emily emmons

As we were packing up my son, Anchor, became incredibly quiet and when we asked him why, he said he didn’t want the GoPro games to end. My daughter Jae (6yo) said she saw some kids, who were “kinda little” running the 5k so she decided she would run it next year. And Ember, only two, just kept saying “ride bikes”. We are exhausted but already planning next year’s trip. The weekend is at times overwhelming, but our kids are both challenged and inspired by what they see and accomplish. So here why I think the games are a great place to build memories and grow as a family.

1. Let Everyone Spectate! In one weekend, you can experience:
   • River Sports (rafting, kayaking and paddleboarding)
   • Trail Sports (trail running, mountain biking, slopestyle, Pepi’s Faceoff)
   • Climbing
   • Trick line (so much fun to watch and truly outside of my capabilities!)
   • Fly fishing contests
   • Dog Sports
   • Disc Golf
   • Live Music
   • Art
2. Let Parents Demonstrate!
   • Two years ago, our daughter, 5 at the time, mutton busted at the National Western Stock Show. It was amazing and she really enjoyed it. But we realized putting her out there in this completely new environment, that as parents in this suburban world we live in, we are constantly signing our kids up for new experiences as we watch. We don’t demonstrate how we get nervous doing new things. How we process our nervousness and move forward. The GoPro games is the perfect environment for mom and dad to sign up, train and race. We are able to show our kids how to prepare both physically and mentally, so that the experience of trying something new doesn’t feel like something only kids experience.
3. Let the Kids Participate!
   • All of our kids did the kids bikes race. Yes, even our two year old who cannot yet ride a balance bike. They were so excited to get their race numbers and bags and to be part of activities. Now, for some children the race is overwhelming, it is loud and crowded. But it is so laid-back kids are welcome to do one lap of the 0.3 mile course, two laps, three laps or part of a lap if that is how the cookie crumbles. Our kids are excited to race again next year and continue to ask what other races they can be a part of.
   • Make a plan! 2024 Schedule | Mountain Games
4. Let Everyone Escape!
   • At times the hustle and bustle of the games becomes a bit too much. Our favorite day is Thursday before the crowds are out, and we spend more time on trails around Vail on Saturday when the crowds are the largest. (Hint: Using Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) We found Vail Trail which does not allow bikes and is a sweet little cross-country trail 1.5 miles one way). My Husband also snuck out for a father-son ride on the mountain.

Other Thoughts:

Daytrip/Overnight/Weekend – Vail is expensive over the years my husband and I have camped on BLM land or forest land for free to attend the games as well as splurged to stay in town to allow for naps. We also have several friends who just come up for a day. Take a look at the schedule and make the trip suit you!

Food – Reiterating, Vail is expensive. We pack all of our food. Generally during mealtimes, the food trucks and restaurants are busy, and the wait detracts from the enjoyment of eating out.

If we do decide to eat out, we highly recommend First Chair Vail | Grab and Go Breakfast Burritos!

Check out GoPro Mountain Games | Vail Valley Foundation website for more details. Hopefully we will see you up there next time!