An Aspen tradition: America’s Uphill Race set for Saturday

The 37th annual America’s Uphill Race is set for 7 a.m. Saturday, March 15 on Aspen Mountain. 

The event challenges participants to conquer a 2.5-mile course with more than 3,000 feet of vertical gain, beginning at the base of Little Nell and ending at the Sundeck Restaurant, perched at 11,212 feet. Participants will be treated to breakfast once at the summit.

Organized by Ute Mountaineer in partnership with the city of Aspen and supported by Aspen Skiing Company, the race is presented by Norrona, with additional sponsorship from Smartwool and Skratch Labs. 

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Ute Mountaineer Marketing Manager Joel Nunez Smith noted the event’s longstanding presence in the community.

“It’s definitely a legacy race for Ute Mountaineer,” Smith said. “It’s obviously a winter race from the bottom of Aspen Mountain to the top. The vertical gain is just over 3,000 feet and is a good, steep, punchy climb.”

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The race accommodates a variety of uphill methods. The “Skis” category permits gear like telemark, alpine, track, and backcountry skis. The “Open” category allows traction devices, snowshoes, and running shoes. 

Smith explained that the event’s name is a nod to Aspen’s ski racing heritage.

“The name, ‘America’s Uphill,’ is a play on words for the famous world cup course, ‘America’s Downhill,’ that has been held in Aspen for many years,” he said.

Participants range from 14 years old to over 70, with team participation optional. Team standings are based on the top five finish times. While the course’s difficulty varies by participant, Smith said most racers finish within two hours.

“There is a broad spectrum for how long it takes people to finish the course,” he said. “Most racers are done in under two hours, but the fastest known time during America’s Uphill was set in 2021 by Aspen local John Gaston, who completed the race in 39:19, which is absolutely incredible.”

Although competition is a key element, Smith emphasized the event’s inclusive and celebratory atmosphere.

“We want to make sure the race is open to everyone. It’s not about being the fastest or best,” he said. “It’s about enjoying the community and the mountain and celebrating this incredible uphill tradition we have here in Aspen.”

Registration is open exclusively online and will close 10 a.m. Friday, March 14. The $70 entry fee includes a race shirt, breakfast, and eligibility for prize giveaways.

For more information or to register, visit the Ute Mountaineer’s official https://www.utemountaineer.com/americas-uphill.