The best skiing is before 11am. Still fun to classic in the afternoon! Watch for closures. Learn More
Gold Rush
Festival
March 20-21, 2026

Friday March 20, 2026

Evening Terrain Park Sprint competition
Night Pro Terrain Slush Cup Sprint
Demos, Wax Clinics

Saturday March 21, 2026

15km, 25km, 50km Mass Start Freestyle Races
Nordic Adventure: Terrain Park, Biathlon Laser Rifle, Demos
Untimed Youth Mass Start Adventure race 3km

USSS and Far West membership strongly suggested

REGISTRATION
All registration is through Zone4. Register Now

*DAY-OF REGISTRATION IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED AND INCURS A SUBSTANTIAL ADDITIONAL FEE 

ENTRY FEES 

  • Fools Gold 3km (Youth)
    • Youth (Standard: $20 / Late: $30 / Day-of: $40)
  • Bronze Rush (15k), Silver Rush (25k), Gold Rush (50k)
    • Youth/Junior (Standard: $40 / Late: $50 / Day-of: $100) - Adult (Standard: $125 / Late: $135 / Day-of: $185)
  • Standard Entry fee until March 11, 11:59 pm. Late Entry Fee March 11, 11:59 pm - March 13, 11:59 pm Day of prices from March 13, 11:59 pm through race morning.

WAIVER
The race registration process includes the Royal Gorge Waiver. 

VOLUNTEERS:
Please register to volunteer: TBD

RESULTS and START LISTS:
Zone 4 Event Page. There will be live timing. The final results will be posted on the Zone4 event page.

TRAIL ACCESS:
RGXC Race Courses are visibly marked and OPEN during each race on Gold Rush weekend.  Athletes and coaches accessing the trails to preview/inspect must be registered to race and have a valid RGXC waiver on file before skiing.

Race registration includes a 1-day trail ticket valid on race day ONLY. Racers are free (and encouraged) to enjoy the trails before or after their race. Trail access at any other time or by coaches, supporters, etc requires the purchase of a trail pass. Spectators on foot do not need to purchase a trail pass and are limited to accessing the stadium area.

WAXING AND  FACILITIES:
All waxing must be done outdoors. The wax area will be outlined on the north side of the lodge next to the ski patrol hut. Only those competitors and coaches preparing for the next scheduled race are allowed in the waxing area. Competitors must observe the US Ski and Snowboard NO FLUORO rule. ONLY non-fluorinated glide and kick waxes are allowed. Skis that have been waxed with fluorinated products should be cleaned following USSS guidance found here.

Athletes may use the restrooms on the first floor of Summit Station Lodge or the 2 single-stall bathrooms on the 2nd floor of the cafe.

Racers will NOT be allowed to use a second pair of skis during the race. 

COURSE MAP
Again this year, Royal Gorge is committed to exciting, long-loop courses for our distance races at the Gold Rush! Below courses outline the trail via a strava route. A detailed start/finish area will be published as the race date approaches.


SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: (ALL TIMES ARE PST) and SUBJECT TO CHANGE 

Friday, March 20th

  • Bib & Race Packet Pickup at Summit Station Lodge: 3:00 -5:00 pm
  • 9:00 am - 4:00  pm: Race courses marked (along the right hand side of the trail) and open for inspection/training
  • 9:00 am-4:00 pm: Demo open
  • 10:30am–biathlon laser rifle “try it”
  • 1:00 pm–waxing clinic on the deck
  • 4:00 pm–bib pick up for Slush Cup Terrain qualifier and Kings Court Citizen qualifier
  • 5:00pm–qualifying for Slush Cup
  • 5:30pm–Kings Court Citizen Sprint rounds
  • 7:00pm–”Pro” Rounds Slush Cup Sprint
Saturday, March 21st
  • 6:00 - 8:00 am - Bib & Race Packet Pickup
  • 8:30 am: Mass Start Gold Rush and Silver Rush
  • 9:00 am: Mass Start Bronze Rush
  • 10:00 am: 3km Youth Race Start
  • 1:00 pm: Awards—all classes, on the deck at Summit Station