For more than a decade, Sole Power has encouraged Eagle County residents to leave their cars behind and choose more sustainable ways to get around.
Now entering its 15th year, the program is getting an upgrade. “Sole Power is a free, green commuting challenge hosted by the Town of Vail that encourages people across Eagle County to walk, bike, run or skate instead of drive in single-occupancy vehicles,” says Hunter Koch, Environmental Sustainability program administrator. “We are excited to launch the rebranded Sole Power Plus program December of 2025.”
Photos by Dominique Taylor
A New Chapter for a Community Classic
The updated Sole Power Plus initiative broadens its focus to include more ways of traveling sustainably. “The ‘Sole Power Plus’ rebrand is really about reinvigorating this much-loved local program and bringing in a whole new group of participants,” Koch explains. “Sole Power Plus now not only includes human-powered forms of commuting, but has also expanded to include bus ridership and carpooling to further encourage and incentivize alternative and sustainable forms of transportation.”
The shift also extends the program’s reach beyond the summer months, now operating year-round. “This is a positive way to reward those that are already taking advantage of these options while hopefully also nudging others to give green commuting options a try,” says Koch.
With fare-free options like ECO Transit and local bus systems in Vail and Avon, Eagle County is well-positioned to support residents who want to make the switch. “We are so fortunate to have incredible transit options in Eagle County with Core Transit, which is mostly fare-free and the towns of Vail and Avon’s free bus systems,” Koch says. “We want to encourage people to ditch their single-occupancy cars and explore these easy and more sustainable options.”
Upgraded App, Easier Experience
Along with its new name, the program debuts a major tech improvement. “We launched the new and improved Sole Power app this summer and unveiled the Sole Power Plus version with carpool and bus miles in November,” Koch explains. “The interface is cleaner and more intuitive than the old website, with simplified quick automatic start and stop trip entry, the ability to log previous trips manually, and better integration for team participation.”
The app includes “separate leaderboards for plus-powered and human-powered modes of transportation, new badges and more opportunities for participants to win prizes and reduce carbon emissions through fun green commuting options,” he adds.
Accessible, Engaging + Free
Participation remains open to everyone, at no cost. “Signing up for Sole Power Plus is quick, easy and everything is completely free,” Koch says. “Participants can download the new Sole Power Plus app from the App Store or Google Play, create an account and start logging their trips.”
“To keep things fun and engaging, the program offers weekly raffles, monthly happy hours and end-of-season parties full of prizes, including gear and even an e-bike, rewarding participants for their commitment to green commuting throughout the year,” Koch explains.
Whether it’s walking to work, taking the bus or joining a carpool, Sole Power Plus offers simple ways to make a positive impact together.
