This year (well, technically next year in 2012) will mark Aspen Gay Ski Week’s 35^th anniversary of hosting the event. Running from January 15-22 in beautiful Aspen, Colorado, this GLBT friendly event is expected to be a blast as always. They are pulling out the stops this year for the anniversary, and will be celebrating the best of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s by hosting decade themed parties throughout the week. And remember to bring your best and/or most outlandish outfits because there will be prizes given away at the decade themed parties throughout the week! These parties are not the only thing going on for Aspen Gay Ski Week—there is an opening cocktail reception, a pool party, après ski parties, a Downhill Costume Parade and a comedy show.

Here’s some footage from last year’s Downhill Costume Parade (from PlumTV):

Participants are able to purchase a single pass (the Patron Pass) for $750 that will not only include admission to the aforementioned events and activities, but also VIP access to all of the events, a 1 day lift ticket, and a week long pass to the Aspen Club & Spa. Be sure to take advantage of this pass—unpackaged it costs $1025. Also, the ticket price includes a charitable donation to The Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund (RFGLCF), so you can SAVE BIG while knowing that you also made a donation to charity. There are various other passes available as well, and you can also buy tickets to each individual event at the door. Here is a schedule of events to take place during the week:

Sunday

• Hospitality Suite  – 8 am
• Apres Ski Hot Tub Parties @Limelight Lodge – 3 pm
• Friendship Dinner @Ellina – 6 pm
• Opening Party @Baldwin Gallery – 9 pm
• Late Night @Escobar- 11:58 pm

Monday

• Friendship Dinner @L’Hostaria – 6 pm
• Film “3″ @Wheeler Opera House- 8:15 pm
• Late Night: 70s Glow Party @Hunter Bar – 10 pm

Tuesday

• Friendship Dinner @St. Regis – 6 pm
• Film “Going Down in La-La Land” @Wheeler Opera House – 7:15 pm
• Late Night: 80s Prom @Escobar – 10 pm

Wednesday

• Aspen Club & Spa Day – 8 am
• Friendship Dinner @Elevation – 6 pm
• Boutique Night – 6:30 pm
• Late Night @Caribou Club – 10 pm

Thursday

• Friendship Dinner @Gisella – 6 pm
• Play Reading “Unmarried in America” @Wheeler Opera House – 7 pm
• Comedy Night: Demented Divas @Belly Up – 9 pm
• Late Night @Belly Up – 9 pm

Friday

• Downhill Costume Parade & Contest @ Aspen Mountain – 12 pm
• Friendship Dinner @Cache Cache – 6 pm
• Late Night: Studio 2054 Party @Sundeck – 9 pm

Saturday

• Friendship Dinner @Brexi – 6 pm
• Weekend Pool Party @Aspen Recreation Center – 9 pm

 

The Limelight Lodge is the official sponsor of Aspen Gay Ski Week, so this will definitely be where it’s happening. This stylish lodge is located right in the town of aspen and has a pool and hot-tub, free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and complimentary breakfast, among other things. Also, the lodge is pet friendly! So be sure to bring your dog along for a great week in Aspen. This property is booking fast, however, so be sure to check out some of our other lodging options just in case.

 

Aspen Gay Ski week is the GLBT travel event of the winter, so be sure to come check it out! Find out more about how our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^®  at  Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals can help you book the perfect Aspen Gay Ski Week vacation!

 

Unique hardly describes the stunning Castlewood residence in Telluride.  Castlewood is Telluride’s finest private home marveling 17,300 square feet of indoor living space. And that’s just the beginning…

I challenge you to find anything quite like the estate, which includes

• Amazing hot springs that are built into the residence.  As the story goes, the hot springs were discovered many years ago and were enclosed within the guest house, left mostly in their “natural state” with exposed rock, waterfalls, and two tubs to soak in.
• Exterior hot tub outside of the 2-story master suite.
• History. Constructed to appear nearly 200 years old, you’ll find rich patina on every surface throughout the estate.
• A Murphy bed in the wine cellar tasting room!
• 3 twin beds in the observatory tower (yes there is an observatory tower)
• 4 washers and dryers
• 10 bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms, 6 steam showers and room to sleep 35 people!
• 3 interconnected but separate living quarters
• A theater – you have never seen a home theater like this!

Now imagine your perfect day of skiing…Got it? Castlewood is bound to offer all you can dream of and more. You will wake to sun rising over the San Juan mountain range outside your bedroom window, and be greeted soon after waking by a steam shower. Follow it up with a cup of Joe in the stunning gourmet kitchen (one of 3 full kitchens available to our guests).  Once you’re ready for the slopes, head over to the guest house to warm your boots and gloves prior to hopping on your skis and skiing down Double Cabins Ski Run. Ski. Ski. Ski.

Once you’ve exhausted your muscles covering all of Telluride’s diverse terrain, ski home for lunch, perhaps prepared by a private chef.  After your meal, why not opt for a private in-home massage in the guest house’s Spa room.  It already has massage tables set up, and even includes a incredible mechanical massage table for those impromptu massages! Then get out there and ski some more—you will have plenty of time to relax in luxury when you return home where the Castlewood Hot Springs await your return!

This magnificent room features a main hot spring pool and a separate hydro full-body massage tub, sauna and steam bath. While all of this is very tantalizing, what really tops off this room is the ice cold beer available from one of five taps in the room, filled with your favorite beer.

 

Once your body is rejuvenated, go ahead and challenge someone to a game of billiards in the game room or dance to your favorite tunes on the surround sound speaker system. After having some fun, there is nothing like a big meal in the Great Room where you’re surrounded by antique woods and fine furnishings.

With 23 beds at the property, it will be an adventure just deciding where you want to lay your head! Eight of the bedrooms have their own flat screen TV with access to the house media system.  This means that you can start your night watching a movie in the theater and then finish that same movie in your bedroom.  If you’re feeling in the mood for a good book, make your way to library for an expansive collection of classic reads.

 

The Castlewood estate is the perfect place for family reunions, wedding receptions, or any large group traveling to Telluride.  If you’re bringing a crew of people with you, look no further than the Castlewood estate to accommodate all of your group’s needs.  Call our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® today at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to learn more about the Castlewood estate and book your dream vacation today.

Still no snow up here in the Colorado Rockies, and at this point we are praying for better luck next year (which is now in 4 days). I have a feeling that the lack of snow in December only means more snow and bigger storms in January, February and March. This is very exciting, so make sure one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to come out and ski some powder in the coming months. Be sure to contact us at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to make planning your short trip or lengthy vacation a breeze.

Arapahoe Basin: 24hr: 0 in  72hr: 0 in

There is no new snow at A-Basin, leaving Montezuma Bowl and East Wall closed. However, Treeline Terrain Park just opened yesterday and the park jumps will be opening soon!

 

Beaver Creek: 24hr: 0 in  72hr: 0 in

There is no new snow in Beaver Creek, but that didn’t keep them from opening Rodeo Terrain Park and Park 101. Beaver Creek now has 1325 ski-able acres, 113 trails open and ALL 25 lifts open.

 

Keystone: 24hr: 0 in  72hr: 0 in

Keystone just opened Spillway run yesterday, opening up 1,137 ski-able acres with ALL 20 lifts running. Bergman Bowl, however, is temporarily closed due to snow conditions. On the other hand, Kidtopia is now officially open! Kidtopia is a fitting blend of a utopia for kids, as there are many different activities for kids. There is also a huge ice castle, one of the only of its kind in the nation.

 

Ski Cooper: 24hr: 0 in  72hr: 0 in

Ski Cooper officially opened its lifts on December 24th, and will be running 7 days a week until closing day on April 8, 2012.

 

 

If I were going through a check list of everything that I think it important when choosing lodging for a ski vacation, the Capitol Peak Lodge in Snowmass would fill the list with check marks.  Located in the new Base Village of Snowmass, Capitol Peak Lodge is a ski-in/ski-out condominium property, providing  immediate access to Snowmass Resort’s 3,132 acres of skiable terrain.  With that large of a mountain to cover in a day, it’s important for me to be right there on the slopes.  I’d rather pay a little bit more for a ski-in/ski-out location, because on my annual ski vacation things like figuring out bus schedules and lugging my skis around is not something that interests me.  Who wants to carry their skis to the slopes when you could be skiing on them right out the door? …Ski-in/ski-out is the way to go.

At the Capitol Peak Lodge everything in the studio, one, two, and three bedroom condos is state-of-the-art.  Each rental features an HD flat screen TV and DVD player, Ipod docking station, gas fireplace and full kitchen, featuring the latest modern appliances.   While at Capitol Peak Lodge I can ski a few runs until I’m tired, and then ski back to my condo to cook a hearty meal for lunch before I head back on the mountain. I actually start to feel sorry for those stuck in the lodge spending $12+ on a burger, drinking $6 PBRs, when I’m chilling on the couch in my room, sitting by the fireplace on my lunch break.  At the end of the day I’ll typically take advantage of Capitol Peak Guests’ complimentary access to the Snowmass Club, a 19,000 square foot state of the art athletic club.  Swimming laps or soaking in the hot tub does a sore body some good after a day on the mountain, and when I really feel like pulling out all the stops I’ll relax with one of their many services offered at the spa.

Other amenities I enjoy while staying at Capitol Peak Lodge are the valet, daily housekeeping service, underground parking and complimentary Aspen Airport transportation–they really take care of you here.  Next time you’re looking for lodging in Snowmass, Colorado, I highly recommend checking out the Capitol Peak Lodge.

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

Well, it has been a tough week for Colorado–the Rockies have hardly gotten any snow as of late, and there were serious snow storms on the eastern plains halting travel plans and creating danger for travelers. However, it is snowing up here in Vail now, and more snow is expected to be on the way!

Aspen: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 5in

Aspen is one of the only mountains in the Colorado Rockies that got snow this week, giving some much needed powder to anxious skiers. The snow helped open up the 560 ft long superpipe, which is one of the many features that will be used in the 2012 Winter X Games.

 

Breckenridge: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 0in

The Dew Tour got of to a great start this past weekend in Breckenridge. Riders killed it in the superpipe and in the Freeway Park. Breckenridge has now opened the park to the public, giving park enthusiasts a chance to ride a truly spectacular course. Also, tomorrow Breckenridge will open Peak 10. With new snow on the way, this is sure to be a great opening day for Peak 10

 

Copper: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 0in

Copper opened up its Rendezvous Lift yesterday, providing access to 15 lifts and 593 acres.

 

Keystone: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 0in

Keystone will be reopening NASTAR today after a brief hiatus due to snow conditions. Check out what Keystone has open on the mountain.

 

Vail: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 0in

While no new runs or lifts have opened at Vail since the last update, they have moved up their opening time from 9 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

 

So get out there this weekend and enjoy all the new terrain!

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized winter ski vacation to all of our destinations.

    Telluride is a unique mountain village. It is registered as a National Historic District as it has kept its fascinating late Victorian charm since the 1960′s. Telluride is constantly recognized as on the the Top 10 ski destinations in North America for its stylish appeal, modern luxury, outstanding amenities and stunning mountains. 

 

One property that continually separates itself from the pack is the Franz Klammer Logde. The lodge is located steps from the ski area and has everything one would need to escape from the stress and pressure of day to day life. Here you can bond with friends and family and enjoy everything that is good in life.

When you arrive to the luxurious Franz Klammer Lodge, you will be met by stunning alpine surroundings along with complimentary valet parking, ensuring you that you just arrived to the vacation of a lifetime. When you enter the lodge, you are met by floor to ceiling windows which open to a balcony overlooking the mountainous region. The same views can be seen from the spacious 2 and 3 bedroom residences in the lodge.

In each units living room you can warm yourself by the cozy fireplace, enjoy music or watch a movie on the TV with premium cable channels and a DVD player. Guests can dine at various Telluride restaurants or stay in and cook in the full kitchen in each unit. The bathrooms are overwhelming, including jetted bathtubs and a separate shower. There are also bathrobes, designer toiletries and makeup mirrors to make your stay as comfortable as possible. I would recommend putting on one the bathrobes and a pair of slippers and adventuring down to the indoor/outdoor pools and hot tubs to relax at the end of the day. From there, you are guaranteed to have a good night sleep on the Tempur-Pedic mattresses and premium bedding so that you can wake up ready to explore the rest of the Frans Klammer Lodge and all of Telluride.

When it’s time to hit the slopes, complimentary ski valet will have your gear ready for you at the exit so you can be ready to get on the mountain right away. After a day of great Telluride skiing, return to the Lodge send the kids to the game room while you retire to the full service on-site spa.

 

If you happen to have business to take care of while on vacation, the Franz Klammer Lodge has a business center with a small meeting room and secretarial services. You can also use the complimentary wireless high-speed internet to stay connected on the web.

 

If you plan on coming out to Telluride this season, be sure to request the Franz Klammer Lodge for superior accommodations. Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation to Telluride or any of our fun-filled destinations.

 

I have lived in Vail, Colorado for 3 months now, but the time is coming for me to leave and go back home to Denmark. I came to Colorado to work for Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals as an Intern in September 2011, not knowing what to expect regarding the company or the community. But I have no doubt that I made the right decision moving here.

 

During my internship at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, I did not only learn about the American working culture, but also about the Mountain town working culture. I have come to enjoy the culture very much—it makes work something to look forward to every morning. The fun coworkers, challenging work tasks and heartwarming office dogs welcome me each day when I arrive to work, always giving me a great start to the day. At Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals everyone works hard but plays harder. During lunch breaks employees are hitting the slopes, going to yoga or hiking in the surrounding mountains. I am going to miss my coworkers and new friends at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, so to all of them “be well, do good work and keep in touch”.

 

For my last weekend in Vail I wanted to do something fun, so I participated in a classic ski resort tradition (just a few months early). Dressing up in a costume on the mountain for closing day is an old tradition, but I did it here for my last weekend and it was hilarious. My costume was a blight yellow chicken costume with a head piece on top of my ski helmet and orange feet taped to my ski boots.

That same day I had a friend visiting from Denver who had never skied before, so we stayed on the beginner slopes while I was teaching her how to stop and how to turn. The beginner slope we rode was up by Adventure Ridge in Lionshead at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola. At adventure ridge there was a ski school filled with kids, so half of the day I was doing the Chicken Dance with a bunch of laughing kids. I did not know the Chicken Dance before that day, but every time people saw me, they started singing and doing the Chicken Dance.

 

The chicken outfit brought more laughs later on when I was riding up the lift. I was riding over a beginner slope when a young skier began the run with his ski instructor. The boy tripped and fell down into the snow on his back, gazing up into the sky. Just as he fell, my chair was going over him and he shouted “there is a chicken!” The concerned instructor replied “are you okay, did you hurt your head?” The boy then responded “no, there really is a chicken!” as he pointed up at me. Then we shared a quick laugh as I continued up the mountain.

 

After a long day of practicing with my friend, we skied down the whole mountain. It was a long trip for her but she was very proud when she got to the end, and I was a proud and tired teacher. The next day I called my father in Denmark to thank him for all his help and patience teaching me how to ski when I was a kid. Being a teacher for a day helped me realize how technical skiing is and that it is a much harder job than I thought.

 

Another really fun activity I did in during my last week was tubing at Adventure Ridge by the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead. Tubing is where you sit or lay on top of a big rubber ring filled with air and then ride down a snow track as fast as possible. The ride makes your whole body tickle and it is a thrill that I want to experience over and over again.

My stay in Vail has been a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to come back and visit sometime!

 

Find out how Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals and their team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^®  can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of their fun-filled destinations.

With the snow that fell this week, resorts are continuing to open up more and more terrain each day. Here are a few updates for the weekend:

 

Keystone: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 2in

This weekend Keystone will be opening Argentine, Discovery, Summit Express and Wayback Lifts. Wayback will give skiers and riders some new terrain towards the backside of Keystone, while the other lifts keep guests on the front side. Once Outback Express opens up, nearly all of Keystone will be open! Check out what went on this week with the opening of the Main Street Jumps:

 

Telluride: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 6in

This weekend Lift 14 (Gold Hill Express) will be opening in Telluride. This opens up some more advanced terrain and tree runs for Telluride guests. With about 6 inches in the last few days, lapping this lift is sure to be great.

 

Beaver Creek: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 6in

 

As of this weekend, Beaver Creek will have 24/25 of its lifts open with over 1,000 acres of access! With the recent snow, the Rose Bowl is sure to be a good time.

 

Aspen: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 10in

This weekend, Aspen Highlands will be opening about 70% of its terrain. Campbird, Teaser and Lower Larkspur will be opening at Buttermilk, with the superpipe to open later next week. Aspen Highlands adds Smuggler and portions of the Y Zones (you’ll have to visit and see). Finally, Snowmass is opening the Two Creeks portal, allowing guests to ski Sheer Bliss, Wildcat and Upper Campground. Little Makaha, Upper Snowmass and the Low Down Parks are also all now open.

 

So get out there this weekend and enjoy all the new terrain! Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized winter vacation to all of our destinations.

 

 

If you have never stayed in a ski-in/ski-out property while on vacation, you are making a big mistake. There is no comparison to the convenience added when you can ski out the door in the morning and then ski home at the end of the day–no buses or shuttles required. When trying to pick out the “top 5″ ski-in/ski-out properties in Beaver Creek, I couldn’t help but picking 6. So I settled with 3 condo properties, 2 homes and 1 hotel (listed in that order). Enjoy!

 

1. The Borders Lodge

The Borders Lodge in Beaver Creek may be one of the best ski-in/ski-out values in Beaver Creek. The property is just outside the Elkhorn Lift, providing access to all of Beaver Creek. The property has private ski lockers, a heated pool and a hot tub. Check out the Borders Lodge for an affordable vacation without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

 

 

2. McCoy Peak Lodge

The McCoy Peak Lodge offers condos that truly stand out from the rest. These luxurious slope side condos have maple wood floors and gourmet kitchens, and are just seconds from the lift! Enjoy the heated pool and hot tub, or walk out the door to the ice skating rink. These condos are a great fit for those looking for ski-in/ski-out lodging while maintaining maximum comfort.

 

3. Snow Cloud Lodge

The Snow Cloud Lodge of Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek offers premier lodging right on the ski slopes! This property looks out over the slopes, and is just seconds from the Bachelor Gulch Express Lift. Guests can take pride in warming up to the fireplace or hopping in the Ritz Carlton hot tub after a day of skiing when staying at the Snow Cloud Lodge.

 

4. Strawberry Park Residence.

The Strawberry Park Residence is a private estate tucked into the Strawberry Park neighborhood of Beaver Creek. This luxurious ski-in/ski-out residence is highlighted by a 3 car garage, media room, private patio and steam shower. Offering great views of the Colorado Rockies and Beaver Creek, this 6 bedroom home is a great getaway for families and groups.

 

5. Cresta Residence

The Cresta Residence is one of the nicest homes in the Arrowhead Village of Beaver Creek. This 5 bedroom ski-in/ski-out home opens right up to the slopes, with the living area opening to expansive views of the mountains. The property also has a private hot tub on its deck, and is also a great choice for family and group vacations.

 

6. Park Hyatt

I couldn’t write about ski-in/ski-out lodging in Beaver Creek without talking about the Park Hyatt Hotel. This magnificent property has 2 bedroom units, each complete with a deluxe kitchen, fireplace and washer/dryer. The convenience inside the rooms is equally as great when you walk outside, with some of the best skiing, shopping and dining in the Rockies. Take your pick from the many hot tubs on the property, or pay a visit to the on-site Allegria Spa to relax at the end of the day. And with on-site bars, lounges and restaurants, there’s not much to complain about at the Park Hyatt.

 

Enjoy surfing through our Beaver Creek ski-in/ski-out properties, and we hope to see you soon!

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized ski-in/ski-out vacation.

 

It has been snowing up in the Colorado Rockies the past few days, providing skiers with fresh snow and new terrain. Vail, Copper, Keystone and Telluride have are all opening new terrain as we speak, opening up more and more of the mountain for adventure. So here’s a quick update on whats going on:

 

Vail: 24 hr: 4in.  72 hr: 6in.

With 6 inches in the last few days, Vail has now opened up Chair 10 (Highline Express Lift), Chair 26 (Pride Express Lift) and Chair 14 (Sourdough Express Lift). These lifts have opened up runs from the far west side all the way to the far east side of the mountain.

 

Copper: 24 hr: 2in. 72 hr: 2in.

The new Union Creek High Speed Quad chairlift opened today in Copper, giving riders access to new terrain on the western side of the front of the mountain.

 

Keystone: 24 hr: 2in. 72 hr: 2in.

This Friday, December 16, 2011, Keystone will open up night skiing every night until January 1st. This is a great opportunity to extend your day and have runs all to yourself (but dress warm, because when the sun goes down it gets chilly). Night skiing is great because your ticket to Breckenridge or Keystone is valid for night skiing! Spend your day skiing in Breckenridge, then swing over to Keystone around 3 or 4 in the afternoon and ski for a few more hours.

 

Breckenridge: 24 hr: 3in. 72 hr: 3in.

Even with the Dew Tour and official celebration of Breckenridge’s 50th birthday, they are still continuing to open more parts of the mountain. Tomorrow (Friday, Dec 16) Breckenridge will open its C Chair, providing access to Gold King, Sundown, and Lower Peerless runs. The lift is in between Peak 8 and Peak 9, so be sure to get over there early and get some fresh snow.

 

Telluride: 24 hr: 2in. 72 hr: 8in.

Telluride has been getting some good snow over the last week, resulting in the opening of Chair 6 (Apex Lift), Chair 12 (Prospect Bowl Express), Chair 14 (Gold Hill Express) and lastly Chair 15 (Revelation Lift) providing access to Revelation Bowl. This opens up more advanced slopes further up the mountain, giving skiers some great new terrain.

 

It looks as if things are starting to pick up for the season, and more snow is on the way. So  get up to the Colorado Rockies and find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized winter ski vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

 

Col•o•ra•do (kah-luh-RA-doe) – a state in the west central united states that serves as the ultimate year-round playground due to its undeniable beauty, natural terrain, and perfect seasons. Colorado natives see no reason to leave, and non-natives get here as fast as they can because some just want to play.

This past summer I was introduced to various events that come through Colorado like the Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash and Spartan Challenge.  All of these circuit events are obstacle adventure races that require participants to get down and dirty on a course that tests one’s endurance, strength, stamina, and mental grit. These people don’t mess around…

Footage from last years Warrior Dash

These events are gaining popularity each year as more and more events of this nature continue to spring up. I’m going to let you in on a little secret about THE next event in the world of obstacle adventure racing – The Innagural Mojo Man Adventure Race will take place in Vail, Colorado over the 2012 Memorial Day weekend. Produced by Highline Sports and Entertainment, Mojo Man will occur right before the Teva Mountain Games and give Vail a surge of visitors over Memorial Day Weekend.

Mojo Man will feature Vail Mountain as the backdrop for the event, with participants racing between Vail and Lionshead Villages. The races will be designed to cater to racers of different ages and athletic abilities.  This is perfect for me, because as much fun as something like the Tough Mudder looks, I could never compete amongst those athletes!  Also, Mojo Man could potentially get the summer season started a week early in Vail—who doesn’t like that?  I look forward to seeing how plans for the race will develop over the next few months, and I will be sure to update you along the way.

Mojo Man will be one of the many great events going on in Colorado this summer, so call our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® to start planning your vacation to Colorado today.

When visiting Aspen, Colorado, there is more than great skiing at your fingertips. Yes, there is terrific dining and wonderful shopping, but there is also great ice skating. Aspen has 3 different rinks, each one different from the other, so be sure to get some ice skating in while you visit!

The Aspen Ice Garden is a large (85’ x 185’) indoor ice arena that hosts public skating, competitive and pickup ice hockey along with curling. This well maintained rink also offers private instruction for beginners. This rink is open year-round and is one of the best maintained rinks in the Rockies.

The Lewis Ice Arena is a full sized (85’ x 200’) rink with spectator seating and a skate shop. The rink offers public skate, drop in Hockey and figure skating lessons and classes for all ages. The arena has full locker rooms with showers. The rink also offers skate sharpening services for $7 – $10. The rink is available to be rented out as well if you are looking to have a private party.

• The Lewis Ice Arena is used more for recreational hockey, while the Aspen Ice Garden is used more for open skating.

• Admittance to the indoor rinks is $10.50 for adults and $7 for children, skate rentals are $3.

The Silver Circle Rink is a fantastic outdoor rink located in downtown Aspen at the base of the mountain. This picturesque rink is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and is a great place to spend the evening under the starlit sky. The rink also has skate rentals, so be sure to bring the whole family after a day on the slopes and enjoy skating around the rink.

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.

 

 

If you are looking for a versatile mountain for skiing, you’ve found it at Copper Mountain. The jaw dropping scenery and diverse terrain may just make you never want to leave.

Copper Mountain is naturally divided by ability levels, keeping experts away from beginners and vice versa. This allows everyone to ski within their comfort zone, creating a better atmosphere for everyone. Copper Mountain is also only 90 miles from Denver International Airport and 55 miles from Eagle County Regional Airport, making it an easily accessible ski resort. Most skiers and snowboarders prefer to fly in early in the day so they can catch some fresh powder on the same day they arrive to town.

Another way to catch fresh powder is by taking a snowcat up Copper’s Tucker Mountain. The snowcat is free for anyone with a valid Copper lift ticket, and opens up a whole other area of the mountain. During the winter, the snowcat runs from 10 am to 1:30 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and Tucker Mountain shuts down at 2 pm. After riding the snowcat almost to the peak, you are free to walk around and find a spot to drop in. The snowcat provides you with access that is the closest thing to a big backcountry skiing experience you will ever find inbounds at any ski resort. The variety of terrain on Tucker Mountain is so amazing that your smile may become permanent for the rest of the day after a breathtaking run.

Another great thing about Copper Mountain is the FREE TOURS!

• Copper Mountain offers free snowshoeing tours every day. The Resort Ambassadors will guide you around the snow covered mountain and the forest while teaching you about the history and specifics of the area. The tour is limited to 18 participants per tour on a first come-first served basis. You must be 16 years or older to go on the tour.

• There is also a free mountain orientation tour on skis or snowboards for people who are able to comfortably ski blue slopes and are 15 or older (anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). This tour is offered twice daily.

*For more information about these tours contact the Adventure Desk in Copper Sports – Center: 970.968.2318.

After a long day on the mountain visit one of the many restaurants in Copper. One of my favorites is the Double Diamond Bar & Grill, which is located just steps from the Super Bee Lift and is a true family-owned restaurant. One of my favorite dishes is their Colorado-style specialty, barbequed baby back ribs. The ribs fall of the bone and melt in your mouth—just wonderful!

If you decide to visit Copper, 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

This past summer, Colorado hosted the 2011 US Pro Cycling Challenge, a bike race covering over 600 miles through Colorado’s mountainous terrain. The magnificent race not only brought the top 3 finishers from the Tour de France, it also lured in over 1 million spectators, creating an electrifying energy throughout the host cities and the entire state. Due to its great success, the US Pro Cycling Challenge will return again to Colorado in the Summer of 2012!

The race will be held from August 20-26, and again will go throughout the state of Colorado, showcasing the beautiful terrain that the state is known for. However, the race will change slightly this year, as new cities have been chosen to host each stage.

 

Here is a list of dates and cities where the

US Pro Cycling Challenge will take place:

 

Stage 1, August 20: Durango to Telluride

Stage 2, August 21: Montrose to Crested Butte

Stage 3, August 22: Gunnison to Aspen

Stage 4, August 23: Aspen to Beaver Creek

Stage 5, August 24: Breckenridge to Colorado Springs

Stage 6, August 25: Golden to Boulder

Stage 7, August 26: Denver

While some cities from last year are not on the route this year, such as Steamboat Springs and Vail, new cities have been added, like Boulder and Beaver Creek. It will be interesting to see if there is ever a permanent schedule, or if the host cities will continue to change.

Either way, if you plan on coming to any of these destinations to follow the 2012 US Pro Cycling Challenge or just to visit any time of year, find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized mountain vacation.

 

Check out highlights from the 2011 US Pro Cycling Challenge:

Mountains’ terrain is constantly changing, especially at the beginning of the season. So here’s a quick look at whats going on in the Colorado Rockies this weekend.

Aspen/Snowmass

This weekend, Aspen Highlands will open parts of Highland Bowl, Steeplechase and Temerity. Buttermilk will start its season by opening its Tiehack Express lift on Saturday. This now means that top-to-bottom skiing will be available at the 4 Aspen/Snowmass mountains. This is great news for the area, as the year has gotten off to a slow start. Also, the remodeled Merry-Go-Round on-mountain restaurant will open today at Aspen Highlands **show up from 1-3 for an opening day party!

Breckenridge

Peak 7 opened today at Breckenridge, expanding their terrain to 420 acres out of the available 2,358. While there is still much to be opened at Breckenridge, the opening of Peak 7 is great improvement to the mountain.

Vail

Parts of Game Creek Bowl are set to open today, giving skiers even more access to Vail. While the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin are still some time away from opening, expanding access to Game Creek Bowl with the Game Creek Express Lift marks the start of a great winter.

Keystone

Keystone’s Main Street Jump Line is set to open this weekend, which often deemed as some of the best jumps in the nation. Pro ski and snowboard teams come to Keystone every year to film and train on these jumps.

Beaver Creek

There are big things going on in Beaver Creek this weekend with the opening of 4 new lifts. Rose Bowl is opening up with a new high speed quad, Upper and Lower Beaver Creek Express will be running. and finally the Riverfront Gondola will be opening. These changes will all take place on Saturday, just in time for a great weekend in the mountains.

 

So come visit the Colorado Rockies this winter and be sure to find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized ski vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

You could say I’m addicted to traveling. I’ve traveled to many places around the world, and can say that my most memorable travel experiences have been those either spent with a local or created due to a locals’ advice. Most will agree that planning a vacation to a new place can be overwhelming, especially when making decisions on where to stay, what activities to do and what companies to use. These important decisions are typically driven by guide books and the internet, leaving travelers wondering whether they made the right decisions or not.
That is why Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals fits so well into a unique niche in vacation planning. Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.® is not only our tagline, it’s exactly what people get when they call any of our offices in the Colorado Rockies. Whether you call Telluride, Aspen, Vail or Breckenridge, the person who answers the phone is local to the area they love to call home and takes pride in helping you plan your perfect mountain vacation.

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals’ staff is a group of mountain enthusiasts who (in the winter) arrive to work early and stay late in order to catch fresh powder lines during the day. We can suggest a lodging property because we’ve seen it, recommend epic ski runs because we’ve skied them, and we will be here during your vacation to answer any questions you may have. No one else in the industry possesses the passion and product knowledge that we do and it clearly shows in our guests’ experiences.  We want people to leave with such an amazing feeling about their vacation that they are already thinking about coming back again.
It’s easy to find out what’s “touristy” in town.  However, it often takes time to search around for the best runs on the mountain or the best après ski cocktail in town. These things require local advice. Lucky for you, our destination specialists enjoy helping vacationers find out what to do and where to stay to better suit their vacation experience. We love where we live and take pride in the service we provide our guests. So plan your next ski vacation with one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.® and you’ll never want to do it any other way.

 

Snowmass is a beautiful village located in the Brush Creek Valley in the Colorado Rockies. It is a small village, and while it lacks the vastness of other resorts it is consistently rated as one of the top family ski resorts in the United States. Upon your arrival to Snowmass you will immediately get a feeling of comfort and peace. Snowmass will meet your every need; they have casual and fine dining that will make your taste buds dance, excellent shopping and wonderful family entertainment. Also, Snowmass ski area is the largest of the four Aspen/Snowmass Mountains (the others are Ajax, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk). In fact, it is larger than the other three mountains combined, so you will always be able to find a variety of terrain creating challenges for all skill levels.  You will never get bored here, as the event and activity schedule for Snowmass is packed. Further, if you ever wanted to experience something else you are just minutes away from Aspen village, Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk Mountain.

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals has a large inventory in Snowmass, all you need to do is browse our site or pick up the phone and give us a call. We will find the property that fulfills all your vacation needs while providing superb concierge services for all your favorite activities. Your dream property could, for instance, be one of the beautiful condominiums at the Hayden Lodge in heart of the new Base Village in Snowmass.

The Hayden Lodge is located slope-side with ski-in/ski-out access, providing quick and easy access to the Mountain throughout the day. They offer Studio, 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom condos, along with hotel rooms, giving you plenty of options for your lodging. All properties have a fully-equipped kitchen with Energy Star rated appliances, allowing you to cook for your whole party. If you are traveling with a loved one, you might even be lucky enough to get breakfast in bed!

In all of the rooms you will find soft Egyptian cotton sheets, washer/dryer units and a gas fireplace. You can also use the complimentary high-speed internet to upload all your magnificent vacation pictures and make everyone else jealous, wishing they were vacationing with you. On-site you will also find a recreational Jacuzzi, which is perfect for unwinding after a long day exploring Snowmass. Another amazing amenity at the Hayden Lodge is the daily housekeeping service. After all, it’s always great to return to a cleaned room after a day of skiing on your well deserved vacation. The Lodge also has a heated parking garage, so feel free to bring a car with you. However, there is a free shuttle to the Aspen Airport and a free shuttle within Snowmass Village.

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.

Ski-in/ski-out properties in Breckenridge, Colorado are some of the most desired ski vacation properties in the nation. Breckenridge is a unique town where a property can have great ski-in/ski-out access and still be walking distance or a short gondola ride away from the center of the town.

The town of Breckenridge is fabulous. It has a plenty of restaurants and shops to keep everyone happy while maintaining that unique small mountain town feel. So check out these ski-in/ski-out properties, and don’t hesitate to call us today to check availability and plan your winter ski vacation!

1. Blue Sky Breckenridge (Between Peak 8 and Peak 9)
   Blue Sky Breckenridge is a luxurious property that is a great place to stay for families and couples alike. They have 1-4 bedroom units available, each of which have a private balcony with great views of the Rockies. The property has 3 hot tubs and an outdoor pool, and if you don’t feel like taking the short walk to town, there is a complimentary shuttle that will take you around Breckenridge. The property also has a Charter Sports Shop in it, making it easy to rent and buy equipment for the mountain.
2. Grand Timber Lodge (Between Peak 8 and Peak 9)
   The Grand Timber Lodge has a perfect ski-in/ski-out location sure to make your vacation as convenient as possible. Access to both Peaks 8 and 9 are right outside the door, so you can explore a variety of terrain right from the start. There is an on-site restaurant in the lodge, perfect for stops during the day or for a nice dinner. The lodge has 2 pools and 6 hot-tubs. What more can you ask for?
3. Saddlewood Townhomes (Between Peak 8 and Peak 9)
   The Saddlewood Townhomes are located on the Snowflake run, privately tucked into the pines just off of the run. The secluded townhomes have a garage and private hot tub, along with a full kitchen and fireplace. These townhomes are a great alternative to condos or hotels, giving guests privacy while keeping great ski-in/ski-out access.
4. Crystal Peak Lodge (Peak 7)
   This luxurious property is located at the base of Peak 7, offering a little different ski-in/ski-out terrain than the first 3 properties. Peak 7 can be accessed by the gondola, but there is also a shuttle available to take you down to Main St. Sevens restaurant is located at the base of the lodge, and has great apres. 1 to 4 bedroom units are available, so dont hesitate to travel with a group or bring the whole family.
5. One Ski Hill Place (Peak 8 )
   And of course, I saved my favorite for last. One Ski Hill Place is a new lodge located at the base of Peak 8, 50 feet from Breckenridge’s main lifts. The property has rooms that look straight out onto the mountain, so you can relax on the deck and watch people skiing down or brainstorm about where your next run will be. The spa on the lower level is fantastic, with hot tubs, pools and saunas sure to ease you muscles and mind at the end of the day. It really doesn’t get more convenient than this, as the gondola to town is located on the main deck outside the lodge. There is also a bar and restaurant downstairs, great for apres or a break during the day.

If you are unfamiliar with which peak is which, look no further.

As this year is Breckenridge’s 50th anniversary, there is not a better time to visit. And if you didn’t see a property that appeals to you, search our entire lodging inventory to find the place that is right for you.

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.

**Stay up to date this weekend with video updates if you can’t make it to the Dew Tour in Breckenridge!

The Winter Dew Tour, founded in 2008, is one of the biggest events of the season for skiers and snowboarders. The Olympics obviously take the cake in terms of importance and level of competition, but they only happen every 4 years. The X-games are the next biggest event, and the Dew Tour falls close behind. The Dew Tour features more of the ‘up and coming’ athletes in skiing and snowboarding, and gives them a chance to make a name for themselves.

The Dew Tour is unique in that it has 3 stops throughout the winter. The first is at Breckenridge ski resort in Colorado (December 15-18), the second is in Killington, Vermont (January 19-22) and the third is at Snowbasin in Ogden, Utah (February 9-12). The third and final stop typically carries the most importance, since this is where the final results are determined and the gold medals and Dew Cups are awarded. The cup is awarded based on who performs the best on all 3 stops of the tour. This separates out the true warriors who are able to perform at each stop. Coverage of the event throughout the winter will be provided by NBC.

A few big names will be competing this year including Shawn White, Louie Vito and Danny Davis in men’s snowboarding and Simon Dumont and Torin Yater-Wallace in men’s skiing. Shaun White is back to reclaim the cup after not competing in last year’s tour, which is sure to make the competition that much more interesting. Check out footage from last year’s Dew Tour to see just how high the stakes go.

So if you come to Breckenridge for the Dew Tour or just to vacation any time of year, be sure to find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized vacation.