Skimo

Each lap will include uphill skinning, downhill skiing and boot pack hiking. Helmets and metal edges are required for this race. Avalanche gear is not required. No snowshoes or winter running devices. The Snowshoe course will overlap at the 2 transition zones on course, please be careful when in these zones.

Snowshoe

Race course will consist of 2 laps with the course crossing over the skimo course at transition zones. This is a different course from the skimo course and takes racers safely away from the speedy skimo racers as they descent to the finish. Please use caution in the transition zones and allow skiers to pass if necessary.

Transition Zones

There will be a snowshoe race happening simultaneously as the intermediate/beginner skimo. The courses will overlap at the transition zones at the base and peak of the course. Please be caution and considerate of other racers in these zones. Racers will be disqualified if endangering other racers in these zones.

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

Please respect the Evercrisp seasonal wildlife closure. You must have at least a 100' gap between you and the trail at all times. The tree section of the course will be marked in hot pink ribbons come the week of the race. 

Skimo

The course is a 1.75-mile loop with 800 vertical feet of elevation gain. Racers will begin and finish on the bench just above the Meadow Mountain parking lot and race up the open slope to looker’s right (west). Approximately, 100 feet above the Everkrisp trail closure, the skin track leads into the trees and includes a mandatory boot pack section. 

Expert skiers will be required to attach their skis to their packs during the race. Intermediate and beginner racers can shoulder their skis. The skin track leads to the top of the old chairlift. The course then traverses to the south before descending to the ridge and down to the start/finish area.

Racers doing a second or third lap will ski to the transition zone before beginning transition to repeat the course listed above.

Snowshoe

The course is a mile loop with vetical feet of elevation gain. Racers will begin and finish on the bench just above the Meadow Mountain parking lot and race up the open slop to looker's right (west).

Online registration is available prior to race day. Day-of registration and bib pickup will be available above the Meadow Mountain parking lot prior to the race, starting at 7 a.m.

Early registration: $36 adults | $25 students

Week-of registration: $42 adults | $30 students

Day-of registration: $50 adults | $37 students

Friday, February 28, 2025: Racers can pick up their race bib or register ahead of time on Friday, February 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Cripple Creek Backcountry in Avon. 82 E Beaver Creek Blvd #102, Avon, CO 81620. Cripple Creek is offering 20% off rentals when you show your race bib.

Saturday, March 1, 2025: Race day bib pickup and registration will be available at the race start/finish above the Meadow Mountain Parking Lot. Day-of opens at 7:00 a.m

Race will start just above the Meadow Mountain Parking Lot.

Parking

Racers are asked to park just west of the race start, next to the railroad tracks. It is a short walk across Highway 24 to the race start.

There is NO racer parking available in the Meadow Mountain Parking Lot

Race Start

The Race will start above the Meadow Mountain Parking Lot (24747 US Highway 24, Minturn 81645). There is no racer parking available in this Parking Lot.

Extra clothing can be stored at the gear tent adjacent to the race start/finish area above the Meadow Mtn Parking Lot.

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. You can have warm insulating layers at the gear tent for when you finish.

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: Expert (three loops), Intermediate (two loops), Beginner (one loop), Snowshoe
• Age Groups: 19 & under, 20-39, 40-59, 60 and over

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!

Need to work on your skinning skills before you race? We've got you covered! A beginner skin track clinic will be held at Meadow Mountain on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. 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.

Register Here

*Date is subject to change

Cripple Creek Backcountry

Cripple Creek Backcountry in Avon is offering 20% off gear rentals for racers when you show your Vail Winter Race bib. 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 Vail Nordic Center 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.

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