Talons Challenge at Beaver Creek changes course
Special to the Daily
Beaver Creek Resort/Courtesy photo
Beaver Creek has changed course this year with its upcoming Talons Challenge competition. As low snow conditions continue to delay Grouse Mountain and other resort openings, Beaver Creek has transitioned its annual event from completing 14 runs to a weekend of racing at its Toyota Race Center.
“This venue will serve as the central hub for the Challenge, where we are excited to offer a weekend of races, partner activations, and live music,” said Michelle Dallal, senior communications specialist at Beaver Creek.
The Talons Challenge will begin as scheduled on Saturday morning, but the competition has relocated to the Toyota Race Center near Chair 6. Guests are invited to race against others or themselves, and the most accomplished racers will earn prizes and bragging rights throughout the weekend.
The resort will also host its signature Talons Village Party, celebrating the competition with live music, refreshments and brand activations.
In previous years, the Talons Challenge called on competitors to ski across Beaver Creek’s 14 most challenging slopes. These runs were spread across Grouse Mountain, Larkspur Bowl and Birds of Prey areas, and many have remained closed with the historically low snowpack.
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“We shifted the venue to ensure we can properly preserve mountain conditions while maintaining a high standard of terrain quality,” Dallal said. “While the main venue has changed, all planned village activations will still take place throughout the weekend.”
The party will feature entertainment throughout the village, including a special performance from DJ Light Chaser. A Recovery Station will offer chair massages at $20 for the general public, and Outer Range Brewing will cater the event with its array of aprés beverages. The Talons Village Party will also include a raffle with big giveaways throughout the weekend.
Alongside its competition merchandise, Beaver Creek will offer its official 2026 Talons Challenge pin, a collectible they provide every year.
Dallal noted that the resort plans to maintain as much of the Talons Challenge experience as possible, despite the necessary departure from the traditional competition.
“These activations remain an important part of the event atmosphere and will continue as scheduled to ensure a vibrant and engaging experience for everyone,” Dallal said.
While the Talons Challenge is normally a ticketed event, the resort will offer this year’s competition free of charge to the public. Beaver Creek has also shifted away from offering its usual competitor package, including a complimentary lunch and Talons Challenge swag, for this year’s event.
Beaver Creek is over halfway through the winter season, and half of its terrain remains closed due to record-low snowfall. As Vail Resorts continues to experience decreased visitation, events like the Talons Challenge are being modified to accommodate the conditions and attract guests with alternative experiences.
Vail Resorts declined to comment on how low snow conditions will impact the rest of the season or Beaver Creek’s remaining event schedule.
The resort plans to preserve as much of its base depth as possible to prepare for the upcoming spring break peak season. While the Talons Challenge will have some noticeable differences this season, it will continue to provide a contest that puts skier skills to the test and an aprés party to bring the whole mountain together.
