Map

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

The Vail Nordic Center does require a pass to utilize their trails - not required to participate in the race. You can purchase a day pass or season pass inside their facility. You can find more information about the Vail Nordic Center HERE. 

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

Aid Stations

Short Course 4K: There will be one (1) aid station available at mile 1.15

Long Course 8K: There will be one (1) aid station available at mile 2.1 & 3.8

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 it needs 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.  

Directions

Kids Fun Run - FREE

This is a 100 yard course that is great for little kids wanting to participate and have their own fun! The course will have obstacles that the kids will have to bob and weave around to get to the finish. Kids under 10 that are participating in the 2.4 mile Short Course are more than welcome to join in on the Fun before their race as well!

Short Course (4K)

This race course will take you through the heart of the Vail Nordic Center's trails for a total of 3.9K.

This race will begin at the Vail Nordic Center, where racers will run West briefly before looping around and traveling East to the Aid Station 1.15 miles into the race. At the aid station, the short course will turn right and head West, back to the Vail Nordic Center. The long course will merge with this course when they run back to the aid station.

After the courses merge, racers will follow the ice climbing trail (at 1.6 miles for short course), and descend through the aspen trees for roughly 100' before returning to the snowshoe trail. This is the only section of trail that is not groomed and could result in post-holing depending on snow conditions. Racers will continue running West, back to the finish next to the Vail Nordic Center.

Long Course (8K)

This race course will take you across the Vail Nordic Center's trails for a total of 8K.

This race will begin at the Vail Nordic Center, where racers will run West briefly before looping around and traveling East to the Aid Station 2.1 miles into the race. At the aid station, the long course will turn left and continue East to Vail Memorial Park before looping around and return to the aid station, where they will turn left and merge with the short course back to the Vail Nordic Center.

After the courses merge, racers will follow the ice climbing trail (at 4.1 miles for long course), and descend through the aspen trees for roughly 100' before returning to the snowshoe trail. This is the only section of trail that is not groomed and could result in post-holing depending on snow conditions. Racers will continue running West, back to the finish next to the Vail Nordic Center.

Please note that this race is on the Vail Nordic Center's groomed trails. Please stay on the marked course to reduce how much we impact their operations.

Start Location

The race will start just east of the Vail Nordic Center in Vail.

2026 Snowshoe & Running 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

Sunday, March 15: Race day bib pickup and registration will be available inside the Gore Range Room (up the stairs, near the elevator) at the Vail Nordic Center. Day-of registration and bib pickup opens at 8:30 a.m.

Parking - Vail

Racer parking will be available at the Vail Nordic Center. It will be free parking for our event. Carpooling is highly recommended.

• Vail Parking Information
• Vail Winter Bus Schedule (FREE)

Please keep in mind that during the winter, this parking is only for paying customers at the Vail Nordic Center and Grill on the Gore

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

• Vail Nordic Center: Restrooms, water filling, gear drop & warming area
• On Course: Restroom (mile 1.8 for 8K | mile 0.9 for 4K)

Spectators

Spectators are welcome to cheer on at the start/finish area east of the Vail Nordic Center. Spectators can walk along the race course to cheer on friends and family out on course. If they want to stay cozy, they are welcome to spend the morning in the Gore Range Room and cheer from inside.

 Please note that this race is on the Vail Nordic Center's groomed trails, which require a pass to utilize outside of this event. Please stay on the marked course to reduce how much we impact their operations. You can find more information about the Vail Nordic Center and purchasing a pass HERE. 

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 Recommendations

• Snowshoes are not required for the running category, but having proper tred on your shoes is highly recommended.
• 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 the Gore Range Room at the Vail Nordic Center or near the race start/finish area.

Need Snowshoes?

If you're interested in trying snowshoeing, but don't have the right equipment. Check out our partners at the Vail Nordic Center for a discounted rentals for the Shamrock Shuffle! They will operate at a first-come-first-service basis, so get there early if you need equipment!

Afterparty

Following the race, we will be celebrating inside the Gore Range Room at the Vail Nordic Center. All participants can come and enjoy a beer from Vail Brewing Company (if you're over 21 years old) and a burrito, complimentary of 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: 8K & 4K in both snowshoe and running
• Age Groups: 19 & under, 20-39, 40-59, and 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

8K Snowshoe

• Men:
• Women:

8K Running

• Men:
• Women:

4K Snowshoe

• Men:
• Women:

4K Running

• 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.