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Experience the thrill of the GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado, where adventure, music, and mountain culture come alive over four unforgettable days.
If you want to trade triple-digit heat for cool mountain air and cold rushing rivers, the GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado, might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed. And if you’ve ever wondered what being there is really like, I can spill the tea, and it’s even better than you think.
From June 4 to 7, the town of Vail will transform into the nation’s premier playground for adventurers of all ages, including our four-legged companions. Crisp mornings, alpine breezes, and snowmelt rivers feel like a full-body reset. The GoPro Mountain Games celebrate a variety of adventure sports on land and water, along with live music, art, and mountain culture, drawing around about 90,000 people over four days to kick off summer like only the Rockies can deliver.
Last June, after writing a preview, I headed to Vail with my trusty four-legged companion Gracie, who, upon our return, wrote her own review of our experience. We were ready for adventure, knowing the GoPro Mountain Games, organized by the Vail Valley Foundation, aren’t just for humans. Between exploring the riverbanks, cheering on competitors, and enjoying dog-friendly trails and pop-up events, it was clear that Vail welcomes everyone. While I soaked up the mountain air, the kind that makes you forget what 100 degrees feels like, and watched athletes push the limits, Gracie had a full weekend of adventures, too. She was safe, happy, and enjoyed plenty of water breaks. Among our favorites were the DockDogs competitions.
But there is far more to the competition than DockDogs. The GoPro Mountain Games welcome participants of every level. There are disc games, kayaking, mountain biking, rafting, road cycling, running, slackline, speed climbing, and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), where balance meets whitewater adventure.
The Magic of Vail in the Summer
Walking the festival grounds is a sensory overload in the best way possible. You hear the rush of whitewater kayakers navigating Class III rapids, the whir of mountain bikes racing down trails, and the cheers from climbing walls echoing across the valley. Olympians and weekend warriors alike share the same courses, creating an undeniable energy at every event. There’s a moment when you’re sipping a cold drink by the river and suddenly a world-class athlete paddles by. It’s thrilling and humbling all at once, and a far cry from spending another hot, humid day indoors trying to stay cool
Watching these competitions up close gave me a new appreciation for the dedication and skill it takes to compete at this level. The kayak cross had me holding my breath as competitors battled currents, waves, and each other. The speed climbing wall proved to be one of the most popular events. Climbers raced 15 meters straight up in seconds, and the crowd gathered on the grass to cheer for every competitor, from beginners to world-class athletes.
Dog-Friendly Adventures
One of the unexpected joys of the GoPro Mountain Games is discovering just how dog-friendly the experience is. The town of Vail is known for welcoming pets, with trails, parks, and shaded resting areas, but the festival takes it even further. Dog water stations and bowls are positioned throughout the grounds, and even our hotel hosted a dog-centric yappy hour called Tails on the Terrace with treats, toys, and bandanas (there were libations and Smore’s for the humans too). The canine competitions, with dogs running, leaping, and launching into the water, had crowds cheering, laughing, and fully invested in every splash. Gracie loved meeting other four-legged visitors and made friends with spectators, competitors, and even our shuttle bus driver, who made sure she received extra attention.
If you’re planning to bring your dog, a leash is a must, but there’s plenty of freedom to explore. We were on vacation, after all, and letting Gracie enjoy extra-long sniff breaks along scenic trails made the whole experience even more fun and engaging.
More Than Just Competitions
While the athletic events are the centerpiece, the GoPro Mountain Games are about much more than speed, endurance, skill, and winning or losing. Between events, there is an abundance of pop-up art installations, gear demos, interactive experiences, and shopping. I found myself wandering from riverside kayaking demos to a slackline setup, then pausing at a local vendor to sample homemade jams and another featuring organic skincare products. There’s a festival energy that encourages exploration and curiosity. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time in the best, most vacation-y way.
Spectating is entirely free, and you can wander from event to event at your own pace, stopping for live music, giveaways, and morning yoga sessions. There are ample food and drink options, and the town shuttle makes it easy to get from point A to point B. That said, each afternoon, Gracie and I happily walked and sniffed our way back to our hotel.
Mountains of Music
In addition to sporting events, music is at the core of this unique experience, turning the event into a true day-to-night celebration of athletes, art, music, and mountain culture. The Mountains of Music concert series is a major part of the experience, featuring ticketed evening shows at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater and more than a dozen free daytime music sets across Vail Village and Golden Peak.
This year’s evening lineup promises to be special, featuring Mountain Grass Unit, Wilderado and Michael Marcagi, an Allman Betts Family Revival night, and a Trey Anastasio solo acoustic show the night before the festival begins. “Music is woven into the DNA of the GoPro Mountain Games,” said Dave Dressman, Event Director for the Mountain Games and Vice President of the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. “When we put together the Mountains of Music lineup, we look for artists who embody a spirit of adventure and community.”
Even if you skip the evening concerts and opt for an amazing array of restaurants, the free daytime performances are fantastic. Nearly a year later, I still find myself reflecting on the views, the weather, the people, and the laidback Colorado vibe. It’s an experience that is both inspiring and energizing.
The Kids’ Zone
For families, the GoPro Mountain Games deliver. The Kids’ Zone is a wonderland of climbing walls, paddleboard and kayak pools, and mini-competitions that introduce children to outdoor adventure sports in a safe, engaging way. Were there smartphones? Yes. But what stood out was the number of kids climbing, balancing, paddling, and playing, fully in the moment.
I watched a group of kids try slacklining for the first time while their parents cheered from the sidelines, and it was clear these experiences plant seeds for a lifetime of healthy living and outdoor adventure. There’s nothing like seeing the spark of accomplishment on a child’s face when they complete their first climb or wobble across a slackline.
Insider Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
1. Dress in layers: Mornings and evenings are crisp; afternoons are sunny and warm.
2. Comfortable shoes: The festival covers a lot of ground.
3. Pack sun protection: High altitude sun is no joke.
4. Bring a small backpack: For layers, snacks, and swag (so much swag!).
5. Stay hydrated: Mountain elevation can sneak up on you, especially if you’re coming from lower elevations like Texas.
6. For your dog: collapsible bowls, leash, and shade breaks are key.
7. Rain jacket: Mountain weather can shift quickly.
8. An adventurous spirit: This is not the place for streaming and scrolling – enjoying being present.
A Celebration of Community
Behind the scenes, the Vail Valley Foundation brings the Mountain Games to life. This local nonprofit pours its ample heart and soul into creating an experience that highlights the natural beauty, culture, and spirit of the valley. The result is a festival that feels both high-energy and effortlessly laid-back.
Final Thoughts
The GoPro Mountain Games are more than competitions. They’re a celebration of life in the mountains. The thrill of adventure, the beauty of the Rockies, and the joy of sharing it all with family and fellow festival-goers make this an inclusive weekend you won’t forget and one you’ll likely start planning again before you even leave.
Whether you come to compete, cheer, or simply wander and take it all in, the Mountain Games offer an experience that is endlessly fun. Pack your layers, your sense of curiosity, and maybe a leash or two – the emails will be there when you get home.
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Cover photo Dan Davis
Haven Lindsey resides in Taos, NM. She is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience writing on topics including healthcare, addiction, public policy, education, travel, food, and human interest stories. She was recognized by NPR for her solo travel series exclusive to Texas Lifestyle Magazine. Haven’s second children’s book, the award-winning, “The Blue Dog and the White Horse: The Best of Friends” features six true stories of Gracie and her best friend, Max on a Texas ranch.
