Vertical Challenge

Child skiing down a snow-covered slope, navigating around a flag.

Ski resort scene with colorful sponsor flags and an inflatable Stonyfield Organic entrance.

Skiers gather under a large inflatable cow at a snowy ski resort.

Join us for the return of the Vertical Challenge to Pico Mountain on Saturday, March 13th! The Vertical Challenge is a series of FREE casual ski and snowboard races held at ski resorts throughout the Northeast during each winter season. Vertical Challenge includes a festival element, featuring snowy activities for all ages and prizes given away throughout a fun day at the mountain. It's also a lot more. In fact, Killington/Pico Ski Resort was the very first mountain to host the event back in 1991!

Registration

The Vertical Challenge races are free for participants, with costs paid by tour sponsors. All entrants need to do is purchase a lift ticket from the host mountain and complete a registration form, which can be done in advance at ski-vc.com. The Vertical Challenge will once again work with NASTAR for racer registration and results.

Registration is not yet live. Stay tuned for more information.

Schedule

EventTime
Registration open
7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Sponsor village open
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Racecourse open
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Vertical victory party & awards
1:30 p.m.

*All information here is subject to change. All events will take place slope side or inside of the Pico Base Lodge

About Vertical Challenge

Vertical Challenge is a series of free casual ski and snowboard races held at ski resorts throughout the northeast during each winter season. Skiers and snowboard races held at ski resorts throughout the Northeast during each winter season. Skiers and snowboarders are divided by gender and age to compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals in each category. In addition to the races, attendees enjoy a festival element, featuring snowy activities for all ages, plus prizes given away throughout a fun day at the mountain.

We will let you in on a secret: our crew members have as much fun at the events as you do. When you participate in Vertical Challenge, your family becomes part of ours.

Over our 30 years of operation, we have made it a priority to make a difference in the lives of our attendees. We mentor our crew and they, in turn, mentor our young participants. They helped an eight-year-old overcome trepidation about her first ski race; they showed a child how he can help other kids through school fundraisers; they adopt families, even forming bonds that last well beyond the day at the slopes. Multiple generations have made Vertical Challenge an influential part of their lives.

Learn more about Vertical Challenge at ski-vc.com.

Questions? We’ve got answers.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out to our team.

Pico Fitness Center is open year-round. Pico Mountain Ski Resort operates only during the winter season, is closed Tuesday & Wednesdays except for peak period dates.

Season passes are available for purchase online at picomountain.com/seasonpass. Last day save on the price is September 24, 2026, and the K.A. All Seasons Pass will no longer be available for purchase after that date.

Free parking is available at the Pico Mountain Base Lodge. 9 stations of paid solar-powered EV charging is available at the base area.

Dogs are welcome in outdoor areas and on select pet-friendly trails during the non-ski season. Service animals are welcome year-round. Please review our Pet Policy for full details. Please note that animals are not permitted on chairlifts at any time.