We love the outdoors. Protect Our Playground puts a focus on what we can do as individuals and as a larger group to keep our Rocky Mountain lands healthy, alive and growing. There’s so much room for activities right here in our own backyard — and we want to keep it that way.

The Town of Vail continues to support the GoPro Mountain Games and our sustainability goals as we continue to find ways to make the event more sustainable to create a better future for everyone. Whether you are a visitor to Vail or local, we know there is a lot that goes into creating an environmentally sustainable event. We’re doing our best to make a difference.

We are still actively working on our previous efforts as we continue to look for new ways to reach our goals and remain stewards of the rivers, streams and trails where we host the GoPro Mountain Games.

• Waste diversion: In 2024, 88% of waste generated at the event was diverted from local landfills. In 2025, our goal is 90%.
• Reusable Containers: Don’t forget your reusable water bottle! Complimentary hydration refill stations are set up throughout Vail allowing for free refills (and less waste)
• Giving back to the community:
  • Want to help out more? Be a part of the GoPro Mountain Games Protect Our Playground Day of Service when Mountain Games staff, volunteers and athletes give back by taking care of the rivers, mountains and land that play host to the event. More details on the 2025 project coming soon. Protect Our Playgrounds Service Days:

               2022     Eagle River Cleanup including Gore Creek with the Eagle River Watershed Council

               2023     Tree, plants and native shrub planting to support Restore the Gore

               2024    Mountain Clean Up on Vail Mountain

  2025    Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance Trail Maintenance (more details below)

• Part of the Eagle County Climate Action Collaborative: The local Climate Action Collaborative led by Walking Mountains Science Center is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Eagle County 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.
• Take care of your Pooch: Don’t forget about your furry friend — they need to stay hydrated as well. Pro Plan Dog Hydration Stations are located throughout Vail to help keep our K9 friends well hydrated and happy. And when nature calls, be sure to clean up after your dog. Dog waste is considered trash so please dispose properly.
• Work with event partners to make green choices: Be mindful of on-site giveaways by using consumable, reused, recycled and upcycled options. Try and minimize additional waste in packaging with soft plastics and excess cardboard.
• Be an Advocate: Join the AVENTON Green Team! We are always looking for people to help spread the word and help onsite at the event. Visit the GoPro Mountain Games website to volunteer with this great team.

• CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY. An important part of protecting the waters we love is preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). All Whitewater and Fishing athletes are encouraged to make sure their boats and gear are CLEAN of plants, mud, and debris; DRAINED of standing water; and completely DRY between launches can help to prevent the spread of AIS that compromises our water resources. No matter what you float, remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY every time to prevent invasive species from spreading and protect our waters for generations to come. Learn more at www.cleanboater.org.

• Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at one of the complimentary hydration refill stations around the GoPro Mountain Games
• Clean up after yourself, your dog and others. Take a moment to pick up a piece of trash you find along the trail, in the Village or anywhere in the Town of Vail
• Consider alternate modes of transportation: Bike, walk, carpool or use public transit (sorry, no dogs allowed on Town of Vail buses, though)
• Take care of YOUR playground year-round
• Join our AVENTON Green Team: Here’s your chance to make a REAL difference and support Walking Mountains, Vail Mountain, the Town of Vail and GoPro Mountain Games in their sustainability efforts. The simple goal is to limit the amount of trash going to the landfill by providing guidance and hands-on assistance for guests disposing items at the Zero Hero Tents.VOLUNTEER WITH THE aventon GREEN TEAM

Join us June 26, 2025 for the Protect Our Playground Day of Service

GoPro Mountain Games volunteers, staff and athletes are encouraged to participate in our annual Day of Service as we join forces with the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance for a trail maintenance project to repair, protect and enhance our local space for all to enjoy. Trails play host to our run and bike competitions at the Mountain Games and it is our duty to help safeguard this valuable resource.

The Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance is creating a sustainable, multi-use trail network not only for outdoor recreation but also for fostering a sense of community and connection to nature.

DETAILS

• June 26, 2025
• 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
• Meet: TBD

WHAT TO BRING

• Gloves
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Snacks
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Closed toes, sturdy shoes (required)
• Long pants (recommended)
• Clothing layers including a rain jacket (recommended)

LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED

*Minimum age to participate is 12 years old with accompanying adult.

You can always help! Remember:

• Respect trail closures. They are in place for a reason.
  • Stay on the designate trail. Don’t take shortcuts or cut corners.
• Pick up after your pet. That means take the bag to the trash-don’t leave it on the trail.
• Always bring a reusable water bottle instead of single-use plastic bottles
• Respect the wild by leaving wildlife alone