Teva Mountain Games begin tomorrow

The Teva Mountain Games, an annual event that blends athletic competition, outdoor adventure, and cultural pursuits, gets underway tomorrow, and runs through the weekend, in Vail, Colorado.

Top outdoor athletes from around the world will descend on Vail to take part in seven different sports and 21 unique disciplines that include trail running, mountain biking, road cycling, kayaking and more. The best of the best will battle it out in the GNC Ultimate Mountain Challenge, which consists of a 10k run, a technical mountain biking leg, a road cycling competition through the mountains, and a kayaking stage over Class II rapids.

The Mountain Games also host the International Federation of Sport Climbing Bouldering World Cup, which will pit some of the best sport climbers in the world against one another. Competitors will attempt to scale a climbing wall with five preset "problems" designed to challenge their skills and nerves. The athletes will score points based on the number of problems they overcome and the speed at which they complete them, with some bonus points availble to be earned as well. The winner will be declared the IFSC bouldering champion.

The weekend isn't just about athletic competition however, as there will also be a mountain photography contest, an adventure film school and festival, and plenty of live music too. In fact, the Teva Mountain Games are known as much for their active nightlife as the intense athletic events. And when not racing or partying, attendees can stroll by Gear Town to check out the latest and greatest outdoor equipment.

So, if you're looking for something to do this weekend, head to Vail, to watch some great athletes, take in some good music, and enjoy the atmosphere of the Mountain Games.

Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Arts and Culture, Hiking, Paddling, North America, United States, Camping