Dirt Days: Downhill Race Series
A brand new race series is coming to Big Sky! This 5-part downhill series is designed for intermediate through expert-level riders. Each race combines friendly competition, themes, and après, with shared passion for speed.
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| July 18 | 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm |
| August 1 | 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm |
| August 15 | 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm |
| August 29 | 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm |
Dirt Days brings five Fridays of multi-lap downhill racing to Big Sky Resort, where intermediate through pro riders can perfect their lines, push their limits, and build community on Montana's most exciting terrain.
Each Friday features a playful theme—riders are encouraged to show up in costume, adding a festive spirit to the competition. Après in the plaza follows every race from 4 - 6:30 PM. Connect with fellow riders and celebrate the race’s winner with live music, games, and more.
The series culminates in a three-day Labor Day bike celebration that blends racing with community in a high-energy finale. More details to come.
Race Schedule
1 - 1:30 PM
Check In at Basecamp
2 PM
Junior & Sport Races Start
2:30 PM
Open Race Start
5 PM
Awards
4 - 6:30 PM
Après in the Plaza
Friday, July 4
Theme: Red, White, & Blue
Friday, July 18
Theme: Day Glow
Friday, August 1
Theme: Denim Day
Friday, August 15
Theme: Tropical Paradise
Friday, August 29
Theme: Homecoming
Plus demo days, group rides, and après in the plaza all weekend long!
Trail details will be released as we approach race dates.
Riders are encouraged to show up in costume, adding a festive spirit to the competition. Please be sure your costume is family-friendly, allows you to move freely, and won’t interfere with your bike.
Race Format
Races are divided into Sport/Intermediate and Open/Expert categories, each with a dedicated time slot. All riders will ride the same set of trails, regardless of racer category. Every rider gets 2 timed runs. Final results are determined by combining each rider’s two fastest run times. Winners are based on the lowest combined time in each category. Points are tabulated across the series, and the Series Champions will be awarded after the final race on 8/29. Riders must participate in all 5 races to be eligible for the Series Championships.
Categories:
- Open: Open riders are comfortable with steep and loose terrain and technical rock gardens. They have raced downhill before and ride most trails and features at Big Sky without hesitation.
- Sport: Sport riders can ride technical terrain comfortably and can ride single black trails (recommended to be comfortable on Joker Lips, Trapper, Soul Hole). Walking features will not disqualify racers and is encouraged for a safe race experience.
- Junior: Riders 17 years of age and under can ride at a Sport or intermediate level. With guardian approval, expert juniors may elect to ride in the Open group and will be scored with the adults.
Each level will be broken into male and female race categories for scoring.
Race Entry
Every participant must register for the race. Online registrations close at noon MT on race day. You may register in person at Basecamp in the Mountain Village until 1:30 PM on race day.
| Age Category | Single Race Entry | 5-Pack Entry (All Dates) - save 10% |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $35 | $150 |
| Junior | $25 | $100 |
Bike Haul Lift Tickets
Lift access is required for the series. Purchase a discounted lift ticket when you register for the race or use your summer bike pass or 25/26 Gold Pass for lift access.
| Age | Single Race Day Ticket | 5-Pack Race Day Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $30 | $150 |
| Junior (17 & Under) | $20 | $100 |
Race Rules & FAQ
Lift Access is Required
A lift ticket or pass is required. You can purchase a discounted bike haul ticket with your race registration.
Course
The trail(s) for each race will be shared at least 24 hours in advance. Trails will close for race preparations 1 – 2 hours before race time.
The trail is the course. Whether or not a corner is taped, shortcutting the trail tread is a rule violation.
Safety Equipment
Full-face helmets are required. Gloves, elbow pads, eye protection, and knee pads are recommended. A full-suspension mountain bike is strongly recommended. Ensure your bike is ready to ride before hitting the trails.
Safe Riding & Race Etiquette
- Know and follow the Mountain Biker’s Responsibility Code.
- Riders must be able to hear announcements. No earbuds or external speakers are allowed.
- Please practice general trail courtesy, such as being aware, in control, and welcoming to all riders.
- A rider overtaking another with the intent to pass should voice, “when you get time” loud enough to be heard by the slower rider.
- Riders being passed should give as much room to the overtaking rider as is safe for their skill level.
- Racers riding a bicycle have the right of way over racers walking bicycles. If getting off to walk an obstacle, the rider should endeavor to get off the trail to allow upcoming riders room to pass.
- If you have a mechanical failure, move off the trail immediately.
- If you come upon an injured rider, please be a good member of the community and stop to assist them and notify Patrol. Please stay with the injured rider until Patrol arrives. You’ll be allowed a rerun.
- If you are in need of assistance on-mountain, please call Patrol at (406) 995-5880, speak with the patroller at the start or finish of the course, or visit any lift terminal to call Patrol. For any other emergencies, please dial 911.
Points and Series Champions
At each race, a rider gets 2 timed runs. Results for that race are determined by combining each rider’s two fastest run times. The three riders with the lowest cumulative times in each category will receive a prize and cheers during Après in the Plaza.
Series champs will be awarded after the final race on 8/29. You must participate in all five races to be eligible for the series-end awards. For each category, the three riders with the lowest combined times will receive prizes and be crowned Dirt Days champs!
A full-face helmet is required.
Gloves, elbow pads, eye protection, and knee pads are recommended. A full-suspension mountain bike is strongly recommended. Ensure your bike is ready to ride before hitting the trails.
Race check-in is between 1 – 3:30 PM at the Basecamp building in Mountain Village. You will be assigned a bib number with a timekeeping chip.
Junior and Sport races begin at 2 PM, and Open races begin at 2:30. Please check in at least 30 minutes prior to your race start time with all your equipment, costume, and lift access ready to go.
You will receive an email before your registered race(s) with details on trails. Please reference our website for race rules.
Full-face helmets are required for all racers. Please ensure your gear is in working order and your costume does not interfere with your bike.
Yes, a lift ticket or pass is required. You can purchase a bike haul ticket with your race registration for the best price.
Riders aged 17 or younger on race day may race in the Junior category. Riders aged 18 on race day must race with the adults in their desired category, Sport or Open.
Juniors who prefer to compete with adults or take on the more challenging Open course may register in either adult category with a parent or guardian's permission.
Juniors looking to compete for the series Junior Championship must ride exclusively in the Junior category and be aged 17 or under for all races.
Each race course will be announced at least 24 hours in advance of the race. An email will be sent to all registered participants and impacted trails will be posted on our Current Conditions page.
Yes, there will be prizes for the fastest men & women in each race category. Stick around for après in the Mountain Village Plaza, where awards will be announced, along with live music and more. The Dirt Days Series Champions will be crowned on 8/29.
Come ride and keep it consistent! You must participate in all five races to be eligible for the series-end awards. Your two lowest times are combined after each race, and points are tabulated throughout the series. You must ride in one category across the five races to be eligible.
Yes, on race days, you can register online until noon and in person at Basecamp until 1:30 PM.
No, race entries are non-transferable.
You can receive a new number plate by showing proof of a $5 donation to the Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association.
Each lap is timed using passive chip timing technology.
If a participant completes 1 lap, then the registration fee and ticket are used, and no refunds are available. If a participant uses the lift ticket prior to the race at least once, then no refunds. If lift holds prohibit the race from occurring, and a participant cannot complete 1 lap due to weather:
- If they are only here for a single race and will not be able to attend another, then a 50% refund will be given.
- If they are able to race on another date, then BSR will move the registration to the next available date.
- If they purchased the 5-pack, then no refunds are available.
