Chaffee County Sheriff’s Department Honors Eagle Scout for Saving the Life of a Stranger
Scott Larson Receives Distinguished Service Award for Saving Man’s Life

Vail, CO, August 30, 2011- The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Department has recognized Scott Larson with the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Citizen Citation for Distinguished Service Award for his heroic efforts in saving a man’s life while hiking outside of Salida, Colorado.

On June 18, 2011, twenty-one year old Scott Larson was completing his descent down Mt. Antero, when he was stopped by Rick Denton to help save his friend’s life. Denton and the victim, Jim Taylor, 69, were riding separate ATV’s when a snow bank caused Taylor’s vehicle to overturn, pinning him underneath the vehicle in the freezing creek below. Together, Larson and Denton were able to lift the vehicle off Mr. Taylor and remove him from the stream.

Once on land, Mr. Taylor lost and regained consciousness and was suffering from exhaustion and the initial effects of hypothermia. Larson began treating Mr. Taylor for hypothermia and immediately drove him down the mountain where they could call 911 and meet the ambulance. The EMT and deputy sheriff agreed that if Larson had not been at the right place at the right time and reacted the way he did, Mr. Taylor would not have survived.

“I feel incredibly lucky and blessed that I was there when I was and had the knowledge and preparedness that I did from my training as an Eagle Scout. From the immediate terror and shock that something like that was actually happening, to the ability to react, to the humble pride that you take in success from a situation like that, it’s beyond words. I thank God that I was there”, states Larson.

Larson advises others to “Be prepared, because you never know when those little things you learned in Scouting will come in handy”. Larson is forever grateful for the life lessons learned in Boy Scouts that transpired into saving a man’s life.

Larson humbly accepted the County Sheriff’s Citizen Citation for Distinguished Service Award in Salida on August 27, 2011. He was joined at the ceremony by Rick Denton, who also received the award, Jim Taylor, and his family.

Scott is a senior at Denver University, living in Vail for a summer internship at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals. For a more detailed account of Scott’s heroic story, please refer to his blog.

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals Ranks #9 in the Travel Industry Segment of Inc. Magazine’s 2011 Top 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the USA.  

 

RMVR Ranks #1410 on the 2011 Inc. 5000 list and #9 in the Travel Industry with three year sales growth of 201%

Vail, CO, August 24, 2011 – Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals (RMVR) is pleased to announce their debut in Inc. Magazine’s 2011 list of America’s Top 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the USA, placing 9^th in the travel industry and #1410 overall.  The Inc 500|5000 list is one of the most prestigious business accolades for aspiring entrepreneurs.  Rankings are based on percentage of fiscal year revenue growth from 2007-2010.

RMVR’s owner and founder Tommy Z. Hoffman captures the company’s 201% revenue growth in three words, “Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals.®”.  RMVR’s organic growth is a result of utilizing a local staff in each destination, recognizing the vast difference it makes when someone can offer local insight to the area when planning a vacation.  This concept has grown RMVR’s referral and repeat client business to nearly one third of their total reservations.

“We can suggest a property because we’ve seen it, we can recommend epic ski runs because we are avid skiers and lastly we will be there during your vacation to answer any questions.  No one else in the industry possesses the passion and product knowledge we have and it has clearly made a difference in the story of our success,” states Hoffman.

Since its founding in 1998 in the Vail Valley, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals has grown exponentially spanning across the Colorado Rockies offering nine resort markets with an expansive lodging inventory ranging from hotels, condominiums, lodges and private homes.  RMVR’s strategic partnerships with companies such as Navis Technologies and Inntopia has allowed them to streamline their operations, while providing customers with new features such as online bookings for over 10,000 properties.  RMVR is excited for their future growth into new resort markets outside of Colorado, which will include Park City and Lake Tahoe in 2012 followed by Jackson Hole and Whistler, BC in 2013.

Methodology

The 2011 Inc. 500 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2007 to 2010. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2007. Additionally, they had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2010. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2007 is $100,000; the minimum for 2010 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at www.inc.com/500.

About Inc. Magazine

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www.inc.com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 710,106, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Visit us online at www.inc.com.

About Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals

Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals.®.  Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, founded by Tommy Z. Hoffman in 1998, provides comprehensive Lodging, Concierge, and Real Estate services in the Rocky Mountain region.  RMVR utilizes a local staff to provide a customized vacation experience for guests, offering 24/7 online booking with Destination Specialists located in: Aspen, Snowmass, Vail, Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper, Telluride, Crested Butte, and Winter Park.   To learn more call (877) 578-1507, or visit RockyMountainVacationRentals.com.

Contact
Cali Adkisson
877-578-1507

Cali.Adkisson@RockyMountainVacationRentals.com

The Rocky Mountains of Colorado provide more than just world-class skiing and snowboarding.  They posses a rich culture with Nordic influence creating a unique and exciting atmosphere. Each year, Aspen, Colorado celebrates their Nordic roots in early January at Wintersköl.

Wintersköl is a spectacular event where the entire city comes together to celebrate their magnificent town. This four-day event features everything from equisite dining to a snow sculpture competition, cinema viewings, and pet fashion shows.

The snow sculpture competition is one of my favorite events. It starts with 8 x 8 x 8 snow cubes and after 48 hours, magnificent creations are made. It is truly amazing to see how creative people can be with snow. Sculptures range from famous movie scenes to intricate portraits worthy of museum displays.

Soupskol is another longstanding event where the public decides who makes the best soup in town. The competition is fierce with over thirty restaurants battling to be crowned the best soup chef in the Roaring Fork Valley. Last year there were over 1,500 judges, so join us and sample everything from spicy chowders to hemp inspired dishes. Some of the past winners include Merry Go Round and Garnish Café and Catering.

With so much to do during this week, there is no better time to visit. Aspen has recently announced that Wintersköl 2012 will be held from January 12^th to 15^th , a great reason to come and experience the pristine winter conditions and learn about the unique Nordic culture.

Find out more about vacation rentals in Aspen, Colorado and how our team of Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

Bachelor Gulch Ski Vacation Rentals in Beaver Creek, Colorado

Over the weekend I went to a friends house in Bachelor Gulch. This was my first time going to his place, and I must say I was quite impressed with the entire Bachelor Gulch area. It is nestled in the mountainside, providing private areas and great views. While many think this is typical of mountain homes, there is a certain style to Bachelor Gulch that makes it stand out. When we were hanging out at my friends, he noted that there were some cool views and homes in the area that we should stop and look at on our way down.

One of the properties that he recommended I look at was the Buckhorn Townhomes of Bachelor Gulch. These townhomes are located right by the Ritz Carlton of Beaver Creek, and are right by some of the best shopping, Beaver Creek dining and skiing (at least during the winter) in the area. We stopped by the Coyote Café to grab some food and beverage for lunch, and were able to enjoy some tasty quesadillas. The restaurant had a lively atmosphere, and made for a great afternoon stop. After leaving the restaurant, we continued on to check out the Bachelor Gulch Townhomes.

The string of three Townhomes was quite an impressive site. Providing lodging for up to eight, each of these townhomes also has access to tennis courts and an outdoor pool and hot tub. They also have a large balcony that looks onto the slopes of Beaver Creek. During the winter, the townhomes provide excellent ski-in/ski-out opportunities, as they are essentially located on the ski run. This makes it that much easier to be one of the first ones up the mountain in the morning, where lifties will greet you at the top with a nice cup of hot chocolate. *Make sure you get up early enough; the hot chocolate doesn’t last long. Then at the end of the day you will be welcomed off the mountain with hot, fresh cookies. These are just a few of the reasons to visit Beaver Creek, and also why their slogan is “Not Exactly Roughing It®”.

Find out more about Bachelor Gulch ski vacation rentals and how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

Breckenridge Luxury Ski Vacation Rentals: Breckenridge is known as the best mountain town. It has world-class skiing, delicious restaurants, great shopping and luxurious hotels, condos, lodges and private homes. The next time you visit us be sure to explore one of the many elegant residences we provide. No matter which you choose from I can personally guarantee that you won’t ever want to leave. All are designed with the intention of providing a home away from home. From custom decorations and top of the line furnishings you will feel like you are entering a mountain palace designed especially for you.

If you have a small party and prefer to stay in a hotel residence I would recommend One Ski Hill. Defined by its elegance and mountain luxury you will enjoy the best of everything. Step off the hill into your private room and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate next to the fireplace. If you don’t feel like cooking choose from one of the three on-site dining options. After dinner take a beer to the in house bowling alley and play a few games or watch your favorite movie in the media center. If you are looking to unwind book an appointment at the top-notch spa or relax in the adult soaking pool. At the end of the day walk back upstairs to your majestic room and fall asleep in the plush beds and get ready for another day of adventure.

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While Telluride is known for having some very luxurious properties nestled both on mountain and near town, other properties better look out.  Element 52 is the new premier group of luxury residences in town.  These private residences are located just a few minutes walk from downtown Telluride while maintaining a ski in/ski out lifestyle.  The scenery surrounding the residences is gorgeous, located right on the banks of the San Miguel River.

What makes Element 52 so perfect for your next luxury property is the pure amount of activities located nearby.  If shopping is your thing, Main Street is just blocks away.  If you’re in Telluride for the world class skiing, the private chairlift is right outside your back door, calling you to the open spaces filled with rich views and deep fluffy powder.  Or, if you’re in town for the Telluride Film Festival during the summer months, you’re located minutes from the Gray Head wilderness area, which features miles of trails, gorgeous views of the Wilson Range, Tennis Courts, and an Equestrian Center.

Element 52 features a whole host of luxurious amenities for all guests as well, most notably a private lift for all residences located right out your back door giving you ski in/ski out access during your stay.  Residents will also receive year round concierge services, assisting you with your every desire during your stay in Telluride.  This service includes an onsite location for ski rentals and boot fittings during the winter, ensuring you enjoy your ski vacation to the fullest.  Guests will have access to a private fitness center and spa within the residences as well, for those who aren’t as interested in the recreational activities located nearby to the residences.

And that’s not all.  Like many luxury vacation rentals in Telluride, the views are spectacular, and the residences at Element 52 are no different.  All residences feature breathtaking views in every direction, many of the nearby Wilson Range, which features many of Colorado’s 14,000 foot peaks.  Others feature views of the Gray Head wilderness.  Any way you turn, you’re bound to be swept away by the breathtaking views offered from the residences at Element 52 in Telluride.  Call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals today and let one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. ^® in Telluride help you book your next vacation in Telluride today!

          The first time I went to the Sebastian in Vail, Colorado last winter, it was to attend a dinner/presentation in one of their ballrooms downstairs. While the concierge gave me great directions to the ballroom, I decided that I would take an alternate route in order to explore the hotel and its amenities.

           From the second I stepped into the hotel, I knew it was a special place. I knew that by deviating from the employee’s direction I would find all that the hotel had to offer, and perhaps discover some secret areas. And while I didn’t find any ‘secrets’ per se, I did find a few areas of the hotel that caught my eye by surprise.

            The first place I stumbled upon was the library. The room and décor were fascinating; it looked like a great place to read a book, play some cards or just kick back and relax. But if you really wanted to relax, perhaps the Bloom Spa would be a better option. I am not exactly the spa type, but this spa seemed very inviting. The smells coming from and the design of the spa put my mind at ease—I can’t imagine what a massage would have done. I continued my escapade on to discover not 1 but 2 restaurants in the hotel.

            The first restaurant was more of a café and was called “Market”. They offered a light menu:  sandwiches, to-go lunches, grab and go specials, coffee and seasonal wines. I could imagine myself sleeping in on vacation and shooting on down to Market for a breakfast sandwich and some coffee. Not far from Market was Block 16 restaurant. This is the main restaurant of the hotel that offers seasonal dishes made with fresh and local ingredients. The restaurant also had a large selection of wine to compliment any meal. If hunger strikes and you do not want to visit Market or Block 16 for a meal, your options are far from over.

            Aside from in-room dining, where you can have made to order meals from both Market and Block 16, there are a number of restaurants within minutes of the hotel. One of my favorites, La Bottega, is located less than a minute from the Sebastian and has some of the best sandwiches in town. They also have a full dining menu, but I have only gotten their sandwiches….they’re just that good! There is Osaki’s Sushi & Japanese just next door, and across the street is the Swiss Chalet Restaurant. If you didn’t hike or ski too hard and you can muster up the energy for a 5-7 minute walk, there are a number of various restaurants down on Gore Creek Dr. After your meal, it might not be a bad idea to find your way back to Frost, a bar located in the Sebastian.

            Frost was in a cool room, and definitely seemed like a place where I could relax and have a drink. Or two. Or three or……more. It could also be a place where I could go at night for a livelier bunch. But I could not get distracted—I had an event to attend. After weaving my way through the hotel again, attempting to retrace my steps through the spacious hallways, I arrived at the ballroom (fashionably late thanks to my detour) and had a delicious meal. While I did not stay a night at the Sebastian, I was able to warm up, try some of the food, and see what the Sebastian was all about. My thumbs are pointing up.

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

With the amount of different restaurants and dining options on the beautiful slopes of Telluride, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by your options.  With many different (styles? genres?) of food, price ranges, and everything from buffet style to full 3 course meal options with a waiter, it’s important to know where to go to get the best bang for your buck while in town whether it be for yourself, friends, or family.  As “Friendly Knowledgeable Locals”, we’re here to help!

If you’re looking for something a little more intimate, you absolutely must visit Alpino Vino, located right off of the See Forever run.  The views from this restaurant are gorgeous, and for extra enjoyment, you can relax at outside tables on those warm spring days with a cold drink!  The food here is delicious, and offers many unique options for those guests looking for something special during their dining experience.

If Alpino Vino isn’t quite your thing, keep heading down See Forever run until you see the small cabin named Giuseppe’s.  This restaurant, like many Telluride on mountain dining options, offers sweeping views.  With Telluride being a dead end valley, the views here look out on the road in to Telluride and the valleys and plains approaching the town.  Giuseppe’s offers many local favorites like chili, bratwursts, and small snacks, and also quick ways to hydrate and warm up like a hot chocolate or a mocha.  Giuseppe’s is a great place for views and a light lunch for a great price.

Another favorite for on mountain dining is located mid mountain at Gorrono Ranch.  This is a personal favorite of mine because of its beautiful views of the Wilson range and great food selection.  This old sheep herding lodge offers a gorgeous log interior, and the food selection is family friendly featuring everything from pizza to burgers to soups and salads.  Located outside of the lodge is a great BBQ place if you’re looking for a great BBQ sandwich.  The views of the Wilson Range feature 3 of Colorado’s beautiful 14,000 foot peaks, and during the spring the beach in front of the restaurant is a popular place to hang out with locals and have a drink.

If getting up to Gorrono’s Ranch isn’t an option for you and your ski party, Big Billie’s restaurant located at the base of the Chondola offers many family friendly options for your party.  The restaurant is set up cafeteria style and offers many favorite American options as well as some other choices with a Mexican style to them.  This is a great place to bring the family and the kids for a relaxing lunch in a comfortable environment after enjoying some of the beautiful surrounding blue and green runs on the mountain.

Still have questions about Telluride on mountain dining options?  Contact one of our Friendly Knowledgeable Locals today to help you answer all of your questions!  Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals offers a team of Friendly Knowledgeable Locals to help you have the best experience possible during your stay at the beautiful destination of Telluride.  We offer a host of concierge services including lift tickets, ski and boot rentals, ski tunings, and anything else you may need during your stay to make sure you have the best experience possible.  Contact one of our Destination Specialists today to find out how you can reserve your stay this winter in Telluride now!

Whether you come to Aspen Colorado annually for your family vacation, or are considering checking out this world-class destination for the first time, there is nothing quite like exploring Aspen like a local. With so much to do in the summer, I have compiled the most important things to know during your upcoming trip to Aspen, Colorado.



1. Save some money, eat at the bars. You can often get some amazing deals at the bars and avoid paying high prices. Come down to Su Casa and try their bacon wrapped shrimp stuffed with warm cheese and glazed in a light chipotle mustard sauce. If you are in the mood for some amazing crab cakes, head down to Jimmy’s and grab an order of Jimmy’s Famous Crab Cakes- by far the best in the city!

2. The entire town has Wi-Fi, so bring your laptop and bask in the Aspen sun instead of sitting in your hotel room! If you’re looking for free Wi-Fi, visit the local library on North Mill Street.

3. Visit the Aspen Saturday Market, it’s one of the best farmers markets in Colorado.. The Aspen Saturday Market runs 8am to 3pm on Saturdays located in the heart of downtown Aspen. The market features everything from farm-fresh produce to handmade crafts for the whole family!

4. Take a free hike up Snowmass Mountain with a guide from Aspen Center for Environmental Studies! Naturalists will lead your hike providing fun  facts about flowers, flora, tracking animals, bird-watching, etc.

5. Ever been to a ghost town? Independence ghost town is located just outside of Aspen on Highway 82 and offers a unique piece of history!  In the late 1800’s, the town was a gold miner’s paradise and in just two years over $190,000 of gold was extracted; but by 1890, the town was empty. Legend has it that the miners dismantled their houses and built ski’s from the wood so they could escape to Aspen to find work.  Admission is free for children under 12 and only a $3 donation for adults.

6. Who doesn’t love free concerts? Check out the local’s concert spot on Fanny Hill every Thursday! Some of the fantastic artists who come to play include The Stone Foxes, Otis Taylor, and Trevor Hall!

7. Just because it’s not winter doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the mountain! Take the gondola up Snowmass Mountain and bring your bike! You can ride down the mountain for a great workout and breathtaking views. The mountain has a variety of terrain for every level from beginner to expert. You can even meet with an expert coach on the mountain to learn some techniques to make the most of your ride.

8. Go off roading in a Jeep tour. This is the best way to take advantage of all that the mountains have to offer. Find out more about Jeep tours on our website. Jeep tours are an awesome opportunity to experience terrain that you would never be able to in your own vehicle. Jeep tours in Aspen can take you on a wild ride up to alpine meadows for endless views, or on a scenic drive around Aspen Mountain.

If you are looking for a unique and exciting vacation, explore Aspen just like the locals! Comment on this post and share your own “local’s experience!” Remember, the only way to experience the best Aspen has to offer is to have a local help you plan your vacation.

Find out more about how our team of Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

There is no need to trek all the way to Germany to experience Oktoberfest when you can easily visit Breckenridge, Colorado in the middle of beautiful September.  The classic mountain town transforms into an outdoor beer garden rivaling some of the best in Germany.  It is a weekend festival filled with gourmet beers, authentic costumes, bratwursts and warm pretzels.

Oktoberfest in Breckenridge: The festivities start on Friday the 16^th with a gourmet multi-course dinner.  The meal starts with mushroom crostinis and wild boar sausage followed by lentil soup and braised brisket in porter.  There is also salad and dessert making a total of five courses.  Each is paired with a specially selected beer and alternating wines.  But be careful not to drink too much because the main celebration starts at 11 am Saturday morning.

Join locals and travelers alike with your custom designed beer stein and enjoy Main St. like never before.  The entire street turns into a pedestrian highway filled with all generations.  Street vendors sell everything from traditional German food such as brats topped with sauerkraut while local restaurants offer select menus specifically designed for Oktoberfest.  My personal favorite is the lobster roll from Giampietro’s, sadly only sold this weekend.

As one hand is filled with the delicious food options make sure to keep your second hand with the stein filled with one of the many beers being offered.  Whether you like a well made wheat beer from Paulaner Munchen or a locally brewed beer from the Breckenridge Brewery there is something to match everyone’s tastes.  The beer vendors close at six on Saturday giving you a chance to rest and rejuvenate for the next day.

Sunday is a little more scaled back and great for a family outing.  You can enjoy musical events and dancers in traditional Bavarian costumes.  Of course there is still the all the food and drink options from the day before too.  Things wrap up around five on Sunday, just in time to grab a bite to eat after a fun-filled day in the sun.  You can enjoy a casual meal at the Motherloaded Tavern located on the South end of Main St. 

The Breckenridge Oktoberfest weekend is one of the most popular and fun events of the fall.  So come join the excitement and experience Breckenridge like a local.   If you enjoy drinking, eating, and playing in the sun let one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.™ plan your next adventure!

Check back with the RMVR Blog for additional Colorado Oktoberfest events.