March 1 - Tony O'Rourke Memorial Snowshoe Shuffle
Feb. 26 Update: Due to snow conditions at the Beaver Creek Golf Club, the race has been moved to the Vail Nordic Center. Thank you for understanding.
Presented By: Bloch Ongert Injury Law.
2026 Race Results | 2026 Photos | 2026 Photobucket
Date, Location & Time
Sunday, March 1, 2026 | Vail Nordic Center | 10 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 8 p.m. on Saturday. | Day of Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. in the Gore Range Room at the Vail Golf & Nordic Clubhouse
The Vail Nordic Center will have snowshoes for participants to demo!
Strap on your snowshoes and join us on Sunday, March 1, as we march around the Vail Nordic Center for the inaugural Tony O'Rourke Memorial Snowshoe Shuffle! This event is held in loving memory of longtime Beaver Creek Resort Company Executive Director, Tony O’Rourke. This event was originally scheduled to take place in Beaver Creek, but had to be relocated to Vail because of lack of snow on the Beaver Creek Golf Course.
There will be two distances to choose from, a 5K & a 10K. The event will conclude with brunch and awards at the Vail Golf & Nordic Clubhouse.
Tony and his amazing family arrived in the Vail Valley in the fall of 1996, where he immediately fell in love with the outdoor lifestyle that defines our community. A passionate endurance athlete, Tony’s enthusiasm for running and cycling quickly extended to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and both mountain and road biking.
During his 14 years as Executive Director of the Beaver Creek Resort Company, Tony and his team launched the Beaver Creek Snowshoe Adventure Series and championed the Snowshoe Shuffle, which at its peak welcomed nearly 1,000 participants. Tony also played a key role in bringing major endurance events such as the Ultra 100 Mountain Bike Race and the TransRockies Run to Beaver Creek. If it involved hiking, biking, running, snowshoeing, or adventure — Tony was all in.
Tony passed unexpectedly in the summer of 2023 of coronary artery disease, but his vibrant spirit and devotion to outdoor adventure continue to inspire all who knew him. In honor of Tony’s memory and love for our active mountain community, a portion of the race proceeds will benefit Starting Hearts, a program dedicated to saving lives through CPR and cardiac emergency training.
This event will challenge runners to strap on snowshoes and set new PRs, as well as a fun, non-competitive, community hike for others. We can't wait to see you all shuffling in the snow as we honor Tony on March 1!
| Time: | Activity: | Location: | Address: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday - March 1, 2026 8:30-10:00a.m. | Day-of Registration & Bib Pickup | Vail Golf & Nordic Clubhouse | Vail, CO 81657 |
| Sunday - March 1, 2026 10:00a.m. | Race Starts | Vail Nordic Center Trails | Vail, CO 81657 |
| Sunday - March 1, 2026 11:00a.m.-12:00p.m. | Awards & After-Party | Vail Golf & Nordic Clubhouse | Vail, CO 81657 |
Map
Below is what to expect baring any changes due to grooming and snow conditions.
Map, info and stats will be updated once the course is groomed for the 25-26 winter season.
The snowshoe trails are groomed throughout the season, there may be some off piste sections so please be careful as you pre-check the course.
Stats
| Course Stats | 4.9K | 3 Miles | 8.2K | 5.1 Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Elevation Gain | 148' | 228' |
| High Point | 8,280' | 8,322' |
| Low Point | 8226' | 8226' |
| Max Grade | 6.2% | -6.6% | 5.8% | -6.3% |
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
Aid Stations
Short Course 5K: There will be one (1) aid station available at mile 1.2 and 1.8.
Long Course 8K: There will be one (2) aid stations available at mile 1.2, 1.8 and 2.8.
Water will be available at the aid station to quench your thirst!
Thanks to Skratch Labs, there will be Skratch Hydration Sport Drink at Aid Stations to give you the electrolytes and energy to finish strong.
This is a papercup-less race. Please keep this in mind when preparing for the race. We highly encourage you to bring your own hydration device or reusable cups.
Course Info
Short Course (5K)
Will take place on the Vail Nordic Center trails for a total of 3 miles. Racers can expect an elevation gain of 148 feet. Racers will run west for a loop and then turn right at the 5K/8K split towards the finish.
Long Course (8K)
Will take place on the Vail Nordic Center trails for a total of 5.1 miles. Racers can expect an elevation gain of 228 feet. Racers will run west for a loop and then go straight at the 5K/8K split. Continue going east for an additional loop and then turn left towards the finish when returning to the 5K/8K split a second time.
Start Location
The race will start outside the Vail Nordic Center.
2026 Snowshoe & Running Races Cost
| Category | Early Registration | Week-of Registration | Day-of Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $30 | $35 | $40 |
| Youth (17 & younger) | $25 | $30 | $37 |
Registration & Bib Pickup
Online registration is available until 8 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.
Sunday, March 1: Race day bib pickup and registration will be available at the Vail Golf & Nordic Clubhouse. Day-of opens at 8:30 a.m.
Parking - Base Area
Free parking is available on-site at the Vail Golf & Nordic Clubhouse. Carpooling is highly encouraged as parking is limited.
Spectators
Spectators can walk along the course to cheer on participants or wait at the start/finish area.
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.
It's important to dress properly for winter 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 & Recomendations
- Snowshoes are REQUIRED for the snowshoe category
- 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 at Creekside Park near the race start/finish area.
Need Snowshoes?
The Vail Nordic Center will be providing complimentary snowshoes for anyone that may need equipment. Complimentary snowshoes will be available at the start/finish area.
Afterparty
Following the race, we will be celebrating in the Vail Golf & Nordic Clubhouse. All participants can come and enjoy some breakfast sandwiches made by Grill on the Gore.
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: 8K & 5K snowshoe and running
- Age Groups: 19 & under, 20-39, 40-59, 60+.
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!
Check out Previous Race Results & Photos on the Race Results Webpage.
Course Records
10K
- Men:
- Women:
5K
- Men:
- Women:
Volunteer!
Volunteering is a great way to get out on course early to cheer participants on! 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.
A Huge Thank You To All Of Our Amazing Sponsors For The 25/26 Winter Races!
The VRD's 2026 Bloch Ongert Winter Races is yours thanks to our title sponsor Bloch Ongert Injury Law. Thank you to our presenting sponsors Vail Resort, Beaver Creek Resort, Arrowhead Metro District, The Krueger Family and the Vail Nordic Center. Thank you to our partners at Vail Honeywagon, The Steadman Clinic, US Foods, Alpine Wine & Spirits, 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit, Vail Brewing Company, Montana Skins, First Bank, Vail Daily, Skratch Labs, Jaunt Media Collective, Alpine Quest Sports, Dynafit, Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea, Skratch Labs, Best Day Brewing, and Cripple Creek Bike & Backcountry. Thank you to the United States Forest Service for protecting and maintaining these areas for us to enjoy.
