Posted by: Julie Block
The GoPro Mountain Games exist because of the mountains, the rivers, and the wild, beautiful valley that surrounds them. Every competition, every concert, and every moment at this event is powered by the outdoors. That’s why sustainability isn’t an afterthought for us. It’s baked into everything we do through our Protect Our Playground initiative.
And this year, it matters even more. Colorado is coming off a historically low snow year. Water levels across the Eagle River Valley are well below average, wildfire risk is elevated, and the community is rallying around conservation in a big way. The playing field we all love needs our help.
The good news? There’s a lot we can do together.
What We’re Doing
Our Protect Our Playground initiative touches every corner of the event. Here’s what that looks like in 2026:
- Responsible water use. Events like the Pro Plan DockDogs competitions, the Kids SUP & Kayak Pool, and the Nature Valley Mountain Mud Run all require water on site. We manage that water carefully and return it responsibly when the event wraps.
- Waste diversion. Our Zero Hero waste stations and Green Team volunteers help keep recycling, compost, and landfill waste sorted correctly across the event. In 2025, we hit an 87% diversion rate and kept 9,560 lbs. of material out of the landfill. This year, we’re working to increase that impact.
- Clean Energy on site. This year, our mobile solar trailer will provide supplemental power in Purina Pro Plan Dog Town as we continue exploring how solar energy can support event operations. Last year’s pilot at the Operational Boneyard charged electric golf carts, event radios, batteries, tools, and powered lights, preventing 340 lbs. of CO₂ emissions.
- Day of Service. In partnership with Town of Vail and the Eagle River Coalition, GoPro Mountain Games volunteers and staff will take part in the Restore the Gore riparian planting project, supporting local revegetation efforts through hands-on conservation work. Join us on June 18 to plant native trees and shrubs along Gore Creek and help protect this valuable resource. Visit our volunteer page to learn more and sign up.
- Sustainability-minded partners. We work with partners who share our commitment to the environment. Vendors at the event are required to use compostable cups for sampling, pre-cycle potential waste before arriving, and ensure proper waste stream disposal at their booth spaces. On-site giveaways should be meaningful, useful, and ideally consumable, reused, or upcycled.
- Conservation messaging everywhere. From hydration stations to revegetation signage along the whitewater course, we’re making sure the message is visible all weekend long.
“The GoPro Mountain Games bring nearly 100,000 people to Vail over four days, and with that comes a tremendous responsibility,” said Peggy Wolfe, Senior Director of Operations for the Vail Valley Foundation, which organizes the event each year. “We’re committed to making this event as sustainable as possible, but we can’t do it alone. It takes every athlete, spectator, and partner to help us protect the playground we all share.”
Partnering Valley-Wide on Water
We’re proud to support the Live Like a Local campaign, a valley-wide water conservation effort developed by the Eagle River Water & Sanitation District alongside the Town of Vail, Town of Avon, Walking Mountains Science Center, Eagle River Coalition, and other community partners.
The message is simple: in our valley, snowpack is our water supply. There are no massive underground reservoirs to fall back on. With more than 90,000 visitors over four days, many traveling from the Front Range and beyond, the Mountain Games are a chance to share that reality with people who may not be familiar with how precious water is here. Whether you’re staying at a hotel, a rental, or a friend’s place, being mindful of your water use during your visit makes a real difference.
“People come to Vail and the GoPro Mountain Games to experience the rivers, the mountains, and the incredible landscape,” said Siri Roman, General Manager and CEO of Eagle River Water & Sanitation District. “Those same rivers that challenge kayakers and inspire anglers are the ones that sustain our community year-round. Protecting them starts with simple choices – using water wisely and living in a way that honors this place we all love.”
How You Can Help
Whether you’re competing, spectating, or just hanging out, you’re part of this. Here are the easiest ways to make a difference and help us Protect Our Playground:
Getting there:
- Take the bus, ride your bike, or carpool. We offer a free bike valet in Purina Pro Plan Dog Town in Lionshead.
- Shoutout to our new auto partner Lucid for driving the future of sustainable transportation. Rolling in an EV? You’re already helping before you arrive.
At the event:
- Bring a reusable water bottle. Our hydration stations are connected to Town of Vail water sources. Fill up freely and skip the single-use plastic.
- Sort your waste. Look for Zero Hero stations throughout the venue. Our Green Team volunteers will help you figure out what goes where.
- Take only what you need at partner activation spaces. Less swag waste = happier planet.
- Respect revegetation zones. Stay on paths and give restoration areas space to recover.
- Clean up after your pup. We’re famously dog-friendly, but please remember to bag it and toss it. Little-known fact: dog waste is not compostable!
For athletes:
- Water athletes: practice Clean, Drain, Dry to prevent the spread of invasive species. When you’re off the water, clean your gear of any mud or debris, drain all water from boats and equipment, and dry everything thoroughly before your next use.
- Trail runners and bikers: stay on course to prevent erosion.
- Anglers: follow catch-and-release best practices. Keep fish wet.
- Everyone: embrace our cupless aid stations, pack out your wrappers, and choose reef-friendly sunscreens to protect aquatic ecosystems.
Beyond the Games:
- Live Like a Local. Swap thirsty lawns for native plants. Water wisely, not daily.
- Leave No Trace. Carry the mindset with you on every hike, river trip, and walk around town.
- Volunteer. Join the Green Team during the event or sign up for our Day of Service.
Let’s Protect This Playground. Together.
This valley gives us so much: the rivers that fuel world-class competitions, the trails that challenge the best athletes on the planet, and the mountains that make all of it possible. Amid this tough water year, showing up for this place is more important than ever.
We’ll do our part. We need you to do yours.
See you June 4-7 in Vail.
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