The Teva Mountain Games is without a doubt one of my favorite events of the summer. The games ignite an undeniable energy in athletes and spectators, while showcasing the stunning natural terrain that makes Vail a great year-round playground for athletes.

Not to my surprise, when the Vail Valley Foundation announced that they would be introducing the Winter Teva Mountain Games from February 10-12, 2012, I was stoked. Just like the summer games, the Winter Teva Mountain Games will celebrate athletes, art, music, and mountains through three days of athletic competitions, photo competitions, free concerts, demos and expos.

The Winter Teva Mountain Games will attract professional and amateur athletes who will compete for the $60,000 cash purse over the three day of event. Presented by Eddie Bauer, there are various different competitions: mixed climbing, mountain, big air and dual slalom biking, Nordic and telemark skiing, ski mountaineering, snowshoe racing, and a one-day vertical challenge in Vail’s famous back bowls! To compliment the competitions, The Spazmatics and Theophilus London will perform free concerts in Vail Village on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Vail Valley Foundation expects the Teva Winter Games to grow to the size of the Teva Summer Games over the next five years. All I can say is bring it on!

Don’t miss the inaugural 2012 Winter Teva Mountain Games! Call Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals today to plan your customized vacation today!

The town of Telluride is surrounded by majestic mountains– and in these mountains you will find uncrowded lifts and wide open terrain. In Telluride there is skiing for skiers and snowboarders of every level because of the mixed terrain, making it the ideal vacation destination for the whole family. One of the favorite runs for experts is The Plunge; for intermediates, See Forever; and for  beginners the 4.7 mile Galloping Goose.

Telluride gets an annual average snowfall of 309 inches–789 centimeters, giving you plenty of opportunities to catch some of the most desired powder in Colorado and North America. There are a lot of on mountain activities throughout the year, and during the winter season you should be sure to attend one or several of the following activities:

Complimentary Mountain Tours

On this free daily tour, intermediate and above skiers and snowboarders will learn about Telluride’s history and the surrounding environment. The tour starts daily at 10 am from the top at Coonskins Lift.

 

NASTAR Racing

No matter what level you are, if you visit the NASTAR racing course you are sure to challenge yourself and get the adrenaline pumping. You will be nationally ranked against others of same gender and age with the opportunity to win bronze, silver and gold medals. It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Butterfly ski run.

Terrain Parks

-Ute Park: For beginners, the park is located off the Ute Lift (number 11). It has mini snow-cross, basic small jumps and ride-on boxes.

-Misty Maiden Park: For intermediate to advanced riders, the park is located left of the lower part of Misty Maiden–there is a green entry gate. It has medium jumps, rails and boxes.

-Hoot Brown Park: The advanced Hoot Brown park is located on the left-hand side of Butterfly–there is a pillar entrance with orange Smart Style Signs. Even if you don’t feel comfortable riding in this park, it is worth swinging by to see all the amazing stunts that the more experienced skiers and snowboarders can perform. This park has large jumps, rails and boxes. 

 

TopAten Nordic and Snowshoe Area

At the top of Sunshine Express (lift 10) is the TopAten Nordic and Snowshoe Area. The area offers 10 km of groomed trails with a stunning views of Telluride and the surrounding mountains. Different tours are available at TopAten, such as guided snowshoe and cross-country tours. The guides are experts, and for two to three hours you will learn about the wildlife and world surrounding Telluride and Southwest Colorado. 

Snowbiking

Snowbiking is a fun activity for all levels, and here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals we love snowbiking because of the adrenaline rush and the fun times that result. A two hour certification class is required and tours are offered Tuesday and Fridays at 1:30 p.m.

 

Before leaving the mountain after a long day, visit one of the many restaurants located on the mountain or in the town. It is a unique experience to dine in a lodge located on a mountain side while taking in the stunning panoramic views. 

 

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. 

 

Historic Aspen, Colorado was officially founded in 1879 during the Silver Boom in the Colorado Rockies. Soon after the town was founded, Hotel Jerome became one of the first hotels and local hangouts in town. The hotel is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and features furnishings and décor from the 19^th century. The hotel features 92 rooms, all of which are beautifully decorated with antique furniture from the era.

 The hotel has plenty of amenities, including complimentary shuttle service to and from the Aspen Airport, twice daily housekeeping, 24 hour in room dining, and complimentary underground valet parking. The rooms include a stocked mini bar, down comforters, an oversized bath tub and comfortable bath robes. For breakfast or lunch, guests may go downstairs to Jacob’s Corner restaurant, or visit one of the many Aspen restaurants nearby. If you are looking for a drink, head downstairs to the Library Lounge, a 19^th century inspired bar serving top of the line wines, liquors and cigars.

Mountain enthusiasts are in luck, as the Silver Queen gondola is only 7 blocks away, putting skiing and hiking right outside your door. For those visiting Aspen, Hotel Jerome is a luxurious and convenient property that will be sure to make your Rocky Mountain vacation spectacular.

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.

Timing
Learn to love the “unpopular” months to ski!  You can save mucho dinero by traveling the weeks after New Years and before President’s Day Weekend while getting the same great snow. It’s known that with holidays come crowded runs, lengthy lift lines and tracked out snow conditions. Think ahead, or just follow the powder report and I promise you’ll be happy.

Plan Your Shred Scope
Colorado is ski resort heaven! It hardly makes sense to fly all the way out here and be limited to skiing at just one resort. Each resort offers completely unique features and terrain and the same goes for the towns that surround them. If you are an experienced, confident driver in the snow, then what’s stopping you from renting a car for a day or two? Only 4-wheel or all-wheel drives will do—don’t forget you’re going to need room to stash all your gear. Before you rent a car, check with your lodging property to see what kind of parking they offer. Otherwise you’re going to end up paying $25 a day for parking. If this is the case, it might be smarter to hire a shuttle or take Public Transit to get you from point A to point B.

Purchase Travel Insurance
I cannot recommend travel insurance enough if you’re planning on taking a ski vacation this winter. Flying into Denver or other regional airports in Colorado during the winter is never a guarantee. We’ve had guests end up missing their whole trip due to inclement weather. That’s thousands of dollars lost in booked lodging, life tickets, and transportation. Talk to our Destination Specialist about adding CSA Travel Insurance to protect your vacation and your pocketbook. If anything does go wrong, CSA acts as your personal travel agent to get you back on track.

HYDRATE!!
The most important tip for any traveler is HYDARATION. Altitude sickness is a quick way to ruin a vacation and an all too common occurrence for travelers in the high Rockies. Avoid it—drink more water than you think you should before you arrive and during your trip.  Camelbacks are a lifesaver on the ski hill! I should also mention that alcohol hits your blood stream much quicker and harder at high altitudes. You’ll likely feel tipsy after just one beer, hinting that you need to drink more water and possibly slow down your drinking; hangovers are a sure bet to keep you from getting first chair the next morning!

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.

Located just 75 yards from the ski lift to one of the best ski resorts in America lies the Vail 21 condominiums. The property offers a location that can’t be beat along with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Choose from one, two or two plus loft bedroom condos, able to sleep from two to six people.

Staying at Vail 21, you are able to cook a tasty dinner for your whole group in the comfort of your own full size kitchen. Guests may kick back and relax in front of the fireplace in the spacious living room or recline and gaze out on incredible mountain views through the floor to ceiling windows. Or step outside and take a breath of fresh mountain air from your private balcony. If you feel like leaving the condo, there is plenty to do in the town of Vail.

You can ski or snowboard in the breathtaking mountains, go ski biking (which is always a blast), build a giant snowman, go ice skating or just take in the beautiful scenery. In the Village you can find everything from world-class shopping to souvenir t-shits, or from interior decor to outdoor sporting gear. Also during the winter there are a variety of wonderful events such as live music, sports competitions, baking competitions and Christmas celebrations. Getting around town is made easy by the Vail free bus, so don’t hesitate to make a full list of activities to do while you are visiting. When you are feeling hungry and don’t feel like cooking at home, be sure to visit one of the many delicious restaurants in Vail for a variety of dining options.

When you return to Vail 21 condos, unwind in the outdoor rooftop and sauna. Keep your family and friends updated about your wonderful experiences throughout your vacation through complimentary internet, or watch your favorite game or television show on the TV. There is also a laundry facility at Vail 21, making laundry while on your vacation a breeze. Finally, there is daily housekeeping at the condos, giving guests the comfort of a hotel.

And remember, when you book by December 15^th you can save 15% OFF your lodging!

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.

Every year since 2001, Aspen has been hosting the Winter X Games. And every year, they up the ante and get more creative and intense with their jumps, terrain features and race tracks. This year will be no exception.

Winter X Games 16 will return again to beautiful Aspen, Colorado from January 26-29, 2012. Last year, various milestones were set, including the first triple cork in a snowboard competition, the first 1080 by a woman in the superpipe, the first 4-peat gold by Shaun White in the superpipe, and the Moore brothers did a back flip on a snowmobile—together (however they were disqualified from the event since the event was for “individuals”). The event grows bigger each year as athletes and judges continue to raise their performance expectations, along with the growing popularity of snow sports in general. Last year broke their previous attendance record of 85,100 and reset the bar at 114,200. Attendance is expected to increase again, making Winter X Games 16 the biggest Winter X Games yet.

There are also a handful of returning athletes with big expectations: Shaun White, Scotty Lago, Louie Vito, Gretchen Bleier, Kelly Clark, Hannah Teter, Kevin Rolland, Sebastien Toutant,Torstein Horgmo,  Sarah Burke, Lindsey Jacobellis, Daniel Bodin, and a handful of others.

Here is the schedule throughout the weekend:

Thursday, Jan 26:

10:30 am – Men’s Ski Slopestyle Elimination

1:30 pm – Women’s Ski Slopestyle Final

2:30 pm – Snowboard Street Final

7 pm – Snowmobile Freestyle Final

7:45 pm – Men’s Ski Slopestyle Final

 

Friday, Jan 27:

10:30 am – Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle Elimination

11:30 am – Men’s & Women’s Skier X Qualifying

1:30 pm – Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle Final

2 pm – Men’s & Women’s Snowboarder X Qualifying

3:30 pm – Adaptive Snowboarder X Exhibition

6:30 pm – Men’s Ski SuperPipe Elimination

8:30 pm – Snowbaord Big Air Final

9 pm – Women’s Snowboard SuperPipe Final

 

Saturday, Jan 28:

9:30 am – Mono Skier X Qualifying

11 am – Women’s Ski SuperPipe Final

12:30 pm – Men’s Ski SuperPipe Final

2 pm – Men’s & Wome’s Snowboarder X Final

6:45 pm – Ski Big Air Final

7:30 pm – Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle Final

 

Sunday, Jan 29:

12 pm – Men’s & Women’s Skier X Final

12:15 pm – Men’s Snowboard SuperPipe Elimination

2:45 pm  – Mono Skier X Final

7 pm – Snowmobile Best Trick Final

7:45 pm – Men’s Snowboard SuperPipe Final

 

Television coverage for this event can be found on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN 3D. Internet coverage can be found on espn.com/action, xgames.com and espn3.com.  And don’t forget to check out all of last year’s footage to get stoked for this year.

When searching for lodging in Aspen or Snowmass for the X Games, be sure to contact us for the best deals. Also, our complimentary full service concierge will take care of all your ski rentals, lift tickets, and transportation to and from the airport.

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized X Games Vacation today!

You just finished skiing all day, and all you want to do is sit down for some food and drink. But where in Vail can you go for great food and drink at a great value? This is an age old question in many ski towns, as food close to the mountain is typically very expensive. But, there are always a few hidden gems that may go unnoticed. Here are a few spots in Vail that I consider “hidden gems”:

1. Vendetta’s—Vendetta’s is located just off the mountain, by the Vista Bahn Express Lift on Vail’s famous Bridge Street. This neat Italian diner sells pizzas whole or by the slice. They also have a full menu with a variety of Italian dishes but beware, pasta dishes get a little pricey (if you want to eat cheap, stick to pizza). For those looking for a drink, Vendetta’s also has a full bar with a wide selection of beer, wines and spirits.

2. La Cantina—La Cantina is great for a quick taco stop on your way to the bus. Conveniently located in the Vail Transportation Center, this Mexican restaurant has oversized burritos, inexpensive drinks and salsa bar offering a wide range of flavors to add onto your meal. Plus, you get endless tortilla chips with your order so you continue snacking and trying out the different salsas while you wait for the bus.

3. Westside Café—The Westside Café is a great restaurant located in West Vail on the northern side (opposite the mountain) of the highway. This gem is located right next to the Holiday Inn and has something on the menu for everyone. They serve great Eggs Benedict, and their Captain Crunch French Toast is a local favorite. Their Bloody Mary’s also have quite the reputation, and are constantly voted the best Bloody Mary in town. While they are widely known for their terrific breakfast, they also have a great lunch and dinner menus. Westside is the spot to go if you want a great dining experience for a moderate price.

If none of the above sound appealing, visit our comprehensive Dining Guide to learn about all the different restaurants in Vail.

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.

Moving to Vail, Colorado has been an amazing experience–and with the ski season starting in Vail this Friday, November 18^th, I am sure to have the time of my life.

In January 2011, I left Denmark and moved to Florida to attend Daytona State College as an exchange student. After finishing the semester I needed to find an internship to complete my bachelor degree requirements. The only thing I knew for certain was that I wanted to live in a different part of America, and to learn more about this vast and diverse country. I began to search for the perfect internship, and finally found it in Vail, Colorado.

I landed a marketing internship with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, and soon I was packing my bags for Colorado. The internship has provided me with challenging work, a lively work environment and fun colleagues. My co-workers are all in their twenties and thirties, and always bring energy to the office and to outdoor activities. When I first moved here I did not know anyone, but thanks to the friendly locals and my friends at work I now have many friends in Vail.

One of the first things I noticed about Vail and living in the mountains was the abundance of beauty. The natural surroundings are amazing, and I will never get tired of looking at the mountains and exploring the area. However, beauty lies not only in the mountainous landscape, but also in the people who live in it. Locals’ of the area are constantly active, playing in the outdoors all year round. The winter season especially holds a place in locals’ hearts. Everyone here is getting anxious for Vail to open for skiing (4 more days!), and I am no exception.

Another thing I have noticed that is unique about Vail and the state of Colorado is that this is a dog loving place. We have three charming dogs in the office, always creating lots of laughter and smiles when they welcome you in the morning, or when they chase each other around the office.

Coming from Denmark to Florida with limited luggage I had only packed summer clothing. So when I arrived in Vail, I did not have any winter clothing or ski gear. Going to different ski sales I was able to collect all the needed ski gear, which is now on display in my living room. It gets me excited for the ski season every time I look at it. My personal goal is to go skiing every day from November 18^th when the slopes open in Vail until December 17^th when I will return to Denmark.

The last time I went skiing I was fifteen years old, so I will most likely start with the bunny slopes and hopefully I will quickly work my way to the more advanced slopes. A fun skiing tradition, which I am sad to miss, is dressing up in a costume on the Mountain’s closing day. This year closing day isn’t until April 15^th, 2012, long after I leave. However, I am hoping that I can get some friends to join me in dressing up for my last day on the mountain. Another thing I am looking forward to during the ski season is the after skiing bars and parties.

My two favorite places to go out to in Vail are The Red Lion and the Tap Room. I was first introduced to the Red Lion by one of my co-workers who sometimes works there at night. They have different bar games during the week, live music on the weekends and a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The bartenders there are always in a good mood and talking it up with customers. The crowd is a mix of locals and tourists, so if you are looking for a party this is the place to be. The Tap Room is a bit more relaxed and is a great place to watch sporting events. The walls are made from lodge wood and have pictures carved into them of various mountain animals. They also have a fun table which is made from a PAC-MAN game. The Tap Room is a great place for dinner that has mouthwatering burgers, great sandwiches and an extensive drink menu.

Vail has been a great place to live, and would also be a great place to visit for your winter ski vacation. So find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^®can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation to Vail or any of our fun-filled destinations.

In a destination where luxury accommodations are everywhere you look, lodging providers must do much more to make themselves stand out as THE desired place to spend one’s vacation.  Aspen, Colorado, perched high above sea level in the Colorado Rockies at 7,908 feet, is known world-wide for its ritzy, world-class appeal.  From the bar-none shopping & dining to the luxury lodging, Aspen spares no detail in ensuring it  provides nothing but the best. The Aspen Square Condominium Hotel in Downtown Aspen particularly stands out at one of the best lodging options in Aspen.

Perfectly placed in downtown Aspen just a short walk from the slopes, this luxury property is designed to reflect a modern spa-like atmosphere that combines the luxury of staying in a private condo  with the amenities of a hotel. The property features a courtyard area bursting with flora and fauna, private lounge areas, and unmatched serenity. The outdoor heated pool and hot tubs are met with infinity waterfalls, all enclosed in the private setting provided by the property.

One of the best rooms is the Fireplace Studio Suite. The suite features a full kitchen, wood-burning fireplace and private balcony, all while providing comfortable living space for two. The One and Two Bedroom Suites offer a separate living area, superior amenities, deluxe bedding and scenic views of Aspen. For those seeking a premier lodging experience, the premium one-of-a-kind condos have three bedrooms, three baths, two living areas, a private courtyard, and two balconies. Regardless of where you choose to stay at the Aspen Square, you can be sure that your stay will be met with modern elegance and magic that only Aspen can provide.

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

Christmas in Vail, Colorado is an enormous annual celebration with nonstop activities and events for the whole family from Thanksgiving weekend to New Year’s day.

Start your day in the comfort of your vacation home, where you can prepare a home cooked Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, or visit one of the delicious restaurantsin the Village.

During the evening on November 25^th, head over to Beaver Creek to attend the 31^st annual Christmas Tree Lightning and 7^th annual Gingerbread Competition.

During Christmas season many towns slow down and close businesses. Not Vail. The town is decorated with colorful glowing lights and evergreens, while nature provides stunning mountains covered in sparkling snow by day and glittering stars in the sky by night. One picture perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the area is with a horse-drawn carriage ride. During the scenic ride you can crawl under a warm blanket or enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.

 

During the winter there are plenty of events and activities to keep guests busy. Guests can visit the spa for a relaxing day, hit the slopes for great skiing, build a snowman, go on a scenic snowshoe hike, go ice skating or go ski biking. If you visit from December 5th-11th, be sure to attend Snow Daze and if you visit from December 18th-25th, you can take part in Vail Holidaze.

 

There are no other holidays that gather the family together like Thanksgiving and Christmas, so why not visit Vail for a holiday to be remembered? Start or continue your family tradition today by booking your holiday 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.

Have you been waking up each morning with excitement? Immediately going to the window to see if snow has fallen overnight? Or religiously checking your computer for the snow report, hoping you somehow slept for a month and all the resorts have suddenly opened? Well if you have, you are not alone. I have been impatiently waiting for the beginning of ski season, even though it was only three months ago that I was taking runs at Arapahoe Basin on the 4^th of July.

It was a great day to end a wonderful season, complete with friends and a grill in the parking lot. But as I look out my office window at Vail, I look forward to the coming season, and pray that this year will be as fulfilling as the last.

While Vail is not open yet, the ski season in Colorado has already begun! On October 7^th, 2011, Wolf Creek opened, recording the earliest opening day in Colorado’s history. Arapahoe Basin followed soon after on October 11^th, this past weekend Copper and Keystone Opened! So get out your calendars, put a big red “X” on the following dates, and start the countdown to what is predicted to be another La Nina winter!

 

• ·        Keystone: November 4^th
  
• ·        Copper Mountain: November 4^th
  
• ·        Breckenridge: November 11^th
• ·        Vail: November 18^th
• ·        ***Snowmass: Now December 10^th
•          Beaver Creek: November 23^rd
• ·        Crested Butte: November 23^rd
  
• ·        Aspen Mountain: November 24^th
• ·        Telluride: November 24^th
• ·        Buttermilk: December 10^th
• ·        Aspen Highlands: December 10^th
  

 

Whether you‘re coming to ski on opening day or sometime mid-season  be sure to 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.

 

 

Head on over to Beaver Creek and rent some snowshoes this winter to participate in their annual Snowshoe Adventure Race! Experts and first-timers of all ages are encouraged to participate. The event includes a 5K, 10K and a children’s 1K for those 12 and under.

 

The Snowshoe Adventure Race in Beaver Creek happens in three rounds over the course of three months. On January 8th, February 12th and March 11th there will be free snowshoe demos and basic instruction before the races begin. Also expect food, a prize raffle and an awards ceremony after each event. The competition really heats up, so start training now!

 

If you’re excited about snowshoeing, but not about racing, Beaver Creek has over 32 kilometers of groomed and rustic Cross Country and Snowshoe trails. Hop on the Strawberry Park Express Lift and pay a visit to McCoy Park for breath-taking views of three glorious mountain ranges. McCoy Park’s varying degrees of terrain, means plenty of trails for all skill levels.

 

Don’t want to hit the trails alone? Take a full or half-day snowshoe tour and discover local plants and animals as you learn about local history. Free hour-and-a-half long family tours are available on Tuesdays! And check out Beaver Creek’s new Moonlight tour between 6:30 and 8:30 for a special nighttime treat under the stars.

 

Whether you are planning a leisurely vacation or looking for some competition this winter, take a trip over to Beaver Creek where you’ll find exactly what you’re in the mood for. Call one of our Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals.®  today to get your plans in motion.