route continues through the S. Gibson Trail and Lightning Lake Loop. The climb up the Skyline Trail begins. This trail features the incredible 360-degree panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains before descending back to the finish at Lightning Lake.
Course Description Instructions
Do NOT use the course description for course navigation. Changes to the course can happen right up to race day depending on weather and trail conditions. The racecourse will be well marked with pink and black striped flagging tape, pink flags, signs, and marshals at key intersections.
Event Information
Race Day Schedule
| 06:15 a.m. | Gear Check & Racer Check-In Opens |
| 07:15 a.m. | 50K Race Prebrief – Mandatory |
| 07:30 a.m. | RACE START – 50K |
| 08:15 a.m. | 27K Race Prebrief – Mandatory |
| 08:30 a.m. | RACE START – 27K |
| 09:15 a.m. | 13K Race Prebrief – Mandatory |
| 09:30 a.m. | RACE START – 13K |
| 01:30 p.m. | 50K First cut-off at Tom’s Bench Aid Station |
| 05:30 p.m. | 50K Second cut-off at Strawberry Flats Aid Station |
| Awards | Shortly following arrival of 3rd place finisher |
Package Pickup
- Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Running Room North Vancouver.
- Friday, September 11, 2026 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Manning Park Resort, Cabin Number TBA
- Race Day, Saturday, September 12, 2026 at the race start 40 minutes before your race start time.
Race Day Check-In
- EVERYONE MUST CHECK IN 30 minutes before race start, even if you picked up your race package before race day. This is mandatory for safety reasons.
Dry/Drop Bags
- DROP/DRY BAGS with a change of dry, warm clothes, may be dropped off near race day check-in.
- Please ensure your bag is clearly labeled with your bib number, name and race distance.
- 50K racers – your drop bags will be transported and available at Tom’s Bench aid station #3 (27K mark). Your bag will be returned to the finish line.
Cup-less
- All Trail Whisperer Race Series events are now cup-free events. This means you’ll need to pack your own container for fluids at aid stations. Bring one for the finish line as well. For example, a foldable cup or packable style bottle.
Awards & Prizes
- Top three by gender category, by event will receive CAD$50 gift card.
- Awards will be presented shortly following the arrival of the top three, by gender category in each event.
- Every racer will receive a finisher medal at the finish line.
- Every racer will receive an event t-shirt and a ticket for the BBQ.
Event Policies, Rules, Safety & Etiquette
- We are a community-minded event. We want our racers, along with volunteers, family, and friends, to have a great experience. This includes other community members and travellers enjoying the Manning Park trails.
- To help us with this goal, please review our Race Rules and Etiquette. and our Event Policies.
RunGo App
RunGo navigation and live tracking, for racers and spectators, is free for all Trail Whisperer events. Check out the instructions for use.
Parking & Carpooling
- There is a parking at Lightning Lake Day Use area.
- CARPOOLING IS RECOMMENDED.
Be Bear Aware
- British Columbia is ‘bear country’, and bear encounters can happen almost anywhere. Be bear aware. See the Wildlife Safety – Bears information from BC Parks.
Other Information
Volunteering
Volunteering is an important role for any trail race. You are the “face” of the race, supporting the racers through all aspects of the race, as well as being good Trail Whisperer ambassadors for spectators, other volunteers and the public. Volunteers will receive a ton of appreciation and other goodies from race organizers and racers alike!
Check out the Volunteer page for additional information. To register select the Volunteer Button at the top or bottom of this page. You may also Contact Us with any questions about volunteering.
Training Tips
Take your training seriously. Trail racing can be difficult and challening. We do not recommended signing up for longer distances if this is your first trail race. You will be climbing steep trails, running on narrow technical trails, avoiding roots, rocks and sometimes wildlife. Training is key to a successful race at any distance.
There are many coaches who provide training plans for trail racing. If you live on the lower mainland and would like to find other runners to train with, you may drop into the Trail Whisperer saturday clinics. Unfortunately for Frosty, these do not run in the summer, however, come out for the Winter/Spring clinics and you will likely meet other runners who are training for long distances and need a buddy to run with through the summer months. Trailhead meeting places may be found on our clinics page and are also posted on our Facebook Group.
Fundraising
We support our community partners. When you register for a race, CAD$5 goes to support the Canadian Ski Patrol. You may also donate to any other organizations listed.
Where to Stay
Manning Park Resort is ideal for lodging, however space is very limited during the summer months, so you must book as soon as possible.
Camping is available: Lightning Lakes campground is in the Reservation system and can be booked up to 4 months in advance of the booking date. Other campgrounds are approximately 50% reserve and 50% first come, first served. All reservations must go through the BC Parks Reservation Service.
What to do Nearby
There are many things to do in E.C. Manning Park. The park sits in the heart of the Cascade Mountian. An extraordinarily diverse landscape, easy access, and countless recreational opportunities make this one of British Columbia’s most populare parks. Check out things to do in E.C. Manning Park on the BC Parks website.
Other Things
Make sure you bring what you need for your race. Other than a small grocery/souvineer shop, there is no shopping available at Manning Park. If you are picking up your package on Wednesday at the The Running Room, North Shore, you will have the opportunity to pick up additional running gear or nutrition for your race.
Questions?
Contact Us with your questions or comments. We will do our best to respond within three business days.
Registration
- Registration opens on December 24, 2025.
- Registration fees are in CAD and include an event t-shirt, race bib, access to fully stocked aid stations, finish line BBQ, finisher’s medal and a $5 donation to the Canadian Ski Patrol.
- NO RACE DAY REGISTRATIONS.
- On-Line registration is closed on September 9th, 2026.
- Note: The Race Roster registration platform will add processing fees to the prices listed below.
Insurance
- Event Insurance – Trail Whisperer protects your registration fees with event cancellation insurance.
- Optional Racer Refund Insurance – You have the option to purchase personal refund protection through Race Roster Enhanced Refund Protection Program when you register.
| Event | Early Bird Dec 24th to April 15, 2026 | Regular Fee April 16th to Sept 8th | NO Race Day Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13K Run | $85 | $100 | — |
| 27K Run | $130 | $145 | — |
| 50K Run | $155 | $175 | — |
Results
LIVE RACE DAY RESULTS
Select the title to see Live results on race day (activated race day).
RESULTS PAGE
See our Results Page for current and past results for this event.
Photos
Go to our Gallery pages to see photos from past years taken by our amazing photographers. Meanwhile, enjoy a selection of photos from current and past events below.
Our Official Photographers
Paul Shepski brings his love of ultra trail racing to the world of photography. He knows the dedication and perseverance it takes to run the trails and is now capturing that essence in others through his spectacular trail racing photos and videos. Paul’s love of the environment takes him to the least expected place on the trails to seize the best opportunity for a great photo of our racers. Do not panic…it is Paul, not a bear!
Check out Paul’s photos of your journey through any Trail Whisperer race. He captures the fun, the sense of accomplishment and even the moment of pain of trail racing. You will find a great photo to remember your race.
Do not forget to check out Paul’s website where you will see the spectacular views from all the mountains he has climbed and photographed, the moments he has captured of racers giving their all and his love of environment in his brand and lifestyle photos.
“I use photography to capture the spirit of trail running, the quiet moments before the start, the intensity of a climb, the relief and pride at the finish line.“
“Through authentic imagery, I want to make trail running feel accessible, inclusive, and inspiring.”
Hello my name is Callum Eastwood, I grew up in the local city of Port Moody, surrounded by forests and mountains that naturally draw people to the trails. With family roots in Burnley, I was raised with a deep appreciation for community, hard work, and the outdoors, values that shape how I approach my creative work today.
While I’ve never been a trail runner myself, running has always been part of my life. My mom is well known in the running community, and through her I’ve seen the strength, resilience, and connection that trail running creates. Being around races, training stories, and the people behind them gave me a unique perspective, not from inside the pack, but from the sidelines, observing the emotion, grit, and joy that make this sport so powerful.
My journey started with my grandpa’s camera, photographing animals in the backyard. What began as childhood curiosity turned into a passion for storytelling through images. Today, I use photography to capture the spirit of trail running, the quiet moments before the start, the intensity of a climb, the relief and pride at the finish line.
I may not be the one racing up the mountain, but I’m passionate about helping more people feel invited into the sport. Through authentic imagery, I want to make trail running feel accessible, inclusive, and inspiring. My goal is to highlight not just performance, but people, and to help grow a community that everyone feels they can be a part of.
Sponsors
We thank our sponsors for supporting our races and making each event an excellent experience for our racers and volunteers. The sponsors below support the Iron Knee/Tender Knee event. Check out our Sponsors page for more information on companies/organizations who sponsor Trail Whisperer Race Series overall.
