Some winter traditions are quiet and cozy. This one is neither. But it’s definitely the most fun you can have on a snow shovel.
Angel Fire Resort’s legendary Shovel Races are back, and if you’ve never seen them in person, this is your sign to plan a mountain weekend around them. Picture this: racers in helmets and goggles sitting on the scoop of a grain shovel, handle pointed downhill, then lifting hands and feet and letting gravity do the rest. Two runs. Fastest time wins. The vibes are equal parts competitive and ridiculous, in the best possible way.
Save the Date
Shovel Race Weekend is happening February 26 – March 1, 2026. And yes, there are lodging discounts available for both spectators and registered racers, which makes it a perfect “book it now, figure out the details later” kind of weekend.
What Makes This Weekend Such a Fan Favorite
Even if you never race, it’s an elite spectator sport.
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It’s loud, fast, and genuinely impressive. Top shovel racers can hit seriously high speeds.
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The energy is contagious. People show up to cheer, laugh, and watch the chaos unfold.
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The shovels are part of the show. Competitors often decorate them, and between costumes, speed suits, and pure bravado, there’s always something happening on the hill.
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It’s all-ages fun. With age divisions and cash prizes, it’s not just a novelty. It’s a real competition with bragging rights. (Plus, watching kids and adults take the same course is half the entertainment.)
How Shovel Racing Works (Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.)
The premise is simple, and that’s why it’s so iconic:
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You sit on the scoop of a standard aluminum snow shovel (the “grain” style shovel).
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The handle points downhill.
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You lift your hands and feet, and gravity takes it from there.
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Racers typically get two timed runs to chase their fastest time.
It started in the 1970s when lift operators would ride shovels down the mountain after their shifts. And somehow (beautifully), it grew into one of Angel Fire’s most recognizable winter events.
Racer Basics
Angel Fire will release more specifics as shovel race weekend gets closer, but here are a few staples that have been consistent:
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Shovels must be “grain” shovels. You can bring your own, or shovels may be provided by the resort.
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Helmets and eye protection are required for practice and competition runs.
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Wax is allowed on the underside of the shovel, but racers cannot alter the shovel’s running surface beyond that.
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Stay on your shovel through the finish. If you aren’t seated when you cross, you can get a DNF.
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After crossing the finish line, racers must safely stop themselves and exit the course. Failing to do so could lead to a DQ.
Spectator Tips: How to Make a Day of It
If you’re coming to watch (highly recommended), here’s how to do it right:
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Dress warmer than you think you need. You’ll be standing, cheering, and staying put for a while.
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Bring the whole crew. This is the kind of event where your group chat becomes your hype squad.
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Plan on staying for the weekend. Between skiing, riding, and shovel races, this is prime “winter mountain core memory” territory.
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Book lodging early to grab the spectator discounts while they’re available.
Make It a Winter Weekend in Angel Fire
Shovel Race Weekend is the perfect excuse to build a whole trip to Angel Fire Resort. Ski all day, take in the spectacle, then head back to your lodging for hot food, warm drinks, and the kind of sleep you only get after mountain air and a full day outside.
Shovel racing is an amazing “only-in-Angel-Fire” experience. You won’t find this type of thing in many places, so you’ll have stories to tell when you get home.
Mark your calendar for February 26–March 1, 2026, and keep an eye on the official event listing as more details are added (registration, divisions, prize info, and schedule updates).
If you want the full experience, book your stay early and take advantage of the lodging discounts for spectators and competitors.
Come for the shovel racing, stay for the skiing, and leave with a new favorite winter tradition.
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