Due to safety concerns, participants who have not reached the top of Gold Dust by 8:15 a.m. will be turned around and the uphill finish line will close at 8:30 a.m. sharp. All runners without downhill equipment should continue to Centennial Lift to download. Please be aware of encountering skiers on the slopes after 8:15a.m. and follow instructions given by ski patrol or the race sweep.

Map

Below is what to expect baring any changes due to grooming and snow conditions.

Due to safety concerns, participants who have not reached the top of Gold Dust by 8:15 a.m. will be turned around and the uphill finish line will close at 8:30 a.m. sharp.

Uphill Traffic is not permitted during lift operating hours. 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 Beaver Creek's Uphill Access Webpage for more info. Call the trails hotline to confirm designated routes (970) 754-5907.

Stats

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

Directions

The full course is a 3.8 mile loop with 2,100 vertical feet of elevation gain. The uphill only course is a 1.9 mile point-to-point with 2,100 vertical feet of elevation gain. Racers will begin next to the Centennial Lift in Beaver Creek.

Uphill route will take participants up Haymeadow and Gold Dust to the top of Centennial Lift and Spruce Saddle Lodge. Downhill route will take participants down Latigo and Haymeadow back to the finish next to the Centennial Lift.

Please note that this is not a true skimo race as there is only one transition and no boot-pack zone.

Start Location

Race will start next to the Centennial Lift.

2026 Uphill & SkiMo Races Cost

Registration & Bib Pickup

Online registration is available until 3:00 p.m. the day before the race. 

To register online, go to register.vailrec.com>>>Programs>>>Races>>>Winter Races

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, January 10: Racers can pick up their race bib or register ahead of time from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cripple Creek Backcountry in Avon. 

Sunday, January 11: Race day bib pickup and registration will be available at TBD. Day-of opens at 6:00 a.m. 

Parking - Base Area

Thanks to the Beaver Creek Resort Company,  Shuttle Parking in Elk Lot is FREE on race day  - Gates will be open from 5:30 AM - 7:00 AM for participants. Click HERE for shuttle information.*

*Complimentary shuttle services between the Bear Lot, the Elk Lot, and the Covered Bridge in Beaver Creek Village are available from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM daily. Guests do not need to schedule or reserve a ride on the parking lot shuttle but can track real time arrival information on the Village Connect app. Click here to download the app.

Carpooling is highly encouraged. Racers who carpool to the Elk lot with three (3) or more will be entered into a special raffle to earn an amazing prize from our sponsors.

Parking - Beaver Creek Village

Garage Parking in Ford Hall or Villa Montagne (walk to start) - Beaver Creek parking rates apply. Click HERE for more info.

Amenities

• Beaver Creek Village: Restrooms, water filling, gear drop & warm rest area
• Top of Centennial Lift: Ignik Firecan to warm up if needed & Spruce Saddle Lodge
• Spruce Saddle Lodge: Restrooms & warm rest area once opened

Spectators 

Specatators can ski or splitboard up prior to the race to cheer on participants. If skiing up isn't in the plans, spectators can wait at the start/finish area near Centennial Lift to cheer on participants. 

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 Requirements & Recommendations

• Helmet and metal edges are REQUIRED for the downhill portion of this race.
• Snowshoes are not required, but having proper tred on your shoes is highly recommended.
• 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

Extra clothing can be stored inside TBD or near the race start/finish area.

If you are only doing the uphill, please keep in mind that the gondola will not open for downloading until 8:30a.m.. Please race with any additional layers you may need if planning on waiting for the lift to open.

Afterparty

Following the race, we will be celebrating at TBD. All participants can come and enjoy coffee, hot chocolate and a burrito, complimentary of Beaver Creek Resort Company and Grill on the Gore.

Awards

Will recognize the top three finishers by Category/Age/Gender. Awards and raffle prizes will be distributed on-site following each race.

• Categories: Uphill with skis or splitboard, Uphill without skis or splitboard, Skimo (up & down) & Boardmo
• Age Groups: 19 & under, 20-39, 40-59, 60 and over

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!

Learning Clinics

SkiMo Skin Ski Clinic - February 1

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 February 1 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 Clinics - January 14 & February 25

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.

Need Gear?

Cripple Creek Backcountry

Cripple Creek Backcountry in Avon is offering 20% off gear rentals for racers when you show your Vail Winter Race bib. 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 VNC 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.

Results & Photos

Check out Previous Race Results & Photos on the Race Results Webpage.

Uphill (open)

• Men: Josiah Mddaugh, 2025 - 34:15
• Women: Kim Dobson, 2024 - 37:56

SkiMo

• Men: Joshua Smith, 2025 - 37:32
• Women: Marina Egorov, 2025 - 44:54

BoardMo

• Men: Steven Bacon, 2025 - 59:56
• Women: Kait Mikes, 2024 - 1:13:44

Volunteer!

Volunteering is a great way to get up the mountain early to cheer participants on at the top! Alternatively, if staying warm is more up your alley, we always need help checking in participants! You can inquire about volunteer possibilities by reaching out to sports@vailrec.com. Volunteers will recieve breakfast and beverages following the race.