Dog Days of Summer: Your Guide to Dogs at the 2026 GoPro Mountain Games
Photo: Jon Resnick

Dog Days of Summer: Your Guide to Dogs at the 2026 GoPro Mountain Games


Posted by: Julie Block

If your pup could plan the perfect summer weekend, it would look a lot like the GoPro Mountain Games. Pro Plan Dog Town is back in Lionshead Village June 4-7, 2026, with four days of canine competition, splashy fun, cold beer, internet dog personalities, and — if your heart is open — a new best friend waiting to go home with you. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Watch the Pros

Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Experience
Thursday, June 4 – Sunday, June 7 | Times vary
Now in its second year at the Mountain Games, the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Experience is back and better than ever. Watch some of the nation’s most talented four-legged athletes show off jaw-dropping agility, lightning-fast speed, and mind-blowing tricks throughout the weekend. Come watch the action, or better yet, sign your pup up to be part of it!

Veterinarian Dr. RuthAnn Lobos will be onsite to field your questions all weekend long. An expert in pet nutrition, Dr. Lobos can also speak to traveling safely with your dog, keeping your pup healthy and active, or really whatever is on your mind. It’s a rare chance to get one-on-one time with a top-tier expert.

Pro Plan DockDogs Competitions
Thursday, June 4 – Sunday, June 7  | Times vary
Watch some of the world’s most athletic dogs soar, splash, and sprint in thrilling competitions all weekend long, including the Pro Plan Extreme VerticalOutdoor Big AirSpeed Retrieve, and Dueling Dogs events. These competitions promise non-stop energy, spectacular jumps, and water-soaked fun.

Get Your Own Dog In On It

Pro Plan Try DockDogs
Thursday, June 4 at 5:30 PM | Friday, June 5 at 5:00 PM | Saturday, June 6 at 5:00 PM
You asked, and we listened. Due to overwhelming demand last year, we’ve added a third day of Pro Plan Try DockDogs for 2026! Bring your pup to the dock for a no-pressure, all-fun introduction to one of the most entertaining sports in the dog world. First-timers are absolutely welcome — just bring a towel and a sense of adventure. Registration is required.

BFGoodrich Rocky Dog Fun Run
Thursday, June 4 at 6:00 PM
Kick off the weekend right with a scenic 5K run through Vail alongside your four-legged training partner. The BFGoodrich Rocky Dog Fun Run is open to all paces and all breeds — whether you’re gunning for the finish line or just enjoying the mountain air together, it’s a doggone good time.

Meet the Celebrity Dogs

The CoLab Creator Stage in Solaris Plaza is bringing serious dog star power to Vail Village this year. Two icons of internet dog culture are headlining multiple appearances across the weekend.

Matt Nelson from WeRateDogs
Thursday, June 4 at 4:30 PM (Dog Adoption Party) | Friday, June 5 at 12:00 PM (Rating the Best 2026 Mountain Dogs)
Matt Nelson is the founder of WeRateDogs, the viral social media phenomenon famous for rating dogs “above” 10/10. Matt started the 15/10 Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping shelter dogs get adopted by covering their medical care. He is hosting a Dog Adoption Party on Thursday afternoon to celebrate local adoptable pups, then he returns Friday to do what he does best: rating the finest four-legged athletes Vail has to offer. Expect elite floof, main character pup energy, wholesome chaos, and plenty of well-deserved (and mathematically impossible) 15/10 ratings.

Rowdy Dachshund
Saturday, June 6 at 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Meet Rowdy: the Hollywood–based dachshund who has been called the Tony Hawk of her breed. A professional skateboarder, championship wiener dog racer, model, and certified trendsetter, Rowdy has racked up podium finishes and race wins across California, Arizona and Colorado. Saturday is all hers. At noon, catch her appearance as the world’s first professional female skater on four legs. Stick around afterwards for a photo op (yes, Rowdy does meet-and-greets). Later that afternoon, Rowdy and her mom Kim host the Mountain Games’ first-ever Short Dogs in Da House Mountain Race, bringing the short dawgs to the mountains for a one-of-a-kind event. It’s the low-riders’ moment to shine.

Find Your Next Best Friend

Dog Adoption Yappy Hour
Friday, June 5 – Sunday, June 7 at 3:30 PM
Wind down the afternoon with your pup or come find your next furry companion at the Dog Adoption Yappy Hour on the lawn in Pro Plan Dog Town! Pacifico will be handing out free beer vouchers each day to guests 21+ while supplies last. Mingle with fellow dog lovers, meet some adorable adoptable pups, and soak in the Vail vibes. Is there a better way to spend a summer afternoon? We don’t think so.

Dog Adoptions with Eagle County Animal Services
Thursday, June 4 – Sunday, June 7 | All day
Your next adventure partner might already be in Vail waiting to meet you. Stop by the Eagle County Animal Services adoption area in Pro Plan Dog Town during event hours and meet some truly wonderful dogs looking for their forever homes. Adopting at the Mountain Games comes with some incredible support to get you started: Purina Pro Plan will supply six months of dog food; Pacifico will send you home with an Adoption Kit complete with a tote bag, collapsible bowl, chew toy, leash, collar, tennis ball, bone bag dispenser, dog bandana, and bottle opener; and Thule will provide a Cappy Harness for every adopted dog.

Hang Out & Wind Down

Grand Hyatt Vail Yappy Hour
Thursday, June 4 at 4:30 PM
Bring your furry friends and join the Grand Hyatt Vail, the Official Dog Hotel of the Mountain Games, for Yappy Hour! Enjoy live music, yard games, and food and drink specials at the pool bar. Attendees also get a complimentary dog bandana and portable water bowl, while supplies last.

Purina Pro Plan Giveaways
Thursday, June 4 – Sunday, June 7 | All day
Swing by the Purina Pro Plan booth in Pro Plan Dog Town or BFGoodrich Gear Town and score a complimentary bag of pet food for your dog or your cat. New this year, Pro Plan has partnered with Chewy to deliver your food straight to your door. Plus, grab samples and giveaways while supplies last.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Dog-Friendly Lodging in Vail
Bringing the whole family, leashes and all? The Vail Valley has plenty of dog-friendly places to stay, and many hotels are offering special discounts for Mountain Games attendees. Visit mountaingames.com/plan-your-visit to browse options and book your stay.

Know Before You Go: Town of Vail Dog Rules
A few important things to keep in mind so your pup’s weekend goes smoothly:

  • Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times within the Town of Vail, including Vail Village, Lionshead Village, and all bike paths.
  • Please don’t tether your dog and leave them unattended. It’s unlawful in the Town of Vail and unsafe for your pup.
  • Dogs are not permitted on the Vail bus system — please plan accordingly. If you’re hopping on a bus to get around town, your dog will need to stay behind at your lodging.
  • Clean up after your dog. Don’t make us call the “poolice” on you! 🐾

For the full schedule and everything else happening at the 2026 GoPro Mountain Games, visit mountaingames.com.

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