Race organized by
Race sponsored by

Chosen by Trail Runner Magazine as one of "America's 14 most scenic races", the Vasque Golden Leaf is one of the
most beautiful foot races in the Rockies.  This 13.3 mile half marathon traverses from Snowmass Village to the heart
of Aspen on mountain trails and roads at the height of Colorado's breathtaking fall colors.

Cost and Registration
$35  (pre-registration)
$50 (race day registration)

To register online, click here.    To download a pdf click here.     Online pre-registration (with a credit
card) ends at 2 PM on September 26, and pre-registration at the Ute Mountaineer (with cash or check) ends at 5 PM
on September 26.

Race day registration is available in the Aspen Skiing Co. ticket pavilion on the Snowmass Village Mall from 7-8 AM
on Saturday, September 27.

Cost includes refreshments, raffle, awards, and a t-shirt for 1st 450 registrants to pick up packets.   

Race Packet
Race packet pick-up is September 22-26 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Ute Mountaineer or during race day registration.

Timing Chips
Timing chip are MANDATORY. Pick-up will be from 7-8 AM at the race start on race day.  Lost chips will incur a
charge of $50.
ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST OBTAIN A TIMING CHIP OR THEY WILL NOT RECEIVE A FINISH TIME.

Shuttle
Bus service leaves Rubey Park (3 blocks from finish) in Aspen for Snowmass Village at  6:15 AM & 7:15 AM (and at
:15 all day).  The Bus to Snowmass is free. There will also be a school bus shuttle at 6:45am - this bus will be parked
one block west of Rubey Park in front of Wagner Park. A gear shuttle will be available at the start of the race and will
transport gear bags to the finish line.

Lodging in Aspen
Tyrolean Lodge: Walking distance to heart of Aspen. Bus system stops in front of lodge. All rooms w/2 Q’s, 1 twin &
Kitchenette. Starting at $75/night. (888) 220-8309.
Independence Square: Starting @ $135/nt. Includes continental breakfast and many amenities. Downtown Aspen.
1-877-636-4628
St Moritz: Lodge rooms/condos. Affordable Boutique Lodge. Starting at $99. 1-970-925-3220
Stay Aspen Snowmass Central Reservations: Call 888-649-5982 or online at www.stayaspensnowmass.com.

Lodging in Snowmass (walk to the start)
Silvertree Hotel  - $89 for 9/25 through 9/28 (any number of days). Please refer to the special rate for “Golden Leaf” when
making reservation. Call 1-800-525-9402
Stay Aspen Snowmass Central Reservations: Call 888-649-5982 or online at www.stayaspensnowmass.com.
Snowmass Resort Association: Call 1-800-SNOWMASS.
 
Race Cancellation
The Golden leaf has been cancelled 1 time in 28 years (in 2006) - due to snow and treacherous conditions.  Under
such conditions, every effort will be made to hold the race, but the director reserves the right to delay, shorten or even
cancel the event.  There will be no refunds in the event of race cancellation. 

Race Results
Race results will be available after the races at the finish line, the Ute Mountaineer, and on this website on the
Tuesday following the race. Race results will be overall, by gender and by age group. The following age group
categories will be used: 13 & under, 14-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+.

Awards ceremony and raffle begins between 11 and 11:30am after the race. Awards will be provided to the top three
male and female finishers (Cash: $150 1st, $100 2nd, $50 3rd) as well as the top three finishers in each age group. 
All participants and volunteers are eligible for the raffle.

Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search & Rescue (CORSAR) Card
Pitkin County requires that all participants obtain a valid CORSAR card for the date of the event. These are available in
Aspen at the Ute Mountaineer and the Tenth Mountain Hut Association.

Aid Stations
Aid stations with medical assistance and beverages will be available for the running race at approximately 1.5, 5.5 and
9 miles. These aid stations will be closed at approximately 1 hr, 1 hr 45 min and 3 hrs after the start of the race
respectively. We cannot stress enough that this is not a walking race and that participants should factor that into their
decision to participate in this race.

Course Description
The Vasque Golden Leaf starts on Fanny Hill just off the pedestrian mall in Snowmass Village at an elevation of about
8650 feet.  The course climbs up a ski area access road along the Dawdler run for about 1 mile until a "T" in the road.
Turn left and follow this road a couple of hundred yards to a pond where there is a fork in the road.  Take the right fork
(the pond will be on your left) and ascend to the 1st aid station at about 1.5 miles (elevation approximately 9620 feet).  The
Government Trail intersects the road at this point and will cross under the Burlingame chair lift.



The Government Trail is a single track that contours the mountainsides between Snowmass and Buttermilk before
descending to the outskirts of Aspen.  The trail is dirt with some obstacles (rocks, roots, etc.) and the terrain is hilly
aspen forests and meadows.  The first section is a rolling descent across Snowmass Ski Area.  At about 2.25 miles,
the trail merges with a dirt road.  Proceed downhill on this road and look for the trail to your right after 100 yards.  Just
after the three mile mark the trail merges with an abandoned work road.  Follow this road to the left and slightly
downhill until you see the trail resume again on your left.  Follow the trail down a steep hill, cross the Elk Camp road
and continue down a long gradual hill to a meadow.  Just before the five mile marker, there is a significant hill climb of
about 300 ft. (elevation approximately 9400 ft.).  Shortly after, at about 5.5 mi., you are rewarded with an aid station
followed by some relatively flat to declining terrain.

The next landmark is a Forest Service gate followed by a very rocky flat section (approximately 7 mi.).  Subsequently,
the course begins a gradual descent across Buttermilk.  Prior to 8 miles, the trail begins an extended steeper
descent into Maroon Creek.  One section of the downhill is a power line cut followed by an intersection with a service
road.  Abandon the trail and follow the road for about 400 yards, even though the trail falls steeply off to the left.  The 9
mile aid station is on this short road section.  Resume following the trail (on your right) at a left hand switchback just
above the Lower Tiehack lift.  Immediately you will pass through a cattle gate before continuing rapidly down towards
Maroon Creek (at approximately 10 miles).

The course from this point to the finish is to be determined.  We are trying to improve the trails entering the town of
Aspen.

  Golden Leaf 2007 Race Results -Overall Results

 Golden Leaf 2007 Race Results-Age Group Results

 Golden Leaf 2007 Race Photos - Click here.

 Golden Leaf 2005 Race Results

 Golden Leaf 2003 Race Results