Showdown at Sundance
Series Race #1 — kicking off the season on the iconic, steep, and technical terrain of Mount Timpanogos at Sundance Mountain Resort on May 31, 2026. Expect tight corners, deep woods, and classic Utah roots and rocks — bring your A-game for this single-day sprint to the finish.
The Utah Gravity Series opener returns to Sundance Mountain Resort. This year's race features the version of the Sundance downhill track that was introduced last year. Downhill and Enduro bikes are equally popular race-bike choices — bike-handling skills and endurance are the keys to a good result, and finish times typically run over four minutes.
The course starts at the top of the Outlaw lift and descends the upper flow trail before transitioning into a high-speed section. It drops into the technical mid section and finishes on newly constructed trail leading to the finish line near the base of Jake’s Lift.
All racers run at one-minute start intervals. Downhill is limited to 180 entrants. The Outlaw Chairlift provides access to the top of the race course. A section of the upper parking area near the base of Jake’s Lift serves as the pit area for teams and individuals.
On-site race registration is located in the upper parking area inside the Mountain Camp facility. Food service, lift ticketing, restrooms, and the race award ceremony all take place at Mountain Camp.
What's Included
- Timed downhill race start with one-minute intervals
- Race-day staging and pit area access (first-come, first-served near the finish line)
- Award ceremony at Mountain Camp
- Race-weekend lift discount code (showdown26) for $45/day lift passes May 28–31
Who Lines Up
- Amateur and pro DH racers chasing 2026 Utah Gravity Series points
- USA Cycling–licensed riders in Pro, Cat 1, Cat 2, or Cat 3 (Novice)
- Enduro riders comfortable on a 4+ minute downhill course
Race & Course Details
- The Route: starts at the Outlaw Lift summit and finishes near the base of Jake’s Lift.
- Start Times: first racer drops Sunday at 11:00 a.m. (1-minute intervals).
- Bike Choice: downhill and Enduro bikes are equally popular. Expect 4+ minute finish times.
- Entrant Cap: the downhill race is strictly limited to the first 180 entrants.
⚠ NO DAY-OF REGISTRATION ON SUNDAY. On-site registration and packet pick-up are CASH OR CHECK ONLY.
Registration
| Registration Type | Price | Deadline / Details |
|---|---|---|
| Early Online / Mail-In | $90 | Postmarked by May 23, 2026 |
| On-Site | $100 | May 29–30 (subject to availability) |
On-Site Schedule (Mountain Camp, Lot C)
- Friday, May 29
- 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. (Registration & Pick-up)
- Saturday, May 30
- 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Registration & Pick-up)
- Sunday, May 31
- 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (Packet Pick-up ONLY)
Lift Tickets & Practice
- Lift passes are NOT included in your race entry fee.
- Racer discount: $45/day (valid May 28–31), online only and non-transferable — use code showdown26.
- Saturday: lift opens at 10:00 a.m. for full course inspection.
- Sunday: lift opens at 9:30 a.m. (in line by 9:30 gets you one practice run).
- Saturday voluntary practice — Cat 2, Cat 1, and Pros: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; Cat 3: 1:00 p.m. – close.
USA Cycling Requirements
All racers need a valid USA Cycling Annual Base Membership AND a Racing License. Buy online in advance to save money.
| Item | Online | On-Site |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Base Membership | $40 | $50 |
| Racing License (Ages 6–18) | Free | Free |
| Racing License (Ages 19–22) | $35 | $40 |
| Racing License (Ages 23+) | $75 | $80 |
Venue, Lodging & Logistics
- Event hub: registration, food service, restrooms, and awards are all at Mountain Camp (Lot C).
- Parking: plentiful event parking in the upper lots (C, D, and E).
- Pit area: limited space near the finish line in the upper parking area, first-come, first-served.
- Camping: NO camping at Sundance. Nearby — Mount Timpanogos Campground, Deer Creek State Park, Nunn’s Park.
- Lodging: book on-site at Sundance Mountain Resort, or find options in nearby Heber City and Provo.
- Spectators: buy a scenic lift pass to watch from above and enjoy on-site food.
How to Enter
- 01 Register online at bikereg.com/sundance-showdown, or mail a completed registration form + check/money order to Salamander Racing, 61 E. 2050 N., Provo, UT 84604.
- 02 Early registration ($90) closes when mail is postmarked by Saturday, May 23, 2026. On-site registration adds $10 — cash or check only.
- 03 On-site registration runs Friday, May 29 (3–5 p.m.) and Saturday, May 30 (11 a.m.–5 p.m.) at Mountain Camp in Lot C. No day-of registration. Sunday, May 31 is packet pickup only from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
- 04 Practice runs Saturday once the lift opens — Cat 2/Cat 1/Pro encouraged early, Cat 3s in the afternoon. Sunday lift opens at 9:30 a.m.
- 05 First racer drops at 11 a.m. Sunday.
Race FAQs
- Are lift tickets included in the race entry?
- No. Purchase separately from Sundance Mountain Resort. Race participants get a discounted "Race Weekend Special" rate of $45/day with code showdown26.
- Where's the pit area?
- Upper parking area near the base of Jake’s Lift. Limited space is available near the finish line, first-come, first-served.
- Is there camping at Sundance?
- Sundance Mountain Resort doesn't allow on-resort camping. Nearby options: Mount Timpanogos Campground, Deer Creek State Park, and Nunn's Park Campground in Provo Canyon.
See the full 2026 schedule.
Five races across three mountains. Track the standings and chase the Series Championship.