Vail Whitewater Race Series Returns April 28

Snow-capped peaks still dominate the Vail landscape — but the town's focus is shifting to the water. Gore Creek, typically a tranquil presence, will soon become a hub of activity as the Vail Recreation District's Whitewater Race Series returns. This spring, the series kicks off on April 28, a week earlier than initially planned, and will run through May 26.

The Eagle River Water & Sanitation District Vail Whitewater Race Series will take place on Tuesday evenings, with participants competing in kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and two-person raft categories. The course, which spans from the Covered Bridge to the International Bridge, will be determined on the day of each race — depending on river flows. This unpredictability is nothing new for the series, but this year's historically low snowpack adds an extra layer of complexity. Organizers are actively monitoring water flows, and participants can expect updates throughout the spring.

The series is open to paddlers aged 16 and up, with intermediate to expert ability, and a requirement to navigate class III whitewater. Thanks to sponsor Hyside Inflatables, rafts will be available for two-person teams to use, although registration is limited. In fact, due to the low snowpack, series registration has been closed for the 2026 season; participants can only sign up for individual races. If all five races are completed, organizers will issue a refund to give participants the series price. Refunds will also be issued for any cancelled races.

Online registration ends at 10 a.m. on race day, and day-of registration will only be accepted on a space-available basis. Racers must attend a mandatory safety talk and course instructions at 5 p.m. before each event, which begins at 5:30 p.m. The after-party, complete with awards, raffle, and free beer for competitors, will take place at various locations around Vail Village.

Last year's series champions - including Meg Dean, Kate Kalamon, John Anicito, and Jeremiah Williams. set the bar high. The Minturn Downriver Dash, scheduled for May 30, will provide an additional challenge for kayaks and two-person raft teams. Preregistration is highly recommended, and online registration ends at 10 a.m. on race day.

One thing is certain becomes: The community will be watching the water flows closely. The question on everyone's mind; will the water levels be sufficient to support the series? One thing is rewritten to: The answer will have a direct impact on the events. Make no mistake, the answer will have a direct impact on the events.

For now, the focus is on preparation - and organizers are urging participants to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date information. The short version: stay tuned for updates, and get ready for the series to kick off. Read that again. the series is still on, and it's going to be a thrilling competition.

As the starting date approaches, folks around here will be keeping a close eye on the weather forecast, and the water levels. Worth watching: how the low snowpack will affect the series, and what adjustments will be made to ensure a successful event. The community is eager to see the series return; and to find out what the new season will bring.

In Vail, the sound of rushing water is about to get a lot louder. The Whitewater Race Series is coming - and it's going to be a splash.