Vail’s official start to summer is GoPro Mountain Games the first weekend in June. The annual adventure sports and lifestyle festival is put on by the Vail Valley Foundation. It takes over Vail Village with adrenaline-pumping competitions, concerts, art, and vendors. At the same time, Lionshead Village is doggone fun filled with competitions for the pups. It’s one of my favorite annual event’s in Colorado’s high country.
What to Expect at GoPro Mountain Games
It’s free to attend and watch the non-stop action from whitewater kayaking and speed climbing to slacklining and trail running. I love carving out a little quiet time in the Zen Zone and enjoying a yoga session on the grass with a view of the surrounding mountains.
Art activations add a colorful flair to the village scene. There’s live music in both villages during the day making it feel like a summer block party in the Rockies. In the evenings catch a concert at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Headlining this year is Mike Posner.
New This Year: Olympic-Caliber Climbing
A new competition making its debut this year is the Yeti North American Cup Series, featuring speed climbing. Athletes scale a 15-meter wall in seconds. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it! This fast-paced sport is thrilling to watch and brings a whole new vertical to the lineup. Based on the crowds, it’s the hottest event of the games.
Don’t Miss: Dog Town
Dog Town might just steal the show. From dock dogs launching into pools to agility courses, dueling dogs, and vertical leaps, it’s paws-down one of the most fun things to watch.
New this year is the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Experience, spotlighting some of the top canine athletes in the country. Trust me, the four-legged competitors have some serious air time and crowd-pleasing energy.
Beyond the Games: Exploring Vail
When you need a breather from the crowds and competitions, there’s no shortage of mountain magic to explore. These are three of my favs:
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Stroll along Gore Creek – peaceful trails perfect for a morning walk or fly-fishing session.
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Visit Betty Ford Alpine Gardens – at 8,250 feet, it’s the highest botanical garden in the U.S. and a beautiful place to take in rare alpine plant species.
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Piney River Ranch – an easy day trip where you can have lunch with a view, rent a canoe or paddleboard, or hike to Piney Creek Falls (~6 miles roundtrip).
Whether you come for the competitions or the mountain vibe, GoPro Mountain Games are a must for your early summer adventures. And if you’re looking for a stay right in the action, the Sitzmark Lodge, which puts you right in the heart of it all in Vail Village.
It’s one of my favorite weekends of the year in Vail. I was back for the 2026 GoPro Mountain Games.
