Downhill
Beginner, Intermediate, Para, Non-Binary, Hardtail, Juniors: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Expert, Elite: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Race against the clock alongside other riders of similar age and ability at the Sea Otter Downhill. After shuttling to the top of the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, gravity athletes will gaze across miles of rolling hills and roaring crowds before descending down the big berms and technical turns of the sandy Monterey hillside.
Downhill is categorized by ability and age classes, and we offer Para, Non-binary and Hardtail categories. See below for race inclusions.
For the safety of all athletes, parents/coaches are not permitted to run/ride/accompany junior athletes on the course.
2026 general registration is now open: register here!
Onsite registration at the event starts on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at noon. Event registration closes at 6:00 p.m. the day prior to the scheduled event. If you have pre-registered, you can pick up your event number on event day – up to 60 minutes prior to event start time. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.
Registered athletes must pick up your race number in person (must have current, valid PHOTO ID). Pick up your race packet, complimentary 4-day Festival Pass, and purchase event merchandise at Athlete Registration.
Downhill Pricing
| Early Bird Pricing: through December 1, 2025 | December 2, 2025 - February 17, 2026 | February 18, 2026 - March 31, 2026 | After April 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $115 | $125 | $150 |
- Race course support
- Complimentary parking
- (1) Complimentary 4-day Festival Pass (if you sign up for multiple events, you will still only receive 1 wristband for the weekend)
- Complimentary post-ride showers
- Secure bag drop
- Secure bike valet
- Participant shuttle (bikes and racers only)
- Post-race lunch and complimentary Sierra Nevada beer at the Casa Amigos Rider Lounge. Your lunch must be redeemed on the same day of your race/ride.
- Virtual Athlete Goodie Bag: special offers and discounts from our Sea Otter Classic partners
Medals awarded to the top three finishers in each category.
All athletes receive a complimentary post-race or ride meal at the Casa Amigos Rider Lounge.
You will receive a physical ticket at packet pick-up.
Meal tickets are valid for the same day as your race or ride.
2026 Course Talks dates coming soon!
Join Race Director, Jeff Frost, for these live course talks as he previews each race and ride, with plenty of time for questions.
TBD: Fuego XL/XC and Fuego SHORT – Course discussions, and Q & A
TBD: Carmelo/Pacifico/Robles/Family Off-Road Tour – Routes discussion and Q & A
TBD: Gravity Events: Downhill, Dual Slalom and Enduro – Course discussions, and Q & A
Start lists will be posted prior to race day.
Have Questions? Contact: seaotter@ltevents.zendesk.com
2026 practice schedule coming soon!
Awards go 3 deep in the below categories:
| Men’s Downhill Categories |
| Elite Men |
| Expert 15-16 Men |
| Expert 17-18 Men |
| Expert 19-21 Men |
| Expert 22-24 Men |
| Expert 25-29 Men |
| Expert 30-34 Men |
| Expert 35-39 Men |
| Expert 40-49 Men |
| Expert 50+ Men |
| Intermediate 19-21 Men |
| Intermediate 22-24 Men |
| Intermediate 25-29 Men |
| Intermediate 30-34 Men |
| Intermediate 35-39 Men |
| Intermediate 40-49 Men |
| Intermediate 50+ Men |
| Beginner 19-24 Men |
| Beginner 25-29 Men |
| Beginner 30-34 Men |
| Beginner 35-39 Men |
| Beginner 40-49 Men |
| Beginner 50+ Men |
| 60+ Men |
| Junior 10 and under Boys |
| Junior 11-12 Boys |
| Junior 13-14 Boys |
| Junior 15 Boys |
| Junior 16 Boys |
| Junior 17 Boys |
| Junior 18 Boys |
| Hardtail 19+ Men |
| Para Male |
| Women’s Downhill Categories |
| Elite Women |
| Expert Women 19-29 |
| Expert Women 30-39 |
| Expert Women 40+ |
| Intermediate Women (19+) |
| Beginner Women (19+) |
| Junior 10 and Under Girls |
| Junior 11-12 Girls |
| Junior 13-14 Girls |
| Junior 15-18 Girls |
| Hardtail 19+ Women |
| Para Female |
| Non Binary |
To switch categories, email seaotter@ltevents.zendesk.com with any inquiries.
Packet pick-up and registration is located at the Hospitality Pavilion. Please see the Festival Map here.
- Wednesday noon to 6 p.m.
- Thursday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday 6 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Pre-registered athlete packet pick-up only. No Registrations.)
No Refunds
All fees are non-refundable and registrations are not transferable.
Deferral
Receive a guaranteed spot into the following year’s race. Athlete will pay 50% of the entry fee and complete a new registration for the following year’s race. Original entry fees will not be refunded.
Important Notables
Deferrals are only valid for the following year in the same event, space permitting.
Active duty and military personnel deployed or recalled may be refunded or deferred at no cost with proof of orders.
Pregnant Women and Postpartum mothers may be refunded or deferred at no cost with an authorized medical note.
Deferral and Transfer redemption deadlines apply.
No refunds or changes permitted on transactions over 365 days.
No refunds on add-on items, merchandise or donations; all purchases are final.
Life Time reserves the right, in its sole and complete discretion, to deny entry, to revoke the entry application of any applicant at any time, and/or to disqualify any individual from the Event. Those who violate our registration/racing policy may be disqualified and potentially banned from participating in this and/or any other Life Time Event.
Contact seaotter@ltevents.zendesk.com for information.
For the safety of all athletes, parents/coaches are not permitted to run/ride/accompany junior athletes on the course.
All Sea Otter participants will be required to submit a release waiver and assumption of risk form. Save time in line by completing them in advance. All Sea Otter participants are required to wear an approved helmet- no exceptions. USA Cycling Helmet Policy
Prize Purse
| Downhill Prize Purse | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Men | $500 | $400 | $300 |
| Elite Women | $500 | $400 | $300 |