Last Skier Standing 2026
Feb 11, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Historic Women’s Record Highlights 7th Edition of Last Skier Standing at Black Mountain of Maine
Rumford, Maine — February 9, 2026 — After nearly 65 hours of continuous competition, the 7th edition of Last Skier Standing concluded at 2:35AM Monday morning at Black Mountain of Maine, where one skier remained and a women’s performance rewrote the record books.
Hosted by White Mountain Ski Company and presented by Norrøna, the event began Friday, February 6 at 10:00AM. Athletes completed a 3-mile course with approximately 1,150 feet of vertical gain every hour, on the hour. Miss the next start or fail to complete the lap, and you’re out. The event continues until only one skier is left. Weather proved to be a major factor in this year’s event as temperatures plummeted to -4ºF with 40mph winds on the second night and never let up.
122 participants started this year’s event. Courtesy photo.
Lukas Janulaitis Defends His Title
The 2026 Finisher was Lukas Janulaitis (24, Gorham, NH), who defended his last year’s finish (71 laps) in his fourth appearance at Last Skier Standing. After nearly 65 hours of climbing and descending (75,000 feet gain over 195 miles), under increasingly demanding conditions, Janulaitis showed that he had what it took to outlast the competition.
When asked how things went he said: “I learned a lot from the past, all those backyard ultras, and applied those lessons. I found a plan that worked and I know how to fix issues when they come up.”
Lukas Janulaitis late into the event on Sunday afternoon. Photo Joe Viger.
Brianna Karboski Delivers a Historic Performance
While Janulaitis was the final skier standing, the defining story of the weekend was Brianna Karboski (26, Farmington, ME). Karboski shattered the women’s course record by 26 laps, delivering one of the most dominant performances in the event’s seven-year history. Her consistency, efficiency, and composure deep into the overnight hours established a new benchmark for women in the format.
“The sleep deprivation was getting to me, tunnel vision and hallucinations,” said Karboski as she reflected on the third night before she stopped, “It was so slippery and firm, and I kept sliding back, I was just done.”
Brianna Karboski receiving support from her partner Fyn Kynd. Photo: Joe Viger.
Elite Field and Notable Performances
Brody Leven (38, Salt Lake City, UT / Fischer athlete), 2022 finisher completed 62 laps and third overall.
Ilana Jesse (43, Colorado Springs, CO), previous women’s record holder completed 39 laps.
Natalie Nicols (30, Rumford, ME), previous women’s record holder and local favorite completed 36 laps.
Marcus Caston (37, Sandy, UT / Tecnica / Blizzard athlete), completed 10 laps.
Bill Frazer (46, Lake Placid, NY), earned the Ski Meister Award after competing in last week’s Last Nordic Skier Standing (190km), completed 45 laps.
Jesse Earisman (Lebanon, NH), who was the last splitboarder standing completed 29 laps.
Ben Fava (14, Swampscott, MA) and Michael Zimicki (66, Bondville, VT) were the youngest and oldest participants, completing six and ten laps respectively.
Patrick Kantlehner (39, Montpellier, VT) who has participated in every edition, completed 12 laps.
Held at Black Mountain of Maine, a nonprofit ski area, the event celebrates the uphilling community and backcountry culture in New England. Mountain operations, ski patrollers, and volunteers all made this event possible.
Skiers & Splitboarders ascending the Allagash ski trail. Photo: Joe Viger.
Preliminary results are available at (created by Sven McCall):
https://last-skier-m2cqn7zweq-
Event photography by Joe Viger will be posted here:
https://www.jvsportsphoto.com/
Event Podcasts available here:
https://whitemountainski.co/
Sponsors
The 2026 Last Skier Standing was made possible through support from:
Norrøna, Tuckerman Brewing, Fischer Sports, ATK Bindings, Black Diamond, DPS Skis, Precision Fuel & Hydration, Näak Nutrition, TREW Gear, Jones Snowboard, Mammut, Julbo Eyewear, Garmin, White Mountain Sauna Haus, Gnarly Nutrition, Skratch Labs, Tecnica / Blizzard, Folkrm Poles, Pomoca Skins, White Mountain Ski Co Coffee.
Event Details
Event: 7th Edition of Last Skier Standing
Dates: February 6, 2026 (10:00AM) – February 10, 2026 (2:35AM)
Location: Black Mountain of Maine — Rumford, ME
Hosted by: White Mountain Ski Company
Presented by: Norrøna
Course: 3 miles | ~1,150’ vertical gain per lap
Website: https://whitemountainski.co/
Media Contact:
Andrew Drummond
andrew@whitemountainski.co