The 5 Best Live Sporting Events Around Vail Valley

Competition runs deep in Vail Valley, where athletic spirit meets mountain adventure. Whether it’s skiing, hockey, or rodeo, locals and visitors alike turn out to cheer, compete, and celebrate the region’s athletic excellence. The Best of Vail Valley contest recognizes the live sporting events that capture that energy—each one a showcase of skill, grit, and community pride.

Birds of Prey World Cup: Held annually at Beaver Creek Resort, the Birds of Prey World Cup is one of the premier men’s alpine ski races in North America. The event attracts the world’s top skiers to compete on one of the most technically demanding downhill courses on the circuit. According to its website, the race is organized by the Vail Valley Foundation and draws thousands of spectators who line the course to watch world-class speed meet precision on snow.

GoPro Mountain Games: Every summer, the GoPro Mountain Games turn Vail into a playground for outdoor athletes. The event, produced by the Vail Valley Foundation, blends elite-level competition with community participation, inviting pros and amateurs alike to test their limits in disciplines like trail running, kayaking, climbing, biking, and more. The website describes it as the “country’s premier celebration of adventure sports, art, and music,” where competition and festival energy merge into one unforgettable weekend.

Vail Yeti Hockey: Fast-paced and full of heart, Vail Yeti Hockey brings professional-level excitement to local ice. The team’s website highlights home games at Dobson Ice Arena, where packed crowds cheer for the Yeti against rival teams from across the region. Known for its community connection and electric atmosphere, Yeti Hockey keeps the valley’s competitive spirit alive long after ski season ends.

Eagle County Fair & Rodeo: Since 1939, the Eagle County Fair & Rodeo has been a local tradition celebrating Western heritage and competitive sport. The event features professional rodeo events sanctioned by the PRCA, including bull riding, barrel racing, and roping. According to its website, the fair also offers live music, exhibits, and family activities that make it a highlight of the summer season.

Vail Lacrosse Shootout: Known nationally as one of the premier lacrosse tournaments in the U.S., the Vail Lacrosse Shootout brings teams of all ages to compete across multiple divisions. The event’s website notes that it combines high-level play with a sense of camaraderie unique to the mountain setting. Players and fans return year after year for the competition, community, and backdrop that make it distinctly Vail.

From icy arenas to sunlit slopes and open fields, these events embody the athletic heart of Vail Valley. Each one brings together passion, performance, and local pride—reminding fans that here, sports aren’t just watched, they’re lived.

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