Nothing says “Olde Skuel” quite like a kilt and a caber toss. Saturday folks will have an opportunity to don their favorite plaid garb and keep it real Celtic at the inaugural Highlands Games at Snowmass Village.
Featuring a genuine caber toss (flipping a 16-foot log end over end), “Clachneart” (a 28-pound stone shot put), sheaf toss (pitchforking a 20-pound bag over a high bar) and other centuries-old Scottish sports, the Highlands Games define the term “tough” the way they did back in the Old Country. Although modern sporting gear has since progressed beyond trees, rocks and pitchforks, the traditional games still qualify as a test of strength and skill – not to mention a convenient excuse to indulge in a Scottish spirit of another sort.
Competition will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Snowmass Village Mall and is free to spectators. Each event is open to women, men’s open, men’s novice, masters (age 40+) and lightweight (190 pounds and under) competitors. Or simply sit back with a single malt and take in the show. Scottish vendors, food, the Colorado Youth Pipe Band and more than 10 clans providing information on Scottish Heritage will be on hand. Additionally, the resort village is offering deep discounts on lodging starting as low as $69 a night for those interested in spending a weekend in the high country.
Learn more — For more info, call 800-766-9627 or visit www.snowmassvillage.com.
