F.A.Q.

How do I register?

  • Register by mail: Download a registration form at batb.org, and mail it in with your payment to Book Across the Bay, PO Box 307, Ashland WI 54806.
  • Register Online: Visit our “register” page, and then follow the link from the “register online” option. Note that there is a small additional fee for using this service.
  • Register in person: Walk-in registration and will be held from 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. 

How do I know if I’m registered?

If you registered by mail, you can confirm your registration by contacting the Ashland Chamber of Commerce at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

If you registered online, you should receive a confirmation email once your registration is complete. If you still want to check, contact the Ashland Chamber of Commerce at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 


There is an error on my registration form (paper or online). What should I do?

Email the Ashland Chamber of Commerce at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


When and where do I pick up my race packet?

Packet pick-up will be held at the Event Tent in Ashland from 11a - 530p on race day.


I am not able to pick up my race packet. What are my options?

If you cannot make it to packet pick-up you may have another person (family member or friend) pick up your race packet for you.  This person needs to verify all your race information (age, sex, date of birth) to make sure it is all correct. That person is then responsible for getting your packet to you.


I registered but am no longer able to make the event. Can I get a refund?

Entry fees are non-refundable. However, if you are registered for Book Across the Bay you may sell or pass on your registration to another person. In order for this to happen you must send a letter notifying us you are allowing us to change your registration to another person and then that person must fill out a registration form and mail to the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, 1716 W. Lake Shore Drive, Ashland 54806 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  For liability reasons no one can race under your name but you. 


Where can I park on race day?

We're working with the City of Ashland to confirm the event parking plan. Please stay posted here and on our social media for further details.  Parking is available in many parking lots within 2-3 blocks of the start/finish line, as well as on the side streets in downtown Ashland.  However we do ask that you not park in the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic church parking lot as they do have Saturday Night church services at 6pm.


Can I walk or run the event instead of skiing or snowshoeing?

Maybe—this depends on course conditions, which can change right up to race day. If the snow is firm and hard-packed on the course, we will allow walkers or runners. If the snow is soft and deep, snowshoeing is strongly advised because walking or running would be very difficult. Note that walkers or runners must register in WAVE 4 — they are not eligible for any awards, and will not be officially timed.


Does Book Across the Bay have wave starts?

For the sake of safety and to ease congestion, Book Across the Bay starts in four staggered waves. The first wave will start at 6:00 pm and subsequent waves at five-minute intervals after that. We ask that when you register, you choose the wave appropriate to your skill level. The waves are as follows:

  • Wave #1: Competitive skiers and snowshoers
  • Wave #2 and Wave #3: Recreational skiers and snowshoers
  • Wave #4: All walkers and runners (without snowshoers); Skiers and snowshoers who do not wish to be timed.

Please note that Waves #1, #2 and #3 will be timed. Wave #4 will not be timed. All participants in all waves will need to present their numbered bib to gain access to the starting area and course.


Are there port-a-pots on the course?

Yes, both 5k and 8k rest stations have port-a-pots.  There are a limited number of port-a-pots on the course however, so please plan ahead!


Is there a sag wagon on the course?

No. We will have EMT personnel on call, and in the case of injury or accident we will be able to transport somebody off the course. If you are in need of support but are not injured you may have to wait a while for help – injuries come first. If you are worried about being able to finish the event, we strongly encourage you not to participate.


Can I bring my dog/ride my bike/etc?

For purposes of safety and course grooming, no dogs or other animals are allowed on the course during the event. No vehicles with wheels (bicycles, wagons, etc.) are allowed on the course. Participants may pull a sled if they wish.


Is the course groomed for classical-style skiing or skate-skiing?

The course is groomed for both styles. We ask that skate skiers (and snowshoers) are careful to stay off the groomed parallel tracks that are intended for classical-style skiers.


Are there separate awards for classical-style and skate-style skiers?

No. Only one set of awards will be made in the skiing category regardless of skiing style. However, the “classical” or “skate” designation will be noted in the final timing database.


Is it possible you would cancel the race?  Would I receive a refund?

In the case of cancellation, there would be no refunds. If the race is cancelled, we would still hold the party at our Event Tent.


If I registered and purchased a shirt and cannot make the race, is it still possible for me to receive my shirt?

Yes. To do this, send an email with your registration information and mailing address, and $5 for packaging and shipping, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. within one week after the race.

What We Do

Book Across the Bay is the upper Midwest's most unique winter event, open to skiers and snowshoers of all ages and ability levels. The 10-kilometer course, which is groomed for both classic-style and skate skiing, follows a route not on land, but over the frozen surface of Lake Superior, the world's largest lake. The event is held at night, and the course is lit by the stars above and up to 1,000 candles in ice luminaries that line the entire route.