Do you love ski racing? If you do, then Beaver Creek is your place to be this weekend. The Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race December 3-5 in Beaver Creek is a must-see for all Downhill, Super G, and Giant Slalom racing fans. Olympic hopefuls and past Olympic champions will be in Beaver Creek racing, as this is a World Cup Race. Ted Ligety and Bode Miller , among many others, will be racing for the U.S. Team, which is looking to put up a strong performance at this year’s race.

The race consists of Men’s Downhill on Friday, the Super G on Saturday, and finishes with the Giant Slalom on Sunday. Whatever your favorite type of racing is, come and enjoy the festivities on that day! If you are just the most diehard racing fan, then you won’t be disappointed by seeing three days of racing back to back to back. The best part of this race is that it is free and open to the public all weekend…so come and go as you please!

If you need a break from the racing, Beaver Creek is open and running and covered with lots of new fresh snow from the past two weeks, so get out there and make some of your own turns; just hop on a lift and enjoy some great early season skiing for yourself!

For any and all of your lodging needs, call your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Local friends at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals and we can take care of everything for you.

Beaver Creek turned on it’s lifts today to start the 2010-2011 season. When I woke up this morning the snow was fresh and deep so we had to head over to Beaver Creek to check out the slopes and they did not disappoint. Colin and I were able to find a fair amount of fresh snow to ride as we were reminded of how lucky we are to live here in the Vail Valley. A picture is worth a thousand words, so check out this short video of our day so you know what to expect on your next vacation to Beaver Creek.

It’s been said that Vail’s Opening Day was the best in a long time..sure enough, there were more lifts open Friday than anybody would have imagined possible. Since Vail’s opening day, the snow has continued to fall and more lifts have continued to open, which can mean only one thing; Beaver Creek’s Opening Day is going to blow us all out of our ski boots.

Watch this video of Vail’s Opening Day to get excited for tomorrow!

With another two feet of snow expected to fall tonight, we can all be thankful for one thing this holiday week, and it’s not the turkey; fresh tracks. Beaver Creek’s untouched slopes are waiting for us to shred like a blank canvas. So grab your skis, grab your board, and grab your friends…if they can keep up. There’s a whole lot of powder out there you don’t want to miss out on!

When you come to Vail you probably think of skiing first, but like I have said in previous blogs, there is a lot more to do here in the Vail Valley than just ski and snowboard. I am here to let you in on another fun activity in the Valley that you may otherwise not be aware of: snowmobiling with Nova Guides. Nova Guides is the ultimate snowmobiling experience in the Colorado Backcountry, whether you are a novice or an expert. There are numerous sleds to choose from and you will be able to cater your day to whatever you want. If you want a high intensity ride, then head with Nova to Camp Hale. If you’re into a more relaxed day on the snow, then the Tigiwon region is more suited to your desires.  Nova offers numerous other locations to snowmobile, each of which are filled with incredible views and miles of powder fields.

The steep mountains here in the Rockies are definitely the biggest attraction and the reason most people come here. However, the Valley floors are not to be overlooked and nobody knows them better than the Nova Guide experts.  When you book with us at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, we can help take care of all your adventure needs, including helping you book your exciting day on snowmobiles with Nova Guides.

Call us for the best lodging options in the Vail Valley and for the best deals on added value activities like snowmobiling. Keep up to date with our blog for the best information on things happening in the Rockies. We will take care of you.

Today is opening day at Vail and that means there is a lot going on.  There is so much happening I am upset that it is physically impossible for me to enjoy everything the Valley has to offer this weekend.  No matter what your entertainment preferences are there is something for everyone.

If you find yourself on the slopes of snow you will notice how many lifts are open for opening day; that is right a lot compared to a normal opening day.  Last year Vail only had the Born Free run open, and this year 1,150 acres are open to shred.  When the mountain closes today don’t go home quite yet there is plenty of fun to still be had.

Garfinkel’s, a bar and restaurant in Lionshead Village, is hosting the opening day bash that is free to join.  The party will begin at 1pm and will go till 4pm.  Plenty will be going on with DJ P-Rock spinning, raffle giveaways, and drink specials this is a good place to start off the long day of events.

If you decide to stay on the slopes till they kick you off, what I will be doing, make sure to check out the free concert performed by Big Gigantic outside of Lionshead Village.  Big Gigantic is a Front Range electronica duo that has been on the rise in the music scene.  If you are in Vail this is a must see show in my opinion.  Big Gigantic will be performing from 3:30 to 5:30 so make sure to check them out.

If any of you remember The Samples, ex-drummer Jeep MacNichol will be performing at Samana tonight as his solo stage name Mr. Anonymous.  Jeep went solo in 2005 with his debut album Mr. Anonymous in Jamaica.  With different music styling compared to the Samples, Mr. Anonymous has a dub-reggae style with a little dance feeling.  Doors open at 8pm the first DJ will start at 9.  There is no cover if you get there before 11pm, and only $5 afterwards.

Is music not your thing? Rather share a laugh with some friends and family? Well you’re in luck thanks to the sand bar located in West Vail; a lineup of hilarious local comedians will be cracking you up tonight.  Headliner is Denver local, Elliot Woolsey.  If you haven’t heard of Elliot’s stand up do yourself a favor and go see him tonight at the Sand Bar.  The show starts at 8pm with no cover.

For the more local scene Paddy’s Restaurant, located in Eagle-Vail, will be putting on a night of DubStep with a free keg to boot.  Dubstep is a rising genre, especially in Colorado, that has a lot of people talking and is changing the music scene as we know it.  If you never got a taste of Dubstep come by paddy’s enjoy a free beer and dance the night away.

Tyler Boyd Posing at the Top of Chair 3 for the Opening Day in Vail 2010

Mid Vail Scenic View From Opening Day in Vail 2010

Today’s Vail Mountain Cams!

Two Elk	Terrain Park	Clock Tower
Vail, CO	Vail, CO	Vail, CO
View Cam	View Cam	View Cam

Wildwood	Vail village
Vail, CO	Vail, CO
View Cam	View Cam

There will be many more events in Vail this ski season, so when skiing the powder packed mountain don’t forget about the great events happening all around town.  To book your stay, contact a Friendly Knowledgeable Local at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

Today is my last day at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals and I could not have had a better experience. Living in Vail has truly been amazing. I’ve been hiking, camping, visited Aspen and partied it up in Breckenridge (multiple times). I’ve met some great people and made friends I’ll never forget.

Moving out here from Long Island, I had no idea what to expect, but the results have been all I had hoped for and more. I’ll be moving in Denver after Thanksgiving, so I won’t be too far away. Today is opening day in Vail, so to say I’ll be going out on a perfect day is an understatement. I’ll be heading out at noon today to hopefully get some fresh tracks. So for everyone who follows the RMVR blogs, I hope to see you out on the mountain this season and enjoying all Colorado has to offer!

Get ready for Opening Day, mountain enthusiasts: it’s…  TOMORROW.

The community of Vail has been taking all the right steps to be prepared for the season’s big day. With giveaways, free music, concerts at night, film showings, and 1,150 ACRES OF SKIABLE TERRAIN TO BE OPEN, tomorrow in Vail will for sure be awesome.

Nine lifts are announced to be open, including Avanti Express Lift (2), Wildwood Express Lift (3), Moutaintop Express Lift (4), Game Creek Express Lift (7), Born Free Express Lift (8), Northwoods Express Lift (11), Little Eagle Lift (15), Vista Bahn Express Lift (16, at the base in Vail Village), and of course, the Eagle Bahn Gondola (19, located in Lionshead).

The mountain will be open at 9 in the morning, and both Lionshead and Vail Village will be offering $1 breakfast burritos, complimentary hot cocoa, Muscle Milk samples, and plenty of giveaways.  Garfinkle’s in Lionshead is hosting an “Opening Day Bash” where a DJ will be spinning along with plenty of food and drink specials, going on from 1 to 3 p.m.  I, on the other hand, will be slinging y’all beers at the Red Lion in Vail Village, and the party over there should be pretty animated as well!

Garfinkle’s bash will lead to the free concert featuring the band Big Gigantic at 3:30 at Vail Square in Lionshead. Also, there will be plenty of music in town throughout the weekend, starting tonight with trance fusion band Yamn at Samana Lounge. A few movie premiers will be shown tonight – “In-Color” by Transworld and “Cheers” by People will be shown at the Burton store in Lionshead, as well as “Light the Wick” by Teton Gravity Research at Sandbar. The Burton event starts at 7, with free food offered by Moe’s BBQ and raffle prizes that include a snowboard and heli trip. At Sandbar, a keg of Colorado Native will be tapped at 9, and another raffle will be giving away a Never Summer snowboard, Liberty skis, and a Loki jacket. Win cool stuff to set the weekend off right!

If you haven’t booked for the weekend already, check out Vail packages with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals – and get up here!

Winter solstice will technically arrive on December 21st, but as far as I am concerned, Jack Frost has already graced us with his presence, bringing along with him tons of snow.  The last few weeks, ski resort towns have been receiving snowstorms making them look like the holiday season has already begun.

Last weekend I found myself in the town of Breckenridge, enjoying good friends and spirits while watching the constant flow of snow.  Breckenridge has received 36” of snow in the last 72 hours!

While I was driving back to Vail, my jaw dropped when I stared at Vail Pass.  Pillows of snow covered the entire pass, as if just waiting for someone to ski what looks to be waist deep powder.    I spent the last few years spending my backcountry time in Loveland and Berthoud Pass, so I am really stoked to explore Vail Pass.

If you decide to hit up any pass or other backcountry spots, make sure to be prepared.  The following provides a list of materials that should be brought along on any backcountry journey:

• Make sure to dress warm!
• Skins or snowshoes will allow your hike to be that much easier.
• Small snacks like peanuts or trail mix to satisfy your hunger on the powder.
• A probe, shovel, and beacon to be ready for the worst case scenario.
• Compass and topographical map to ensure you of your location.
• Snow packs are great–they keep all your tools and such safely secured when you need them the most.
• And of course, your skis or board.

Colorado has a lot to offer, from amazing backcountry to the top ski resorts in the country.  Whatever your choice may be, make sure to be properly prepared and remember to book your vacation with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

Snow has been dumping on the Rocky Mountains over the last few days, with staggered opening days launching the start of the season, and holiday events quickly approaching us!

According to snow reports in Breckenridge, the resort town got a total of 20 inches in the last 24 hours – what a reassuring kick-off into winter, just following the official opening of Breck last Friday. Other resort areas received a fair amount of snow as well:

Copper: 14 ”

Keystone: 8 ”

A Basin: 10 ”

Vail: 13 ”

With all this snow coming our way, signs are pretty decent for the month of December. Breckenridge hosts a number of events throughout the month, featuring what the town calls their “Victorian Winter Wonderland,” a festive month of holiday decorations, the Lighting of Breckenridge, ornament painting, shopping, Santa visits, ice sculpting, the Summit Action Sports Film Festival, and how can we forget, the 2011 Winter Dew Tour, December 16-19!

The Lighting of Breckenridge will be on December 4^th, and there will be ornament painting from 12-5 p.m., free hot chocolate and cookies, and Santa arrives at 5:00 in a horse-drawn carriage in front of the Subway to lead a procession to Blue River Plaza. At 5:15, the tree lighting in Blue Plaza will take place, and kids will have the opportunity to share their Christmas wishes with Santa Claus from 5:30 to 7:00 that night.

Additionally, Breck’s Victorian Holiday Market will feature German-style holiday shopping, Santa Claus, mulled wine and cider on the weekends of December 4-5^th, and 11-12^th. An ice-sculpting competition for prize money will be taking place from the 5^th through the 11^th, and sculptures will remain on display throughout the holidays.

With 20 inches of snow already, the holiday season in Breckenridge will truly be a winter wonderland, offering great early conditions on the mountain, and plenty of family fun. To embrace the festivities in Breck this December, book with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

When you think Mardi Gras, you may not think of Aspen. Think again. Snowmass actually celebrates Fat Tuesday with one of the biggest Mardi Gras bashes in the country. The party starts at the crack of dawn with The Mother of All Ascensions – an extremely wacky, costumed, 1,741-foot uphill snowshoe race. The rest of the day is fully packed with outrageous events for all to enjoy. Other events include King Cake Giveaways, a Kids Carnival, Mask Making, a Parade, a Massive Bead Throw, and an After Parade Party.

The snowshoe race is the kick-off of all Mardi-Gras celebrations that leads from the bottom of Fanny Hill and ends at Gwyn’s High Alpine Restaurant. Last year there was a total of $15,000 in prizes awarded! The untraditional categories includes Best Time, Worst Time, and Best Costume, to name a few.

The Massive Beadthrow involves tossing 24,000 beads. Lucky catchers will be able to win a piece of the King Cake as well as a chance to win a Grand Prize. Last year, the prize was a snowboard donated by sponsor, Jagermeister. Other prizes included gear from Camelback, Boleri, Gyro, and many others!

The parade, which is most likely the wackiest parade in the Rocky Mountains, features kings and queens, mountain jesters, jugglers, jokers, and feather-festooned fools riding their floats through Snowmass Village. Of course, no parade would be complete without the bagpipes and dancers, too! The parade is open to floats and all in costume! So suit up and join in on the fun!

As the sun goes down, the party is only starting. Snowmass remains lit up with purple, gold, and green, and the live music, giveaways, drink specials, and partying go on until the wee hours. Many bars and restaurants will be featuring their own parties as well!

Mardi Gras in Snowmass is March 8, 2011! So gather your friends, and reserve the trip of a lifetime!

Telluride is a ski resort that is unmatched in North America. If you want to escape to an undisturbed box canyon, surrounded by 14,000 foot peaks where you’ll discover miles of un-crowded slopes and diverse terrain, Telluride is the place to be. While you’re at one of the most amazing ski resorts there are, why not stay at one of the finest homes Telluride has to offer?

The Bonnaire is a secluded mountain retreat that sits at the top of the mountain complete with spectacular views and total privacy.  This spacious home feels like a romantic Swiss chalet in the alps. Bonnaire consists of three floors with four bedrooms and five bathrooms. The spacious main floor is occupied by a gourmet kitchen, an eight-person dining room table and a great room featuring vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace, and cathedral windows overlooking the beautiful mountain.

After a long day on the mountain, you can ski right to your home and relax in a steam shower, Jacuzzi tub, or in your very own hot tub on your private deck. The Bonnaire is a great place to stay with a large family, multiple families, or a big group of friends. Call us today at 1-888-866-2305  to book this fantastic mountain retreat with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

The snow is finally falling and that can only mean one thing in the mountains; the slopes are finally opening.  Breckenridge opened this past Friday, November 12^th, and I was able to hit the slopes and shred my first powder of the year on Saturday.

To sweeten the deal a little more, two of my friends were visiting from Florida, so seeing the snow, let alone skiing, was quite the experience for them! Six out of thirty-one lifts were running, and twenty-two out of one hundred fifty-five runs were open.  We arrived at Breckenridge half-way through the day, so it was the perfect amount of time for us to ride every open lift and get the perfect amount of skiing in without wearing ourselves out on our first day.  Thanks to Venture Sports located in Avon, just outside of Vail, Colorado, my friends were able to rent skis last minute.  As usual, everybody at Venture Sports was extremely helpful and a delight to work with.  They’re currently in the process of tuning everybody’s skis for Vail’s and Beaver Creek’s upcoming Opening Day, this Friday, so hurry in and drop your skis off for the best tune-up in Colorado!

The conditions in Breckenridge were great for opening day.  Breck received six inches in one hour on Friday, and the snow kept falling the entire day on Saturday.  The powder was fresh, the slopes weren’t too crowded, and everybody was in great spirits, for obvious reasons.  I can’t wait for the rest of the season, and to try out every mountain at some point.  I’m one down for now, but that will change very soon!  See you on the slopes!

For the 2010/2011 ski season, Telluride has been busy working on 180 different projects on and off the mountain.  Some include new ski runs, a new bridge and staircase, new shops, an enclosed snow cat, more snow making, additions to four terrain parks, preparing for the LG FIS Snowboard World Cup, Telluride eco adventures, and being a featured resort in this winter’s Warren Miller film, Wintervention. With all these additions to an already marvelous ski resort, Telluride will be a must hit this season.

Telluride Ski Resort has assertively been working on cleaning up the tree runs and adding some new ones as well. Old and new tree runs will be ready for this season.

Telluride will also be the host of the LG FIS Snowboard World Cup, featuring snowboard-cross and parallel giant slalom competitions. The games will be there from Dec. 15 to Dec. 18, so make sure to check it out.

Canadian based helicopter company, Heliqwest, has air lifted two giant staircases and a 24 foot bridge to the span between Gold Hill Chutes 8 and 9. The bridge and two staircases combined make up 126 linear feet, connecting Gold Hill Chute 8 with 9 and 10.

Telluride has doubled their capacity for blowing snow this season, compared to 2009/2010, which should make this season a pretty epic one.

Another great addition is their new snow cat “People Hauler.”  This addition will have capacity for 12 explorers heated comfortably.  The People Hauler will escort you to the highest wine bar in ski country, Alpino Vino, for a great glass of wine while enjoying unbeatable views.

With all these new amenities, Warren Miller decided to feature Telluride in this seasons film; Wintervention.

Colorado’s best kept secret just got better now; there is no excuse to not visit the pristine Telluride Ski Resort.  Call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to book your trip today.

The word “preservation” can truly be defined by the authenticity of delightful NOLA jazz, especially presented by the traditional performances of New Orleans’ own Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Preservation Hall, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band, gracefully embody the traditional sound and sprit of a city with the broken beauty of New Orleans.

Who doesn’t immediately feel that impulse to throw up your hands, knock your hips back and forth, and joyously dance to the bright sounds of brass, percussion, bass, and sax? Lucky for Vail/Beaver Creek this year, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band is hitting the road for their 2^nd Creole Christmas tour, making a stop at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek this December. The show will highlight holiday favorites with a sassy flair, including “Blue Christmas,” “Swinging in a Winter Wonderland,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and “The Dreidel Song.”

One of the top priority activities on my Grandparents’ list while visiting me at Tulane was checking out Preservation Hall. The building itself hasn’t been touched, renovated, or modernized over the years. Without air conditioning or drink service, and its use of dim lighting, the venue stands true to representing its original purpose: being a host for authentic jam sessions. Originally a tavern during the war of 1812, the weathered building in the heart of the quarter later became a photo studio and art gallery. Eventually, the owner of the gallery initiated jam sessions in the building with close friends.  By 1961, the building was founded as a music venue by Allan and Sandra Jaffe, open to public, offering nothing but the simplicity (and complexity) of soul.

The band that came out of Preservation Hall started touring in 1963, and has continued to pass the traditions of the past down to new charter members that have joined the roster over the years. Original chapter members of Preservation Hall Jazz Band performed with gurus like Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, and Bunk Johnson.  This year, several talented musicians have joined the band, making dynamic contributions with brass, woodwind, and percussion to reflect that high spirited New Orleans flavor.

Now you can make the holiday season a “Creole Christmas” while vacationing in the Rockies.  Tickets for the show on December 21^st are on sale now, go for $58 – and I promise you, it’s worth every penny to experience this kind of jazz, “preserved” in its original form. Purchase tickets here, from the VPCA website.

For all your lodging and additional concierge needs, book with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals. Immerse yourself into mountains and music this winter, and let the good times roll!

Last weekend Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals attended the Ski and Snowboard Expo at the convention center in Denver, Co.  The Expo was a good time with great deals, tons of giveaways, and many different types of vendors to help you get ready for the upcoming season.  We gave away a pair of skis everyday to three lucky winners thanks to Venture Sports.  After a busy weekend working at the ski and snowboard expo, I was glad to finally head back to Vail.

Sunday night after the expo it was time to get out of Denver.  As I was carpooling with fellow employees, we decided to grab dinner on the way out, and I knew of a place right off of I-70 that I have visited before that goes by the name of Kermitts Roadhouse.  When you pass the town of Genesis, you will embark on a very steep downhill portion of the road; at the bottom will be exit 244 and you will see the lonely Kermitts Roadhouse.

When you walk into Kermitts, the first thing you will notice is the copious amount of dollar bills covering every wall. They are famous for their green chili, so we all indulged in some!  As a green chili enthusiast, I will definitely give them a passing grade.  After our great meal, we decided to put a dollar bill on the wall and of course we had to represent RMVR.

If you find yourself visiting us in the mountains and need a quick delicious bite to eat, don’t be too shy to stumble into Kermitts Roadhouse.  While you are there, try to find our Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals dollar bill; it’s not to hard to find.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to bust out your skis and snowboards because Breckenridge opens THIS FRIDAY! The long wait is over and Breckenridge is kicking off the season with an epic celebration on Peak 8 where you can experience “Breckenridge Like Never Before!” This is a grand opening you won’t want to miss that will consist of new entertainment, lodging and dining attractions on the mountain, including the new Gold Runner Coaster, One Ski Hill Place, Ski Hill Grill, après hot spot the T-Bar and more!

If that’s not enough to tickle your fancy, how about witnessing the unveiling of a brand new, Olympic-sized 22-foot superpipe, which will anchor the resort’s award-winning Freeway Terrain Park on Peak 8. Breckenridge, which is the first resort to have a permanent halfpipe, has always been known for having the best park and pipe in the U.S. and is now upping the ante even further! If you can’t make it to Breck to see or ride this huge new pipe, check out its national television debut live on NBC during the Winter Dew Tour, Dec. 16-19, 2010.

Need more reasons to come to Breckenridge on opening day? How bout some FREE things! The first 1,000 skiers and riders can enjoy a free order of BreckBerry French toast- a new Ski Hill Grill signature menu item. You can also enjoy free parking all weekend! The Kickoff Après Ski Party at the T-Bar will have free menu samplings and tons of giveaways while DJ Cyn keeps the music bumpin’!

Need a place to stay while you get your Breck on? Call 1-888-866-2305, and book your weekend stay with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

Ready for some super sweet competitions this winter? I know I certainly am.  For years I was an alpine ski racer, and I think it is fair to say I have never let my competitive blood run dry.   Growing up on the east coast, there is not much for freeride racing, although I really wish there were because I would have loved to get into it while I was still in my racing career.  Although I may not be racing anymore thanks to a few knee injuries, I still love going to competitions of all types. One event in particular I am extremely excited about is the Colorado Freeride Series & Championship, which will be held February 25-27, 2011 at Snowmass in Aspen, CO.  Alpine racing is much different from freeride racing; there is no course to follow, you choose your own line and interpret it as best possible. Personally, I think the freeride competitions are much more exciting than any other type of competition.  Given that each racer picks their own line, it truly makes it a game of strategy for both the mind and body.

The three-day competition includes skiers and snowboarders each divided into two actions – men & women. Some of the biggest names in the industry hit the mountain to show off everything they’ve got on Snowmass’ cliff-littered experts-only terrain. Last year’s competition rang in over 100 riders, giving a stunning show to all spectators. Each rider has two runs and is judged on a point system by five judges over a three day period.

The Colorado Freeride Series is one of the stops on the IFSA North American Freeride Tour.  Therefore, the competitors are able to gain points overtime for a national title. Winners for last year’s competition were Patrick “Packy” Wesfeldt (Men’s Skiing), Liz Norton (Women’s Skiing), Dave Watson (Men’s Snowboarding), and Ivana Crone (Women’s Snowboarding).

Starting this November, a Telluride Cub Scout’s initiative Adopt-A-Trail  kicked off for the end of 2010, going into 2011, to maintenance the popular Telluride River Trail. The Adopt-A-Trail Program will encourage individuals, families, school classes, and non-profit groups to participate in a community effort to clean up traces left behind by pet owners and littering passersby.

The program will be open to anyone interested in the community, and participants are recognized with a plaque posted at each end of their section of the trail. Interested groups in adopting a trail are responsible for just some bi-weekly clean-up, providing their own supplies and disposing of all trash bags. Giving a little love to the land once every two weeks – and one of many hands can truly go a long way.

This green initiative from a local Cub Scout troop is one of the many cool things that Telluride takes into account to preserve its natural beauty. Set in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is well known for its 360 breath-taking views, in addition to light traffic on the mountain and plenty of fun off slope activity.

Check out this article for more information on the Cub Scout’s initiative, adopting a trail, and giving a little back to the land. Also, stay posted with events and our services in Telluride. To experience the beauty that this old mining town has to offer on the slopes, book your lodging with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

As skiing goes, you could say Vail is world-class.  World-class skiing, world-class riding, and most important for your comfort, world-class resorts.  All around Vail, from the heart of Vail Village, to the adjacent Lionshead Village, to east and west Vail, luxury properties abound, but the talk of the town this season is The Sebastian.  The Sebastian is Vail’s newly remodeled and refurbished hotel and residence club, opening officially this season.  Originally the Vail Plaza Hotel and Club, the entire property has undergone a much unneeded yet simply marvelous renovation.  As the Vail Plaza Hotel and Club, the property was known to be rich, inviting, and plush; everything you could want in luxury accommodations.  Now, as The Sebastian, it’s everything you wanted and more.

Everywhere you turn in The Sebastian, you’ll find five-star amenities and services.  Gather with family and friends in the Owner’s Lounge, crunch toast while scouring the newspaper in the library, or meet on the remodeled pool terrace at the end of a day on the slopes.  If it’s food you’re looking for, you never have to stray far.  The Sebastian’s brand new Block 16 Restaurant offers world-class cuisine and an array of wine choices, stored in the center of the restaurant so that your choices are always at your fingertips.  For food on the go, try Market, a café style restaurant with sandwiches and soups available on-the-go or to dine in.  Just in time for après ski, The Sebastian’s Frost Bar is opening, with entrances from the hotel lobby and from the courtyard, for skiers and hotel stayers alike to enjoy a cocktail or a bite to eat after a long day on the slopes.

You deserve to be pampered on your vacation, so don’t miss out on the Bloom Spa. All décor and treatments are Colorado-inspired, so you can be sure to leave feeling rustic and refreshed.  A variety of services are offered, including massages, facials, soaks & body treatments.  And for the days you want to work up a sweat off of the mountain, the Sebastian state-of-the-art fitness center is available for all your cardiovascular needs.

The Sebastian is fully appointed with resort rooms and fractional properties, all furbished with high-end décor. Two and three bedroom residences are available, with private balconies, gourmet kitchens, and designer bathrooms for your comfort, and mountain views for your viewing pleasure.

Contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals today at 1-888-866-2305 and ask about our New Year’s Week Special, where you could stay in a luxury Sebastian Residence for as little as $2,750 a night, up to $4,000 in savings!

Who says backcountry skiing can’t be luxurious? Maybe that has been your perception for a long time. If so, prepare to see a whole new side of backcountry skiing that you have never seen before. CS Irwin cat skiing is up and running just outside the beautiful and snowy Crested Butte. CS Irwin’s two custom cats can transport up to 10 powder hounds at a time. These snowcats are not your typical cats, they come with plush leather seats, picture windows, a large flatscreen and surround sound stereo system.  You get picked up in the town of Crested Butte, escorted up CS Irwin’s “Movie Cabin” where there is a short safety briefing before you switch cats and head up the mountain for up to 12 powder runs, if you can handle that much powder in one day!  Of course a gourmet lunch is served mid-day at the “Movie Cabin.”

The snow that falls near Crested Butte is better than anywhere else in Colorado, and that’s why CS Irwin is a must do this season for those looking for a luxury trip filled with more adventure than most people can handle.

When looking for a place to stay in Crested Butte, check out our online availability at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals and we can help you make this already incredible trip even better. Who doesn’t want that?  I do.