For the first time in the Games’ long-running history, the Steep Creek Championship at the GoPro Mountain Games has been moved from the original venue on the Homestake Creek to the Dowd Chutes section of the Eagle River. With low water levels fluctuating too much over the course of the day, the previous venue would not be suitable for competitive racing.
Renamed accordingly, the “Oh Chute Kayak Challenge” will be held on Thursday, June 7 and will include some of the world’s best extreme kayakers. While the exact start location is TBD, the race will conclude at the bottom of “The Chute” on the Eagle River. The legendary “Dowd Chutes” Class IV section of the river has a history with the Mountain Games that extends back to the years when the International Whitewater Series was held there.
Spectating of the race will be available from the pedestrian bridge overlooking the Eagle River above the confluence of Gore Creek and the Eagle River. Spectators will not be allowed on the banks by the Dowd Chute section.
There will be limited parking located at the Forest Service Ranger station at Meadow Mountain, so spectators are strongly encouraged to bike or walk to the event. There will be no parking available at the takeout.