We love the outdoors. Protect Our Playground puts a focus on what we can do as individuals and as a larger group to keep our Rocky Mountain lands healthy, alive and growing. There’s so much room for activities right here in our own backyard — and we want to keep it that way.

The Town of Vail continues to support the GoPro Mountain Games and our sustainability goals as we continue to find ways to make the event more sustainable to create a better future for everyone. Whether you are a visitor to Vail or local, we know there is a lot that goes into creating an environmentally sustainable event. We’re doing our best to make a difference.

We are still actively working on our previous efforts as we continue to look for new ways to reach our goals and remain stewards of the rivers, streams and trails where we host the GoPro Mountain Games.

• Waste diversion: In 2024, 88% of waste generated at the event was diverted from local landfills. In 2025, our goal is 90%.
• Reusable Containers: Don’t forget your reusable water bottle! Complimentary hydration refill stations are set up throughout Vail allowing for free refills (and less waste)
• Giving back to the community:
  • Want to help out more? Be a part of the GoPro Mountain Games Protect Our Playground Day of Service when Mountain Games staff, volunteers and athletes give back by taking care of the rivers, mountains and land that play host to the event. More details on the 2026 project coming soon.
  • Protect Our Playgrounds Service Days:

               2022     Eagle River Cleanup including Gore Creek with the Eagle River Watershed Council

               2023     Tree, plants and native shrub planting to support Restore the Gore

               2024    Mountain Clean Up on Vail Mountain

                       2025    Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance Trail Maintenance

                       2026  Tree, plants and native shrub planting to support Restore the Gore

• Part of the Eagle County Climate Action Collaborative: The local Climate Action Collaborative led by Walking Mountains Science Center is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Eagle County 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.
• Take care of your Pooch: Don’t forget about your furry friend — they need to stay hydrated as well. Pro Plan Dog Hydration Stations are located throughout Vail to help keep our K9 friends well hydrated and happy. And when nature calls, be sure to clean up after your dog. Dog waste is considered trash so please dispose properly.
• Work with event partners to make green choices: Be mindful of on-site giveaways by using consumable, reused, recycled and upcycled options. Try and minimize additional waste in packaging with soft plastics and excess cardboard.
• Be an Advocate: Join the Green Team! We are always looking for people to help spread the word and help onsite at the event. Visit the GoPro Mountain Games website to volunteer with this great team.

• CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY. An important part of protecting the waters we love is preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). All Whitewater and Fishing athletes are encouraged to make sure their boats and gear are CLEAN of plants, mud, and debris; DRAINED of standing water; and completely DRY between launches can help to prevent the spread of AIS that compromises our water resources. No matter what you float, remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY every time to prevent invasive species from spreading and protect our waters for generations to come. Learn more at www.cleanboater.org.

• Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at one of the complimentary hydration refill stations around the GoPro Mountain Games
• Clean up after yourself, your dog and others. Take a moment to pick up a piece of trash you find along the trail, in the Village or anywhere in the Town of Vail
• Consider alternate modes of transportation: Bike, walk, carpool or use public transit (sorry, no dogs allowed on Town of Vail buses, though)
• Take care of YOUR playground year-round
• Join our AVENTON Green Team: Here’s your chance to make a REAL difference and support Walking Mountains, Vail Mountain, the Town of Vail and GoPro Mountain Games in their sustainability efforts. The simple goal is to limit the amount of trash going to the landfill by providing guidance and hands-on assistance for guests disposing items at the Zero Hero Tents.
  VOLUNTEER WITH THE GREEN TEAM

RESTORE THE GORE – PLANTING PROJECT

date/times:

Thursday, June 18, 2026
8:30am – 12:00pm
Meeting location TBD
Picnic lunch to follow
Open to all volunteers

OVERVIEW:

Gore Creek is at the heart of the GoPro Mountain Games and plays host to our whitewater events each year. But it does much more than that. It is a delicate ecosystem that supports wildlife, stabilizes our waterways, and provides habitat for native plants that help the environment thrive. It needs our help to stay healthy.

The GoPro Mountain Games Day of Service, as part of our Protect our Playgrounds initiative, invites volunteers of all ages and abilities to join a hands-on planting day. Together, we’ll restore the creek banks with native trees, shrubs, and groundcover to help prevent erosion, improve water quality, and create a lasting legacy for the community.

Every shovel, every plant, every volunteer helps restore Gore Creek and leaves a lasting impact on this cherished natural playground.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Gloves – if you have your own, bring them; if not, we’ll have extras.
• Comfortable shoes – trails and parks can be muddy or uneven.
• Water bottle – stay hydrated while making a difference.
• Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
• Snacks

WHAT WE WILL SUPPLY:

• Shovels
• Plants