Vail Colorado Whitewater Park

Vail, Colorado has held whitewater events for many years. Until 2002, however, whitewater events such as the Teva Mountain Games took place on the Eagle River located outside of the town.

Since 2002 the Vail Valley Chamber and Tourism Bureau has become amenable to freestyle paddling events so that whitewater rafting can take place right in Vail Village. The town came up with a design offering great whitewater that doesn't look man-made. With help from the tourism bureau, the project was finished in a few months. Since then, the park has hosted a very popular annual freestyle competition. It makes up part of the Teva Mountain Games.

The Vail Whitewater Park is truly transforming this traditionally winter-based town into a haven for whitewater sport. The town's investments have been worthwhile because they have been responsible for contributing millions of dollars to the local economy. For example, a five-day competition in the spring took it in about $1.4 million in income. Rodeo events in the area also contribute to the economy.