February 8 - Bloch Ongert Vail Mountain Winter Uphill
Date, Location & Time
Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026 | Base of Eagle Bahn Gondola - Lionshead | 7 a.m. Start*
*Date, location and time are subject to change
Register!
To register online, go to register.vailrec.com>>>Programs>>>Races>>>Winter Races
Online Registration closes at 3 p.m. on Saturday | Day of Registration opens at 6 a.m. at Lionshead Ticket Office.
The 19th Annual Vail Mountain Winter Uphill Race Returns!
Join us on Sunday, Feb. 8, as skiers, snowboarders and winter runners tackle 2,200 vertical feet of groomed trails to reach Eagle's Nest at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead. The event will conclude with breakfast and awards at Eagle's Nest, provided by Vail Ski Resort and US Foods.
For the past nineteen years, the Vail Mountain Winter Uphill has proven to be a challenging midwinter competition for some, and a fun, non-competitive community hike for others. It presents an opportunity to support a worthy organization, while also paying tribute to Ellefson, a trailblazer in the sport of mountain running who lost his life in 1998, due to an accident near the Matterhorn while training for a mountain race in Italy. Ellefson was the foreman for the Lionshead Gondolda, the same gondola the race begins and finishes next to. Ellen Miller, along with fellow mountain runner and Vail local, Hooker Lowe, started the race in 2008 to spread their passion for mountain running and uphill skiing (skinning) and to pay homage to Ellefson.
"The Vail Mountain Winter Uphill is a meaningful event for our community. We started it in the memory of Lyndon Ellefson and it has always been a fundraiser and a tribute to the U.S. Mountain Running Team, of which Lyndon was a pioneer. This is a fun hike up Vail Mountain for people of all ages and abilities. I am thrilled that Vail Rec is operating the event!"Ellen Miller, founder of the Vail Mountain Winter Uphill
Info to come
| Time: | Activity: | Location: | Address: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday - February 7, 2026 4:00-6:00p.m. | Pre-Race Registration & Bib Pickup | TBD | TBD |
| Sunday - February 8, 2026 6:00-7:00a.m. | Day-of Registration & Bib Pickup | Lionshead Ticket Office | 521 E Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO 81657 |
| Sunday - February 8, 2026 7:00a.m. | Race Starts | Eagle Bahn Gondola | 521 E Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO 81657 |
| Sunday - February 8, 2026 7:30a.m. | Start Line Closes | Eagle Bahn Gondola | 521 E Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO 81657 |
| Sunday - February 8, 2026 8:30a.m. | Uphill Closes | Vail Mountain | 521 E Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO 81657 |
| Sunday - February 8, 2026 8:30a.m. | Gondola Opens for Downloading | Eagle's Nest | 521 E Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO 81657 |
After 8:30 a.m.:
All uphill racers must be aware of enountering skiers on the slopes after 8:30a.m.. The gondola will open for downloading at 8:30a.m. Check Vail's Uphill Access Webpage for more info. Call the trails hotline to confirm designated routes (970) 754-1023.
Pre-Ski the course before the signs with Ride W/ GPS! Use the digital map to follow the route and stay on course!
Due to safety concerns, participants who have not reached Simba Racecourse (mile 1.6) by 8:15 a.m. will be asked to head down Safari Ski Run to Chair 26 (Pride Express Lift) to ride up to Eagle's Nest and breakfast.
Uphill Traffic is not permitted during lift operating hours 8:15a.m. - 4:00 p.m.. Uphill Traffic is permitted 15 minutes before first chair and 30 minutes after the lifts close, a headlamp is required. Please stay out of the way of snow groomers. Check Vail's Uphill Access Webpage for more info. Call the trails hotline to confirm designated routes (970) 754-1023
| Course Stats | Up |
|---|---|
| Distance | 3.4K | 2.1 Miles |
| Elevation Change | +2,253' |
| High Point | 10,443' |
| Low Point | 8,189' |
| Max Grade | 40% |
These stats are based on our gpx file on ride w/ gps. GPS information can vary depending on the device and provider. If you're concerned that our information is not correct, please contact us at sports@vailrec.com
The course is a 2.1 mile point-to-point with 2,200 vertical feet of elevation gain. Racers will begin next to the Eagle Bahn Gondola and ascend Simba & Cheeta ski runs to the finish at Eagle's Nest.*
Due to safety concerns, participants who have not reached Simba Racecourse (mile 1.6) by 8:15 a.m. will be asked to head down Safari Ski Run to Chair 26 (Pride Express Lift) to ride up to Eagle's Nest and breakfast.
*Course is subject to change based on grooming and snow conditions
Please note that this is not a skimo race as there is no transition, no boot-pack, and no downhill.
Online registration is available prior to race day. Day-of registration and bib pickup will be available at Lionshead Ticket Office (located slopeside skier's right of the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola) prior to the race, beginning at 6 a.m.
Uphill & SkiMo Races Cost
| Category | Early Registration | Week-of Registration | Day-of Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $36 | $42 | $50 |
| Youth (17 & younger) | $25 | $31 | $37 |
All Race Participants are required to sign a Vail Resorts Release of Liability Form. To save you time, you can print the form and bring it with you to bib pickup. This waiver is seperate from the VRD registration form and must be filled out at each race.
Saturday, February 7: Racers can pick up their race bib or register ahead of time from 4 to 6 p.m. at location TBD.
Sunday, February 8: Race day bib pickup and registration will be available at the Lionshead Ticket Office. Day-of opens at 6:00 a.m.
Race will start next to the Eagle Bahn Gondola, just Southwest of the Lionshead Ticket Office.
All Race Participants are required to sign a Vail Resorts Release of Liability Form. To save you time, you can print the form and bring it with you to bib pickup. This waiver is seperate from the VRD registration form and must be filled out at each race.
Parking - Vail
Closest parking will be at Lionshead Parking Structure or at Red Sandstone Parking Garage. Carpooling is highly recommended.
Parking - Park & Ride
Core Transit has buses traveling from Minturn to Vail Transportation Center. You can park at the Meadow Mountain Parking and take a bus into Vail. You can find out more on Core Transit's Website.
Race Start
The race will start next to the Eagle Bahn Gondola, just before the skier bridge.
Spectators
Spectators can ride up the Gondola with an Epic Pass or Epic Day Pass for Vail Mountain. The gondola will open at 8:30a.m. for spectators, which will get you to Eagle's Nest to see the awards.
We are always looking for volunteers to help on course and with the event. If you're interested in helping, please reach out to sports@vailrec.com. This can be a great way to get up the mountain early to cheer participants on at the top! Alternative ways to the top is to hike up on your own.
It's important to dress properly for skimo racing. While it's cold out there, you will be warming yourself up through that climb. On the other hand, the decent will be cold with wind chill. Keep both of these things in mind when deciding your outfit to race in.
Gear Recommendations
- Pick your own traction. Pick between skin skis, splitboard, snowshoes or tred to make your way to the top! The course will be groomed, but depending on conditions the snow could be really soft or icy - plan accordingly!
- Avalanche gear is not required.
- If you're unsure what you should wear, stop by the Vail Nordic Center and their helpful staff can help set you up for success!
Gear & Bag Drop
There will be a gear drop next to the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola Building. All gear dropped here will be taken up the gondola to the race finish at Eagle's Nest. If there is any gear you would like to have at the finish, please leave it at this gear drop.
We recommend bringing your own bag for gear, you'll find it quicker after the race when you're cold and wanting warmer layers. We will have bags that you can put gear into as well.
Any gear dropped off at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola Building will be waiting for you inside the Eagle Bahn Gondola room at the top of Eagle's Nest. Please race with any additional layers you may need out on course.
Afterparty: Following the race, we will be celebrating inside Eagle's Nest on the third floor. All participants can come and enjoy a complimentary breakfast, provided by Vail Ski Resort and US Foods. We will celebrate Lyndon and everyone who climbed Vail Mountain!
Awards: We will recognize the top three finishers by Category/Age/Gender. Awards and raffle prizes will be distributed on-site following each race.
- Categories: Ski, Splitboard & Non-Ski
- Age Groups: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+.
Raffle: All racers will be entered into a raffle for great prizes from our sponsors! Winners will be drawn while you're out racing, so check out the registration tent after to see if you won!
SkiMo Skin Ski Clinic - Date TBD
Want to learn more about skin skiing as another winter activity? We've got you covered! A beginner skin track clinic will be held at Meadow Mountain on Date TBD for those new to skimo racing. Taught by local backcountry enthusiast Dawes Wilson, the clinic will go over basic skin track skills including kick turns, traction at the limit, pole use, boot packing and transitions as well as a preview of Saturday's race course, time permitting. The clinic is $25 and preregistration is encouraged as participation is limited. Bring required race gear: helmet, backpack, tension devices.
Beginner Skin Ski Clinic - Date TBD
The Vail Nordic Center will be offering a beginner skin ski clinic for people looking to learn about the equipment and how it all functions in a very safe environment. The clinic will have a knowledgable instructor that will teach you the fundamentals before you take the gear on the slopes! This is a great clinic if you're interested in trying skimo but don't know where to start. Call the Vail Nordic Center to register and learn more (980) 476-8366.
Cripple Creek Backcountry
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Cripple Creek Backcountry in Avon a large selection of gear for racers to demo or rent. They are located at 82 E Beaver Creek Blvd #102, Avon, CO 81620.
Alpine Quest Sports
Alpine Quest Sports has a large selection of backcountry skis and mountaineering equipment. They are located at 34510 US-6, Edwards, CO 81632.
Vail Nordic Center
The Vail Nordic Center has a small selection of SkiMo race equipment if you're looking to upgrade to a lighter set up. They are located at 1775 Sunburst Dr, Vail, CO 81657.
Check out Previous Race Results & Photos on the Race Results Webpage.
Uphill Records (open)
- Men: 30:49 Ricky Gates, 2009
- Women: 32:55 Kim Dobson, 2022
News Articles
We are always looking for volunteers to help on course and with the event. If you're interested in helping, please reach out to sports@vailrec.com. This can be a great way to get up the mountain early to cheer participants on at the top! Alternative ways to the top is to hike up on your own.
A Huge Thank You To All Of Our Amazing Sponsors For The 24/25 Winter Races!
The VRD's Winter Races is yours thanks to our title sponsor Bloch & Chapleau Attorneys at Law and our presenting sponsors Vail Health and Vail Resort. Thank you to our partners at Alpine Wine & Spirits, Montana Skins, First Bank, Alpine Quest Sports, Dynafit, Optic Nerve, East West Hospitality, The Steadman Clinic, Toko, Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea, Mountainsmith, Ignik, La Sportiva, and Cripple Creek Backcountry.
