McDonald's Cardboard Derby

The McDonald’s Cardboard Derby at Purgatory Resort is a classic winter competition you won’t want to miss! Build your derby racer out of cardboard and duct tape only, and pilot it down the slopes during one of the most fun days on the mountain!

Each vessel will be judged based on the following criteria:

Proximity to the scoring zone
Creativity of concept and design
Enthusiasm

Prizes may also be awarded for any or all of the following:

Best derby vessel name
Largest derby vessel
Loudest competitors
Slowest vessel
Most colorful derby vessel
Most creative vessel
Best costumes

Build your vessel before derby day.  Take as much time as you want to plan, design, and build.

Your derby vessel must consist of the following materials only:  cardboard, duct tape, string, twine, paint. Each vessel will be inspected by our judges at check-in to ensure that it complies with the rules.

Vessels will navigate the course one at a time. This is a derby, not a race.

Your objective is to successfully pilot your vessel down the course towards the scoring zone at the bottom. Your vessel must come to a stop on its own.  You cannot use your arms or legs as brakes.

All participants must wear helmets.

Children under 6 must co-pilot with an adult. Sorry, children under 3 may not participate.

Each vessel may only be used by one participant or team.