2013 Winter Mountain Games Official Program

Feb 7-10 • 2013

official program

Winter mountain games

PRESENTING SPONSOR WINTER MOUNTAIN GAMES Be sure to stop by the Eddie Bauer tent, check out our great gear, and pick up some free swag. eddiebauer.com

The toughest case ever built.

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WATERPROOF / DROP PROOF / DUST PROOF / CRUSH PROOF WWW.OTTERBOX.COM

Mountain Games

Official Program Produced by the

Editor Wren Wertin Designer Carrie Calvin Photos by David Clifford, Steven Dewitt, Piotr Drodz, Zach Mahone, Dominique Taylor,, Connor Walberg, Cover photo Zach Mahone Content & Direction Paul Abling John Dakin Maggie Jackson Julie Kapala Kate Peters Duncan Horner

9 What’s New 10 Schedule of Events 13 Doggone it!

14 Map 17 Retail, Demo & Expo 18 Dining District 20 Free Stuff 22 Bike 24 Climb 24 Dogs

25 Nordic 26 UMC 26 Snowshoe 26 Vail Uphill 27 Winter Mountain Bike National Championships 28 Summer 2013 30 Photographers 30 Sponsors

WELCOME TO THE

Coolest WEEKEN D OF YOUR LIFE! The Vail

Valley Foundation Board The coming days an of Directors and sta d nights are ff are excited to gu ara nteed to be a true welcome you to th showcase e second annual of the winter spor tin Winter Mountain g lifestyle that Games presented is inter woven thro

by Eddie Bauer. ughout the entire fab ric of Vail. And, wh With the benefit of at better way a year under to join in the celeb our belt, we have alr ration of Vail eady begun the Mountain’s 50th An process of fine tunin niversary? g the Winter Whether you are an Mountain Games, athlete, while continuing spectator, sponsor with our philosoph or member of y of allowing it to the media, we hope grow organically. you thoroughly en joy the sophomore As a result, you will edition of the see several Winter Mountain Ga new additions to th mes presented e 2013 Games

by Eddie Bauer. W and from an athlet e thank you for e’s perspective, be ing a part of the 20 amateurs will again 13 event and have the please rest assured opportunit y to toe that you also have the starting line a standing invitatio with some of the m n to come back ost recognized to Vail June 6-9 for th names in the world e 2013 Summer of winter Mountain Games. adventure spor ts.

However, at the end of the day, the ultimate challenge will still be betwee n the individual competitors and th e mountain.

Ceil Folz President Vail Valley Foundatio n

To Our Friends

Vail Valley Foundation | vvf.org

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photo credit zach mahone

Welcome to the

presented by Eddie Bauer Vail Valley Foundation | vvf.org

ProgramAd_O.indd 1

1/17/13 12:38 PM

what’s new

For the Joes…

AND the Pros

The Mountain Games has always strived to present a platform where the average Joes go toe-to-toe with the pros. With the uncertainty of a new event last year, and multiple new formats, we had to limit some competitions to only the pros. We were bummed too. This year things are different with citizen divisions or qualification rounds for many events including Telemark Big Air and Best Trick Bike. If you’re a Joe and want to throw down with the pros all you need to do is qualify.

The Logan Ice Theater movies starting at 6:00pm

photo credit zach mahone, connor walberg

You thought a drive-in movie was cool? What about an outdoor ice movie theater? Don’t miss the Outdoor Reels Film Series Friday, February 8 and Saturday, February 9 located on the Gore Creek Promenade.

Climb On

We have a SWEET Eddie Bauer climbing wall at the Winter Mountain Games. New for 2013 look out for Citizen Climbing competitions and public demos for those of you that want to try your luck at mixed

Winter Mountain Bike National Championships

We’re proud to host the largest collection of on-snow biking events in the nation. The addition of a new 10K or 20K X-Country Mountain Bike Race rounds out the already impressive slate of biking events including an On-Snow Crit, Dual Slalom and Big Air Best Trick throw-down complete with fireball. Bring your snow tires.

Vail Valley Foundation | vvf.org

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FEB 7 - Feb 10, 2013

(All events subject to change)

Thursday, February 7

Friday, February 8

8:00 am to 6:00 pm Registration open – Lionshead Community room (LH parking structure)

8:00 am to 6:00 pm Registration open – Lionshead Community room (LH parking structure)

7:30 pm Bud Light Mountains of Music Free Concert: Ana Sia & Kraddy – Checkpoint Charlie Vail Village

10:00 am Eddie Bauer Mixed/Ice Climbing Practice (Men/ Women Qualifiers) – Golden Peak 10:00 am Mountain Click Photo Comp - Start 10:00 am 10K Nordic Freestyle Ski – Mass start – (UMC Event) Vail Nordic Center (Vail golf course) 11:00 am Gear Town opens 12:00 pm Eddie Bauer Mixed/Ice Climbing Qualifying Round (Men/Women Qualifiers) – Golden Peak 3:00 pm X-Country On-snow Mountain Bike Race presented

by GoPro 10k/ 20k- Vail Nordic Center 4:00 pm Eddie Bauer Mixed/Ice Climbing Quarterfinal Round (Men/Women Qualifiers) – Golden Peak 5:00 pm Gear Town closes 5:00 pm Ski Mo Athlete meeting – (Information CenterLionshead Parking Structure) 5:00 pm Eukanuba Avalanche Dog Demos presented by Ruffwear – Golden Peak 5:30 pm Eukanuba X-Country Snowshoe presented by Ruffwear 5K race & dog friendly division - Golden Peak 6:00 pm Eddie Bauer Mixed/Ice Climbing Semi- Final and Final Rounds (Men/Women Finals) – Golden Peak

7:30 pm Bud Light Mountains of Music Free Concert: Flobots – Checkpoint Charlie Vail Village

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photo credit david clifford, zach mahone

6:00 pm Outdoor Reels presented by Bud Light – Logan Ice Theater

Saturday, February 9

Sunday, February 10

6:00 am to 6:00 pm Registration open – Lionshead Community room (LH parking structure)

6:00 am to 12:00 pm Registration open – Lionshead Community room (LH parking structure)

7:30 am Eddie Bauer Ski Mountaineering (UMC Event) All categories start – Lionshead

7:00 am Vail Uphill (UMC Event) All categories startLionshead

9:00 am Gear Town opens

9:00am Gear Town opens

9:30 am Telemark Athlete Meeting – Golden Peak

9:00 am Vail Resorts Seven Wonders of Vail presented by GoPro

10:00 am Eddie Bauer Telemark Big Air Practice presented by Chipotle – Golden Peak 11:00 am Eddie Bauer Mixed/ Ice Climbing – Citizens Comp Golden Peak 11:30 am Eddie Bauer Telemark Big Air Qualifying Round presented by Chipotle – Golden Peak

10:00 am Dual Slalom Bike presented by Bud Light – Golden Peak 2:00 pm Vail Resorts 7 Wonders of Vail presented by GoPro post-race après party at Mountain Plaza – Vail Village

1:00pm Eddie Bauer Mixed/Ice Climbing- Demo- open to public – Golden Peak 1:00 pm Best Trick Bike Practice – Golden Peak 4:30 pm On-Snow Mountain Bike Crit presented by Chipotle – Golden Peak 7:00 pm Gear Town closes 6:00 pm Outdoor Reels presented by Bud Light – The Logan Ice Theater 6:30 pm Eddie Bauer Telemark Big Air – Golden Peak 6:30 pm Best Trick Bike – Golden Peak 7:30 pm Bud Light Mountains of Music Free Concert: John Brown’s Body – Golden Peak Vail Valley Foundation | vvf.org

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©2013 P&G

GET READY. GET SET.

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Prep Your Pup

Doggone it!

Bringing your pup to the Winter Mountain Games?

Keep them happy and healthy with these tips from canine experts at Eukanuba, the ASPCA and Vail’s own Hair Of The Mountain Dog.

Winter Dog Tips from Amy Abling, professional groomer and owner of Hair of the Mountain Dog: ➮ Putting fish oil in the pet’s food will help with a dry coat and skin. ➮ Getting their feet and paw pads trimmed short will help keep snowballs at bay. ➮ If your pet has long hair, be sure to brush out the coat if it’s gotten wet from the snow, as the wetness combined with the dry air is a matted mess’ best friend.

➮ Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

➮ Another easy tip for keeping snowballs under control... use cooking spray such as Pam. Just a light spray will help keep the snow from sticking and it’s light enough that it won’t make your carpet greasy when your critter comes back inside!

➮ Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

Cold-weather tips for your furry friends from the ASPCA:

➮ Feed your dog additional calories if it spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated, so additional calories are necessary.

➮ Keep your dogs close on snow or ice, especially in a snowstorm. Dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other seasons so make sure yours always wears ID tags. ➮ Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice. ➮ Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

➮ Like people, dogs seem to be more susceptible to illness in the winter. Take your dog to a veterinarian if you see any suspicious symptoms.

Stop by the Eukanuba Dog Village in Golden Peak for fun activities, contests or just to relax with your four-legged athlete. Check in to get expert advice on how to keep your dog in top condition from tooth to tail.

Vail Valley Foundation | vvf.org

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Venue Map of Vail

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6

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Lionshead Parking Structure

Eagle’s Nest/Top of Gondola

Main Registration

Bud Light Vail Uphill Finish

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4

Lionshead/Gondola Yard

Covered Bridge

Bud Light Vail Uphill Start

International Bridge

Eddie Bauer Ski Mountaineering Start

Winter Mountain Games info tent Gibbon Slackline demos

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2

4

1

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Golden Peak Eddie Bauer Mixed Climbing Best Trick Bike Eddie Bauer Telemark Big Air Dual Slalom Bike presented by Bud Light

Eukanuba Avalanche Dogs Demos Gear Town/Expo Area 6

Vail Nordic Center Nordic Freestyle X-Country Mountain Bike Race presented by GoPro

On-Snow Bike Crit presented by Chipotle Eukanuba X-Country Snowshoe presented by Ruffwear Eddie Bauer Ski Mountaineering Finish

888.883.VAIL(8245) Vail Valley Foundation | vvf.org

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Do your part to help cure childhood cancer.

Volvo is the founding sponsor of Alex’s Lemonade Stand, started by a little girl named Alex Scott who, even though she was losing her battle against cancer, wanted to raise research money to help other kids win theirs. Help make Alex’s dream come true. Go to AlexsLemonade.org and find out how you can help.

FOUNDATION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER

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Retail, Expo & Demo Areas Gear Town:

Gear Town is the hot spot for gear, swag, demos and goodies for Mountain Games spectators and athletes alike. Located in Golden Peak, at the base of Vail Mountain, Gear Town offers product samplings, contests, and special event pricing on lots of goods from our radical partners. Don’t miss our expo village featuring demos from Atlas Snow-Shoes, Madshus nordic skis, 9:zero:7 fat bikes, Maui Jim and others.

GRAB A FRIEND & JOIN THE GREAT ADVENTURE RACE THROUGH VAIL! August

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10 - 11, 2013

Ruffwear Wigwam Avalaunch Big Delicious 9:zero:7 bikes Mountain Might Rhino Rack Volvo 5 Hour Energy Comcast

Mountain Biking Zip Line Tubing Tarzan rope Low Ropes Course Archery Hiking Slope-n-Slide Climbing

Registration Opens March 2013 970-479-2280 www.vailkidsadventurerace.com

Event Lodging Specials Available

SPONSORED BY

For Ages 6 - 14

Optional Ski August 8 - ll Clinics 9, 2013

Vail Valley Foundation | vvf.org

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FREE TO WATCH BUD LIGHT MOUNTAINS OF MUSIC CONCERTS ➮ Ana Sia & Kraddy

Thursday, Checkpoint Charlie, 7:30pm Electronic dance party with two smoking hot DJs

➮ Flobots

Friday, Checkpoint Charlie, 7:30pm Visionary emcees

➮ John Brown’s Body Saturday, Golden Peak, 7:30pm Progressive reggae

OUTDOOR REELS FILM SERIES presented by

BUD LIGHT

Friday & Saturday 6pm The Logan Ice Theater located on Gore Creek Promenade

➮ Warren Miller Highlights presented by Eddie Bauer ➮ “Every Bit Counts” – A Telemark Film by Tough Guy Productions

➮ Summer Mountain Games TV Experience presented by the Vail Valley Foundation ➮ GoPro Clips of Awesomeness

photo credit zach mahone

➮ Vail: “The Rise of America’s Iconic Ski Resort” presented by the Town of Vail

FREE TO DO ➮ EDDIE BAUER FREE Ski tuning & WAXING STATION Golden Peak

➮ INTERACTIVE GEAR TOWN Golden Peak

➮ DEMO & EXPO VILLAGE Golden Peak Demos from Atlas Snow-shoes, Madshus, 9:Zero:7 Bikes and others.

Vail Valley Foundation | vvf.org

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GoPro X-Country On-Snow Mountain Bike

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photo credit connor walberg

Skinny jeans seem to be all the rage these days but what about skinny tires? If it fits your fancy go nuts, but, in a race above 8,000 feet, on groomed nordic trails, in the heart of a Colorado winter think long and hard before leaving the fatty tires at home.

It’s likely you’re going to need the extra junk in the trunk.

A new event for 2013, the X-Country On-Snow Mountain Bike Race is a 10k or 20k race depending on how hard you want to push.

Race em’ if you got `em - Fatbikes, XC race rigs, single speed rigid bikes, hard tails, full suspensions and/or downhill bikes are all welcome. Note that it does not matter what you race... it only matters that you finish.

On-Snow Bike Crit presented by Chipotle With its short-lap format, success in a winter mountain bike criterium requires cyclists to hold their own on a fast, snowy course that covers the lower portions of Vail Mountain. Wide tires will be the tool of choice for riders to navigate the varied terrain in this spectator-friendly, one-of-a-kind event.

Dual Slalom Bike Throwing caution to the wind is part of the game as preeminent mountain bikers combine precision with pure guts in this all-out speed descent on Vail Mountain’s Golden Peak. Head-to-head competition on a dual slalom course makes for a supreme battle royale to name the ultimate gear head.

Best Trick Bike This troupe of freeride mountain bikers go big or go home in a supreme winter test of flight and flare complete with a 40-foot fireball. The sky’s the limit at the base of Vail Mountain on this massive snow feature specially built for maximum air time. The biggest hits take home the cash in this comp judged for style and difficulty that is sure to be a nighttime crowd pleaser.

Free Heels & Wheels: This competition will take place alongside the Eddie Bauer Telemark Big Air competition presented by Chipotle.

Vail Valley Foundation | vvf.org

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Eddie Bauer Mixed Climbing

A mixed climbing comp that pits a select group of elite athletes against each other in side by side mirror-imaged routes on a unique climbing structure custom designed for the Winter Mountain Games. It’s the ultimate test of speed, power and agility where the fastest time and highest point will determine the winner in this inaugural spectator-friendly event.

Eddie Bauer Mixed Climbing Citizen Comp

NEW!

Same wall as the pros, but a slightly different format.

Competitors will climb only one of the two mirror images routes. Fastest time to the top wins and competitors have 20 minutes each to attempt the route as many times as possible.

Public Climbing Demos

Never been ice or mixed climbing? No worries… we’ve got you covered on Saturday with free public mixed climbing demos on the Mountain Games wall with certified pros. We’ll supply the ice axes, helmet and climbing equipment, you supply the wits. Your weekend in Vail just got a lot more exciting. Trust us.

Eukanuba X-Country Snowshoe presented by RuffWear From sprinters to speed shufflers, this 5k and 10k snowshoe race takes head-lit competitors around Golden Peak on Vail Mountain in a challenging moonlight x-country course. With variable snow conditions, from powder to groomed, smooth to steep, this sometimes single-track will leave competitors speechless.

Plus, the 5k category is dog-friendly for those “best friends” who love to run in the snow.

Three professional avalanche dogs and handlers exhibit their typical drill routine in this informative demonstration that’s also fun! These AVI rescue pups must undergo rigorous training with running and digging drills, open area toy-hides and rides on snow equipment like toboggans and snowmobiles.

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photo credit Zach Mahone

Eukanuba AVI Dogs presented by RuffWear

Nordic Freestyle* Arguably some of the fittest humans on the planet, professional and amateur Nordic racers test their endurance, strength and technical skills in a 5k and 10k race with the spectacular Gore Range as a backdrop. Not for the faint of heart – or mind and body. These finelytuned skate or classic ski athletes prove that mellow ski touring is a thing of the past.

Eddie Bauer Ski Mountaineering*

photo credit Steven Dewitt

With North America’s largest prize purse, this SkiMo comp has a running dryland start, then progresses up the frontside and Back Bowls of Vail Mountain for the ultimate winter test. As part of the Colorado Ski Mountaineering Cup (COSMIC), athletes skin, ski and bootpack on a challenging alpine course while passing a series of checkpoints. (Expert level competitors are required to carry avalanche gear). Originally designed to test soldiers’ fortitude, ski mountaineering is truly an ultimate mountain challenge.

7 Wonders of Vail presented by GoPro Ski Vail’s 7 legendary Back Bowls and ride all 24 lifts in one day! This is more of an accomplishment than a

competition and the bragging rights from doing it should last you until the end of the season! The competitive side is to come up with the best route on your own to cover all 24 lifts. This is not a timed event but you will want give yourself enough time to hit all 24 lifts and make it to the post party at Mountain Plaza from 3-5pm. Check off the lifts on your credential as you go (scout’s honor) and visit 7 Wonders checkpoints to answer trivia and earn more chances to win the great prizes at the post “bragging rights” party. Each registered participant will receive a 7 Wonders baseball hat and access to the post party where you could win great prizes including an Epic Pass for the 2013-2014 season and Atlas Snow-shoes! Lifts open at 8:30am!

Eddie Bauer Telemark Big Air presented by Chipotle How much vert is too much when only half your foot is attached? Known for having open minds, Telemark freeskiers hit the big air jump at the base of Vail Mountain for a huckfest like no other. Free Heels & Wheels: This competition will take place alongside the Best Trick Bike competition. * An Ultimate Mountain Challenge Event

Vail Valley Foundation | vvf.org

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Maui Jim ULTIMATE MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE Who will be crowned king and queen of the mountain in this grueling combination of Nordic Freestyle, Vail Uphill and Ski Mountaineering? The lowest combined time for all three events, held over three days, will claim the top UMC honor to be crowned the Ultimate Mountain Man or Woman and take home the cash.

Eukanuba X-Country Snowshoe Race presented by

RuffWear

From sprinters to speed shufflers, this 5k and 10k snowshoe race takes head-lit competitors around Golden Peak on Vail Mountain in a challenging moonlight x-country course. With variable snow conditions, from powder to groomed, smooth to steep, this sometimes single-track will leave competitors speechless. Plus, the 5k category is dog-friendly for those “best friends” who love to run in the snow.

Be prepared to wear your heart (and lungs) on your sleeve as you attempt, in sub-freezing temps, to climb Vail Mountain in this mother of all races. The course takes athletes on an ascent of 2,200 feet from Lionshead to Eagle’s Nest, finishing at 10,328 feet in elevation.

Snowshoes, Yax Trax, Nordic or touring skis and other traction devices are all welcome. * An Ultimate Mountain Challenge Event

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photo credit david clifford, Steven Dewitt

Bud Light Vail Uphill*

Bikes and Snow

Winter Mountain Bike National Championships Athletes compete for national championship titles in four on-snow cycling events.

By Kim Fuller

For one weekend a winter, Vail’s recreation changes gears.

With four on-snow cycling events in two days, the Winter Mountain Games presented by Eddie Bauer welcomes cyclists to stop dreaming about summer trails and tear up the snow. Who says snow and bikes don’t go together?

This year’s new showcase is the 10K and 20K X-Country race, held at Vail Nordic Center on Friday afternoon. Other events include the On-Snow Bike Crit and the Dual Slalom Bike Competition, both held on Vail Mountain at Golden Peak on Sunday afternoon.

Don’t miss the Best Trick Bike competition, returning this year to Golden Peak on Saturday night to once again offer terrific spectating opportunities, as athletes will be throwing big air and turning aerial tricks off a huge ramp, battling for their share of a $10,000 prize purse.

“It’s one of the only events of its kind in the nation or in the world — there is really not a lot of big air biking on the snow,” says Paul Abling, senior marketing and public relations manager for the Vail Valley Foundation, which orga-

nizes the Winter and Summer Mountain Games. “The ramp is at least 80 feet long, and it’s a massive jump with a fireball.”

Last year’s runner-up, Mike Montgomery, will be returning to the big air event to try and take the title. Other notable athletes competing in the bike championships include Aaron Chase, Nick Clarke, Wendy Palmer and Vail’s own Gretchen Reeves.

This year, athletes can compete for a men’s and women’s national championship title in every event, making it more memorable for athletes and onlookers alike.

“After selling out last year’s On-Snow Bike Crit, we are excited to offer cyclists a new cross-country race and the chance to be crowned national champion,” says Ceil Folz, president of the Vail Valley Foundation. “Going back to the World Mountain Bike Championships in 1994 and 2001, Vail has played host to some of the best mountain bike races in the world.”

Folz says with the growing popularity of “fat bikes,” and riding bikes on the snow, the Mountain Games now offers some of the biggest and best winter mountain bike races in the country.

Although these events will have a high level of competition, Abling says, amateur and emerging athletes can still get involved.

“That’s one thing that we try to do at the Mountain Games is make it accessible to everyone,” says Abling. “Not only do you get to try a great course, but you also get to share the starting line with the best in the sport.”

MOUNTAIN CLICK PHOTO COMP We recognize the unique challenges photographers face in their creative pursuit to capture the spirit of adventure sports and the great outdoors. Amateur and professional shutterbugs are welcome and all competitors receive credentials for access not granted to the general public.

Once you’ve clicked your way around four days of athletes, art, music and mountains, submit up to three photos to be judged by our panel of professional sport and outdoor photographers in any of three categories; Vibe, Performance and Mountain Magic. (All events are subject to change.)

Vail Valley Foundation | vvf.org

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Be there!

June 6-9, 2013

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TOV 8787327

COME CELEBRATE WITH US VAIL.COM/50th

Photo Love 2012 Mountain Games Photographers: We’re showin’ some major love for our 2012 photographers, featured throughout this publication and on our website, blog, and so much more!

Zach Mahone

David Clifford

Connor Walberg Steven Dewitt

www.zachmahone.com davidcliffordphotogra- www.cnwphoto.com phy.com

stevendewitt.com

OUR SINCERE THANKS TO ALL OF OUR 2013 SPONSORS MOUNTAIN GAMES’ PREFERRED MEDIA PARTNERS: 93.3 KTCL Comcast Denver Post KZYR 97.7 Outside Magazine Rock & Ice Snowshoe Magazine Telemark Skier Magazine TV8 Vail/Beaver Creek Vail Daily Preferred Lodging Partners:

Vail Cascade Resort & Spa Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa Christie Lodge Evergreen Lodge 30

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