My daughter was a proud participant in the 1st Annual Kids Adventure Games in Vail and ever since that race several years ago, she has been hooked on “the coolest kids race on the planet.” Apparently, she’s not the only one because there are now nine-race series at ski resorts across the country, including two in Colorado: The flagship race in Vail Aug. 9-13 and the 2nd Annual Family Adventure Quest on July 1-2 at Copper Mountain, Colo. That’s right, parents can now join in the fun of the country’s premier adventure race for children as they unplug from technology for a fun-filled weekend featuring teams of two navigating an adventure course like no other.
Vail
The Kids Adventure Games presented by Toyota will return Aug. 9-13 to Vail, CO for an epic adventure-packed weekend for kids ages six to 14 and their families. The course will include biking, trekking, rope swings, mud pits, cargo nets, a giant Slip ‘N Slide, zip lines and other exciting obstacles. The five-day event will strengthen physical and emotional bonds through a series of challenges centered on building grit and resilience on the natural terrain on Vail Mountain, as well as highlighting areas within in Vail Village. Here’s a glimpse at my kids’ epic adventure two years ago!
Registration has been underway since March 1 and Saturday’s race has sold out in record time. Team spots remain for Friday’s expert race and Sunday’s short course/beginner race. Registration fees will increase May 16. Racers also will have an opportunity to participate in skills clinics Wednesday, Aug. 9 and Thursday, Aug. 10 to practice and perfect skills including teamwork, biking, climbing and more. Skills clinics are optional and cost $60 per participant.
In addition to three-days of action-packed racing, the event will feature a free Family Adventure Zone and the return of the KEEN Family Mud Run. The Family Adventure Zone will feature free fun activities including a climbing wall, Cave of Confusion, meet and greet with Vail’s Ski Patrol rescue dogs, photo booth, fly fishing demos, helmet safety checks with Vail Valley Medical Center, a spirit station full of crafting supplies to create cheer cards, product sampling from Horizon Organic, CLIF Kid and more. For those who are missing out on the adventure race or are just ready to get down and dirty, the KEEN Family Mud Run will feature a one-plus mile course with mud pits and is open to all ages.
Copper Mountain
Last year, my son and I had the time of our lives participating in Copper Mountain’s Family Adventure Quest (read about my hilarious misadventures as I tried–and failed–to keep pace with my son). Now in its second year, The Family Adventure Quest, presented by the Toyota Kids Adventure Games™ (Kids A.G.), will offer families a chance to experience an adventure course like no other with zip lines, mud pits, slacklines, cargo nets, trekking, biking and a variety of other unique challenges in the Village at Copper and on Copper Mountain. Teams will consist of two challengers, one adult/teen and one child, who will tackle the course while they work together on building confidence, teamwork, communication and fun.
The Quest is a perfect opportunity for families to prepare for one of eight-races in the Kids A.G., a race series that takes place at ski resorts across the country. Unlike the Kids A.G., where only kids compete and the course is a parent-free zone, adults are welcome to participate in Quest. The Quest will feature two categories, a timed category for more competitive duos or a non-timed “fun run” for those looking to tackle the course without pressure. The competitive Quest will be limited to 84 participants while there will be no maximum number of participants for the “fun run.”
Registration is underway at www.kidsadventuregames.com and early registration is encouraged. As part of the action, teams will also have an opportunity to participate in practice sessions on July 1 to hone their skills including teamwork, biking, climbing and more.
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
