Kids Adventure Games Comes to Snowbird

This exciting series for kids from 6 thru 14 was hosted by Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort last Saturday, June 21, 2014.  86 teams of two -boys, girls or co-ed in four age brackets - competed in a number of obstacles and disciplines including mountain biking, trail running, zip line, rappelling, cargo net, climbing wall, slack line and even crossing a mud mountain!

Conceived in 2009 by Vail residents Billy and Helene Mattison, this is the first time the Little Cottonwood Canyon has hosted the event.  On the schedule this summer are stops at Squaw Valley, Mt. Hood, Mammoth, Stowe, Vail, Big Sky and Sun Valley.

The Snowbird event covered 2.5 miles with an elevation gain of 300 feet contested on the trails of the resort's Gad Valley.  The 86 teams were not given advance knowledge of the course or obstacles to be encountered, but, to include the element of route finding, were given an easy-to-follow map at the start.

States Race Director Billy Mattison, "The intent of the Kids Adventure Games is to challenge participants and teams physically and mentally while exploring and experiencing a mini-expedition.  At its core, the event challenges adventurers to navigate their way through wild terrain to find a pre-determined number of checkpoints in order to complete the journey.  A variety of disciplines are encountered during the race, with hiking/running, mountain biking and tubing being the most common.  The courses will be challenging, exciting, adventurous, fun and a great opportunity. Completing the journey and crossing the finish line is a great triumph and life experience."

Outdoor Utah is proud of its team entry, 12-year-olds Nik Johnson and Ethan Hilding who finished fourth overall and third in their 12 to 14 age group.

Snowbird.com
KidsAdventureGames.com