SBT GRVL® is introducing the Friday Night MTN CLMB p/b Ventum that will elevate the previous crowd favorite HLL CLMB event with a new location and format at Steamboat Ski Mountain. The MTN CLMB will include a prologue race component where heats of racers will compete the short climb on the ski mountain head to head in a single elimination format for a $1000 prize purse, followed by a family-friendly costume competition lap featuring 33 spectator friendly switchbacks leading into an awaiting party below.
The evening culminates with a free concert at the base of the mountain hosted by Steamboat Resort, featuring a DJ, the Low Down Brass Band, and on-site festivities. Proceeds from the MTN CLMB benefit The Cycle Effect, a Colorado non-profit empowering young women through mountain biking to create brighter futures and build stronger communities.
MTN CLMB p/b Ventum Stats
Friday, June 26th
Registration $25
(Includes entry into the Prologue Race and Costume Competition. Riders can choose to participate in either, or both)
Prologue MTN CLMB Race
Distance: .5 miles per lap
Elevation Gain: 214 feet per lap
Average gradient: 8.2%
Surface: Fire road
Costumes: Highly encouraged
Start time: 6:30pm
Awards: 7:40pm
Prizes:
$1000 cash split evenly between the Open/Men and Women’s champs.
Junior Award: POC product sponsorship for 1 year
Costume Competition MTN CLMB
Distance: 1.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 481 feet
Average gradient: 8.2%
Surface: Fire road climb, smooth single track descent
Costumes: Mandatory
Start time: 7:15pm
Awards: 7:40pm
Prizes: Awarded to Best Costume based on audience applause.
The Nitty Gritty
Starting at Gondola Square, a 3.5 mile ride from the SBT Expo on Yampa Street, participants will meet from 6-6:30pm to check in and collect their race plates.
Prologue Races
The prologue races will kick off at 6:30 with riders competing in small group single elimination waves with riders registered in the following categories: Open/Men, Women, and Juniors. The race starts at Gondola Square and ascends a fire road .5 miles and 214 feet at an average gradient of 8.2% to finish at the first chair lift. The winner of each heat will advance to the next round and the race will culminate with a final wave for each category, with a $1000 Open/Men and Women’s Prize purse split equally among two winners, and a 2026 POC product sponsorship for the top Junior. Costumes are highly encouraged and gravel or mountain bikes are welcome. E bikes are not allowed.
Costume MTN CLMB
Costume Theme: Oops I’m At The Wrong Event
Riders will park their bikes on the grass at Gondola Square and the race will start with a short run. After jumping on their bikes, riders will head straight up the prologue race course, descend 33 smooth single track switchbacks to Gondola Square, and ascend the prologue course once again to finish at the first chair. The cause is 1.8 miles long with 481 feet of elevation gain. After riders cross the finish line at the top of the lift, they will parade back down the switchbacks for a MTN CLMB podium and award presentation and concert featuring the Lowdown Brass Band. Gravel or mountain bikes are welcome and E bikes are not allowed.
FAQ’s
How far will I have to ride for the prologue race?
If you win every heat you will do the climb 3 times (approximately 1.5 miles) if your an adult and 2 times (1 mile) if you’re a Junior
How do I have to be to race the Junior category?
The MTN CLMB Junior category is 16 and under
How many spots are there for the prologue race?
The prologue race is capped at 100 adults and 28 juniors to ensure we have enough time to complete all elimination rounds within 40 minutes. There is no limit to the number of participants at the Costume MTN CLMB.