A rectangular hole is made in the ice, usually about 3 meters wide by 30 meters long. Participants drive a snowmobile to the edge at high speed and endeavour to cross the 30 meter distance without sinking.
Whoever makes it the farthest before sinking, wins.
Generally, wet suits are worn. A cable is attached to the snowmobile beforehand to assist in its eventual recovery. Rarely, one or more participants crosses the entire distance, reaching the ice on the far side.