Vail Hillclimb
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Vail HillClimb 50th anniversary
The Vail HillClimb is a mountain trail race that celebrates its 50th running. Participants who register before June 12, 2026 will receive a custom 50th Vail HillClimb bib with their name. The event includes a display of historic race shirts at the Colorado Snowsports Museum.
The course is listed as 12.2K (7.6 miles) with 2,128 feet of elevation gain, a high point of 10,254 feet and a low point of 8,160 feet. Surfaces are approximately 80% dirt and gravel service roads and 20% paved, with a maximum grade of 13.5%. There are three aid stations located at roughly mile 2.1, mile 3.8 and mile 5.9; water and Skratch Hydration sports drink will be available. The series follows a minimal waste approach and encourages reusable hydration.
The route begins in front of Vail’s Mountain Haus, runs through Vail Village, ascends service and mountain roads including Gitalong and Post Road, traverses Vail Mountain and finishes at Mid-Vail. Bib pickup is available at the Colorado Snowsports Museum on the days before the race and on race day. Spectator access to the gondola is limited to a short morning window and vouchers can be picked up at registration; dogs are not allowed on the gondola.
At the finish there are race t shirts, donuts and fresh fruit from Northside Kitchen, awards by age group for the top three male and female finishers, and a post-race raffle for entrants who are present. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
