Archive for the ‘Aspen Colorado’ Category
Monday, August 30th, 2010
September Just Got a Little Bit Cooler…
Adding to the wide array of Labor Day events occurring this year in Colorado is the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival. The festival is sponsored by Jazz Aspen Snowmass, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving jazz music by hosting festivals, performances, and educational programs.
The festival kicks off this Friday, September 3rd, at 4 pm with Calexio on the Main Festival Stage. Performances will continue throughout the weekend, with appearances from popular artists including Wilco, Lubriphonic, The Stone Foxes, The Black Crowes, and more. The festival will come to a close Sunday with a performance by my personal favorite (hitting close to home—I grew up playing in the Ronnie Van Zant playground in Middleburg, Florida), Lynyrd Skynard, at 7:15 pm on the Main Festival Stage.
For those who can’t seem to keep their toes from tapping after the festival, there will be a FREE DJ dance party nightly at 10 pm at the Eight K Restaurant at the Viceroy Hotel.
General admission for the festival is $56 on Friday, $75 each on Saturday and Sunday, or $190 for a three day pass. Students showing student ID will receive 50% off admission, and children 13 and under will be admitted free of charge.
To book your last minute lodging for the festival, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305, and until then, keep jammin’!
Tags: jazz aspen, jazz aspen snowmass, jazz aspen snowmass festival, jazz aspen snowmass labor day, Jazz Festival
Posted in Aspen Colorado, Aspen Colorado Events, Aspen/Snowmass Events, Colorado, Colorado Travel, Group activities | No Comments »
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
Great news Denverites! Contrary to what you may have heard, Frontier Airlines WILL be continuing its Denver to Aspen services. Frontier Airlines had previously announced that it would be discontinuing its Denver to Aspen flights after September 30th. However, as of August 17th, the company has decided to retain this service, and will be using three of its Bombardier Q400 aircrafts for Denver to Aspen flights, as well as Durango, Colorado Springs, and other Colorado routes.
Frontier Airlines will continue Denver to Aspen flights this ski season.
Denver to Aspen flights will include one departure per day October 1st through November 17th, two departures per day November 18th through December 15th, and just in time for ski season, four departures daily December 16th through April 2011.
To plan your next Aspen snow-cation, or any other Rocky Mountain vacation, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305.
Tags: aspen airport, denver airport, denver to aspen travel, frontier airlines
Posted in Aspen Colorado, Colorado, Denver Colorado, Group Travel, News, Press, airline industry, colorado travel, ways to save money traveling | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010
Written by Brittney Horn
Cycling enthusiasts in Colorado have Gov. Bill Ritter and seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong to thank for the return of an international pro-cycling race to the Centennial state. Both enthusiastically announced the big news Wednesday morning and are very excited to begin planning for the event. The cycling race is named, “The Quiznos Pro Challenge,” after its sponsor, the Quiznos restaurant chain. The seven-day race will be held August 22-28 of next year and is expected to bring in cyclists from around the world and help Colorado’s economy.
The last international pro-cycling event that was held in Colorado was the Coors International Bicycle Classic, which ended its nine-year term in 1988. Because of the revival of a pro-cycling event coming back to Colorado, cyclists around the Denver area celebrated with Armstrong and Gov. Ritter by taking a ride from the State Capitol to Washington Park in Denver yesterday afternoon.
The course for the race is still yet to be chosen, but it will definitely highlight Colorado’s mountainous landscape and either will beginor end in Denver. The race will also be stopping in several towns and cities during its week-long tour. This tour will be one of two arranged for the United States next year, which makes the competition even more enticing to cyclists.
Armstrong, who owns a house in the beautiful Colorado city of Aspen, got the idea of restarting an international pro-cycling stage race while he was taking a scenic ride through Colorado’s mountains. “What started out as a ‘daydream’ of mine on a long ride outside of Aspen will now become a reality,” says Lance Armstrong energetically.
So get excited Colorado, for the 2011 Quiznos Pro Challenge!
Tags: aspen colorado biking, denver colorado biking, lance armstrong, lance armstrong colorado, Quiznos pro challenge
Posted in Aspen Colorado, Aspen Colorado Events, Denver Colorado, Uncategorized, colorado, colorado travel | 2 Comments »
Thursday, July 29th, 2010
Photo by Laura S
Get ready for the 43rd Annual Aspen Ruggerfest in September! The Ruggerfest, sometimes claimed to be the Super Bowl of Rugby, is a popular four day rugby tournament in Aspen, Colorado. The Aspen Rugby Club, popularly known as the Gentlemen of Aspen, became official in 1977. They were first formed by England native Steve Sherlock who wanted to put a team together in the mountain town of Aspen. Of the few that had formed the first rugby team in Aspen, there were only 3 who actually had experience in playing rugby. After the first year, the team began to get serious and practiced on a regular basis. Since that first year, Aspen has seen over 1,000 players from all over the world to compete in this strenuous sports competition. People love to come to this competition not only because of the Gentlemen, but also because of the awe-inspiring mountain views that Aspen provides to its locals and visitors alike. The Gentlemen were the National 7s champions in 2008 and U.S. Division 1 champions in 2009.
The Aspen Ruggerfest goes through September 16-19. To register a team visit here. For more information on the Ruggerfest and the Aspen Rugby Club, visit their website here.
If you are still searching for lodging for the weekend of the Ruggerfest, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals by visiting their website or by calling 1-888-866-2305.
Tags: Aspen, Aspen Ruggerfest, Rugby, rugby club
Posted in Aspen Colorado, Aspen Colorado Events, Uncategorized, colorado | No Comments »
Thursday, July 29th, 2010
If you have a love for food, wine, or art then you are in luck because the inaugural Snowmass Culinary & Arts Festival is on August 13-15. This festival features exquisite wines, well known chefs, an art exhibit and more all while being in the middle of the beautiful Snowmass Village. Some of the celebrity chefs that will be attending include Chef Albert Portale, Ryan Hardy, Laurent Tourondel, Frank Bonanno, and Christy Rost. Not only does the festival feature well recognized chefs, but also local talent as well. A few featured artists include Joel Alpers, Fernando Benally, Gretchen Cox, Kelvin Schartz and many more.
Tickets are $65 and include workshops, celebrity chef cooking workshops, panel discussions, and a Palette of Pairings with Colorado wines. The art exhibits are free of charge and open to the public. You must be 21 or older to attend this event. For more information on the festival and for a schedule of events, visit their website here or call at 970-922-2285.
If you are still searching for lodging for this event, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals by either calling at 1-888-866-2305 or visit their website here.
Tags: Culinary & Arts Festival, snowmass, snowmass events
Posted in Aspen Colorado, Aspen Colorado Events, colorado | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
Photo from http://kayceree.blogspot.com/
Aspen is one of many cities around the world that participates in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The annual race is held to help raise money for breast cancer research in the Pitkin, Garfield, and Eagle County areas while also aiding local non-profits with grant money. This invigorating and inspiring event gives women and their families a chance to help give back to everyone in the community who has known someone with breast cancer or has suffered themselves from breast cancer. This is the 20th anniversary for the Race in the Aspen area.
The Komen Aspen Race for the Cure is on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at Rio Grande Park. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m. and the race begins at 8:30 a.m. Men, women, and children of all ages are and athletic abilities are invited to participate in this philanthropic event. In addition to the race, there will be a silent auction and shopping centers open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
To register or to learn more information about the Race for the Cure in Aspen, visit their website at http://www.komenaspen.org or give them a call at (970) 920-0250.
If you are still in need of lodging for the weekend of the Race, call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305 or visit our website at http://rockymountainvacationrentals.com/.
Tags: Aspen, non-profit, Race for the Cure, raise money, Rio Grande Park
Posted in Aspen Colorado, Aspen Colorado Events | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
People have been enjoying fly fishing for centuries. The first recorded use of an artificial fly to catch fish was in the 2nd Century. Since then, the sport and its equipment have been refined to an art. But people today continue to enjoy the quiet thrill and tranquility that comes from fly fishing like they have for hundreds of years.
Fly fishing involves using artificial flies, usually created out of natural or artificial feathers and fur, as bait for the fish. The flies are cast using a flexible fly rod and a heavy fly line. The casting method is unlike that of any other form of fishing. It’s a true skill that takes a lot of practice and time to master. With fly fishing, if you don’t know how to cast properly, you won’t catch anything. In her book Fly Casting Techniques, Joan Wulff writes, “If you don’t know where the fish lie but can cast well enough to cover all of the water with finesse, you are likely to solve the mystery and catch fish. If you know where they lie but can neither reach them nor present the fly naturally, you are not even in the game.”
Colorado’s bountiful rivers are the perfect place to learn how to fly fish or perfect old techniques. Dozens of fly fishing companies cater to every need of the novice or expert. The rivers are teeming with trout and some even have salmon. With good luck and good training, you will have tight lines. Contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals’ concierge service for help finding a company that’s perfect for you 1-888-866-2305
Tags: activity, fish, fly fishing, fun, outdoors, recreational, rivers, salmon, trout
Posted in Aspen Colorado, Concierge Information, Vail Valley Happenings, What's Happening in Vail, colorado, colorado travel | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010
Many people come to the mountains to get away from it all, but that doesn’t mean they get away from their exercise routines. Runners, hikers and bikers who adamantly continue their training even while on vacation must slowly transition from exercising at sea level to a higher altitude.
In general, the higher the altitude the longer it takes the body to adapt. At high altitudes there is a decreased availability of oxygen, so the heart must work harder. This increases endurance in athletes, but those not accustomed to the reduction of oxygen can suffer serious consequences, such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Altitude sickness usually is the culprit of headaches, nausea, fatigue and shortness of breath. Luckily, this can easily be avoided just by being prepared and knowing when to take a break.
Things to Do:
1. Ascend and descend gradually.
2. Stay hydrated.
3. Spend the first day at a lower altitude than during the rest of the trip.
4. Avoid alcohol and caffeine before or after exercising.
5. Take long, deep breaths at intervals.
Always listen to your body. If you feel weak and sick, don’t exert yourself or go higher. A day of rest can easily get you acclimated, but for some it may take longer. Only you know your limits. You can have an amazing, active vacation in the Rockies as long as you take the proper precautions.
Tags: acclimation, acute mountain sickness, altitude, athlete, bike, colorado, endurance, exercise, fitness, health, high elevation, how to, low oxygen, mountain, run, Summer, Things to do, tips, walk, winter
Posted in Aspen Colorado, breckenridge, colorado, colorado travel | No Comments »
Thursday, May 20th, 2010
May is dwindling down, and it’ll soon be June. The coming week will be your last chance to enjoy the final events of May before summer brings the crowds and high prices. Here is the rundown of things you won’t want to miss.
Aspen Cycling Festival – Aspen
May 22-23
The Festival will include two races: Ride for the Pass (May 22) and Aspen Cycling Criterium (May 23). Ride for the Pass is a charity race to benefit the Independence Pass Foundation. The 10-mile race goes from Winter Gate to
Bikers racing
Independence Ghost Town, with cyclists ascending a total of 2,500 feet in elevation. Aspen Cycling Criterium is the main race of the festival. Cyclists will be competing for ribbons, $500 and bragging rights. The race is only .9 miles long and cyclists will reach speeds of 28 mph as they race through the heart of downtown Aspen. Other events planned for the festival include a party at AJAX tavern, an undemanding group ride from Aspen to Woody Creek Tavern and then to Lenado, and film screenings at the Wheeler Opera House. Advance registration for the race is available. Fees are $10 for Citizen Junior racers and $20 for Citizen Women and Men and USAC.
Blues, Brews and BBQ – Beaver Creek
May 29-30
Blues, Brews and BBQ brings together the best things out there: music, beer and BBQ. Guests will have the opportunity to sample microbrews from across the country and eat delicious BBQ while listening to live entertainment. BBQ vendors will come from Oklahoma, Missouri, New Mexico and across Colorado to share their specialties. Entertainment will be performed throughout the day by Big Daddy Lee and the King Bees, The Delta Sonics and Alto Reed’s “Blues Entourage.” Kids activities and culinary demonstrations are also planned. The event is free except for the beer tasting, which requires purchasing tickets. An event schedule is available online.
Music, food and beer. What could be better? Photo from beavercreek.com
9th Annual Festival of the Brewpubs and Shakin’ at the Basin - Summit County
May 30
This is Arapahoe Basin’s largest party of the year. The day will be spent tasting Summit County’s finest brews while listening to That Eighties Band, a local 80s tribute band. Breweries expected to attend include Pug Ryan’s, Breckenridge, Dillon Dam and Backcountry. Tickets are $20.
Need help finding lodging or other things to do? Contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals. We will help you organize your entire Colorado vacation!
Aspen Cycling Festival – Aspen
May 22-23
The Festival will include two races: Ride for the Pass (May 22) and Aspen Cycling Criterion (May 23). Ride for the Pass is a charity race to benefit the Independence Pass Foundation. The 10-mile race goes from Winter Gate to Independence Ghost Town, with cyclists ascending a total of 2,500 feet in elevation. Aspen Cycling Criterion is the main race of the festival. Cyclists will be competing for ribbons, $500 and bragging rights. The race is only .9 miles long and cyclists will reach speeds of 28 mph as they race through the heart of downtown Aspen. Other events planned for the festival include a party at AJAX tavern, an undemanding group ride from Aspen to Woody Creek Tavern and then to Lenado, and film screenings at the Wheeler Opera House. Advance registration for the race is available. Fees are $10 for Citizen Junior racers and $20 for Citizen Women and Men and USAC.
Tags: Aspen, aspen cycling criterium, aspen cycling festival, blues brews and bbq, festival of the brewpubs, independence pass foundation, may events, ride for the pass, shakin at the basin, summit county
Posted in Aspen Colorado, Aspen Colorado Events, Concierge Information, colorado, colorado travel | 4 Comments »
Thursday, May 13th, 2010
Summer is almost here and in the High Rockies that means the mountains are about to re-open their lifts. So grab your favorite outdoor gear and head to the hills for summer fun in the high altitude of the Colorado Rockies. If you are a thrill seeking mountain biker head to Keystone, here you will find some of the best mountain bike terrain in the country. There are obstacle courses, difficult downhill single tracks and so much more at Keystone for the avid bikers. If mountain biking is a little too intense for you then come and check out the disc golf courses at the top of Vail and Beaver Creek mountains.
Enjoy the scenic ride up play a high altitude round then jump back on the lift and head down the mountain. And no matter where you are or what your fitness level you are at all of the Colorado Rockies have great hiking. A personal favorite of mine is the Berrypicker trail. This takes you from the base of the gondola in Vail and you end at the top of the Gondola, best part is you get a free ride down after gaining just over 2000 feet of elevation!
Needing some more good old fashioned fun? Head to Breckenridge and check out the Fun Park on Peak 8. This is great for families and the Fun Park has an alpine slid, a mini golf course, bouncing castle for the kids, and a bungee trampoline. Even if you are traveling to the mountains for another event be sure to hop on the closest lift and take the ride up- the views alone are worth it! See you soon!
Tags: frisbee golf, hiking, lifts/gondola, mountain, mountain biking
Posted in Aspen Colorado, breckenridge, colorado, colorado travel | 1 Comment »
