Posted by: Tom Boyd
[Updated May 26, 2021]
Hey EVERYONE, here’s the plan:
The rules have changed, the masks are optional, the world is opening up.
As permitted by current State of Colorado and Eagle County guidelines, the 2021 GoPro Mountain Games will be operating at 100% capacity, without any social distancing or mask requirements (except on public transportation due to current federal regulations).*
READ OUR ALL-NEW COVID-19 PROTOCOLS HERE
Registration is open and there’s a lot to look forward to:
We are beyond thrilled to get one of the world’s greatest outdoor lifestyle events back on track.
Here’s an update on what to expect:
Spectating:
We welcome you to Vail, we encourage you to be vaccinated, and we request that you are kind and patient with one another, our staff, and our volunteers. Masks and social distancing will not be required. Event venues will not have additional pandemic-related capacity restrictions.
Face coverings will still be required on public transportation.
Running & biking events:
On your marks, get set, go! Masks will be optional at these races.
Disc golf:
Disc golfers are good to go without any special public health restrictions.
Fly fishing:
Anglers in certain circumstances may have to wear their masks during competition because of the use of federal BLM land. This may change, so stay tuned!
Yoga:
Yoga, fresh mountain air, and plenty of room at Ford Park’s Lower Bench! What more can we say!
Art & photography:
Photography competitions have been moved online this year – see our social channels for more. Art will be off the hook as we welcome Skye Walker and Chris Benchetler to the Mountain Games, where they will be creating a mural throughout the event.
Kayak, raft & SUP:
We’re watching water levels closely, but are confident in the downriver and freestyle competitions being in great shape. The pandemic still has had it’s effect: Due to the unknowns during planning, there will be no Steep Creek kayak race this year.
DockDog comps:
Dog events have been confirmed to take place in Lionshead Village and spectators are welcome! This is great news as the venue was a HUGE success in 2019.
Virtual events & Outside TV:
Not able to make it to Vail this year to (re)-live the dream? You can still connect and compete from wherever you are with virtual contest options, music livestreams, and of course the awesome live coverage each evening of the event from Outside TV.
What’s different, and what’s the same?
The nonprofit Vail Valley Foundation, which hosts the event each year, is pleased to welcome you to the 2021 GoPro Mountain Games!
What will be different?
The 2021 GoPro Mountain Games will not be exactly the same as years past. Differences include:
-
- L.L.Bean Gear Town will feature fewer tents and sponsor activations than years past.
- Expect certain areas of Vail Village to be without sponsor tents or activations.
- No climbing events will take place this year.
- No Steep Creek Championship event will take place this year – instead, the Pacifico Gore IV Kayak Challenge will send racers down a lively stretch of Gore Creek in Vail.
- No slackline competitions will take place this year.
- No Outdoor Reels film series.
- No in-person photo contest.
- No Kids’ Climbing Wall or SUP Demo Pool
- L.L.Bean Gear Town will feature fewer tents and sponsor activations than years past.
What will be the same?
Athletes, art, music and mountains. That’s the mantra of the GoPro Mountain Games, and it’s true again in 2021.
In the daytime, expect live music and art in the streets, a celebratory atmosphere, thousands of mountain athletes competing for glory, a whole lot of happy diving dogs, and more during the day.
In the evening, three nights of live concerts will illuminate the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater.
The bottom line is this: expect the 2021 GoPro Mountain Games to be a complete and total BLAST. It’s going to be an experience you appreciate more than ever before. Let’s be honest … you need this right now. You’ve been waiting for this. This summer’s GoPro Mountain Games will feed your soul like none other.
So … get after it and see you at the Mountain Games!
*Keep in mind that public health protocols may change before or during the event.
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