The Challenge the Shield Virtual Winter Adventure Race is a one month fatbike, snowshoe, nordic ski, and navigation challenge for Georgian Nordic and Get Outdoors Parry Sound annual pass holders . Add adventure to your February 15 to March 15 visits to the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre to find virtual checkpoints amongst the snow covered iconic windswept pines, pristine lakes and granite rock barrens. Choose your own adventure with the aid of a map and a smart phone GPS app. Challenge yourself to get as many checkpoints you can in the six hour time limit. 

---

2026 Virtual Winter Adventure Race (18 checkpoints, FEB 15 - MAR 15)
Our 2026 Winter Challenge launches on February 15th. You can do all or part of the 18 checkpoint challenges as many times as you like during the month as long as you start with the fatbike checkpoints and end with nordic skiing.

Step 1: Optional donation to Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre
You must have a Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre (GNOAC) and Get Outdoors Parry Sound (GOPS) annual pass to participate. Participation in this challenge FREE! but we are encouraging participants to donate to the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre Future Fund. 

Step 2: Install GPS app software on your smart phone
Install the MapRun app (version 7 or later) on your smart phone. The latest version of MapRun is available in the Play Store and App Store. The app shows your location at all times (so you always know where you are) during the checkpoint challenges.  

Step 3: Download the PDF map
Download and print a PDF copy of the winter challenge map here. Our MapRun checkpoint challenge maps do not include a legend. 

Step 4: Start your adventure
Scan the QR code on the map (also shown below) to access the map run course on the app. Choose your own adventure! Once you have all the checkpoint challenge details, map, and app you can navigate to as many checkpoints in the six hour time limit as many times as you like while the challenge is open. Additional trail rules are printed on the map. The start locations is in the stadium at the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre. Start the MapRun app by scanning the MapRun QR code on the map.

Step 5: Post your photos on social media using #ChallengeTheShield.
Virtual Winter AR Results

CONTACT
[email protected]