GoPro Mountain Games water occasions see venue change

The mountains give us every thing. Sometimes, they simply give us one thing a little bit completely different than we deliberate.

This winter’s historic low snowpack has impacted river ranges throughout the area, and water sports activities are feeling it. The GoPro Mountain Games, held June 4-7 in and round Vail, is making some changes to maintain the motion secure.

While some water occasions across the state are hitting pause, choose rivers are nonetheless in mess around Vail for 2026. Five water occasions will transfer ahead on the GoPro Mountain Games, with programs tailored to fulfill present situations. 

“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,” mentioned Peggy Wolfe, senior director of operations for the Vail Valley Foundation, the nonprofit that organizes the GoPro Mountain Games annually. “We’re now putting that plan into action to ensure athletes and spectators have a safe and memorable experience. Despite some recent precipitation and more in the forecast, river levels simply aren’t where they need to be, and we don’t anticipate that changing before the event. However, we’re confident in the plan we’ve put together, and we can’t wait to see everyone in June.”

Whitewater strikes to new water

Several occasions are transferring to new water this yr. The Pacifico Kayak Freestyle is relocating to the Glenwood Whitewater Activity Area in Glenwood Springs for a two-day format: qualifiers and semifinals on June 5, and finals on June 6.

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The GoPro Down River Kayak Sprint, Pacifico Down River R2 Raft Sprint, and Slifer Smith & Frampton Down River SUP Sprint are transferring to the Upper Colorado River between the Pumphouse and Radium recreation areas in Bond, bringing quick, scenic, high-energy racing to a traditional stretch of water. All occasions will nonetheless happen on June 6 with new begin instances. 

The YETI Catch Wars can even relocate to the Upper Colorado River on June 5. Anglers might be examined by altering water situations in pursuit of fish all through the day.

Fans again in Vail can catch the Pacifico Kayak Freestyle whitewater motion reside on the Lucid large display screen on the kayak gap, the place we’ll be streaming the qualifiers, semi-finals and finals. The kayak gap will keep buzzing all through the weekend with extra slackline exhibits and extra activations to be introduced quickly.

Current projected water ranges imply organizers are unable to run the Pacifico Gore IV Kayak Challenge, Pacifico Gore IV Raft Challenge, Pacifico Kayak Cross, and Pacifico Raft Cross, and these occasions have been cancelled for 2026.

Athletes registered for cancelled occasions might be routinely refunded. Athletes registered for relocated occasions don’t have to take any motion, but when they like to not take part on the new venue, they might request a refund by emailing [email protected] by May 15.

Although these occasion cancellations have been confirmed, river situations are frequently monitored, and ther emaining water occasions are topic to vary because the occasion attracts nearer. Athletes and spectators are inspired to obtain the Mountain Games app and activate notifications to obtain the most recent updates.

Information about how athletes, spectators, and guests can become involved is accessible at mountaingames.com/help-us-protect-our-playground-2026.  For full up to date schedules, venue particulars, and every thing else it’s essential know, go to mountaingames.com or obtain the Mountain Games app.