KUSA - The Summer Mountain Games have been a mainstay in Vail for over a decade. In 2012, organizers decided a winter version should take place and the event was so popular, it's back for 2013.

Last year's defending climbing champion Sam Elias was a guest with Susie Wargin on 9News at 8 a.m. 

The second annual Winter Mountain Games features competitions in mixed climbing, mountain, Big Air, and dual slalom biking, Nordic and telemark skiing, ski mountaineering and snowshoe racing with $60,000 in prize money on the line, along with a one-day vertical challenge in Vail's legendary Back Bowls.

The winter festival in Vail will feature free concerts, films, photo comp an interactive expo area, demo events and of course - dogs. 

For more information about the Winter Mountain Games, click here.

(KUSA-TV © 2013 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)