The Vail Valley Foundation is set to host the GoPro Mountain Games after a 2020 hiatus. A similar yet different alteration of our favorite start of the summer event will take place from June 10-13, 2021. This year the focus will be on athletes, music and multimedia experiences.

Vail Valley Foundation organizers said they are going to take all the energy and excitement of the GoPro Mountain Games and concentrate it on core components of the event to ensure that both “pro and joe” athletes can get back to the water, trails and competition after nearly a year of limited adventure sports competition opportunities.

“We are back and we could not be more excited to bring some joy, vitality and positivity into people’s lives in the fresh air and sunshine of this beautiful mountain setting,” says GoPro Mountain Games event director Dave Dressman. “It takes months of planning and many, many key partners to make this event happen. The support we have received from our sponsors, the Town of Vail and Vail Resorts is remarkable, and it speaks to the power of the Mountain Games brand.”

Event staff feel confident in their plan for a safe, high-level, athlete focused GoPro Mountain Games. Athlete events include bike, kayak, fly fishing, raft, stand up paddleboard, trail running and disc golf. The dog athletes will still have their competitions with an increased prize fund and awards as a National Champion. (Start training your dog now!)

The GoPro Mountain Games has always been a chance to see great live music here in the Vail Valley. This year is no different and made possible through a partnership with Outside TV for daily live shows. There will be a GoPro Livestream for the evening concerts series at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Artist preforming for this year’s concert series will be announced at mountaingames.com.

Vail Village typically hosts “Gear Town” throughout the festival weekend featuring activities from more than 140 sponsors, however, it will be removed along with some popular spectating competition events like climbing and slacklining. Organizers are working with public health officials to stay up to date on COVID-19 protocols to make a safe and exciting event for athletes to participate in.

Tom Boyd, media chief for the GoPro Mountain Games, says, “We’ve built the foundation for an eye-popping good, multi-media GoPro Mountain Games and concerts that people can enjoy and take part of from here in Vail or anywhere.”

There will be virtual events and activities leading up to the event for those still wanting to take part in the GoPro Mountain Games. Yoga will be returning and taking place on the fields of Ford Park with physical distancing and limited capacity. Those interested in participating can visit their website for registration information.

Aspen-based yoga teacher Arielle Shipe will teach a yoga class on Saturday for the Mountain Games, as well as judging the Ultimate Mountain Moment UGC contest. “I am most excited about the opportunity to come together (even if it's still at a distance) as a community and celebrate our mutual love for yoga and outdoor adventures,” she says.

Learn more at mountaingames.com.

2021 GoPro Mountain Games are ON in Vail