Year after year Vail has been ranked as one of the best ski resorts in North America. The mountains are spectacular and the town is one of-a-kind. Vail was created by two veterans from the 10th Mountain Division, who trained here during World War Two. Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton were visionaries and created one of the best and most romantic ski resorts in the world.

 

Walking around Vail on the pedestrian cobble-stone, car-free streets is a truly unique experience. Here you can enjoy world-class shopping in Vail and Lionshead Village. You will find everything from boutiques to outdoor sporting gear to fine art and souvenir shops.

 

After all that shopping you are sure to get hungry and no matter what you are craving for dinner you will find it here.  With several restaurants offering elegant fine dining, casual comfort or grab and go you will pleasantly surprised with all your delicious options. At night you will hear live music coming from various bars and restaurants, which always attract a lot of people creating a lively atmosphere.   

 

      Of if you are looking for a family friendly activity, ice skating is fun for everyone. You can find a surplus of different options such as skating rinks, frozen lakes or an indoor ice rink. In Vail the Solaris Plaza boasts a 6,500 square foot ice rink situated next to the two beautiful interactive sculptures. One of them is shaped like a giant glass tree glowing with changing colors. When you are done exploring the Village you can take the convenient in-town, free  shuttle, back to the Riverhouse.

 

The Riverhouse Condo in Vail Village is by the quiet Willow Park. It offers a prime location for your Vail ski vacation and it is only steps from the Vista Bahn lift, connecting you to the expansive Vail Mountain. The Riverhouse is beautiful with a gorgeous panoramic view of the Village in one direction and the Gore Range which dominates the eastern skyline in the other. The condo has an inviting living room with a beautiful gas-fireplace, flat screen TV and integrated stereo system . It’s all you need to relax after a long day on the mountain. There is a gourmet kitchen which opens to the dining and living room, so you can entertain guests while preparing a home cooked meal. If you feel like barbecuing there is a commercial BBQ on the patio allowing you to take in the magnificent views of the Gore Creek while dining on juicy burgers. The condo is outfitted with modern furnishings and rich woodwork. When it’s time for bed, step inside one of the two bedrooms, each outfitted with expansive windows and a shared patio. The large king sized bed and soft linens will ensure you wake up fully rested the next morning, ready to take on the day! Staying at the Riverhouse in Vail you are sure to have an amazing vacation.

 

Condo Rentals in Vail Village: To experience Vail for yourself call our team of Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals® eager to assist you.      

 

Ski Magazine recently announced their 2010-2011 Resort Rankings List.  The editors at Ski Mag seem to agree  that Colorado is THE place to ski!  With well over 25 resorts to choose from, champagne powder, and unbelievable weather, it’s not wonder why we love this place!   In fact, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals offer hotels, condos, and private homes in nine of the top 20 ski destinations on the list.

 

Vail came in at number two this year, and we couldn’t be prouder. With tons of powder, wide open bowls, quick lifts and terrific food, Vail is a perfect place for fun. But we already knew that and are eager to share it with you! For adventure seekers Vail offers two terrain parks featuring a dozen jumps, an 18’ half pipe and three handmade log slides. When the ski day is done Vail visitors will have plenty to do. The town came in third for nightlife. There are bars on every corner offering dancing, live entertainment, and outstanding people watching.  The casual atmosphere invites guests of all ages to sip on original cocktails or savor a few cold beers.

 

If you’re traveling with the kids you must visit Snowmass.  It was ranked number one by Ski Magazine for families and fourth overall. Your stay couldn’t be more luxurious with a surplus of ski-in/ski-out accommodations. The lifts are quick and the slopes are perfectly groomed so you can get the most snow. Take the little ones to the Treehouse Adventure Center on Fanny Hill for an afternoon of exploring and climbing. There’s even a children’s museum that teaches about the local environment and mining history.

 

Then there is Beaver Creek which placed seventh on the resort list this year, and came in forth as both a place for families and great on-mountain food. Pay a visit to the Dusty Boot for a filling meal and the best happy hour in town.  Don’t be shy, try some of our Colorado micro-brews that are delicious and always on tap!

 

The beautiful Aspen Mountain offers a surplus of varying terrain and fantastic dining which contributes to its number 11 ranking. Aspen was also noted as the best spot for a Girl’s Trip. Something tells us it’s because of the excess amounts of high-end designer shopping and trendy bars which draw women in for bachelorette parties year-round.

 

Additional Colorado ski vacation mentions on the list included Telluride as the Most Charming and Keystone as an Editor’s Pick for an Undiscovered Family Resort. All of our resorts are world-class and these awards only exemplify what we already know and want you to see. To learn more about how you can experience any of these amazing destinations give one of our Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals ^® a call.

Do you want to feel like a million bucks the next time you visit Aspen, Colorado? Stay at the St. Regis where you are sure to be pampered. The St. Regis has recently undergone a $40 million renovation.  These elegant improvements include a new solarium entry, outside restaurant dining and a fresh library with game tables.

 

Your Aspen ski vacation begins with a warm greeting from butlers who are at your beck and call. They will even unpack your bags and deliver your morning coffee or tea. No request is too big or small, and will be accepted anytime day and night.

 

Upon entering your room you will be mesmerized by hues of red and gold.  The Aspen sunset décor will bring comfort at the end of a long day spent shopping or enjoying the snow. Relax in a lavish leather chair as you make plans for the next day. And there is no need to leave your furry friend at home as the St. Regis loves pets and offers dog beds with blankets and dish bowls.

 

The St. Regis is conveniently located within walking distance of many amusements such as The Silver Circle ice rink, Aspen’s only outdoor skating facility, and the Wheeler Opera House. Or you can take a daytime stroll down Galena Street to shop at Prada, and Gucci. Once you work up an appetite head around the corner to Durant Street and make a dash into Big Wrap where the large wraps, tacos and smoothies are sure to please.

 

For the ultimate pampering experience the St. Regis Remède Spa is a sanctuary for tranquility and indulgence. Amenities include an oxygen lounge, steam caves, hot tubs, and so much more. Try a high altitude renewal treatment to recover from travel and stress. This facial energizes tired skin for an instantly enhanced complexion.

 

After an amazing day on the slopes head for the Shadow Mountain Lounge to sip wine and warm your feet by the granite fireplace. As you lean back into the oversized lodge style furniture, your ears will delight in the sound of live jazz or piano. Once it’s time to turn in, sink into your pillowtop bed and wrap yourself in the down comforter with a good book and a wonderful view of the mountain.

 

Aspen Colorado Ski Vacation: To find out how the St. Regis can spoil you, call one of our Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals. today.

 

It’s time to ski! As opening day approaches at all our favorite Colorado Mountains each town is buzzing with anticipation.  Everyone is eagerly awaiting La Nina’s return with high hopes of having another season like last year.

 

Last year Breckenridge broke its multi-year record with over 500 inches of snowfall.  This year the snow is already falling and it’s safe to say that winter has arrived.  So, come join us for some great snow and lodging deals throughout the season.

 

If the promise of another epic season isn’t enough to motivate you to come then Breckenridge’s 50^th anniversary party will be.  Breck’s actual 50^th birthday will be on December 16^th but there will be weeks of celebration in advance.  So, come join us for this amazing event.

 

There will be fifty days of giveaways serving as a countdown to the start to the season.  Prizes include anything and everything. One awesome prize is to have a drink named after you at the T-Bar at the base of Peak 8.  It’s easy to win too!  All you have to do is follow Breckenridge Ski Resort on Facebook.

 

They are also doing a “50 Wishes” campaign where all guests can submit any wish to the resort and Breckenridge will pick fifty throughout the season and fulfill them.  This means if you have always wished for a new rail in the park or a new hot chocolate stand on the mountain you can ask for it!

 

Between all the expected snow and the birthday festivities this season is shaping up to be one of the best in history and we are excited to celebrate it with you.  So book now with one of our Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals. and get ready to enjoy of the best seasons yet!

 

When visiting Vail exploring the mountain is an obligation. A good way to get started in the winter is to take the Eagles Bahn Gondola in Lionshead to the top of Vail Mountain. The ride is stunning, on the way up you can see Lionshead from above and watch the skiers underneath you. When you arrive take a look around, the view is absolutely spectacular. Next to the Gondola is the Nature Discovery Center. They provide free educational tours, focusing on the mountain and the wildlife in hopes of increasing people’s awareness about the magnificent Rocky Mountain. The nature center is open during the winter and summer seasons and is a must-see for visitors and locals alike.

 

In the winter you can join a free guided snowshoe tour with a Walking Mountain Naturalist at 3 pm. On the tour you will walk through the snow covered forest, learning about the animal’s adaptations and the winter ecology. It is important to dress warm with layers, because walking with snowshoes will get your heart rate up. They also offer a free moonlight snowshoe tour that is magnificent. The tour is on January18-21 and February 15-18 from 7 to 8 pm. You will learn about the animals while walking under the light of the full moon surrounded by a winter paradise. A reservation is required, so remember to book early.

 

No matter what season the Nature Discovery Center is always worth a visit, from December to April on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 pm they have Nature at Night. It is a family friendly program with activities and interesting information about the ecosystem and night creatures in the area, such as Colorado Cats, owls, wily weasels and many more. It is always a good idea to bring a camera, you never know when you might see some wildlife.

 

After a long day on Vail Mountain you can enjoy a meal in Eagle’s Nest which is next to the Eagles Bahn Gondola. The only way up here is taking the gondola, making the dining experience even more unique. Inside you will find Bistro 14 which serves fine American dining with a stunning view, their Grilled Rocky Mountain Trout is delicious. Another dining option is the Gondoly’s “pizza by the slice” they serve thin crust pizzas and cold beer.

 

You can also grab a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or baked goods at Bailey’s Coffee House. It is right behind the Eagle Nest building on the Southside of the Adventure Ridge building. It is a great place to warm up next to the fire.

 

No matter what your interests are, the Vail Mountain is always worth a visit.

Call our team of Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals® and we will be happy to help you discover the mountains.

 

Keystone Resort in Colorado is one of the best family friendly ski towns in the Rockies.  It is filled with a surplus of activities for all ages, terrain to match anyone’s skill level and tons of great places to stay.

When you bring the whole family along you are sure to want some extra space to lounge after an epic day of skiing.  So, select from one of the many beautiful luxury condos in Keystone and enjoy the comforts of home with all the beauty of Colorado.

 

The Red Hawk Townhomes offer the best of mountain living combined with plush comfort.  While staying here you are only a short walk from the River Run Village which puts everything at your fingertips.  In the morning strap on your boots and head over to the lifts so you can enjoy a powder filled day.  At the end of the day come home to your spacious condo where the plush furnishings invite you to unwind in style as you watch the snow fall through the expansive windows.  The gourmet kitchen makes it easy to whip up family favorites, but if no one feels like cooking you are centrally located close to many delicious restaurants.  After dinner soak your tired legs in the outdoor hot tubs underneath the Colorado stars.

 

Another great lodging option is The Springs centrally located near River Run Village.  While staying here you are only a two minute walk from the gondola so it is easy to return home for lunch or a quick warm up break.  And once off the mountain the entertainment is endless.  The luxury condo features a steaming outdoor hot tub that serves as the ideal place for rejuvenating your exhausted legs.  There is also a grill available for use so you can enjoy burgers and brats on a warm afternoon.   After dinner you can enjoy a game of pool or your favorite movie in the media room.  When its time for bed head back to your condo where an oversized bed topped with soft sheets and fluffy pillows await you.

 

Colorado Family Ski Vacations: No matter where you stay in Keystone, whether it is a luxury condo, hotel or private home you are sure to enjoy the best of everything when you let one of our Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals. help you plan your next trip.

        Come to Borders Lodge if you are yearning for a kid-friendly mountain or ski vacation to Beaver Creek this season. Two and three-bedroom fully furnished condos are the perfect option for all your lodging needs.  One of the biggest attractions of Borders Lodge is the ski-in/ski-out property at the bottom of the Elkhorn Lift.  You won’t have to worry about walking around with bulky ski equipment as the Borders Lodge has you covered with their private, indoor ski-lockers.

 

 

         If one of your family members has had enough of the cold they can stay active in the heated pool or relax in a hot tub while enjoying the spectacular views of the frosty mountain top. Be sure to take advantage of Boarders’ complimentary shuttle and explore the village for spectacular places to eat.  We recommend Blue Moose for pizza, subs, Italian entrees, and of course nice cold beers.  Kids are encouraged to color on the paper tablecloths so everyone can stay entertained. For a more posh dining experience head to the Beaver Creek Chophouse and try the applewood smoked bacon wrapped shrimp or a ribeye steak.

 

Book quickly and you’ll make it in time for the Beaver Creek Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition on November 23^rd.  Taste test the top five cookies then gather up the family for a visit to the ice skating rink to practice your figure eights. Luckily, Beaver Creek Village is only a couple blocks away so you can save your energy for tubing down the mountain at Haymaker Hill.

 

When your ski day is done and your body is aching from all the fun, kick back in front of your very own gas-fireplace to share hot chocolate and stories.  The Borders Lodge décor is the epitome of alpine elegance. With a gourmet kitchen, large countertops and plenty of seating, guests are encouraged to savor a home cooked meal. If you don’t feel like grocery shopping, speak with our concierge to have your groceries delivered to your condo when you arrive. And if you book your Beaver Creek ski vacation rental with one of our Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals. by OCT 15^th you can save up to 25%.

         Aspen, Colorado is world-famous for its skiing and fine dining. But what about when you want to take a break, kick back and enjoy the scenery?  As alluring as the fireplace in your luxury residence is, don’t miss the opportunity to step back to a simpler time when cell phones and Ipads didn’t exist. Bundle up and explore majestic Aspen from a cozy carriage or sleigh ride. For 35 years Aspen Carriage and Sleigh has offered tours throughout the western slopes of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

 

Prepare to be awed by the beautiful landscape and enjoy escaping the crowds, as there is no better way to truly embrace a mountain escape then a sleigh ride. Professional, informative drivers greet you with blankets and hot drinks. And trusty steeds pull you through the meadow and snow covered forest. Whether you want to relax or rekindle a flame choose between a daytime jaunt through the snow or a dashing ride under the moonlight.

        Or take a ride through town  whenever you feel like it. You can scope out restaurants, shopping and entertainment without the hassle of maps and legwork. If you’re in Aspen during the holidays, you and your loved ones can snuggle under the stars and delight in the sparkling lights on an hour long Christmas lights tour. Or make a reservation and take a peaceful ride to your restaurant, hotel or even Christmas caroling. It is also ideal for planning a romantic proposal or the perfect end to your vacation. The possibilities for this exquisite activity are endless.

 

Sleigh Rides in Aspen, Colorado: Aspen Carriage and Sleigh is based in Aspen but they also offer services in Snowmass. So, make haste and give one of our Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals. a call. This will definitely be one of the most memorable parts of your ski vacation!

Vail Cascade is a vacation destination where mind, body and spirit find balance and family bonds grow stronger. It is located in the picture-perfect settings along Gore Creek between Lionshead and Vail. The Cascade is thirty-five minutes from the local airport and about two hours from Denver International Airport.

 

Walking into the lobby you immediately know that you are in an AAA Four-Diamond property, the beautiful interior is stylish and elegant. Once inside be sure to stop by the library, the furniture and art items belong to a frequent guest who stayed at the hotel over 100 days a year. All suites and guestrooms are inviting with warm color tones and breathtaking mountain or courtyard views.

 

 

The Cascade creates the perfect settings to enjoy our winter wonderland here in Vail, the chair-lift outside the door, allows you to connect with other lifts to easily explore the rest of the mountain. At the end of the day when you return put your boots in the mudroom outfitted with boot heaters to ensure they will be nice and toasty for the next morning.

 

When staying at the Cascade you must take advantage of the Aria Spa & Club, it has the largest fitness center and an award-winning spa. Outside there are two heated swimming pools and hot tubs. They are especially amazing in the winter, as you can watch the snowfall while rejuvenating your tired legs.  And you’ll stay warm walking back and forth to your room by utilizing the plush bath robes. If you like playing sports, you have plenty of options with the indoor tennis, racquetball, squash, volley, and basketball courts. The Spa also offers a variety of treatments designed to make you feel and look you’re very best. Come early to distress and enjoy a cup of organic herbal tea or a glass of sparkling champagne in the Sanctuary Room.

 

After your calming spa experience, visit the Atwater in the Cascade. Here you can sit in lavish chairs and take pleasure in the warmth and beauty from the fireplace while looking out on the Gore Creek. Start with their delicious fresh baked bread and salted butter and try the Charred Corn Bisque soup with lobster and avocado salsa, it is absolutely mouth-watering. For the main courts spoil your taste buds and order the Colorado Grilled Lamb Trio, it won Taste of Vail People’s Choice Award. Or hop on the free shuttle and explore the variety of dining opportunities in Lionshead or Vail. No matter what you are craving you can find it here in Vail.

 

Vail Ski Vacation: To find out more about the luxurious Vail Cascade call our team of Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals® and we will be happy to help you.