Celebrating the History

Race shirts have been a staple in the Vail Trail Running Series and it all began with the Vail HillClimb! We've collected almost all of the Vail HillClimb race shirts over the years - there's some really great ones! These shirts will be on display the week of the race at the Colorado Snowsports Museum! Take a trip down memory lane and enjoy the history of the Vail HillClimb and snowsports in Colorado!

Explore Summer in Vail

Summers are an endless escape, a season brimming with morning sunrises that welcome sun-kissed days full of promise. Every new day is a new adventure. Well, that’s the way it feels during a perfect Vail summer.

Nestled in the Colorado Rockies and awash with the summer pleasures only a mountain town can bring, Vail, Colorado is much more than just a premier ski destination. It’s a premier destination all year long, with summer as one of the most fanciful times to bask in the serenity of this quaint European-style village.

The towering mountains and breathtaking surroundings bring on an instant sense of serenity, but serenity doesn’t mean you need to be standing still. Vail’s alpine landscape beckons you to explore at a level you’ve not reached before, in a way that works just right for you.

Exploring for some may mean mountain biking down a rugged path or creating family moments that turn into memories at Epic Discovery on the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster. For others it may mean meandering along a pristine stream, strolling through Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, or gentle introspection while trail hiking throughout the area’s natural beauty. Take a scenic horseback ride at Vail Stables or Piney River Ranch. If you prefer to be on the sidelines, watch impressive Vail sports athletes at the GoPro Mountain Games.

Take a Gondola One or Eagle Bahn Gondola ride to the top of Vail Mountain for dining, exploration and views that elevate your summer to extraordinary heights. Or opt for a round of golf at Vail Golf Club. Go fly fishing on Gore Creek. Book a spa date and romantic dinner. Create your own definition of play. The summer activities are endless.

Absorbing the history and ambiance of the town is another way to get swept away into the dream state that is Vail. Art, festivals, music, and dance come alive in the summer, as does a series of concerts in the open-air amphitheater beneath the stars. The Vail Farmers Market, Vail Dance Festival and Bravo! Vail are just a fraction of the magnificent culture Vail has to offer. Why pick just one event when you can choose them all?

Saunter past the covered bridge, across from one of the historical shops in town. Dig deep into the background of a village built with big hearts and hopes, one that flourished into the unique place it remains today. You will never grow tired of exploring the villages of Vail at your fingertips: East Vail, West Vail, Vail Village, and Lionshead Village.

Fuel up on fresh culinary experiences, with gourmet chefs and regional delights at every turn. Dining options run the gamut from the high-end to the more summer seasonal casual, with something to suit every taste.

Spend summer evenings unwinding on a balcony with breathtaking mountain sunsets or engage in the varied nightlife scene. Vail’s lodging comes in options to align with your Rocky Mountain personality, with all ready to deliver a restful night’s sleep.

Bring back the wonderment of the season and spend your summer in Vail.

Lodging in Vail

Map

Pre-run the course before the signs with Ride W/ GPS! Use the digital map to follow to route and stay on course!

Physical maps are available at the race.

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

Start Location

The race begins in front of Vail's Mountain Haus at 7 a.m.. Registration will be located near the fountain next to the Coverd Bridge and Vail's Mountain Haus.

Aid Stations

Water will be available at all aid stations to quench your thirst or cool you off!

Thanks to Skratch Labs, there will be Skratch Hydration Sport Drink at Aid Stations to give you the electrolytes and energy it needs to finish strong.

The Vail Trail Running Series is a papercup-less race series. Please keep this in mind when preparing for the race. We highly encourage you to bring your own hydration device or reusable cups.  

Thanks to Northside Kitchen, there will be donuts and fresh fruit at race finish for you to refuel!

Course Directions

• The race begins in front of Vail’s Mountain Haus
• Run east and turn onto Vail Valley Dr., then turn right onto Gore Creek Dr.
• Run west through Vail Village and turn right onto Willow Rd.
• Continue straight (west) onto Beaver Dam Rd.
• Turn left onto West Forest Rd. then turn right onto Rockledge Rd.
• Turn right onto Mill Creek service road and ascend to aid station #1 at the Mill Creek Rd/Gitalong Rd. (Main Vail) split
• Turn right and continue up Gitalong Rd. for one mile
• Turn left at the Gitalong Rd./Post Rd. split and continue up to aid station #2, just below Avanti Lift
• Turn right at aid station #2 and continue up Cub’s Way
• At the Cub’s Way/Post Rd. split, turn left and ascend Post Rd. to aid station #3
• Continue up Post Rd. for 0.5 miles and then turn left onto Eagle’s Nest Rd.
• Traverse across Vail Mountain for the last 1.5 miles and finish at beautiful Mid-Vail

Vail Resorts Release Of Liability Form 

All Beaver Creek Summer Solstice Trail Race participants must sign and return the Vail Resorts Release of Liability Form to participate in the Trail Race. To save you time, you can print the form and bring it with you to bib pickup.

Vail HillClimb Rates

*Day-of registration is available in person only.

Prices increase on Sunday, June 28, 2026.  Register Now!

 Vail Trail Running Race Series

*The 5K Series does not include the Vail HillClimb or Vail Berry Picker. 5K Series Participants will recieve a discount code for these races.

Online Registration for the entire series closes at 3 p.m. the day before a race and reopens the day after. Please contact VRD Sports at sports@vailrec.com or (970)479-2280 to signup!

Registration & Bib Pickup

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

To register online, go to register.vailrec.com>>>Programs>>>Races>>>Trail Running & Community Races

Thursday, July 2, 3-5 p.m.: Racers can pick up their race numbers or register ahead of time from 3 to 5 p.m. at TBD.

Friday, July 3, 4-6 p.m.: Racers can pick up their race numbers or register ahead of time from 4 to 6 p.m. at TBD.

Saturday, July 4: Race day bib pickup and registration will also be available near Vail's Mountain Haus adjacent to the covered bridge from 6 to 6:50 a.m.

• Due to the early morning start we HIGHLY recommend you pick up your bib and/or register Thursday or Friday afternoon. 
• Parking in the Vail Village Parking Structure is recommended. Learn more about parking in Vail here. Carpooling is encouraged.

Parking

Learn more about parking in Vail here.

Parking in the Vail Village Parking Structure is recommended. Carpooling is highly encouraged.

Amenities

• Vail Village: Restrooms
• Gondola One: Restrooms, water filling, gear drop
• Mid-Vail: Restrooms, water filling, racer refuel, stunning views
• Vail Lodging

Spectators

NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED ON THE GONDOLA

Spectators may pick up a free gondola voucher at the registration table to ride Gondola One to Mid-Vail. The Gondola will ONLY be running from 7:00 to 7:30 a.m., afterwards it will be closed to the public until 9:30 a.m. when you can purchase a lift pass. We will need help transporting gear up the Gondola - Please wait at the Gondola if you wish to help carry gear up!

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 out on course and cheer participants, family & friends!

Awards

Following the race, awards & prizes will be presented at the Mid-Vail race finish!

• HillClimb: Prizes will be awarded to the top three males and females in the following age groups: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.

Raffle

All racers will be entered into a raffle for great prizes from our sponsors! Racers must be present to win.

T-Shirts

At race finish, make sure to pick up your custom race t-shirt (cotton or tech material)! There is a large selection of sizes for you to chose from once you finish! We alternate t-shirt material each race for the Vail Trail Running Series.

Food

Enjoy some delicious donuts & fresh fruit from Northside Kitchen after the race.

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

Vail HillClimb Record

• Men:
• Women:

The Vail HillClimb (and Down)

News Articles

• U.S. Skimo star wins Dynafit Vail Hill Climb trail run race - 2024
• Boulder runner’s last minute decision to contest the Dynafit Vail HillClimb pays off - 2023
• Edwards runner Sally Clair never, ever misses the Vail HillClimb - 2023
• Dynafit trail running series continues with Vail HillClimb Trail run in July - 2022
• Despite persisting snowpack, Vail HillClimbers enjoy dry trails at 43rd annual race - 2019
• Nearly 300 complete annual Vail HillClimb on Saturday - 2017
• Vail HillClimb celebrates 40 years - 2016
• Deline, Bersagel Win the La Sportiva Vail HillClimb - 2016
• Guiterrez And Cospolich Victorious At The 28th Teva Vail HillClimb -2006
• Teva Vail Daily Vail HillClimb Celebrates its 27th Running - 2004

Volunteer!

Volunteering is a great way to get out on the course to cheer participants on! We also need help checking in participants, giving out racer swag & timing! You can inquire about volunteer possibilities by reaching out to sports@vailrec.com. Volunteers can help themselves to the donuts and get a race t-shirt once participants are finished.