Pacifico Raft Cross
Photo: Dan Davis

Pacifico Raft Cross

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The most unique of the rafting events at the Mountain Games, the Pacifico Raft Cross incorporates the pure speed element of a classic river race with a challenging obstacle course. Competitors will need to navigate a tricky course on the Gore Creek, showcasing their agility and aggression. Fastest times down the course move on!

SUNDAY, JUNE 8
9:00 AM

IMPORTANT: 

  • Registration for this event closes Sunday, June 1 at 6:00 PM.
  • Athletes must arrive at Whitewater HQ on the Gore Creek Promenade 45 minutes before the race start to check in, attend race safety meeting and pick up their competition bib.
  • The first person that registers will serve as the captain and pay the full entry fee. All teams must have both team members register by June 1 at 6:00 PM

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Event Overview

sunday, JUNE 8

The Pacifico Raft Cross is a raft race (two person rafts) on the Class II / III whitewater of Gore Creek in Vail Village. Two person teams will have a chance to showcase their speed, agility, and aggression in a timed qualifying run through the heart of Vail Village on Gore Creek. Teams will then be placed in “race pods” of no more than three teams to go head-to-head in the Vail Whitewater Park (1/10th of a mile). The winner(s) advance to the next round.  Along the way, rafters will have to navigate no less than 2 upstream gates and don’t forget, RAMMING IS ALLOWED.

 

 

Times

Times

sunday, June 8

9:00 AM

Rules

CATEGORIES:

Open – Teams of 2

  • Minimum age to compete is 12 years old based on the athlete’s age at the end of the calendar year on Dec 31, 2025.
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT:
  • Raft specifications – Hyside 10.5 Mini-Max rafts will be provided for competitors of the Pacifico Raft Cross.
  • Coast Guard /ISO approved PFD
  • Helmet
  • Protective footwear
  • Athletes must wear their competitor bib outside their PFD at all times.
    • Bibs will be collected at the end of the race.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
  • Dry-suit or wetsuit
  • Organizers encourage athletes to bring their own paddles, but paddles will be available if needed.
RULES:
  • Athletes must arrive at Whitewater HQ on Gore Creek Promenade 45 minutes before race start to check in, attend the mandatory safety meeting and pick up their competition bib.
  • Athletes will be placed in race heats or heats of no more than three boats. Final number of heats will be determined the day of the race in accordance with total number of athletes registered for the race.
  • The race begins with competitors starting in a ‘land start’ format at the Covered Bridge.
  • The horn will sound and rafters will sprint 200 meters (about 656.17 ft) to the finish line at the International Bridge.
  • Event organizers and whitewater rescue teams are not responsible for equipment rescue and/or equipment removal from the GoPro Mountain Games whitewater courses should athletes lose their equipment during practice or competition.
  • All athletes should be aware that all competitions take place in mountain rivers which may have challenging conditions such as underwater obstacles, unseen hazards, rocks, debris and vegetation.
  • Athletes are encouraged to use reef safe sunscreen during all competitions.
  • CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY. Prior to participation, please ensure your river gear is CLEAN of plants, mud, and debris; DRAINED of standing water; and completely DRY before your competition. Following these CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY steps and getting all watercraft properly inspected helps to protect the waters we paddle from aquatic invasive species. Learn more at cleanboater.org.
race format:
  • Final race rules and format will be available during the safety meeting.
  • Rafters will have to navigate around no less than two 2 upstream or downstream gates.
  • Both team members must be in the boat and get around the gate.
  • Any intentional contact with the gate will result in a penalty or disqualification.
  • Teams that miss a gate will be penalized.
  • A raft’s finish will be official when the entire raft crosses the finish line.
  • Both hands must remain on the paddle at all times.
  • Competitors may NOT throw their paddle to finish the line.
  • No intentional grabbing, shoving, hitting or horseplay will be allowed. Unsporting conduct may result in disqualification.
  • Top finishers will advance to the next round. Number of racers advancing in each round will be determined on race day. Rounds will continue until a winner is determined.
LOCATION:

Race start is located riverside below the Covered Bridge in BFGoodrich Gear Town and the finish location will be at the International Bridge.

Price & Prizes

PRICE

EARLY BIRD PRICING  // February 5 – April 1, 2025
$70/boat

STANDARD PRICING // April 2 – May 27, 2025
$75/boat

FOMO PRICING // May 28 – June 1, 2025
$90/boat

*The first person that registers will serve as the captain and pay the full entry fee. All teams must have both team members register by June 1 at 6:00 PM.

PAYOUT

Total Prize Purse: $1,500

1st – $750 ($375 per person)
2nd – $500 ($250 per person)
3rd – $250 ($125 per person)

PRIZES

Prizes to be determined.

Price & Prizes

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