Angel Fire Resort remains home to shovel racing championships

Shovel racing, a unique sport originating in the 1970s, remains a significant tradition at the Angel Fire Resort in New Mexico. The activity was reportedly started by lift operators at the resort who would ride down the mountain on their shovels after finishing their shifts.

Participants race by sitting on a shovel facing the handle with their feet pointed forward, sometimes waxing the bottom of the shovel to reach speeds as high as 75 mph. The sport gained national prominence and was featured as an official event in the 1997 X Games, though it was later removed due to safety concerns.

After a ban in 2005, the sport returned to the Angel Fire Resort in 2010. The Shovel Racing World Championships continue to be held at the location, with the most recent championship taking place in February.