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PDFThe first annual Winter Teva Mountain Games was held this year in Vail, and it was an impressive display for the first year. Teva has made a name for itself in hosting unique sports not seen in the winter X games and other winter competitions. Throughout the entire weekend, there were sporting events across the length of the resort, and the community was covered in fun booths, competitions, and plenty of outdoorsy shwag.
Most families took in the games between runs down the slopes. The games were set up to take place throughout the resort on the lower ends of the runs – so most people would grab a seat and watch bikers perform back-flips off of the ramps on their “snow tires.” They could also get a great view of the Telemark Big Air as they rode up the chairlift, or even check out mixed climbers as they grabbed lunch. Most of the final events took place in the evening after lifts had stopped running and everyone bundled up to watch under stadium lights as these amazing athletes competed.
If you weren’t into skiing, then the town had tons of options full of family activities. The ice rink was open, or you could grab hot cocoa and a free scarf while you watched everyday folks compete for $1000.00 from Thule by attempting to get the best time loading a car with luggage and mountain bikes. The kids enjoyed demonstrations by avalanche dogs as they located their “victims.” And Nikon was photographing folks on chair one from the very first chair lift in Vail and then projecting the photographs on overhead screens across the town. Most of the final events took place in the evening after lifts had stopped running and everyone bundled up to watch under stadium lights as these amazing athletes competed.
The San Juan area was especially well represented in the mixed climbing division. Being so close to the Ouray ice park we have developed a group of mixed rock and ice climbers that are world class. Logan Tyler from Ouray placed twelfth. Another local favorite Josh Wharton (three time Ouray ice festival winner) popped off in the second round, and as did Montrose resident Chris Righter. They finished 8th and 9th respectively. Our greatest contributions came from Ridgway resident Brian Gilmore, a local climber (and father) who finished third and Andres Marin of Ouray (a renowned climbing guide for such areas Denali AK and South America) who placed fourth.
Dawn Glanc was our highest placing local finishing first in the women’s division.
Vail is a very family friendly city. Our family had no problem walking from event to event with kids and strollers. The village has a simple efficient public transport system so you are no more than a two minute wait from a ride to most anywhere in town.
Our biggest concern was keeping the kids warm. (Isn’t it always?) We found out the hard way that the snow boots for our youngest just weren’t adequate as the evening finals began. We spent a lot of effort keeping her warm.
But in the end, the chilly temperatures didn’t matter and the finals were worth it. With bright lights trained on the events we were able to watch the athletes compete while our kids played in the snow.
What a fun festival this was for our whole family! We will definitely go back next year!
Chipetamama is a mama of three. Her recent accomplishments include allowing each of her children to suck on the shopping cart at some point in time, being the world’s best non-rockclimbing belayer, and mastering the art of changing a diaper one-handed.
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Great article, made me want to go next year, as to not miss out on the fun.