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Events You Might Not Know at the Go Pro Mountain Games at Vail

The annual GoPro Mountain Games, the country’s largest bash of adventure sports and music, will be kicking off the summer season again in Vail from June 6-9, 2013. Not familiar with the event? With the varied spectator and participation options, there really is something for everybody during this action-packed week in Vail. Here are a few of the lesser known events at the GoPro Mountain Games.

Mud Run, Sat, June 8: Probably the easiest, yet messiest way to participate in the GoPro Mountain Games as an athlete. Find some friends, a costume, and even bring your dog (new for 2013, a separate “Mud Minster” Dog Wave). The race is a short lap around the Golden Peak Slopestyle venue that will leave you covered and looking forward to a dip in the river.

 Steep Creek Championship, Thurs, June 6: Kayakers race down Homestake Creek near Red Cliff for a chance to take 1^st and $2,000. This race started as a underground event in the early 2000’s on a little known stretch of river outside of Red Cliff (15-20 min drive from Vail). Nowadays, the event draws the worlds best kayakers down an incredible stretch of whitewater. Parking and viewing are surprisingly easy, so take the scenic route up Highway 24 and check this event out!

A favorite event is the IFSC Bouldering World Cup, Fri/Sat, June 7-8 – watch climbers take on  vertical and horizontal climbs at a spectator friendly grassy area at the base of Vail Village. Announcers help you understand the action if you have never seen a climbing comp before. You’ll be amazed what these athletes can scale!

New to the 2013 games, the  Slackline World Championship, Fri-Sun, June 7-9,  watch “slackers” show off their best spins, flips, and jumps on a stretched tightrope in Solaris Plaza. Only in it’s second year, this proved to be a runaway crowd favorite, with a family friendly viewing area, lots of treats and demo tents nearby to explore, and a fast growing sport that is easy to watch and understand.

The Ultimate Mountain Challenge  combines times from a 10K Spring Runoff, X-Country Mountain Bike, Road Bike Time Trail, and a Class III Down River Sprint. A month’s worth of races for most, these athletes combine them all into one grueling weekend. These events can be hard to watch as they lead athletes on long courses. Your best bet is to check the schedules and find a start and finish line to cheer them on, while exploring other events in between.

 

 

To cap off the days in Vail, enjoy fun, outdoor, free concerts each night by Ballyhoo!, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, and GROUPLOVE!

 

It may look overwhelming, but that’s a good thing. There really is too much to see and do to list in one post. Check out all 9 sports and 25 disciplines available to compete in and watch on the GoPro Mountain Games website. There you can also find locations, times, online registration, and more details.

We hope to see you there!