The Vail Recreation District proudly presents the Bloch Ongert Winter Races, returning in 2026 with five exciting events! Whether you’re racing for the podium or just soaking in the gorgeous morning views, the Bloch Ongert Winter Races are all about sharing the joy of winter in the valley together. Registration is open now so grab your gear and join us for a season of fun on the trails!
January 11, 2026 – Beaver Creek Uphill & SkiMo
January 25, 2026 – Arrowhead Uphill & SkiMo
February 8, 2026 – Vail Mountain Winter Uphill
March 1, 2026 – Tony O’Rourke Memorial Snowshoe Shuffle
March 15, 2026 – Shamrock Shuffle Snowshoe & Running Race
Date TBD – Skimo Clinic at Meadow Mountain
Each race provides stunning scenic views along with courses designed to challenge runners, skiers and boarders while still being enjoyable. Participants can look forward to after-parties, awards for top finishers and exciting raffle giveaways. Sign up early at www.register.vailrec.com and save!
Bloch Ongert Beaver Creek Uphill & SkiMo Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 7 a.m.
Join us at Beaver Creek for our season-opening skimo and uphill event! Choose the uphill event (only the ascent is timed) or the skimo event (both ascent and descent timed). Participants can use snowshoes, skis, splitboards, or winter running devices to climb. For the skimo event, skis or a snowboard (along with metal edges and a helmet) are required. Racers will begin next to the Centennial Lift in Beaver Creek. The uphill route will take participants up Haymeadow and Gold Dust to the top of Centennial Lift and Spruce Saddle Lodge. The downhill route will take participants down Latigo and Haymeadow back to the finish next to the Centennial Lift. The course is subject to change based on grooming and snow conditions.
This event will conclude with awards and breakfast near the Hawk’s Nest Cabin, located above Hooked.
Categories: Uphill ski, Uphill splitboard, Uphill non-ski/splitboard, Skimo (up and down)
Cost: Adult: $36 preregistered/$42 week-of/$50 day-of Youth (17 & younger): $25 preregistered/$31 week-of/$37 day-of
Bloch Ongert Arrowhead Uphill & SkiMo Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 7 a.m.
Winter racing continues at Arrowhead (located to the west of Beaver Creek in Avon) with another uphill and skimo competition. Choose between the uphill (only the ascent is timed) or skimo (both the ascent and descent are timed). Racers may use any means to climb the mountain (snowshoes, skis, splitboards or winter running devices). Skis or a snowboard are required to compete in the skimo competition, as are metal edges and helmets. Racers will ascend approximately 1,700 vertical feet and just under two miles from the base of Arrowhead Village to the top of Arrow Bahn Express Lift. The uphill route will take participants up the Little Brave ski run and the downhill route will be Cresta back to the finish next to the Arrow Bahn.
Join us after the race for an after-party at Broken Arrow!
Categories: Uphill ski, Uphill splitboard, Uphill non-ski/splitboard, Skimo (up and down)
Cost: Adult: $36 preregistered/$42 week-of/$50 day-of Youth (17 & younger): $25 preregistered/$31 week-of/$37 day-of
Bloch Ongert Vail Mountain Winter Uphill Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 7 a.m.
The 19th Annual Vail Mountain Winter Uphill Race returns on Sunday, Feb. 8, as skiers, snowboarders and winter runners tackle 2,200 vertical feet of groomed trails to reach Eagle’s Nest at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead. This iconic Vail event is challenging for competitors and a fun social gathering for others.
This event honors the memory of Vail local Lyndon Ellefson who was instrumental in starting the U.S. men’s mountain running program. Some of the entry fees will support the U.S. Mountain Running Team!
The event will conclude with breakfast and awards at Eagle’s Nest!
Categories: Ski, Splitboard, Non-Ski
Cost: Adult $36 preregistered/$42 week-of/$50 day-of Youth (17 & younger): $25 preregistered/$31 week-of/$37 day-of
Tony O’Rourke Memorial Snowshoe Shuffle Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Join us on the beautiful Beaver Creek golf course for the inaugural Tony O’Rourke Memorial Snowshoe Shuffle! There will be two distances to choose from, a 5K & 10K, as well as a FREE Kid’s Fun Run through Creekside Park. More details coming soon!
This event honors the memory of Tony O’Rourke, who brought snowshoe racing to Beaver Creek. Tony was the Executive Director of the Beaver Creek Resort Company and established Beaver Creek as a snowshoe destination with the Beaver Creek Snowshoe Series. We are excited to bring snowshoe racing back to Beaver Creek in his memory. All proceeds will be donated to Starting Hearts in Tony’s memory.
Join us in Beaver Creek Village after the race for awards and food!
Categories: Snowshoes, 5K and 10K
Cost: Adult: $30 preregistered/$35 week-of/$40 day-of Youth (17 & younger): $25 preregistered/$30 week-of/$37 day-of Kid’s Fun Run: FREE
15th Annual Krueger Family Shamrock Shuffle Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 10 a.m.
The 15th annual Vail Recreation District Krueger Family Shamrock Shuffle 5K and 10K races (and the FREE Kid’s Fun Run) will celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day! Taking place on the Vail Nordic Center trails, the event includes two race categories snowshoes and running (with or without traction devices).
The event will conclude with an after-party and awards at the Vail Golf & Nordic Clubhouse.
Categories: Snowshoes and running shoes, 4K and 8K
Cost: Adult: $30 preregistered/$35 week-of/$40 day-of Youth (17 & younger): $25 preregistered/$30 week-of/$37 day-of Kid’s Fun Run: FREE