Mt. Philo Hillclimb 2026: Conquer Vermont's Most Historic Climb This May

Introduction & Event Overview

Mark your calendars for May 1-3, 2026—the Mt. Philo Hillclimb is back, and it's shaping up to be one of the most exciting weekends in New England motorsport. Hosted by the Sports Car Club of Vermont (SCCV), this annual event draws competitors from across the region to tackle the winding roads of Mt. Philo State Park in Charlotte, Vermont.

Hillclimbing is motorsport in its purest form: one driver, one car, one clock, and a challenging stretch of pavement climbing toward the summit. There's no drafting, no door-to-door battles—just you against the mountain and the stopwatch. It's a test of precision, bravery, and mechanical preparation that rewards both driver skill and vehicle setup.

What Makes Mt. Philo Special?

Mt. Philo holds a unique place in American hillclimb history. The course features a demanding mix of elevation changes, technical corners, and stunning natural scenery that has challenged drivers for decades. The tight, tree-lined road leaves zero margin for error, making every tenth of a second hard-earned.

• Location: Mt. Philo State Park, Charlotte, Vermont
• Dates: Friday, May 1 through Sunday, May 3, 2026
• Format: Practice/FAM runs Saturday, Timed competition runs Sunday
• Car Limit: 50 vehicles maximum

Whether you're chasing a personal best, competing for class honors, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of grassroots motorsport at its finest, the Mt. Philo Hillclimb delivers an experience unlike any other. With only 50 spots available, this is an event that fills up fast—so don't wait to secure your entry.

Registration Details & Pricing

Ready to put your name on the entry list? Registration for the 2026 Mt. Philo Hillclimb is now open—but with only 50 cars allowed, you'll want to act fast. Online registration runs from March 5 through April 25, 2026, and once those spots are filled, they're gone.

Entry Fees

All entry fees include lunches on both Saturday and Sunday, so you can stay fueled and focused throughout the competition weekend.

How to Register

Registration is handled entirely online for your convenience:

• Registration Portal: msreg.com/philo2026
• Registration Window: March 5 – April 25, 2026
• Registrar Contact: Erik at [email protected]

Refund Policy

Life happens, and the organizers understand that plans can change. However, refunds (full or partial) will only be issued if doing so doesn't cause a financial loss for the event. If you've reserved a camping spot, those fees will be deducted from any refund, as camping is a direct cost to the club—unless another participant can take over your spot.

The Weekend Schedule Breakdown

The Mt. Philo Hillclimb packs three full days of action into one unforgettable weekend. From Friday setup through Sunday's awards ceremony, here's everything you need to know to plan your time at the mountain.

Friday, May 1 – Arrival & Setup

Friday is all about getting settled in and preparing for the weekend ahead. Arrive early to claim your spot, set up camp, and get through tech inspection before the evening.

Saturday, May 2 – Practice & Familiarization

Saturday is your chance to learn the course and dial in your setup. The day is split between FAM (familiarization) runs and practice sessions, with a lunch break to recharge.

Sunday, May 3 – Competition Day

This is what you came for. Sunday morning starts with final FAM runs before the real competition begins in the afternoon. Timed runs determine the winners, and the day concludes with hill cleanup, scoring, and the awards ceremony.

Rookie Driver Information

Never tackled a hillclimb before? No problem. The Mt. Philo Hillclimb welcomes first-time competitors with open arms—and a structured program designed to get you up to speed safely and confidently. If this is your first time at Mt. Philo, here's what you need to know.

The FAM A Ride-Along Program

All rookie drivers are required to participate in the FAM A (Familiarization Group A) ride-along program before making any solo runs on the course. This isn't just a formality—it's an invaluable opportunity to learn the mountain from an experienced driver before you're behind the wheel yourself.

Here's how it works:

1. Passenger Ride: You'll ride as a passenger with a veteran Mt. Philo competitor who knows every corner, crest, and braking zone on the course.
2. Course Walkthrough: Your mentor will point out key features, hazards, and racing lines as you ascend the mountain together.
3. Q&A Opportunity: Ask questions, take mental notes, and absorb as much knowledge as possible before your first solo run.
4. Solo Progression: After completing your ride-along, you'll graduate to making your own FAM runs at controlled speeds before joining full practice sessions.

What Rookies Should Expect

Hillclimbing is different from circuit racing, autocross, or rallying. Here are a few things first-timers should keep in mind:

• No second chances on course: Unlike a circuit where you can learn a corner over multiple laps, each run is a single shot up the mountain. Mistakes are costly.
• Elevation and visibility: The climb features blind crests and corners. Trust your notes from the FAM ride—don't overdrive into the unknown.
• Build speed gradually: Use Saturday's practice runs to incrementally increase your pace. There's no shame in being smooth and safe—that's how fast times happen.
• Ask questions: The hillclimb community is incredibly welcoming. Experienced drivers, workers, and organizers are happy to share advice and help you succeed.

Rookie Checklist

Before you arrive at Mt. Philo, make sure you've completed the following:

• Registered online at msreg.com/philo2026
• Reviewed all event rules and requirements (see below)
• Ensured your vehicle meets tech inspection standards
• Prepared proper safety gear (helmet, appropriate clothing, etc.)
• Arrived Friday or early Saturday to complete registration and tech before the drivers meeting

Camping & On-Site Logistics

One of the best parts of the Mt. Philo Hillclimb is the full weekend experience. Camping on-site puts you right in the heart of the action, surrounded by fellow competitors, and eliminates the morning commute to the mountain. Here's everything you need to know about staying at Mt. Philo State Park during the event.

Camping Options & Pricing

SCCV has arranged exclusive camping access for event participants at the summit and upper parking lot areas. Camping fees are separate from your event registration and must be reserved in advance.

Camping Logistics

If you're planning to camp, keep these details in mind:

• Arrival: Campers may begin arriving at noon on Friday, May 1st
• Location: Tent and RV camping is available in the upper parking lot area near the summit
• Facilities: Basic restroom facilities are available at the state park; plan accordingly for primitive camping conditions
• Fires: Check with event organizers regarding open fire policies—state park rules apply
• Quiet Hours: Be respectful of fellow campers; most participants have early mornings ahead

If You're Not Camping

Prefer a hotel bed? The Charlotte, Vermont area and nearby Burlington offer a variety of accommodations. Keep in mind:

• Book early: May is a popular time in Vermont, and rooms near the park fill up quickly during event weekends
• Plan your commute: The drivers meeting starts at 8:00 AM sharp on both Saturday and Sunday—arrive with time to spare
• Registration timing: If you're not staying on-site Friday, you can complete registration Saturday morning between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM

Food & Supplies

Your entry fee includes lunch on both Saturday and Sunday, so you're covered for midday meals. However, you'll want to plan for:

• Friday dinner: Bring your own or coordinate a group dinner with fellow competitors
• Breakfast: Pack your own breakfast supplies or grab something on the way to the park
• Snacks & hydration: Bring plenty of water and snacks to stay fueled between runs—especially important for drivers
• Coolers: If camping, bring a cooler with ice for perishables; there are no refrigeration facilities on-site

Event Rules & Special Requirements

Hillclimbing is an inherently risky motorsport, and Mt. Philo takes safety seriously. Before you arrive, familiarize yourself with the event rules, tech requirements, and operational procedures that keep everyone safe and the event running smoothly.

Governing Rules

The 2026 Mt. Philo Hillclimb operates under a combination of established motorsport regulations:

• SCCV Rules: Sports Car Club of Vermont's standing rules apply to all aspects of the event
• NASA Hillclimb Rules: Vehicle classification and technical requirements follow NASA Hillclimb regulations
• Rally America Rules: Additional guidance from Rally America rules where applicable

If there's ever a conflict between rule sets, SCCV rules take precedence. When in doubt, ask an event official for clarification before making assumptions.

Tech Inspection Requirements

Every vehicle must pass technical inspection before making any runs on the course. Tech inspection is available:

• Friday: 5:00 PM until dusk (recommended for campers)
• Saturday: Starting at 7:00 AM
• Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM (by appointment only—don't wait until Sunday!)

While specific tech requirements follow NASA Hillclimb rules, expect inspectors to verify:

• Proper safety equipment (helmets, harnesses, roll protection where required)
• Secure battery mounting and tie-downs
• Functional brakes and brake fluid condition
• Properly secured loose items (nothing should fly around the cabin)
• Adequate throttle return springs
• Overall mechanical soundness and safety

Mandatory Meetings

Attendance at the following meetings is mandatory for all participants:

Missing the drivers meeting may result in exclusion from that day's runs. These meetings cover critical safety information, course conditions, schedule changes, and any last-minute updates.

Traffic & Course Direction

Pay close attention to traffic patterns throughout the weekend:

• Friday at noon: Traffic direction on the hill reverses—you'll drive up the "down" road and down the "up" road to accommodate large vehicles heading to the summit
• During competition: The course is closed to all non-competition traffic; follow marshal instructions at all times
• Return road: After each run, drivers use the designated return road to get back to staging—never reverse course on the competition road

Participant Conduct

A few common-sense rules keep the event enjoyable for everyone:

• Respect the park: Mt. Philo State Park is public land—leave no trace and follow all park regulations
• Respect the neighbors: Keep noise reasonable, especially in the evenings
• No alcohol before or during competition: Save celebrations for after the checkered flag
• Follow all marshal and official instructions: They're there to keep you safe

Final Thoughts

The Mt. Philo Hillclimb is more than just a race—it's a celebration of grassroots motorsport, Vermont's stunning landscape, and a community of enthusiasts who share a passion for pushing themselves and their machines. Whether you're a seasoned competitor chasing a personal best or a first-timer experiencing the thrill of hillclimbing for the first time, this event delivers an unforgettable weekend.

With 1.65 miles of challenging pavement, a welcoming atmosphere, and the camaraderie that comes from camping alongside fellow drivers, the 2026 Mt. Philo Hillclimb on May 2-3 is an opportunity you won't want to miss. Registration is open now through April 22nd—and with spots limited, early sign-up is strongly encouraged.

Quick Reference Checklist

• Event Dates: May 2-3, 2026 (camping available from Friday, May 1st)
• Location: Mt. Philo State Park, Charlotte, Vermont
• Registration Deadline: April 22, 2026
• Entry Fee: $175 (first car) / $125 (second car, same driver)
• Camping: $40 (tent) / $100 (RV) for both nights
• Registrar: Tony Sprague — [email protected]
• Event Chair: Jeff Hathaway — [email protected]

Get your Subaru prepped, review the tech requirements, and make your travel plans. We'll see you at the mountain.

Ready to register? Visit MotorsportReg.com and search for "Mt. Philo Hillclimb" to secure your spot before registration closes on April 22nd. For more information about the Sports Car Club of Vermont and their full event calendar, visit sccv.org.