March 13, 2021, 7am
Base of Aspen Mountain, Aspen, CO

The America’s Uphill is a longtime Aspen favorite that attracts hundreds of racers each year. The race brings together snowshoers, runners, Nordic skiers, telemark skiers, and Randonee skiers for a 2.5 mile and 3,000’+ vertical climb up Aspen Mountain. The 2021 event will be a little different than previous years due to COVID safety precautions, but should be every bit as fun and painful. This year’s uphill will follow the traditional route but, due to COVID-19 restrictions, will be limited to 75 participants starting in waves at 30 second intervals.

Sponsored by The City of Aspen and Ute Mountaineer

COVID Safety Precautions – PLEASE READ
In order to ensure a safe race and the continuation of the series, the following must be adhered to:

1. Social Distancing
-Please do NOT invite spectators to the event – unfortunately we need to limit the number of people at the venue.
-Interval Starts: Interval/wave starts will be assigned according to your bib number. You should be prepared to enter the start area when your number is called. Please do not move up to the next position until the person in front of you has done so. Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between you and the racer in front of you.
-Before & After Race: Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between you and other persons unless that person is a member of your household. We ask that you clear the race finish area when you complete your race.

2. Mask Wearing
-Face coverings – should be double layer masks or double layer “buff” like garment.
-When – Masks should be worn at all times until 1 min prior to your race start time. You must put your mask on after you finish the race and stay well away from other people until you do so.
-Where – Masks should be worn at all times in the City of Aspen, Gondola Plaza (upper and lower level) and on Aspen Mountain – unless it is during your race.

3. Sick Racers – any racers who are sick or have COVID-19 symptoms should not attend the race.

4. Travelers from Outside Pitkin County– Any person that is not a local resident that is traveling to Pitkin County for this event must complete the Traveler Affidavit and be free from any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 in the 10 days prior to arrival. For more information about the Traveler Affidavit program, please visit https://covid19.pitkincounty.com/travel-affidavit/. Any person travelling to Pitkin county for this event is:
   -instructed they MUST be free from any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 in the 10 days prior to arrival.
   -instructed to self-screen for symptoms each morning during their stay in Pitkin County.
   -informed that if they are a close contact of a person who either has a positive COVID-19 test or symptoms of COVID-19, they may be required to quarantine or self-isolate, at the traveler’s expense.

Race Details

-Start Time: 7am with 15 waves at 30 second intervals
-Self Supported Race: This race requires you to be self-supported due to COVID-19 safety concerns. There will be: no aid station, no gear shuttle, and no finish line recovery food or drink. You are required to bring your own food, hydration, clothes and equipment to provide for your own safety in winter conditions and travel. There is also not a warming area at the start or finish.
-Bathrooms: will be available at the start (at approx. 6:30am) and at the finish (at approximately 8am) but entry will be restricted by COVID-19 capacity limits. Please do not linger in the facilities as other may need to use them also.
-Wave Starts: To accommodate social distancing, there will be 15 waves of 5 people each to start the race. Each wave will be at 30 second intervals. Participants will receive a start list (via email) prior to the race letting them know which their wave (1-15), start line (A, B, C, D or E) and start time. The wave starts will also be posted on this website and at the start of the race. There will also be volunteers at the start of the race to help you with your race start position. You will be emailed a start list on the Thursday night before the race and one will be posted on this website.
-Downloading / Descending Aspen Mountain: The Gondola will be available to download on starting at approximately 7:45am. If you wish to descend the mountain before 9am, you can only do so on skis by following the designated route (Copper, Copper Bowl, and Little Nell). All participants are required to turn around (wherever you are) if you have not reached the top by 9am.
-Spectators: Spectators are not allowed at the event and will not be allowed up the gondola.
-Results & Awards: Results will by age group, gender and overall. There will not be category (heavy metal, traction devices, etc) results this as the field is much smaller. There is an optional team category – the top 3 times on a team will be calculated for these results. There will not be an awards ceremony after the race but we will provide overall awards for top 3 female and top 3 male finishers.

Course

The America’s Uphill begins at the base of Little Nell and climbs 3267 feet up the Aspen Mountain ski area finishing at the Sundeck Restaurant at an elevation of 11,212 feet. The course follows Little Nell to the Bell Mountain Chair and then up Bingo Slot to Spar Gulch. The long steep climb up Spar continues to the base of Ajax Express (Lift 3). From there, there’s a small reprieve on Tortilla Flats before the climb begins again in earnest. At this point, the race follows a maze of trails starting up Deer Park to Pussyfoot, Silverbell, and Easy Chair, finally topping out at the Sundeck. Inspection of the course prior to race day is recommended. The course will be flagged with pin flags.

Registration / Bibs

-Participation Limit: 100 people

-Registration:  Registration will be available online only starting at 7pm 2/22 and continue to 9am 3/11 or until the race capacity is met. Registration is through events.com so you may consider setting up an account before registration begins. You will be asked to estimate your time (for seeding purposes) – in 2020, 1^st place male was 41:11, 1^st Place Female was 59:03, Middle of the pack was 1:17. Please try to be realistic when estimating your time.    There is no in-person registration or race day registration.

-Waivers: All participants are required to sign a waiver for their registration on events.com. You should register for yourself so you can sign the waiver. You will be contacted by email if you do not sign a waiver. If you do not sign a waiver, you will not be allowed to participate.

-Cost: $25 (includes wool race hat and pain)

-Bib/Timing Chip Pick-up: Bibs will be available for pickup from 9-5pm at the Ute Mountaineer on Friday, March 12 and at the race start from 6:15-6:50. There is no timing chip for this event – it will be hand timed based on your bib # and interval start time. Please make sure your bib is visible at the finish and start.

Please click HERE to register. (available 2/25 7pm)

Gear Options

• Open category (traction devices, running shoes, snowshoes, etc)
• Track Skis (lightweight skating/classic cross country gear)
• Telemark (full metal edged skis with a 3-pin, cable or NTN bindings)
• Heavy Metal (alpine skis, randonee bindings, plastic boots)

Course Description

The America’s Uphill begins at the base of Little Nell and climbs 3267 feet up the Aspen Mountain ski area finishing at the Sundeck Restaurant at an elevation of 11,212 feet. The course follows Little Nell to the Bell Mountain Chair and then up Bingo Slot to Spar Gulch. The long steep climb up Spar continues to the base of Ajax Express (Lift 3). From there, there’s a small reprieve on Tortilla Flats before the climb begins again in earnest. At this point, the race follows a maze of trails starting up Deer Park to Pussyfoot, Silverbell, and Easy Chair, finally topping out at the Sundeck. Inspection of the course prior to race day is recommended.

There is one aid station with fluids at the base of Lift 3.

Course Profile:

Other America’s Uphill Links: