If you are as much of a New Orleans lover as I am, you are probably aware that Mardi Gras is around the corner, and this time of year calls for some Soco-drinking, accordian-playing, bead-throwing, crawfish-eating, and parade-going celebration! Mardi Gras falls on March 8th this year, and Breckenridge is hosting several events in spirit of lettin’ the good times roll!


The first string of festivities starts appropriately on Saturday, well ahead of the Gras. Beaver Run Resort is hosting a Bacchus Ball, where there will be dancing, drinking, traditional New Orleans cuisine, and the crowning of Rex and the Queen. To attend this pre-Mardi Gras Ball, pick up your tickets at the Breckenridge Welcome Center. Tickets are $45 per person, and $85 per couple, which includes a New Orleans style buffet dinner. Additionally, musician Hazel Miller will be playing all night.


More into the idea of attending an event for free? Breckenridge has that part covered. Lundi Gras evening was traditionally my favorite part of the eventful weekend celebration – there is usually a variety of events and concerts going down that lead up to the Zulu Parade on Mardi Gras morning at 8 a.m. In Breckenridge this year, a Lundi Gras Celebration will take place at the Riverwalk Center Amphitheater, featuring BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, where there will be Hurricanes (the tasty and potent beverage) and full concessions.


On the day of Mardi Gras, don’t miss out on eccentric flavors of the “Taste of Nawlins Picnic” in the Blue River Plaza. Harvest Catering will be offering their talents to indulge attendees with cajun spices and rich southern cookin. Proceeds from the picnic will go to sponsoring Mardi Gras Events for the weekend. Lastly, of course, a Mardi Gras Procession will take place on Main St. at 4:30 pm. If interested in participating, click here.


So if good food, good music, and New Orleans tradition in the picturesque setting of the Rockies sounds like a good time, come out to Breckenridge, for a mountain Mardi Gras Mambo celebration!

March 1st is quickly approaching and my mind is slowly filling with thoughts of spring.  Melting snow, blooming flowers, less clothing, and warmer weather.  Overall, I’m going to have to start thinking about how I’m going to loose this holiday weight.  What better way than to start training for the Aspen Cycling Festival?  Taking place this year on May 20-22, the festival is a combination of two popular events, Ride for the Pass and the Aspen Cycling Criterium.  With exciting new additions this year such as special lodging rates, Sundog Athletics Criterium skills clinic, kids races/activities and over $7000.00 in cash prizes, the weekend is perfect for any cycling enthusiasts and their family.

If you’re looking for an endurance challenge, Ride for the Pass will definitely be that.  The course spans over 10 miles and gains approximately 2,500 feet of elevation from 8,500 feet to 11,100 feet.  Not only will this event help me shed those unwanted pounds, but it also allows me to fulfill my new years resolution to be more charitable.  Ride for the Pass is a charity bike race to benefit the Independence Pass Foundation.  Day two of the festival is the Aspen Cycling Criterium.  Sure to get your heart pumping, athletes race around the heart of downtown Aspen at average speeds of 28mph and higher.  The track spans .9 miles and is full of sharp curves to keep you on your toes.

So, if you’re new years goals are anything like mine, or if you’re just looking for a challenge this spring, head to Aspen for the Aspen Cycling Festival.  Registration for the event doesn’t begin for another couple weeks, but it’s never too early to start training.  Be sure to contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for your lodging needs.

Just like that Spring is fast approaching. What are you doing for your Spring Break? …I’m not thinking sun and beach… I’m going more for free concerts, last chance to get some skiing/boarding before the season is over, street parties, pond skimming championships. Doesn’t all that sound so much better than just sun and beach?  How do you get to do all this? Easy just come to Spring Back at Vail 2011!

Starting April 15 there will be tons of activities and concerts to celebrate the end of this great ski season we’ve had at Vail. Come early for an all-mountain film competition open to pros and amateurs. Best of all concerts are FREE and lift ticket deals and great lodging packages will be available and who better to help you get this party started and get your lodging needs in order than your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

Curious about who will be playing at the concerts? Here are a few of the bands that will be playing:

• • Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
  • Train
  • The Greyboy Allstars
  • Shpongle presents the Shpongletron Experience
  • Stephen Marley
  • Chris Velan
  • Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars

Alright I’m stoked about all this …I know if you read this blog you probably are too. What next…book your lodging with one Vail’s own Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals!

Come to Telluride this summer to experience all the festivals, mountains and beautiful scenery. If pairing the beauty of mountains with the indulgence of fine wines interest you then you will be sure to enjoy the 2011 Telluride Wine Festival. This is just one of the unique festivals Telluride has to offer this summer. The wine festival takes place on June 23rd-26th.

This year there will be more chefs, more experts, more wine, and more cocktails than ever! This is an event you cannot miss! New to the festival this year will be Chef and Food Network Star Aaron Sanchez, Chef and Author John Sedlar and Chef Sue Torres, as well as Wine/Spirits experts F. Paul Pacult and Andrea Robinson, MS. Returning favorites Doug Frost MS, MW; Steve Olson, Greg Harrington, MS; and Andy Seymour will also be part of the all star lineup, as well as many others!

The Wine Festival has amazing food, great music, and fabulous wines from across the country. You will not be bored with all the nonstop entertainment! Make sure you don’t miss out on this weekend! Contact your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for your lodging information.

The Town of Vail will be exhibiting wooden sleds decorated by local artists and will be on view in various locations throughout Vail Village. The first ever Invitational Art Sled Exhibition will promote sustainability, creativity, recreation and community. Want to buy one of the sleds on exhibit? Well you’re in luck! At the end of the exhibit the sleds will be sold in a silent auction and a portion of the proceeds will help fund art programs in Vail.


Exhibit opens this President’s Day weekend. They will be on exhibit in: Claggett Rey Gallery, Cogswell Gallery, Masters Gallery, Pismo Gallery, Vail Fine Art Gallery, Vail International Gallery, Vail Village Arts, Worth Interiors, The Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum and the Vail Public Library. For details on the visit Art in Vail.


Want to go sledding now huh? Well check out Ellefson Park in Vail. It’s Vail’s most popular sledding hill (from what I’ve heard). The park is not crowded at all, there are table settings for you to eat or take a break. Here are some easy directions: Take the West Vail exit from I-70. (If traveling on I-70 E, cross under the I-70 on Chamonix Road). In the round-about, take the Chamonix Road. Left on Chamonix Lane. Left on Arosa Drive. Right on Garmisch Drive.


Want to do even MORE stuff around Vail? Ask one of our friendly, knowledgeable, locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for suggestions on even more things to do and all your lodging needs while you’re out here.

Listen up Lake Tahoe drivers! The Tahoe Fund, a nonprofit organization focused on building a sustainable future for Lake Tahoe, has launched the Plate for Powder Program where Drivers purchasing Tahoe license plates can get a free lift ticket good for nine ski areas around the lake.

Sales from this program will fund community projects around Lake Tahoe such as bike trails, lakefront parks, and interpretive programs for residents and visitors. Funds from the sale of Tahoe license plates also go to the California Tahoe Conservancy, a state agency, to pay for projects that protect the environment of Lake Tahoe and a dedicated Lake Tahoe fund to preserve or restore the natural environment of Lake Tahoe.Purchase your specialty license plates before April 15 to get a free downhill or Nordic day ticket, valid at one of nine ski resorts: Alpine Meadows, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Squaw Valley USA, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Tahoe Donner, Sugar Bowl Resort, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Homewood Mountain Resort, and Tahoe XC.

The new Tahoe plates are available for California or Nevada, so if you’re a resident- get your Tahoe plates, a free lift ticket and save the environment! If you haven’t had the chance to visit Lake Tahoe yet, what are you waiting for? It’s a beautiful place and they are getting dumped on! Let Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals take care of your lodging so you can focus on enjoying the pow!

      Telluride Comedy Fest consists of a hilarious weekend of comedy in the beautiful Telluride.  The fest begins on Feb 17^th through the Feb 20^th.  Each night of this festival includes some of the best and funniest performers out there today. There are a variety of comedic acts from Stand-Up, Sketch, and Improv.

Features Acts:

Scot Armstrong (writer) – Old School, Starsky & Hutch, Road Trip, The Hangover Part II
Jessica Chaffin – 90210, The Mighty B!, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage, Rona & Beverly
Jon Daly – Parks and Recreation, Bride Wars, NYC Sketch Group Mr. A$$
Jamie Denbo – Children’s Hospital, Terriers, Conan, Weeds, Curb Your Enthusiasm
Ed Helms – The Office, The Hangover, The Hangover Part II
Brian Huskey – Free Radio, Best Week Ever, Superbad, Step Brothers, Parks and Recreation
Nick Kroll – Little Fockers, Dinner For Schmucks, Get Him to the Greek, I Love You Man, Date Night
Jason Mantzoukas – Baby Mama, Splinterheads, Parks and Recreation, The League
Seth Morris – Curb Your Enthusiasm, I Love You Man, Step Brothers, No Strings Attached, Funny or Die
Tig Notaro – Jimmy Kimmel, Sarah Silverman Program, Comedy Central’s Benson Interruption, Held Up

     For lodging information contact your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

It’s 8:30 am, temperature outside is 15 degrees and yes I’m still smiling.  This is 7th day living in Vail and everything has been amazing, I have done so much in so little time.  Moving from Maryland to Colorado is a big change not only weather wise but also the people.  The vibe here is great and everyone I’ve met or bumped into is super cool, friendly…I never have felt more welcome from all the places I’ve lived in around the U.S.  The town is lively and there is always something going on, there’s now way you can get bored here. I was checking the Vail Daily and just on Saturday there are over 40 different things to do!

Check out all that’s happening around town for yourself in Vail Daily February Events and  while you’re at it, why don’t you just stay a few more days, or a week perhaps…there’s plenty to do and I totally recommend it. Definitely worth the trip. Need help or want more info about lodging in Vail? Why don’t you go for it and contact your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

Ski Vacation Ideas: Looking to do something special with that special someone on Valentine’s Day? How about a Mountaintop Matrimony at Loveland Ski Area! If you love your skis and snowboards as much as we do here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, why not get married or renew your vows in them?

Loveland’s 20th Annual Mountaintop Matrimony is for couples getting married or renewing their vows. The ceremony takes place at 12pm sharp outside the Ptarmagin Roost Cabin at an elevation of 12,050 feet.  The ceremony is a “mass wedding” done for all couples at the same time and lasts approximately 30 minutes. After the ceremony, all participants and guests will ski or snowboard down the mountain for a casual reception with cake, music and prizes. Wedding cake, raffle tickets and beer coupons will be provided complimentary for pre-registered couples. Couples are highly encouraged to dress in appropriate “ski-wedding” attire as there will be a prize for the best dressed couple.

The wedding will not be rescheduled because of snow or cold weather, so be prepared. Sounds like a nice day for a white wedding!

       Do you enjoy snowshoeing? Adventure? Competition? If so the Beaver Creek Snowshoe Adventure is just for you! This snowshoeing series draws first-timers, world class snowshoe athletes, kids of all ages and everyone in between. This snowshoe event includes the East West Resorts 5k Quest, Dogma Athletic 10k and Kids 1k. This is the first year for the Dogma Athletic 10k and it will mark the largest cash prize in snowshoeing in the world with more than $15,000 in prize money.

       If you don’t have snowshoes no need to worry you can rent them at the Beaver Creek Nordic Center close by. This full day event includes slope side sponsor expos and a post-event plaza party for all participates to enjoy. There will be plenty of giveaways and even a post-race meal provided by the Dusty Boot (which has awesome food).
      

        The next event date takes place Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 11:00 am at McCoy Park. Pre- Registration is $30 and $35 the day of the event. Check out active.com to sign up for this event. For lodging information for this event contact your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

Still amped up on the Winter X Games? Want a chance to compete on the famed X Games slopestyle and superpipe courses? Or maybe you just want another chance to see hundreds of athletes battle it out for Slopestyle and Superpipe victory. If so, get ready for the Aspen/Snowmass Ski & Snowboard Open at Buttermilk, February 10-13, 2011!

The Aspen/Snowmass Open Presented by Skullcandy has become one of the hottest open competitions around. Held at Buttermilk, this competition offers the unique and exciting opportunity for riders to throw down on the famous Winter X Games course and compete for over $50,000 in prize money. Now in its 6th year, the Open is expected to draw a total of 350 men and women skiers and snowboarders to compete in both Slopestyle and Superpipe for a chance at prize money and glory on the famed Buttermilk venues.

EVENT SCHEDULE (Subject to Change)
Tuesday and Wednesday, February 8 – 9, 2011
Training (SS and SP course open to credentialed competitors only)

Thursday, February 10, 2011
Snowboard Superpipe (men) – Qualifying
Ski Slopestyle (men) – Qualifying

Friday, February 11, 2011
Snowboard Superpipe (women) – Qualifying
Snowboard Superpipe (men and women) – Finals
Ski Slopestyle (women) – Qualifying
Ski Slopestyle (men and women) – Finals
Snowboard Slopestyle (men and women) – Practice after Finals
Ski Superpipe (men and women) – Practice after Finals

Saturday, February 12, 2011
Snowboard Slopestyle (men) – Qualifying
Ski Superpipe (men) – Qualifying

Sunday, February 13, 2011
Snowboard Slopestyle (women) – Qualifying
Snowboard Slopestyle (men and women) – Finals
Ski Superpipe (women) – Qualifying
Ski Superpipe (men and women) – Finals

So whether you are looking to compete or spectate at this exciting event, let your friendly, knowledgeable, locals at Rocky Moutain Vacation Rentals take care of all your lodging needs.

I have always enjoyed the adrenaline and excitement of running half-marathons especially in scenic locations. When I found out about the TransRockies Run I could not have been more excited to get a group of friends together and try to conquer this amazing, challenging, and epic adventure.  The fifth annual TransRockies Run will take place August 21st-26th.

The TransRockies Run is 125 miles of trail running! This is reflective of the TransApline Run in Europe! Both one-of-kind courses this is a run you must add to your bucket list. The run begins in Buena Vista, Colorado and ends six days later in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Teams of two will eat, sleep, and compete together as they cross some of the most spectacular terrain in North America.  There will be support staff for each team that will assist with their food, accommodation, and on course support.

If you are thinking about trying this adventure or you are not sure, you can access a free DVD as a first time participant. The pictures on the DVD are the best way to show the camaraderie and adventure that runners experience during the run.  Start your training today because there are over 44 miles of running at high elevation and a 10,000 feet elevation gain during the last two stages.

There is no better place to end your run and meet your family than at Beaver Creek.  Beaver Creek is a remarkable family resort full of summer activities and relaxation for all.  If you are planning on conquering this epic adventure contact your “Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals ^TM” at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for lodging information at Beaver Creek.

Being someone who has spent numerous years in the service/retail industry, I’ve developed a great appreciation for service with a smile. As a new snowboarder, I knew I was going to be doing some serious shopping for new snow gear. Not totally familiar with the area, I was directed to a sporting goods store called Venture Sports. At Venture Sports in Avon, they truly embody what it means to value excellent customer service.

As soon as I entered, I was warmly welcomed and asked if I needed assistance with anything. I was in the market for some new gloves and a helmet, but I decided to take some time to myself just to browse and see what else they had to offer. I quickly realized that I had no idea what I was looking at so I asked for some assistance. Though there were other guests in the store, they were never too busy to answer a quick question about recommended gloves or share their specials and sales with me.

Overall, I walked out of the store with a new pair of quality gloves and a solid new helmet. I was ready to get out on the mountain. Before leaving, I took some extra time to browse and I noticed some sick looking bikes mounted to their ceiling. During the summer they become a full service bike shop, tune shop, and tour operator. Covering cycling from very high-end road and mountain bikes to base model serious bikes. If you aren’t sure about your purchase, they feature try before you buy. What more can you ask? Venture Sports is truly a one stop shop where you develop a trusting and lasting relationship as well as superior customer service.