Dirt Days: Downhill Race Series
Dirt Days returns this summer bigger and better. This downhill series is designed for intermediate through expert-level riders.
| Date |
|---|
| July 3 |
| July 10 |
| July 17 |
| July 24 |
| July 31 |
| August 7 |
| August 14 |
| August 21 |
| August 28 |
| September 4 |
Supported byDirt Days brings 10 Fridays of multi-lap downhill racing to Big Sky Resort, where riders who are comfortable on black diamond terrain can perfect their lines, push their limits, and build community on Montana's most exciting terrain.
Supported by
Race Format
Races are divided into Sport/Intermediate and 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.
Categories:
- Expert: Expert 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.
- Teen: Riders 13 - 17 years of age and under that can ride at the advanced level. With guardian approval, expert juniors may elect to ride in the Expert group. They will be scored with adults.
- Junior: Riders 12 years of age and under that can ride at the advanced level.
Each level will be broken into male and female race categories for scoring.
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 PM next to the Trail Map in Mountain Village. You will be assigned a bib number with a timekeeping chip.
All races begin at 2 PM. Please check in by 3:00 PM with all your equipment and lift access ready to go.
You will receive an email before your registered race(s) with details on the trails. Please refer to our website for race rules.
Full-face helmets are required for all racers. Please ensure your gear is in working order.
Yes, a lift ticket or pass is required. You can purchase a bike haul ticket with your race registration for the best price.
Your age on July 3rd determines age bracket for the series. Riders ages 12 and under race in the Junior category, and riders ages 13–17 race in the Teen category.
Riders in either junior category may choose to race up in the Expert category with a guardian’s signature on the waiver. However, riders competing in Expert will be scored in the Expert category and will not be eligible for Junior series-end awards.
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 September 4.
Series champions will be crowned after the final race on 9/4. Riders must participate in at least six races to be eligible for series-end awards. In each category, the three riders with the lowest combined race times will receive prizes and be crowned Dirt Days champions.
Yes, on race days, you can register online until noon and in person 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.
