ABOUT THE EVENT
GOPRO MOUNTAIN GAMES
The GoPro Mountain Games are the country’s most celebrated festival of adventure sports, art and music! For four days in early June, trail running, climbing, whitewater, biking, disc golf, fishing, yoga, slackline, fun runs, and more will once again make Vail the epicenter of the outdoor world during the event.
In addition to the 42 competitions, concerts, art, FREE kids activities and FREE spectating activities are also a big part of the event. The Mountains of Music concert lineup, ancillary events, art installations, spectator entertainment and more will be announced in the coming weeks and months.
NEW FOR 2025!
The GoPro Mountain Games introduces two new competitions to the 2025 lineup: Vail Ultra benefitting 50 For the Fallen
The Vail Ultra offers a challenging 50-mile trail and road course starting at 8,100’ and winding its way to 10,666’. This scenic course in Vail features challenging trail and off-road sections on Vail Mountain combined with grueling asphalt sections to the top of Vail Pass. Net proceeds from the Vail Ultra will go to 50 For the Fallen.
Speed Climbing
Speed is the ultimate goal for these athletes. One of the quickest sports around, this side-by-side, head-to-head competition showcases two athletes racing to the top of a 49’ wall. It’s pure grit, focused power and technical proficiency.
50 FOR THE FALLEN
50 for the Fallen is a non-profit organization formed in response to the tragedies of war and the worsening mental health crisis experienced by many of their Special Operations Forces family. The invisible scars carried home are real and the mental health crisis has escalated to unprecedented numbers. Their mission is to find veterans in crisis, facilitate their mental health treatment, and stand by them as family through the healing process. Net proceeds from the GoPro Mountain Games Vail Ultra will go to 50 for the Fallen.
PACKET PICK UP
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm GoPro Mountain Games Registration
Thursday, June 5, 2025
4:30 am Race Start
PACKET
PICK UP INFORMATION
You must have a photo ID
You may not pick up a race bib/chip for other athletes
Entries are non-transferrable
RACE START TIME – LOCATION – SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 5, 2025
5:00 am
START/FINISH
The start and finish for this race is in the same location at The Hangout at Golden Peak Race Start and Finish
PARKING
There is NO PARKING at Golden Peak. Please park in the Vail Village parking structure.
SCHEDULE
4:30 am Packet pickup
4:45 am Drop Bag trucks depart for aid stations
4:50 am Pre-race announcements
5:00 am Race Start
7:00 pm Race Finish
8:00 pm Drop bag pick up at finish
RACE INFORMATION
COURSE
The Vail Ultra will be limited to 14 hours. Please see below information on cut-off times.
The Vail Ultra course is a mixed surface modified out and back trek. The course will be a combination of off-road mountain trails on single track, forest service access roads and early season rugged terrain along with on-road/asphalt sections.
The course will be marked with WHITE signs with RED arrows/numbers/letters. RED flagging may be used on the off-road trail portion of the course.
Athletes are required to follow the course AS MARKED. Respect the area where the event is taking placedo not cut switchbacks.
Be respectful – No littering on course. Athletes must carry trash, excess clothing/supplies to the aid stations
Pacers are not allowed at the Vail Ultra.
If an athlete needs to drop out of the race for any reason, they MUST check out with the nearest aid station or course volunteer.
TIMING
Be sure your timing chip is attached to your shoe for accurate timing results.
AID STATIONS
THE VAIL ULTRA IS A CUPLESS EVENT
All athletes should carry a reusable cup/bottle
AID STATION HYDRATION/NUTRITION
Be sure to reference Aid Station chart below for specific information on offerings
Water
CELSIUS hydration (electrolyte)
CELSIUS energy
Soda
Bars
Gels (caffeinated/non-caffeinated)
Chips/Pretzels/Cookies/Trail Mix and other sweet/salty foods
Fruit
Ice
We do not provide gluten-free, vegan, or special menu items
ATHLETE AID STATION CHECK-IN
It is the responsibility of the runner to check in at each aid station as they arrive.
Athletes should check in with the aid station worker wearing the fluorescent yellow vest and give them their bib number.
Failure to check in at an aid station can result in disqualification.
If an athlete drops out of the race, for any reason, they must check in with the nearest aid station.
DROP BAGS
Drop bags will be allowed at the following aid stations:
Start/Finish at Golden Peak
Vail Pass
All drop bags must be 12” x 12” x 12” or smaller
Be sure to clearly label your drop bag with your bib# and name
Do not place valuables (car keys, money, credit cards, wedding rings, etc.) in your drop bag
Athletes MUST drop off their drop bags at the race start by 4:45 am on race day for bags needing to be dropped at Vail Pass
Athletes MUST pick up their drop bags at the race finish line after 7:00 pm
Any drop bag left after the race will be disposed/donated
Event organizers are unable to ship drop bags to athletes
Gear/Clothing/Equipment left at aid stations or outside of a drop bag with be disposed/donated
CREW - PACING
The Vail Ultra takes place on a combination of mountain roads, singletrack and USFS access trails along with paved/asphalt roads. Some of the course is on public lands and private property so event organizers, in conjunction with Vail Mountain, USFS, Town of Vail and Eagle County Officials, have identified two aid stations where crew will be allowed.
Start/Finish at Golden Peak
Vail Pass
RULES
Parking
There is NO PARKING available at the Start/Finish line.
Please park in the Vail Village parking structure
Observe all NO PARKING signs
DO NOT block any driveways or emergency access areas
Violators will be ticketed and may be towed
Crew must follow directions from aid station staff and volunteers
Athletes will be held responsible for the actions of their crew
Pacers will not be allowed at the Vail Ultra.
CUT OFF TIMES
Cut off times will be strictly enforced for the safety of the athletes, staff and volunteers of the race
Cut Off #1 Hour 8 23 Miles Aid Station #5 Gore Creek Campground
Cut Off #2 Hour 10 32 Miles Aid Station #6 Vail Pass
Cut Off #3 Hour 12 40 Miles Aid Station #7 Gore Creek Campground
Cut Off #4 Hour 13 48 Miles Aid Station #8 Golden Peak
Racers that do not make the cut off at the aid stations will NOT be able to continue the race
See the aid station information chart below for additional details
Most aid stations will have medical support onsite for athletes
There will be a medical tent with EMTs to assist athletes with basic first aid needs, manage minor injuries, monitor hydration level and assess the potential for more serious issues
Emergency transport will be available if necessary
If you find yourself in an emergency, call 911
You will be personally responsible for any costs associated with medical dispatch
AID STATION INFORMATION
COURSE MAP
The Vail Ultra course map is subject to change due to snow melt and spring conditions. Event Organizers will update and post the final course map May 26, 2025.
Interactive Map – coming soon
Course Notes
Mountain Section 1
Racers will complete three laps on this mountain loop
Each lap = 5.5 miles
Road Section
Racers will complete one lap on this road loop
Lap = 31.2 miles
Mountain Section 2
Racers will complete one lap on this mountain loop
Lap = 2.4 miles
EQUIPMENT
SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
Athletes should come to the event prepared for the grueling 50-mile race. The list below are suggestions and athletes should consider the weather, elevation, course conditions and past experience when prepping for the event.
Running pack with capacity for gear
Proper trail running footwear
Lightweight/waterproof jacket with hood
Warm second layer
Race leggings or long pants
Warm/waterproof gloves
Beanie
Sun Hat
Buff or covering for neck and mouth
Proper socks
Smartphone
Headlamp with spare batteries
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Reusable cup/bottle
Hydration system with capacity of a minimum of 1.5 L of fluids
Food reserves
Spare Ziploc bag for trash
Basic First Aid kit/bandages
Blister Care
Course Map / course description
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Trekking Poles
Spare Clothing/socks
GPS Watch
RESULTS – AWARD CEREMONY
Results will be posted online on the GoPro Mountain Games website
The formal Award Ceremony for the Vail Ultra will take place Thur, June 5 at 2:00 pm at Mountain Plaza for the top five men and top five women finishers
All athletes are encouraged to visit the GoPro Mountain Games Athlete Lounge, located in the Nature Valley Mountain Plaza for complementary cold beverages and snacks.
PRICING
EARLY BIRD PRICING – February 5 - April 1, 2025
$150
STANDARD PRICING – April 2 – May 27, 2025
$165
FOMO PRICING – May 28, 2025 – June 3, 2025
$180
REFUND POLICY
Athletes may not transfer registrations/bibs.
There are no refunds for the Vail Ultra but registration fees may be deferred to the 2026 GoPro Mountain Games less processing fees
Cancelations 60 days prior to the event
Cancelations 30 days prior to the event
Cancelations 7 days prior to the event
100% credit, less processing fees
75% credit, less processing fees
50% credit, less processing fees
To cancel your registration and receive credit for the 2026 GoPro Mountain Games, please email registration@vvf.org
Deferred credit will be valid for the 2026 event only and cannot be extended.
ATHLETE BENEFITS
GoPro Mountain Games athlete gift bag
Access to the GoPro Mountain Games Athlete Lounge
Access to the GoPro Mountain Games venues, daytime music and activities
PRIZES
TOTAL PRIZE PURSE $12,500
Open – MEN
1st $2,500
2nd $1,500
3rd $1,000
4th $750
5th $500
Open – WOMEN
1st $2,500
2nd $1,500
3rd $1,000
4th $750
5th $500
VOLUNTEER
The Vail Valley Foundation, the non-profit group that hosts the GoPro Mountain Games, is powered by volunteers who help make our events possible. The over 300 Mountain Games volunteers help across our 5 event venues and 42 competitions. From course marshals to timing assistants to information hosts to green team, our volunteers keep the Mountain Games going.
VOLUNTEER WITH US
We can always use another hand during the Mountain Games weekend. To learn more about helping at the Vail Ultra or another event, contact us at vvfvolunteer@vvf.org.