You could call it the Olympics of Outdoor Sports. The Teva Mountain Games is the biggest outdoor-sports competition in the country, and it once again returns to Vail, Colorado, June 4-7.

The best outdoor athletes from around the world converge on the village at Vail Ski Resort to compete in seven sports and 21 disciplines. The sports are kayaking, trail running, cycling, mountain biking, freeriding, bouldering, and running.

The whitewater events are arguably the most spectacular of the Teva Mountain Games. The world's best paddlers compete in freestyle, extreme racing, 8-ball, sprint, and rafting. This is where some of the best young paddlers (Pat Keller, Dane Jackson, Emily Jackson) have introduced themselves to the outdoor world, and established ones (Eric Jackson, Tao Berman, Jay Kincaid) have reinforced their positions as elite athletes in the outdoor world.

If you haven't been to the TMG, it's worth it to go at least once. You'll also see the best in the other outdoor sports and experience Vail's nightlife in one of the most beautiful settings in the country. The TMG also includes a mountain photography competition, film festival, live music, and parties.

Plus, if watching all the athletes gets you fired up to play, you'll find ample opportunities to get out on the water and trails yourself.