You must be registered for the event, have a valid driver’s license, and attend the mandatory driver’s meeting. Drivers with a Learner’s Permit may participate only with a parent, legal guardian, or licensed driver age 21+ in the passenger seat. All drivers must sign a waiver. Participants under 18 must have both parents or guardians sign their waiver.

All passengers must sign a waiver. Passengers under 18 must have both parents or guardians sign their waiver.

Yes. All drivers must attend the meeting for the session they are driving in. We cover rules and important safety notes specific to that day’s conditions. Even if you’ve attended before, conditions and layouts change every event.

Absolutely! Spectators are welcome but must remain on shore. Only checked-in participants wearing a wristband may be on the ice.

If you are a photographer or videographer who would like to access the ice to create content, please review our Media Access Policy.

Registered participants may walk on the ice in the staging area. Be cautious—the ice is extremely slick. Ice traction devices (Yaktrax, Kahtoola, Korkers, etc.) are strongly recommended.

We welcome most full-size vehicles with passenger restraints and either a factory hard top, factory rollover protection, or a full roll cage. This includes passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, crossovers, specialty track vehicles like Sierra Cars, and side-by side UTVs.

Vehicles without passenger restraints and rollover protection, like ATVs, motorcycles, and snowmobiles are not permitted.

You must present current proof of insurance at tech inspection.

Four-wheel drive vehicles are preferred and may use any tires in good condition with adequate tread depth. Front-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles are permitted provided they are equipped with premium studless winter tires or studded tires and have accessible front and read tow hooks.

Hybrid and electric vehicles are permitted as long as they have never been in an accident (even if repaired). They must have accessible front and rear tow hooks. If only one removable hook is available, it must be installed in the front, with both tow-hook covers removed.

Possibly. The entrance to the lake is a dirt boat ramp that may have potholes or ruts. Snowfall can also affect clearance once on the lake. Since this is technically off-road driving, 5-6 inches of ground clearance is recommended, but the decision is ultimately yours. We are not responsible for vehicle damage.

Winter tires are recommended; studded tires are even better. All-season tires are permitted but will be more difficult to drive on.

Custom studded tires are allowed if they meet our guidelines. Bolt studs (“cheaters”) will likely not be permitted due to surface wear. See the linked document for details. If you have a question about a specific tire or stud type, please ask!

Arctikhana Studs Guide

No. Our events are non-competitive and focused on skill-building and fun. We do not time laps or score drivers.

A quick inspection (about 5 minutes) to verify vehicle safety, insurance, and compliance with event rules. You must pass tech before checking in. An inspector will review a checklist and give you a copy to bring to registration.

Arctikhana Event Rules

Our crew has tow ropes and can assist, but your vehicle must have usable tow points. Please ensure tow hooks and/or straps are installed or accessible.

Helmets are strongly recommended for everyone. DOT-certified helmets are required for vehicles consistently exceeding 35 mph on the course—which most vehicles will not reach without custom studded tires—and for vehicles using bolt studs (aka “cheaters”). Event staff monitor participants and enforce helmet requirements based on these criteria to ensure appropriate protection in higher-risk situations.

You must arrive early enough to complete check-in and tech inspection.
Morning session: 7:30am–8:30am
Afternoon session: 11:30am–12:30pm

Yes, passengers of any age are allowed as long as they are properly restrained as they would be on public roads.

All passengers must sign a waiver. Passengers under 18 must have a parent or guardian present to sign.

Having pets in the vehicle is not recommended. Riding on ice can be rougher than normal driving, with tighter corners and occasional snow drifts. While pets aren’t prohibited, it may not be a comfortable or safe environment for them.

Expect cold and wind. You’ll be outside for registration, tech, and the driver’s meeting. Wear warm layers: heavy coat, gloves, hat, and anything else you need to stay comfortable.

Not at this time. For new drivers, watching others and experimenting with techniques is very effective. Seat time is the best teacher—and our format gives you plenty of it.

We take extensive precautions. Before each event, we check ice thickness and quality at a minimum of eight locations. We do not run events without a consistent 12 inches of quality ice. We also mark natural springs and ice-fishing holes when we find them.

All stopped vehicles must remain at least one car length apart to avoid concentrated loading.

Not if you are following the rules and staying attentive. The driving areas are generally free of obstacles. We space vehicles on course to prevent close running, and passing is not allowed. Always slow or stop if you encounter a slow or stopped vehicle. Outside the course, including staging and parking, idle-speed only.

Yes. Safety and venue requirements mean we do have rules. You can review them at the link provided.

Arctikhana Event Rules