As a gear tester, I usually focus on how equipment handles the stress of a standard 6-hour ski day. But what happened at Trollhaugen earlier this month pushes the boundaries of both human endurance and gear durability into uncharted territory.
On January 9th, 2026, the Wisconsin resort hosted the "Longest Lap" contest—a grueling 16.5-hour endurance event centered entirely around their legendary Valhalla rope tow. The premise was simple but technically demanding: ride from 10:00 AM until 2:30 AM the next morning.
From an equipment standpoint, rope tows are notoriously abrasive. They shred gloves, wear down outerwear, and demand constant isometric tension from the upper body. To do this for nearly 17 continuous hours isn't just a fun challenge; it's a torture test.
The Metrics
The data coming out of this event is staggering. Out of 28 starters, 15 participants managed to complete the full duration. The tracking was handled via Strava, requiring participants to actively manage their recording devices—a logistical layer that adds to the mental fatigue.
Nick Drye took the overall win on skis, clocking a massive 218.79 miles. To put that in perspective:
- Average Speed: Maintaining ~13.2 mph (average moving speed) for 16.5 hours.
- Vertical Demand: While total vertical feet weren't the primary metric, the repetitive impact of thousands of short laps on a rope tow creates a unique strain on suspension systems (knees and ankles) compared to long chairlift rests.
The battle for the top spot was incredibly tight. Snowboarder Jayva Jordan finished less than 1.1 miles behind Drye, proving that the efficiency gap between two planks and one is negligible when the motor is relentless determination.
Performance Breakdown
Here is the data hierarchy from the event:
| Category | Athlete | Distance (Miles) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall / Top Ski Men | Nick Drye | 218.79 | The benchmark for future attempts |
| Top Snowboard Women | Jayva Jordan | 217.71 | < 0.5% difference from 1st place |
| Top Snowboard Men | Kyle Kennedy | 214.41 | Consistent high-output pace |
| Top Ski Women | Dorothy Grundin | 174.48 | Strong endurance showing |
Group Stats:
- Total Mileage: 3,336.33 miles (roughly the distance from New York to London)
- Total Laps: 11,740
Gear Implications: Surviving the Tow
For anyone considering a rope tow session—let alone a 16-hour marathon—your standard kit will likely fail. The friction from the rope destroys synthetic materials instantly.
If you are planning to hit a tow-heavy park like Trollhaugen, here is the essential loadout to prevent equipment failure:
- Heavy-Duty Leather Gloves: Do not use your $150 Gore-Tex powder gloves. You need thick, treated leather. The Kinco 901 Ski Glove is the industry standard for tow operations due to its abrasion resistance.
- Glove Protectors: Many dedicated tow lappers use secondary leather patches or "tow mitts" over their primary gloves.
- Durable Outerwear: Repeatedly rubbing against the rope can pill or tear lightweight shells. I recommend 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro or heavy canvas-style pants. A solid option for durability is the Flylow Baker Bib, which features reinforced knees and cuffs.
The Verdict
While this specific event wasn't officially adjudicated by Guinness World Records, the resort plans to have officials present for the next iteration. Given the mileage logged here, the current benchmarks for rope tow endurance are set incredibly high.
The "Longest Lap" proves that midwest ski culture—often overlooked by big mountain enthusiasts—possesses a level of grit that is hard to quantify, but easy to respect.
Source: Unofficial Networks
