The soul of the mountains comes to life in a celebration of sports and lifestyle at the Teva Mountain Games in Vail this week, cranking up Wednesday with the annual Paddlecross raft and kayak races on the Eagle River through Dowd Chute. The whitewater excitement builds Thursday at the Homestake Extreme Creek race near Red Cliff, before hitting a fever pitch with a full slate of mountain-sports competition Saturday and Sunday. Adventure athletes from around the world compete in six sports and 10 disciplines ranging from kayaking and rafting to rock climbing, mountain bike trials, trail running and adventure racing. The third annual Teva Games also include a mountain photo competition, gear demos and live music throughout the weekend. Events are open to pros and amateurs, and spectating doesn’t cost a penny.
Go there — Teva Mountain Games, Vail, www.tevamountaingames.com or 970-479-1385.
