July 5 - Vail HillClimb
Presented by: Vail's Mountain Haus
Date, Location & Time
July 5, 2025 | Vail's Mountain Haus in Vail, CO | 7 a.m.*
*Date, location, and time are subject to change
Register!
Online Registration | Registration Form
Named Best Trail Race by Colorado Runner Magazine in 2006 & 2011!
Join us for the 49th annual Dynafit Vail HillClimb! The Vail HillClimb tests local, regional and national runners with a historic seven mile climb from Vail Village to Mid-Vail. Race participants will race up Vail History as they follow the same course that was once a gravel double-track (now gravel service road) when the HillClimb began. Between the history, views and Gondola ride down, this course has become a favorite among trail running enthusiasts!
If you have family and friends who want to cheer you on at the finish line, please pick up passes for them when you pick up your bib! They must be on the gondola between 7-7:30 a.m. SHARP. Gondola 1 will ONLY be uploading race staff and spectators from 7-7:30 a.m. After 7:30 a.m. they would need to wait until the gondola opens to the public at 9:30 a.m. and purchase a ticket.
| Time: | Activity: | Location: | Address: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday - July 4, 2025 3:00-6:00p.m. | Bib Pickup | Vail's Mountain Haus | 292 E Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657 |
| Saturday - July 5, 2025 6:00-6:55a.m. | Day-of Bib Pickup | Vail's Mountain Haus | 292 E Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657 |
| Saturday - July 5, 2025 7:00a.m. | Race Start | Vail's Mountain Haus | 292 E Meadow Dr., Vail, CO 81657 |
| Saturday - July 5, 2025 9:30 - 10:00a.m. | Awards & Raffle | Mid-Vail | Mid-Vail, Vail Mountain, Vail CO 81657 |
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.
| Course Stats | Vail HillClimb |
|---|---|
| True Distance | 7.6 Miles |12.2 Kilometers |
| Elevation Gain | 2,128' |
| High Point | 10,254' |
| Low Point | 8,160' |
| Aid Station #1 | Mile 2.1 - Mill Creek / Gittalong Rd Split |
| Aid Station #2 | Mile 3.8 - Bottom of Avanti Lift |
| Aid Station #3 | Mile 5.9 - Below Eagle's Nest |
| Running Surfaces | 78% Unpaved | 22% Paved |
| Max Grade | 13.5% |
- 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
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 and Skratch Energy Chews 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!
| Vail HillClimb | |
|---|---|
| Aid Station #1 | Mile 2.1 - Mill Creek / Gittalong Rd Split |
| Aid Station #2 | Mile 3.8 - Bottom of Avanti Lift |
| Aid Station #3 | Mile 5.9 - Below Eagle's Nest |
Friday, July 4: Racers can pick up their race numbers or register ahead of time from 3 to 6 p.m. at Vail's Mountain Haus.
- Please park in the Vail Village Parking Structure. Parking is free in the summer. Carpooling is recommended.
Saturday, July 5: Race day bib pickup and registration will also be available 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 Friday afternoon.
- Please park in the Vail Village Parking Structure. Parking is free in the summer. Carpooling is recommended.
Vail HillClimb Rates
| Category | Preregistration | Week-of Registration | Day-of Registration* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | $40 | $48 | $55 |
| Student (17 & Younger) | $25 | $30 | $37 |
*Day-of registration is available in person only.
Prices increase on Sunday, June 29, 2025. Register Now!
Vail Trail Running Race Series
| Category | Cost | Price Per Race | Total Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Race Series (7 races) | $250 | $35.75 | $42 |
| 5K Series (5 races)* | $135 | $27 | $25 |
*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 on May 16, 2025. Please contact VRD Sports at sports@vailrec.com or (970)479-2280 to signup!
All Vail HillClimb 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 Resorts Release Of Liability FormParking
Please park in the Vail Village Parking Structure. Parking is free during the summer. Carpooling is recommended.
Race Start
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.
Spectators
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 can always use a helping hand carrying things to the race finish - Please wait at Gondola One for race staff if you wish to help!
Following the race, awards & prizes will be presented at the race finish!
- Awards: 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.
10K Record
- Men:
- Women:
5K 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
A huge thanks to all of our amazing sponsors for the 2025 Vail Trail Running Series!
The VRD's Vail Trail Running Series is yours thanks to our presenting series sponsor, Bloch and Chapleau. Individual race sponsors include Town of Eagle, Town of Minturn, Elevated Dental, East West Hospitality and Mountain Haus. Partners also include Capitol Public House, FirstBank, Steadman Clinic, Central Rockies Mortgage, Jaunt Media Collective, Yeti, Mountain Time Lager, Skratch Labs, Northside, Lululemon, Optic Nerve, Outdoor Tech, Vail Honeywagon, Vail Resorts, Arrowhead, Best Day Brewing, Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea Co, West Vail Liquor Mart, Kahtoola, Black Diamond, Ciele Athletics and Alpine Wine & Spirits.
