There’s a common belief that once ski season is over, resorts close their doors until the following winter. But mountain resorts across the country often play host to events, including extreme sports. We’ve rounded up some of the best extreme sports events you won’t want to miss this summer. Whether you’re interested in testing yourself on a muddy obstacle course in Tahoe, watching a lumberjack competition in West Virginia, or being a part of the GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, there’s an event out there for you.
Tough Mudder, Lake Tahoe
Considered a premier adventure challenge series in the world, Tough Mudder is not for the faint of heart. The 10-12 mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces features steep climbs, rugged cross-country trails, and a cage crawl through mud. Tough Mudder Tahoe takes place on Sierra Nevada’s freshwater lake from August 16-17. Tickets are $149 for each day, which includes a T-shirt, headband, and a hard-earned beer. For more information, click here.
Photo Credit: Ken Hoeve
GoPro Mountain Games, Vail Mountain Resort
Vail Mountain Resort will be filled with GoPro Mountain Games participants from June 5-8, as the country’s largest celebration of adventure sports, art, and music returns to Colorado. Professionals and amateurs will compete, choosing from 25 disciplines—including everything from kayaking to fly-fishing—to win more than $110,000 in prizes. Bring your GoPro and submit your best action shots, and you might get featured on Outside Magazine and/or the GoPro: Premium Kit. For more information, click here.
Jackson Hole Mountain Games
The third annual Jackson Hole Mountain Games will take place from June 20-22 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Participants will get to go running, mountain biking, bouldering, paragliding, and paddle boarding while listening to music, eating, and drinking to celebrate the Summer Solstice and the Wild Jackson Hole’s Solstice Street Fair. Registration is $30 per person, or $130 per team. For more information, click here.
Stihl Timbersports Weekend, Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort
Lumberjacks unite at the Stihl Timbersports Weekend at Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort in West Virginia. This year, you can celebrate Father’s Day and watch live lumberjack competitions from June 14-15. Lumberjacks will compete to show off their strength, coordination, timing, and devotion. Little lumberjacks will also have a chance to create their own keepsakes safely—there are kids’ crafts throughout the day on Saturday in the Village Plaza. For more information, click here.
Gore-Tex Grand Traverse, Crested Butte
The famous Gore-Tex Grand Traverse backcountry ski race from Crested Butte to Aspen in Colorado becomes a run and bike race in summer. The route starts on Elk Avenue and continues for approximately 40 miles reaching the final base of Aspen Mountain. This summer, the event will be held on August 16. Registration before August 1 is $75 for an individual, $140 for a team. After August 1, registration is $90 for an individual and $160 per team. Since June 26-29 is the Crested Butte Bike Week, there will also be the world’s oldest bike event: the Chainless Downhill World Championship. The bike race starts from the top of Kebler Pass and goes down seven miles. Participants cannot have chains on their bikes and must wear costumes. Click here for more information.
Telluride Horror Show, Colorado
If you’re more interested in indoor adventure, then check out the 5th Annual Telluride Horror Show. From October 10-12, you will get to view the latest horror, fantasy, and sci-fi films inside of the Telluride’s historic Sheridan Opera House and Nugget Theatre. The festival, named one of the 20 coolest Film Festivals by Moviemaker Magazine, will showcase 20 feature films, more than 30 short films, and will host a variety of special events. For more information, click here.
For more summer activities, check out:
- The Last of American Drive-In Theaters
- Stay Active With Travel Deals This Summer
- Affordable Road Trips Around the Country
By Lavinia Pisani for PeterGreenberg.com
