There’s a weekend every June when Vail shifts into a different gear entirely — and it’s worth planning your entire trip around.
The GoPro Mountain Games are the country’s premier outdoor sports festival, drawing world-class athletes and thousands of spectators to the heart of Vail Village each summer. Over four days, the mountain and its rivers become the venue for more than 35 competitions across 11 disciplines: kayaking on Gore Creek, trail running, mountain biking, speed climbing, slacklining, fly fishing, disc golf, and more. Olympians compete alongside weekend warriors, and the energy is genuinely electric.
But the Mountain Games aren’t just for athletes. Free spectating is a big part of the experience — from cheering on kayak races from the International Bridge to watching DockDogs in full flight, there’s something worth watching at every turn. Evenings close out with the Mountains of Music concert series at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, where headline performances draw crowds well beyond the athletic set. Explore the full schedule and concert lineup at mountaingames.com
The Willows puts you right in the middle of it. Walk to the Village, wander between venues, and come home to something that feels nothing like the festival crowd.
What to expect:
- 35+ competitions across 11 adventure sports disciplines
- Free daytime spectating throughout Vail Village
- Nightly headline concerts at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
- Family-friendly activities and kid-specific events
- Art installations and the CoLab creator stage in Solaris Plaza
Good to know: Vail books out fast for Mountain Games weekend — this is one of the most in-demand weekends of the summer. Reserve your stay well ahead of time.
