Vail local & blogger Janyce Brandon shares six essential items for the 2010 Teva Mountain Games. Make the most of your Teva Mountain experience!

1. Sunscreen! Even you have a darker complexion Vail is over 8,000 feet above sea level and the sunshine here will fry you crispier than a trout fillet! Also bring a hat and sunglasses for added protection.
2. Walking shoes. Although I also love girly wedges with glitz and glam, showing off a new pedicure is not my goal during the Teva Mountain Games. Save the pedicure show for the Vail Arts Festival in Lionshead Village June 25-27.
3.  Pet leash and doggie bags. Although I doubt my girl, Piggy, will be competing in the Dock Dogs competition (where dogs compete in vertical, distance, and strategy competitions), leashes are required throughout the Town of Vail. Don’t forget to make your favorite family friend earn their fun- Pig has a backpack and carries her own supplies such as food, water, and even her doggy bags.
4. Re-usable water bottle. Don’t waste resources while keeping yourself healthy and hydrated. In the summer heat in Vail, it’s easy to get distracted and forget to drink the recommended 8 glasses a day. Thirsty? Gear Town, located on Meadow Drive, will have many water stations where you can refill that eco-friendly water bottle.
5. Camera. Whether you are competing in the photo competition recording family memories, keep your camera accessible because you won’t want to miss a great shot! Another idea: in order to stick to your budget, bring your camera along with you throughout Gear Town, take pictures of your favorites, then go through to pick out your favorites. Some of the best and newest gear can be sampled, tested, and bought. A few of the sponsors attending the 2010 Teva Mountain Games are: Nalgene, Osprey Packs, Trek Light Gear, and Badger Mountain Campers.
6.  A rockin’ Prom Tux or Dress. Don’t forget to dig out that high school prom dress or tuxedo, because the Teva Mountain Ball is back! Located at Samana Lounge, and at the low price of $5, you will be one glass Teva slipper away from missing the 8 am 10k Spring Runoff!

The Teva Mountain Games will take place June 3-6, 2010.

Check out Plum TV's coverage of past Teva Mountain Games (Watch Video)

Check out more images from past Teva Mountain Games (View Slideshows)

Janyce Brandon is a Vail local & blogger. You can read more of her work here.