GoPro Mountain Games cancels several river events, adjusts others due to low water levels in Vail

Gore Creek running ‘unsafely’ through town ahead of early June event

Tough news for river adventurers looking to compete in one of several water events at the upcoming GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado in early June.

Nine total river events at the 2026 GoPro Mountain Games are being impacted by Colorado’s historic low snowpack, making the Vail Valley Foundation’s marquee late-spring event adjust its schedule.

In a statement on Thursday, April 20, Chief of Media at GoPro Mountain Games, Julie Block explained which events were canceled and which were adjusted.

The 4 water events that are canceled:

• Pacifico Gore IV Kayak Challenge
• Pacifico Gore IV Raft Challenge
• Pacifico Kayak Cross
• Pacifico Raft Cross

“While some water events around the state are hitting pause, select rivers are still in play around Vail for 2026,” Block said. “We’re excited to confirm that five water events will move forward at the GoPro Mountain Games, with courses adapted to meet current conditions. Athletes can expect dynamic, ever-changing water that rewards skill, creativity, and adaptability.”

The five water events still taking place but have relocated details are:

• Pacifico Kayak Freestyle – Relocating to the Glenwood Whitewater Activity Area in Glenwood Springs for a two-day format: qualifiers and semifinals on Friday, June 5, and finals on Saturday, June 6.
• GoPro Down River Kayak Sprint, Pacifico Down River R2 Raft Sprint, Slifer Smith & Frampton Down River SUP Sprint – are moving to the Upper Colorado River between the Pumphouse and Radium recreation areas in Bond, bringing fast, scenic, high-energy racing to a classic stretch of water. All events will still take place on Saturday, June 6, with new start times. 
• YETI Catch Wars – is relocating to the Upper Colorado River on Friday, June 5. Anglers will be tested by changing water conditions in pursuit of fish throughout the day.

“Contingency planning is part of every Mountain Games, as water levels fluctuate from year to year, which is why our team has spent the last several months monitoring conditions and working to find solutions,” Peggy Wolfe, Senior Director of Operations for the Vail Valley Foundation said.

As of Thursday, April 30 afternoon, Booth Creek, at the confluence of Gore Creek in East Vail, was flowing between 10-13 cfs, with a depth of 3.23 feet, according to the USGS river gauge.

Gore Creek above Red Sandstone Creek in Vail town limits was running between 54-56 cfs, with a depth of 5.4 feet.

GoPro Mountain Games said fans can watch the Pacifico Kayak Freestyle whitewater action live in Vail on the Lucid big screen at the kayak hole, where organizers will be streaming the qualifiers, semi-finals and finals.

“The kayak hole will stay buzzing throughout the weekend with additional slackline shows and more activations to be announced soon,” Block added.

Athletes registered for canceled events will be automatically refunded.

Athletes registered for relocated events do not need to take any action, but if they prefer not to participate at the new venue, they may request a refund by emailing registration@vvf.org by May 15.

Block said although the event cancellations have been confirmed, river conditions are continually monitored and the remaining water events are subject to change as the event draws closer. 

Block said athletes and spectators should download the GoPro Mountain Games app and turn on notifications to ensure the latest news about upcoming events is conveyed ahead of arrival or participation in the Games.