Count next month’s GoPro Mountain Games in Vail as another casualty of the low-water conditions prevalent on Colorado rivers this spring due to the state’s widespread drought.
Four river events for kayaks, rafts and stand-up paddleboards have been moved from Gore Creek in Vail to river venues that are 35-60 miles away. Four other river events involving kayaks and rafts have been canceled. A fishing event also will be moved.
This year’s Mountain Games are scheduled June 4-7. The event, a major annual happening in the Vail Valley, dates back to 2002 when it was founded as a local whitewater festival known then as the Teva Mountain Games. In its current iteration it includes mountain and road cycling, running, climbing, yoga and disc events.
River events being moved will take place either at the Glenwood Whitewater Activity Area in Glenwood Springs, 60 miles from Vail, or the Upper Colorado River in Bond, 35 miles from Vail.
“Contingency planning is part of every Mountain Games, as water levels fluctuate from year to year, which is why our team has spent the last several months monitoring conditions and working to find solutions,” said Peggy Wolfe, operations director for the Vail Valley Foundation which organizes the event, in a news release. “We’re now putting that plan into action to ensure athletes and spectators have a safe and memorable experience.”
