Vail’s GoPro Mountain Games 2018

The GoPro Mountain Games are coming back to Vail, Colorado once again this year in June, and though we are a still some time away from the big event we feel it is noteworthy enough to remind everyone now to plan on attending.  The Mountain Games is the largest celebration of adventure sports, music, and the mountain lifestyle.  Competition in 9 different sports and 25 disciplines such as sprint kayaks, raft cross and 8-Ball are all included in this action-packed weekend. There will also be a mountain photography competition, film festival and adventure film school. These games are brought to us by the Vail Valley Foundation, a nonprofit committed to sustaining the quality of life in the Vail Valley.

Can I Spectate?

The best part about these Mountain Games: spectators get in FREE!  There are some awesome events to participate in as well, such as the citizen climbing competition, the mountain click photo competition, or the mountain masters disc golf, slack sprint, and silent disco. If you’re on the hunt for some swag, head to Gear Town.  There will be gear, swag, food, a beer garden and huge selection of outdoor brands taking over the Vail Village.  If none of this appeals to you yet, the free nightly concerts at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater will.  This outdoor venue will host a multitude of bands free of charge on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings during the Mountain Games.

Can I Participate?

As a participating athlete, you are able to indulge in all the activities that spectators do as well some extra perks such as access to the Athlete Lounge in the Mountain Plaza for pre-race snacks and post-event recovery.  Anyone who wants to partake can register online up to 24 hours before the event takes place.  With over $125,000 in prize money up for grabs, it’s definitely worth it to give a handful of events a shot!

Image courtesy of Graffy, Inc.

Is this Event Family Friendly?

For the families in attendance, there are plenty of great activities for the kids and for all generations to participate.  There will be a youth climbing competition, a free kids bike race, and a mountain mud run kids and family division.  Don’t forget to stop by the Adventure Village located in Golden Peak, which is equipped with the perfect fun zone for kids!  There is a kid’s kayak pool, climbing wall, slackline demos and a SUP demo pool to get the young ones inspired to try out various sports.

Our Favorite Activity

How could we not talk about the Costa 2 Fly X-Stream competition?  Anglers will go head to head with fellow amateur and advanced fishermen on accuracy and distance casting rivalries as well as fishing the water in Vail Valley.  Here’s the catch, participants can only use two fly patterns during the competition!  Check it out HERE.

Image courtesy of GoPro Mountain Games

Seriously, this is going to be an incredible weekend for anyone and everyone interested in the outdoors.  If you want to try out fly fishing yourself but prefer avoiding the competitive nature of the Mountain Games, call Fly Fishing Colorado!  Our guided tours on the Upper Colorado River are perfect for every age and all skill levels.