World Class Climbers Return to Vail for Winter Mountain Games

The 2013 Winter Mountain Games presented by Eddie Bauer will once again host a loaded field of professional climbers from around the globe when they harness up Friday, February 8, to compete for a slice of the $6,000 prize purse. The second edition of the Eddie Bauer Mixed Climbing competition will provide exciting action for spectators at Vail’s Golden Peak, courtesy of one of the nation’s largest mixed route walls.

Using crampons and ice axes, the climbers will attempt to scale the one-of-a-kind, 50-foot climbing wall, constructed specifically for the Winter Mountain Games invitational event. Athletes battle head-to-head on the wall in a spectator-friendly format, with qualification rounds slated to get underway at noon on Friday and the finals scheduled for 6 p.m.

The entire men’s podium from the inaugural Eddie Bauer Mixed Climbing competition will return this year, including Sam Elias, Stanislav Vrba and Bryan Gilmore, while Dawn Glanc, the 2012 women’s champion, will also return to Vail to defend her title under the lights. Elias, Gilmore and Glanc are all coming off impressive performances at the Ouray Ice Festival earlier this month.

“Mixed Climbing is one of the most exciting and impressive events of the Winter Games,” says Ceil Folz, president of the Vail Valley Foundation. “But watching is one thing and climbing is another. We’re very excited to be able to open up the wall this year for a citizen competition and a public demo.”

New this year at the Mountain Games, amateur climbers will have a chance to compete on the wall, starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 9. With a spot in the 2014 pro invitational up for grabs, climbers will take turns attempting to record the fastest time on a designated route. Citizen registration is now open at www.mountaingames.com.

Eddie Bauer will also host a public demo on the Golden Peak climbing wall at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Winter Mountain Games attendees are encouraged to give this exciting sport a try. All gear, including ice axes, helmets, and climbing equipment, will be provided.

The 2013 Winter Mountain Games presented by Eddie Bauer is a project of the Vail Valley Foundation. For more information on the Winter Mountain Games, visit www.mountaingames.com.

About the Vail Valley Foundation

The Vail Valley Foundation is charged with enriching the Vail Valley and sustaining its unique spirit through the delivery of unparalleled arts, world-class athletics and inspiring education programs throughout the community. For additional information on the Foundation, visit www.vvf.org.

About Eddie Bauer

Established in 1920 in Seattle, Eddie Bauer is a specialty retailer that sells sportswear, outerwear, gear and accessories for the active outdoor lifestyle. The Eddie Bauer brand is a nationally recognized brand that stands for high quality, innovation, style and customer service. Eddie Bauer products are available at approximately 400 stores throughout the United States, Canada and Japan, through catalog sales and online at www.eddiebauer.com. Eddie Bauer is proud to be named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion and is only one of 40 companies so named in the United States.

Photo Credit: Zach Mahoney