Info to come

Due to safety concerns, all skimo & boardmo racers who have not reached Simba Racecourse by 8:15 a.m. will be turned around and sent to Chair 26 to ride up to Eagle's Nest. All participants without downhill equipment will conintue up the far right side of the racecourse. Please be aware of enountering skiers on the slopes after 8:30a.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 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

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 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.

Please note that this is not a skimo race as there is no transition, no boot-pack, and no downhill.

Start Location

The race will start next to the Eagle Bahn Gondola, just before the skier bridge.

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, 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.

Parking - Vail

Closest parking will be at Lionshead Parking Structure or at Red Sandstone Parking Garage. Carpooling is highly recommended.

• Vail Parking Information
• Vail Parking Rates
• Live Vail Parking Counts
• Vail Winter Bus Schedule (FREE)

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.

Amenities

• Base of Eagle Bahn Gondola: Restrooms, gear drop, water filling & warm area
• Eagle's Nest: Restrooms, gear pickup, water filling, warming area & breakfast!
• There are additional restrooms at the Lionshead Parking Structure

Spectators

Spectators can ride up the Gondola with an Epic Pass or Epic Day Pass for Vail Mountain. Skiing or splitboarding prior to the race is your only option for cheering participants on while on course. 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!

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 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 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 Records (open)

• Men: 30:49 Ricky Gates, 2009
• Women: 32:55 Kim Dobson, 2022

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.