Vail Winter Uphill sees record turnout

Western Colorado University runner and Pikes Peak Ascent legend win top prizes

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The 19th annual Vail Winter Uphill race saw a record 188 skiers, snowboarders, and runners compete in the 2.1-mile, 2,253-foot climb up groomed trails on Feb. 8. Jaden McNeese and Kim Dobson captured the top prizes, with McNeese winning the men's division and Dobson taking the women's title.

Why it matters

The Vail Winter Uphill is a beloved local event that challenges athletes to push their limits in the high-altitude conditions of the Colorado Rockies. The record turnout this year highlights the growing popularity of the sport of uphill skiing and running, which has seen a surge in participation across the state.

The details

Competitors in the Vail Winter Uphill raced up groomed trails, gaining 2,253 feet in elevation over the 2.1-mile course. McNeese, a runner for Western Colorado University, took the men's title, while Dobson, a legendary Pikes Peak Ascent champion, won the women's division.

  • The 19th annual Vail Winter Uphill race took place on February 8, 2026.
  • A record 188 athletes competed in this year's event.

The players

Jaden McNeese

A runner for Western Colorado University who won the men's division of the Vail Winter Uphill.

Kim Dobson

A champion of the Pikes Peak Ascent who won the women's title at the Vail Winter Uphill.

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What they’re saying

“The Vail Winter Uphill is such a unique and challenging event, and it's amazing to see the sport growing in popularity across Colorado.”

— Kim Dobson (Instagram)

What’s next

Organizers of the Vail Winter Uphill are already planning for next year's event, which they expect will draw an even larger field of competitors.

The takeaway

The record turnout at the Vail Winter Uphill showcases the growing interest in uphill skiing and running in Colorado, as athletes seek out unique challenges in the state's high-altitude terrain.