Vail Hillclimb
Vail, United States • 5 Jul 2026
Vail HillClimb
The Vail HillClimb is the 50th running of an annual mountain trail race held on July 5, 2026 in Vail, Colorado, with the start located in front of Vail’s Mountain Haus and the finish at Mid-Vail. The course covers 12.2 km (7.6 miles) and gains 2,128 feet in elevation, with a low point near 8,160 feet and a high point near 10,254 feet. Running surfaces are primarily dirt and gravel service roads with some paved sections.
Aid stations provide water and Skratch hydration at three locations: mile 2.1 (Mill Creek / Gitalong Road split), mile 3.8 (below the Avanti lift), and mile 5.9 (below Eagle’s Nest). The course reaches a maximum grade of 13.5 percent and traverses service roads and mountain tracks across Vail Mountain before finishing at Mid-Vail.
Race operations include pre-race bib pickup at the Colorado Snowsports Museum and on-site bib pickup near Vail’s Mountain Haus on race day. Registration is offered online and in person; day-of registration is available in person only. Entry fees vary by registration period and include a youth discount. Postrace amenities at the finish include a custom race t-shirt, donuts and fresh fruit, awards by age group, and a raffle for registered racers who are present. Spectator gondola boarding is restricted to a limited early window and dogs are not allowed on the gondola. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.