This weekend in Vail: Beyond competitions, the GoPro Mountain Games offer up a ton of fun for all ages

The GoPro Mountain Games celebrates the spirit of competition while also holding close the reasons we all like the active mountain lifestyle and all things summertime. With 35 competitions over 11 disciplines, this event draws thousands of athletes and spectators over the four day event. Whether you participate or spectate, it’s an event that has something for everyone.

What’s new at the GoPro Mountain Games

The GroPro Mountain Games, which started back in 2002, is always evolving and this year is no different. Here are a few things that will be new at the Mountain Games.

Speed Climbing – In partnership with USA Climbing, the YETI Speed Climbing competitions will take place at The Hangout at Golden Peak. Speed climbing, where athletes scale a standardized 15-meter wall in record time, is one of the fastest-growing sports and will be featured in the next Summer Olympic Games.

Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Experience – Speed, precision, huge jumps and teamwork between the dog and handler will be on display with the Agility, Freestyle Flying Disc and Canine Trick Show competitions all throughout the weekend. There will even be a time and place where you and your dog can try it. Stop by the Purina Pro Plan tent near Blue Moose in Lionshead to find out more and to get you and your pooch signed up.

The Mountain Games app – Navigate the GoPro Mountain Games with the brand-new app. Stay in the know if there is a weather delay, venue change or other newsworthy items about events. Plan your day with the Build My Schedule feature, find vendor booths on the map and enter to win prizes all on the app.

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Kayak Cross replaces 8 Ball Kayak Sprint – Watch as kayakers navigate the rapids on Gore Creek during this slalom race. But don’t despair, if you miss the carnage and craziness of the 8 Ball Kayak Sprint, this is still a contact sport, so there’s no telling what may happen.

Paid parking – The town of Vail just implemented its summer paid parking. This summer there is one free hour of parking and then the town will charge $2 per hour, with a maximum of $10 per day. The parking is free after 3 p.m. and there is a charge for overnight parking. This applies to the Vail Village and Lionshead parking structures as well as the Red Sandstone Garage, Ford Park and soccer lots. For more information, go to Vail.gov.

Family fun

The kids will have a ball at the GoPro Mountain Games with specific events and activities just for them. The Hangout at Golden Peak has free activities like the kids SUP and kayak pool where they can hop on a standup paddle board or paddle around in a kayak in a safe environment. There is also a climbing wall at The Hangout.

Competitions include the Nature Valley Mountain Mud Run on Saturday, which lets the whole family get dirty while running, climbing and going through obstacles. There’s also a kids’ bike race on Sunday, but you must register on Saturday for Sunday’s race. The kids can also try slacklining for free at Solaris Plaza.

Never ask, “What should we do this weekend?” again.

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It’s not all athletics at the GoPro Mountain Games, check out the musical side as well. At Camp Coletrain Pop-up Music Camp kids 12 and under are able to get some hands on hands-on experience with instruments like guitars, violins, mandolins and ukuleles with guidance from professional instructors. Camp Coletrain is located along the Tivoli Lawn pathway between The Hangout at Golden Peak and Nature Valley Mountain Plaza.

Learn more about what to do with families at MountainGames.com/Itineraries/Family-Friendly.

Eats at the Mountain Games

You can always grab a bite at any of the Vail or Lionshead eateries while cruising through the GoPro Mountain Games. Prime spots in Vail Village are El Segundo and Up the Creek for their vantage point overlooking Gore Creek. In Lionshead, Garfinkel’s will give you a great view of the Dock Dogs and Dueling Dogs competitions and Blue Moose Pizza will be near the Eagle County Animal Services dog adoptions. The Hangout at Golden Peak will be where all the food trucks are located. Here’s a list of who’s serving up what:

• Vagabond Traveling Café – Go the healthy route with an acai bowl or smoothie. You can also stay fueled up with gourmet coffees on the menu.
• The Chi Shack – Get a taste of Chicago by ordering Chicago-style hot dogs and beef sandwiches
• Opa Greek Eats – Try lamb, beef or chicken gyros, loaded fries and baklava for dessert.
• Fat Batter Ice Cream – Who doesn’t love ice cream? Especially when it’s small batch and artisan made with great ingredients.  
• Astro Coffee Van – Whether you need to start your day with java or just need a pick-me-up midday, come here for espresso drinks, chai, matcha, chagacchino (made with chaga mushroom powder) and energy drinks.

Don’t forget to bring a refillable bottle and you can stay hydrated all day at the multiple Hydration Stations around the venue. There will be bars located throughout the venue as well.

Live music lineup

Beyond the athletics, the live music lineup is almost a festival within a festival. There are the paid shows at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail on Friday featuring Molly Tuttle, The California Honeydrops and Band of Gringos. On Saturday, Mike Posner, Steel Pulse and The Original Wailers take the stage. Tickets are on sale at MountainGames.com/Music and if you buy them in person at The Amp, you won’t pay the fees. There are two stages offering free music all day long. The Hangout in Golden Peak has the Bulliet Stage with music starting at noon or 11 a.m. each day. Gear Town hosts the Turtlebox Stage near the International Bridge in Vail Village with music starting at 11 and 11:30 a.m. each day.

Dog Town

The dog events and competitions have become so popular, there’s a whole area just for them. Dog Town takes over Lionshead during the GoPro Mountain Games with Dock Dogs, the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge and more. See dogs jump up to amazing heights, or fly through the air at great lengths or catch a target and bring it back in record time. It’s a whole other world at Dog Town. Enjoy a dog-friendly Yappy Hour Friday through Sunday at 3:30 p.m. and wind down your afternoon with your canine. The first 100 people get a free hot dog and a Pacifico beer. There are also dog adoptions being held courtesy of the Eagle Valley Animal Services. Each day, dogs will be available for adoption at the Arrabelle ice rink starting at 9 a.m.

Speaking of dogs, there’s one dog you’ll want to meet during the Mountain Games. Rowdy is a miniature dachshund that skateboards. She’ll just hop on and ride features in a skate park or hang out in a half pipe, all while her tail is wagging. Rowdy has won many awards for her amazing feats and loves wearing her groovy sunglasses. Rowdy will be at The CoLab Stage on Friday for Rowdy’s Roundup Talent Show at 5:15 p.m. Join the over 300,000 followers on Instagram at Instagram.com/Rowdy_Dachshund and keep tabs of this dog on wheels.

Gondola Rides during the Mountain Games

Vail Mountain opens for daily summer operations on June 13, but on Saturday and Sunday only during the Mountain Games you can get up the hill with scenic gondola rides on Gondola One in Vail Village. If you have your Epic Pass for the 2025-2026 ski season, enjoy unlimited rides all summer. Purchase a scenic gondola ride ticket for $64 for adults, $44 for kids and $54 for senior citizens and military personnel. If you have concert tickets for any of the Mountains of Music shows, flash your ticket for a 20% discount. Go to Vail.com for more information.