FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the date and location of the event?
A. The event will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Participants may hike or ride the gondola from the event starting line, which is located at Lionshead Village, located at 675 Lionshead Place in Vail, Colorado. The Mountaintop Party will be held at Eagle's Nest on Vail Mountain.
Q. How long is the Climb It for Climate Hike? Is it a race?
A. This is not a race -- hike at your own pace! The Climb It For Climate hike follows the Berry Picker trail from Lionshead Village to Eagle's Nest at the top of Vail Mountain. This hike is approximately 4 miles long with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Most of us can complete the hike in 2-2.5 hours (fast hikers can do it in 1.5 hours).
Q. Is parking available?
A. We strongly encourage you to embrace sustainable transportation options to attend this event! Hop on your bike, rent an ebike for free for one hour through the Shift Bike program (code: CIFC23), take the bus, or carpool with your friends. Complimentary car parking is available at the Lionshead Parking Structure (395 S. Frontage Road W. in Vail), and convenient bike racks will be available next to registration.
Q. What happens if it rains?
A. The event will take place rain, snow or shine. We encourage participants to dress for a variety of fall weather conditions, which may include rain or cooler temperatures. In the case of serious inclement weather, event activities will move into Eagle's Nest.
Q. What should I bring?
A. We recommend bringing a day pack and being prepared with a water bottle, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, an extra layer, and any snacks that you like while you hike.
Q. Where can I put my bag at the Mountaintop Party?
A. There is a bag drop location on the 3rd floor of Eagle's Nest. We cannot guarantee the security of belongings left in this area.
Q. Will there be complimentary food and beverages available?
A. Yes. At the conclusion of the hike, there will be a Mountaintop Party at Eagle's Nest that will include small plates and a variety of beverages (alcoholic and non). Participants are encouraged to bring snacks and plenty of water for the hike up Berry Picker.
Q. Is a donation required to participate?
A. Climb It for Climate is a fundraiser for Walking Mountains Science Center (a 501c3 nonprofit organization), the hub of environmental education and climate action in Eagle County. All participants must be part of a sponsored group, or team, or purchase an individual ticket. Donations are welcomed -- if you are inspired by the event experience, please consider a charitable contribution on the day of the event via Venmo @WalkingMountains, or visit walkingmountains.org/give for additional ways to donate.
Q. Can my child participate?
A. Yes, discounted tickets are available for children aged 12 and under at a cost of $50 each. The hike up Berry Picker covers a distance of approximately four miles and involves an elevation gain of over 2,000 feet. If your child does not enjoy hiking, they can still take part in the event by riding the gondola up and then hiking an easy loop trail at the mountain's summit. Please contact Sherri Hahn at sherrih@walkingmountains.org if you have additional questions about your child participating.
Q. Can I participate in the event without doing the hike?
A. Yes. Event participants that opt out of the hike may ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola from Lionshead to Eagle's Nest to participate in the Mountaintop Party. This option is available to all sponsors and ticket holders. There is no additional fee for gondola riders. There is an easy loop hike at the top of the mountain for participants looking for a.
Q. Are dogs allowed?
A. Dogs are not recommended for Climb It for Climate. We love our furry friends and we know they love hiking with us but due to the volume of activities and people at Eagle's Nest, we recommend that dogs do not participate this year.
Q. How do I earn points to win prizes?
A. We are utilizing the Eventzee app to track engagement throughout the day. Apple users can download it here, Android users can download it here. Before the event, please download the app and create an account. At the event, all participants will be given the event code and the challenges will be unlocked!
Q. Is there first aid in case of an accident?
A. Yes! We are grateful to be supported by the Vail Resorts Ski Patrol and Mountain Ops teams. Event staff with radios are present throughout the event to help our participants as needed.