Updated April 1, 2024
The Audi Power of Four Trail Run is a premier endurance event utilizing the challenging and unique terrain of the four peaks of The Aspen Snowmass Mountains – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Ranked by Strambecco as one of the best trail runs in the Rockies, it offers beauty and challenge on a perfect mix of singletrack and dirt roads. The trail run, produced by the Power of Four organizers, is part of a series under the same name, including a ski-mountaineering race, also called the Power of Four, and a mountain bike race in the summer called the Snowmass 50. The great thing about Aspen is that you almost always find the local ski bums giving the pros in town a run for their money. Designed for both elite and recreational athletes, it is safe to say the competition is fierce. The event offers a 50K Ultra, a 25K race, or a 10K course. Registration is limited for each of the three courses, so sign up right away!
The 50K Ultra course for the Audi Power of Four Trail Run starts at the base of Aspen Mountain and ends at Snowmass Base Village includes a combination of single track and fire roads with epic views throughout. With elevation climbs of just over 12,000 feet and starting at 8,000 feet, not to mention the four peaks, this event is as mentally challenging as the physical but with views and camaraderie worth the pain. There are six aid stations for this course, so there is plenty of support, but I plan to be able to make it between each station without support. The 25K race begins at the base of Tiehack on Buttermilk and uses the Government trail to cross to Snowmass Base Village. The shortest option, 10K, leads runners from the top of Elk Camp Gondola and traverses across Snowmass, ending with all event participants for a runner’s celebration in Snowmass Base Village. The top 3 finishers in each gender will be awarded medals at the podium ceremony at the finish, and prize money will be awarded to the top 3 for the 50K division – 1st – $500, 2nd – $250, 3rd – $125.
For friends and family, the best spectating locations are the 50K start at the base of Aspen Mountain, the 25K start at the base of the Tiehack Lift on Buttermilk, the 10K start by the Elk Camp Restaurant at the top of the Elk Camp Gondola in Snowmass and the finish on Fanny Hill. They can pick up discount vouchers for the Elk Camp gondola at racer check in.
Aspen, Colorado, is a beautiful mountain resort town with many events year-round. Limelight Hotel and The Gant are unique hotels that detail Aspen activities for any time of year. In addition to hotels and resorts, participants can go camping or stay at RV Park near Willows on Coulter Creek and RV Camp Site. Participants and supporters can try out several local restaurants in the area to celebrate a successful trail run. Bosq and Betula are fine dining options in the heart of Aspen’s downtown area, while Meat & Cheese and Spring Cafe are two of our favorites for a casual bite.
Aspen and the surrounding Roaring Fork Valley are a mecca for outdoor athletes participating in the event and supporting friends and family. For those who may want to do some warm-up runs before the race or just leisurely hikes, Aspen boasts an extensive network of scenic trails that cater to both trail runners and hikers. The area is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, including breathtaking mountain vistas, alpine meadows, and serene forests. Trails like the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop and Cathedral Lake Trail are great ones to check out, in addition to the trails that are part of the course loop. Aspen is a paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts, with many trails suitable for various skill levels. Riders can explore the renowned Snowmass Bike Park, which offers thrilling downhill trails and features like jumps, berms, and technical sections, while Government Trail, Tom Blake, and Skyline are local favorites. Road cyclists will also pinch themselves with the riding options right out of town, from taking on the challenge of climbing Independence Pass, riding to the ghost town of Ashcroft, or to the stunning Maroon Bells. Lastly, with the Roaring Fork and Arkansas Rivers nearby, whitewater rafting and kayaking are also top favorite summertime activities for those who love exploring the outdoors.
Two other great Aspen/Snowmass trail events to consider are the Aspen Backcountry Marathon and Heavy Half later in July or the Golden Leaf Half Marathon in September. Check out the other sporting events in the Power of Four Series.
