Archive for the ‘vail lodging’ Category
Thursday, August 26th, 2010
If you’re unable to make it to Oktoberfest in Beaver Creek next weekend, fear not! Vail will be continuing the party the two following weekends, the 10th-12th and the 17th-19th. Festivities will take place in Lionshead Village the first weekend, and in Vail Village the second weekend. Both weekends are sure to be jam-packed with activities, with everything from Bavarian music, to bratwurst, to beer, beer & more beer! The party kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday both weekends, so head on over straight after work (or maybe cut out a little early!) to start your weekend off right. Saturday’s festivities last from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday’s last from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Start practicing your yodeling now, and bring your old alpine horn out of hiding, because both are sure to be prevalent throughout the Fest. Possibly the most exciting event of all is sure to be the Beck’s Keg Bowling Contest. Contestants can sign up Saturday and Sunday of each weekend. What does the contest entail, you ask? Two chances to push an empty keg strapped to a dolly into a pyramid of six more empty kegs. Participants with the highest total of fallen kegs will advance to the finals! Entry is free, and there’s a reward for the winner of the finals, so there’s no excuse not to give it a whirl!
If you’re not up for Keg Bowling, try a lighter fare, the Brat-Eating Contest. This event is also free, so join eight-ten participants and eat as many brats as you can in three minutes to achieve a full belly and a prize for the winner! Sign-ups are available on site Saturday and Sunday.
The Oktoberfest Fun Run is the perfect opportunity to stave away your guilt from eating all those brats! The race will take place on Sunday, the 19th, and includes a free commemorative t-shirt for the first 150 registered runners, a 10k, 5k run/walk/blade and kids race, an after party, and awards for the top three overall male and female finishers. Registration is $20 online and $25 on site. Participants under 18 are $10 both online and on race day!
To schedule lodging for either weekend, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305. If your phone doesn’t work, just yodel as loud as you can!
Tags: lionshead oktoberfest, oktoberfest, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, september events, vail oktoberfest
Posted in Colorado, Colorado Travel, Events, Group Travel, Group activities, Summer in Colorado, Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings, What's Happening in Vail, What's good in Avon, vail lodging | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Tonight is the first performance of the 2010 Vail International Dance Festival, debuting with world-renowned performer Savion Glover along with legendary jazz musician Eddie Palmieri. This will be Glover’s second consecutive trip to the Vail International Dance Festival, as he performed back-to-back last year. He is a well decorated tap dancer that can please a crowd regardless of age. His influences date back to the Vaudeville tap era and range to recent hip-hop.
He has starred on the big screen as well as on Broadway, alongside legends such as Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr. In fact, Gregory Hines coined Savion Glover to be “the greatest tap dancer that ever lived.” Many may know his work in the Oscar award-winning animated film “Happy Feet”, where he was co-choreographer for the character Mumble. Last year he managed to sell out both shows; and certainly it will happen again.
Tickets are $17 for lawn seating, $55-$75 for reserved seats, and $10 for children. This is a great substitute for the usual Tuesday Hot Summer Nights Series. For more information about upcoming events and lodging in the Vail Valley, please visit our website at rockymountainvacationrentals.com, or by phone at (970)477-1777.
Posted in Concierge Information, Uncategorized, Vail International Dance Festival, Vail Premier Lodging, Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings, Vail's Best Concierge, What's Happening in Vail, colorado, vail lodging | No Comments »
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
A trend is on the rise, the trend of fractional ownership. People are increasingly buying their second homes through fractional ownership, realizing the high benefits that come at a low cost. Fractional ownership is the share of an expensive asset (yacht, sports car, aircraft, etc), in this case a property. The property is owned and shared by several individuals who are allotted specific time periods for use. This is very popular with expensive vacation properties and resorts. Fractional ownership allows people to enjoy a beautiful, elegant vacation home in a premier location at a fraction of the price of full ownership. By participating in fractional ownership, the individual gives up the exclusive use and freedoms that come with whole ownership, but he is also minimizing costs and risks.
Fractionals present an ideal opportunity for a family or group of friends to join their resources together and afford something they wouldn’t otherwise have been able to. In most cases, a third party or management company takes care of the property’s upkeep, utilities, taxes and insurance. All the owners have to do is pay a monthly fee. The key to the success of Fractionals is their management.
Fractionals may sound like timeshares, but they are very different. Unlike timeshares, with Fractionals there is a deed involved (it’s just split up into shares), and the individual actually owns a part of the asset. This share can be passed down in a will or it can be sold. The deed of a fractional property is usually divided into fourths, eights or thirteenths.
To find out more about fractional ownership and properties available in the Rocky Mountains, contact Rocky Mountain Luxury Properties.
Tags: colorado, Fractional Ownership, investment, land, money, property, real estate, rockies
Posted in Vail Lodging Report, colorado, vail lodging | No Comments »
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Episode II
Welcome to the weekly blog that reports my adventures throughout the general area of the Vail Valley. I am recently new to the Vail Valley and have a passion for exploring all the beautiful nature around me while also informing anyone planning to visit the Valley or current locals on the incredible activities the Valley has to offer. Every week I plan on going somewhere remote to experience the Rocky Mountains by participating in the acts of hiking, mountain biking, fishing, rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, tubing, cliff diving, and whatever else I can think of. During these activities I will be observing the nature around me with my camera to produce breathtaking photos and informative videos if possible.
This week I will portray one of my first adventures I attempted when I arrived to the Valley. Around my second day moving to Avon, I woke up early and walked out the door, not exactly sure where I was headed but ready for anything. I had my hydration pack, hiking shoes, a rain jacket, and my Honda Ruckus ready to find me an adventure. I headed towards HWY 6 east and kept going for awhile until it turned into HWY 24. This road goes right through a quaint little town named Minturn. Soon after passing the main area of Minturn, I turned right into what seemed to be a park, a nice dirt road that leads to some baseball fields. Behind the baseball fields was nature and plenty of it, a nice river running down parallel to a hiking trail that I took for about a mile or so. There is a dam to the river in this area, which would probably be a delightful place to do some fishing. This area seemed to be used for lumber purposes since there was a lot of man made construction, so I left, thinking I wasn’t allowed in the area. But there is a trail there and seems to be public land.
I kept following HWY 24 for a while, enjoying the scenic route heading towards Red Cliff.  This road runs parallel to a surreal river for some time before it starts to incline into a few bends. After the second bend there is a spot to pull over on the left and a yellow stair case on your right. This stair case intrigued me so climbing I went. After the staircase there is no trail to follow so I made my own. After climbing a few of the rocks that I was capable of climbing I decided to turn back because the rocks were very fragile and broke into red dirt, which was not very comfortable as the dirt filled my shoes. Coming down was a very difficult descent and was not fun at all. I finally made it down got back on my scooter, headed towards the river, and washed my shoes out as I watch red sand float into the river.
Climbing the random staircase on Hwy 24 was not one of my best ideas. I should have explored more of the park in Minturn. I would not recommend the staircase to anyone for a few simple reasons; there is no actual trail, very fragile rocks, and overall not worth the hassle. The park in Minturn is a nice, easy hike that would be ideal for a family or romantic occasion. Please be properly prepared before venturing into the wilderness for your safety and my peace of mind. If you are planning on visiting the Vail area make sure to book your trip through Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, your friendly, knowledgeable locals. Call us at 1-888-866-2305.
Posted in Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings, What's Happening in Vail, colorado, colorado travel, vail lodging | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
Photo By: Derek Lichtfuss
My college roommates dropped through Vail this past weekend, which was clearly a pleasant surprise. They quickly forced me to realize how truly fortunate I am to be living in the mountains for the summer months. Complaining of 100 degree days in Baltimore and D.C. was the first step to this realization. Step two was noticing that due to the lack of extreme humidity, my friend Tommy was not sweating bullets. Step three was the presence of sunshine on a regular basis. Step four? All of it involves the weather.
Aside from the occasional storm that rolls through the Valley, the weather in the summer here is practically unbeatable. A slight breeze constantly trickles through my screened in doors, brushing against my puffy blonde afro. I cannot say how happy I am to not endure the humidity rocking the Chesapeake Bay region. In Colorado a common motto is: “If you don’t like the weather, wait twenty minutes”.
On a typical day you can see for what seems to be an eternity, and notice nothing but ecstatic blue skies, and rays beaming off of the oddly (well, to me…) white-capped Rockies. Within the next twenty minutes, a squall will have crept up, threatened, and gone on its merry way.
Over the weekend, we decided to head back to the Colorado River Center, where RMVR has taken several company rafting trip — connections. During our three hour float, I must say that the sun came and went at least 20 times. We experience heat, rain, wind, clouds, and vibrant sunshine: the full range of meteorological emotions. The motto certainly proved true to us. I have yet to visit Colorado in the winter, but I would imagine the weather is much the same, just a bit colder.
For more information about current conditions, summer or winter, as well as lodging deals throughout Colorado among other destinations, please contact our concierge service. Or visit our website at http://rockymountainvacationrentals.com or call 1-888-866-2305.
Posted in Vail Lodging Report, Vail Valley Happenings, Vail's Best Concierge, What's Happening in Vail, colorado, colorado travel, vail lodging | No Comments »
Thursday, July 15th, 2010
Vail Valley Adventures
Welcome to the first weekly blog that reports my adventures throughout the general area of the Vail Valley. I am recently new to the Vail Valley and have a passion to explore all the beautiful nature around me while also informing anyone planning to visit the Valley or current locals on the incredible activities the Valley has to offer. Every week I plan on going somewhere remote to experience the Rocky Mountains by participating in the acts of hiking, mountain biking, fishing, rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, tubing, cliff diving, and whatever else I can think of. During these activities I will be observing the nature around me with my camera to produce breathtaking photos and informative videos if possible.
Last Saturday afternoon, my roommate and I decided to find a remote lake to do some fishing and hiking in the general area, but we didn’t have much of a clue on where to go. Thanks to Google Earth I found a lot of small lakes in the backcountry area, and we decided on Piney Lake. The plan was set, now we had to pack. When going on a hike it is important to make sure to dress and pack for the elements of nature. Deciding what to bring depends on the location and the extent of the journey. Regardless on details, I like to bring around ten essentials because I’m not always sure what adventures I will get myself into.
- Flashlight
- Pocket Knife
- Compass/map
- A tent (just in case)
- Fishing pole with bait
- Plenty of Water and dry food
- Rain gear
- Water proof matches
- First-aid kit
- Two pairs of hiking shoes
That list is essential when hiking or camping. You might not always use everything, but you will be happy when you need it. When going on longer hikes, it is good to bring more supplies just to be on the safe side. Such as:
- Bug Spray
- Space blanket
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Toilet paper
- Extra sock
- Extra clothing
- Sleeping bag
- Trash bag
- A hat
- Iodine drops or a water pump
The beginning of our trip was somewhat of a struggle because of taking a slight detour, but we eventually got back on track thanks to an information booth we stumbled upon; a great source if you ever find yourself lost.  Once in Vail you want to take North Frontage Rd. towards Red Sandstone Rd. This road goes through a neighborhood and soon turns into, literally, a red sandstone road. Follow the dirt road for about 45 minutes. If you think you’re going the wrong way you’re probably not just keep going forward and signs will appear to reassure your going the correct way. This road is a bumpy ride, very enjoyable if you like those types of things, great conditions for dirt bikes. Once you see Piney Lake Ranch the Lake is directly behind it. The view from the lake is unreal with what I believe is the Gore Mountain Range in the background. This area is ideal for astonishing photography opportunities. The sun was starting to set so our hike wasn’t as long as we planned, actually it was a not so simple walk around the lake because areas around the lake are very marshy and proper footwear should be utilized. When trying to fish in this lake there are only a few dry spots you can cast from, unless you have waders which I highly recommend if planning to fish at Piney Lake. A canoe would also be ideal for fishing in this lake. Unfortunately I didn’t catch anything, but I only fished for an hour because it got dark quick.
The trip back was more eventful than we had planned for. We didn’t get further than 500 feet before we saw a deer run across our path, still inside the ranch vicinity. When we passed the camp sites a few hundred meters down the road we saw an object in the road so we slowed down; behold beautiful living creatures were staring us down as we stopped when we realized what was in front of our path. A gigantic mother moose and her calf were gazing towards us in our brights blaring suburban. As they looked at us we were not too sure on what to do. I wanted to take a picture of this mind-blowing experience, but I was frightened on the reaction the flash of the camera might cause. To continue on our path we slowly started going forward. As the mother and her calf started to walk away, we kept our eyes on them as they trotted back into the trees. The mother moose and her calf were not the only wildlife we encountered on our ride back home. We stumbled onto a small fox and a herd of deer towards the end of Red Sandstone Rd.
Piney Lake is a great adventure that offers fishing, great hiking trails, nearby camp sites, unbelievable scenery and lots of wildlife. I would love to go back to Piney Lake sometime this summer to explore more of the area. Please be properly prepared before venturing into the wilderness for your safety and my piece of mind. If you are planning on visiting the Vail area make sure to book your trip through Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, your friendly, knowledgeable locals.
Posted in Local Vail Resources, Vail Valley Events, What's Happening in Vail, colorado, colorado travel, vail lodging | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
I have had the pleasure of attending all but one of the Hot Summer Nights Free Concert Series on Tuesdays at the Ford Amphitheatre. This has to be the best deal going in the High Rockies. The Vail Valley Foundation, with the help of their sponsor Bud Light, has done a fantastic job recruiting bands that is appeasing to the eardrums of all listeners in attendance.
It is enthralling to see little tykes with their parents and extended families parked on a checkered picnic blanket, enjoying tasty beats from the lush green lawn seating. It certainly takes the edge off of the work hangover from Mondays. In my opinion, there is not a bad seat in the house. The acoustics are astonishing, and the seating offers a 180° view of the stage.
Each set is broken up into two parts, lasting about an hour and a half per side, dependant on the bands desired participation level. So far each band that I have seen was a certain crowd pleaser, showing their appreciation of Vailites by playing until dusk. By the end of the first set each week, the sun has stumbled just beyond the rolling mountains in Avon, and likely Edwards. It leaves a most incredible canvas painted with fluffy, luminescent clouds and an impalpable array of lush orange, blues, purples, and yellows.
True to form, the second set typically hits the ground running and is capable of luring most eyes away from natural wonder, directing back towards the man-made stage ahead. I couldn’t imagine leaving the amphitheatre on Tuesday nights with a feeling of melancholy.
So far we have seen Soulive, The Aggrolites, The Killdares, and Jonathon Tyler and the Northern Lights. A bit of advice to those who plan on attending: make sure you are parked in the parking garage by 6:10 or so. Not only is parking a royal pain after this time, but you will also miss the start of the show.
To those interested, there is another performance tonight by a group called Hoots & Hellmouth, who define their style as a blend of alt-country, rock, and gospel, filled with endless amounts of “attitude and energy”. If you have no plans, and are within driving distance of Vail Valley, you have no excuses.
For more information about local events and activities please visit our website at www.rockymountainvacationrentals.com.
We are: Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.
…It’s kind of our thing.
Posted in Local Vail Resources, Staying in Touch, Uncategorized, Vail Valley Events, Vail's Best Concierge, What's Happening in Vail, vail lodging | No Comments »
Monday, July 12th, 2010
Special 1: Stay 3 nights get the 4th night free
From hotel rooms to 3 bedroom condos, this amenity-rich property is just steps from the lifts. You will also receive a $75 F&B credit. Valid on stays Nov 20-Dec 17. Based on availability.
Special 2: 30% off lodging in Beaver Creek.
Come to Beaver Creek and stay in an amenity-rich property. 1 to 3 bedroom condos are available and they are perfectly located on the slopes of Beaver Creek, just a short walk from the Beaver Creek Village. Valid on stays July- December 16th. Minimum night stay requirements. Based on availability.
Package 1: Golf for less, save $15 per person per round
Golf like the locals with local savings. Each round of golf will be discounted to match the locals’ rates when your lodging is booked with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals. Rounds are at the Eagle Vail Golf course. 2 night minimum stay. Valid with all reservations through Sept 15th. Golf must be booked with lodging reservations.
Package 2: Romantic Getaway Weekend save $100
Escape to Vail for a romantic getaway weekend. Stay in a new 1bed/1bath condo featuring great views of Vail Mountain and receive 2 massages. Save $100 when you book your lodging and massage package together! Massage includes two 60-minute couples massages. 2 night minimum stay required, weekday rates available also, based on availability.
Last Minute Deal: $109/night for the rest of July
One bedroom suites in the Beaver Creek/Avon area for $109/night during the rest of July. This is the weekend rate. Weekday rates are even lower! Relax poolside and enjoy the great views of Beaver Creek Mountain. Free on site parking and a $20 gift card to Westside Café. Based on availability. 2 night minimum stay. Rates do not include taxes or fees.
For more information or to book your Colorado vacation, call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305
Tags: early booking, lodging deals, specials, Summer, winter
Posted in Concierge Information, colorado, colorado travel, vail lodging | No Comments »
Monday, July 5th, 2010
Special 1 : Platinum-rated, gorgeous 3 bedroom condo – Save $130/night!
Enjoy this pristine 3 bedroom condo in Vail Village for your summer vacation! Enjoy this condo in an amenity-rich property and save big! Rates through October are up to $130 off the regular summer rates!
3 night minimum stay
Stay anytime July through October.
*Restrictions may apply
Special 2 : Week-long ski vacation up to 30% off + $100 ski rental credit!
Book your 6 night or more winter stay before August 1st and receive 30% off your lodging AND get a credit for $100 worth of ski rentals.
3 night minimum stay
Discounts exclude Holidays.
*Restrictions may apply
Package 1 : Adults raft for the price of a child
Book 2 adult ½ day or full day rafting trips and the 3rd adult rafts for the child’s discounted price. Savings of up to $20 per person!
Must also book your lodging accommodations through Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.
No holiday blackouts
July-October
Package 2 : Buy 1 get 1 free Vail Pass Bike Tour
With the purchase of 1 Vail Pass Bike tour get a second free. Bike tour includes: bike, helmet, transportation to the top of Vail Pass and bike pick up at the end of your day. One free bike tour per reservation. Valid through October.
2 night minimum stay.
Must purchase lodging with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to get deal. Over 3,700 lodging properties to choose from!
Special 3 : Last minute deals for July
Stay in Vail for 2 nights and receive 25% off your last minute lodging. Condos located in the heart of Lionshead Village, 1 – 4bedroom condos available. Also ask your sales representative about other great deals in Aspen, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek and Keystone.
Call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to book your trip today! 1-888-866-2305
Tags: colorado, discount, early bird, lionshead, lodging, specials, Summer, Vail
Posted in Vail Luxury Rentals, Vail Premier Lodging, colorado, colorado travel, vail lodging | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010
Wine lovers, drop everything you’re doing and book your next Vail Valley vacation right now! The Wine and Spirits Festival is just a couple months away, and you’ll kick yourself for missing it. This festival in Beaver Creek will be a wine lover’s paradise, and it will feature the winners of the San Francisco International Wine Competition and World Spirits Competition. The three-day festival starts on August 19 and each day will be a different experience with food and wine pairings. This weekend will be specifically catered for the wine aficionado, so if you live for swirling, sniffing, sipping and savoring, be sure to come to Beaver Creek in August.
The festivities kick off Thursday, August 19 with the Beaver Creek Rodeo. This rodeo takes place throughout July and August, but on this particular day, guests have the option of purchasing a ticket that gives them VIP access to the rodeo, drinks and a BBQ cooked by guest chefs Stephen Pyles and Zarela Martinez. This is an event for the whole family, and kids 12 and under eat free. Tickets are $60.
On Friday, things get kicked up a notch. The Walk & Wine, a guided hike through Colorado’s back country is followed by a four-course wine-pairing luncheon. Next up is the Mix it Up Cocktail Seminar where guests learn how to mix their own specialty cocktails while munching on delicious appetizers provided by the chefs of The Osprey. In the evening, Beaver Creek Chophouse‘s Jay McCarthy hosts a culinary demonstration, and the night is finished off with an amazing wine dinner at the Mirabelle.
Saturday starts off with a 10 a.m. cooking class given by guest chef Zarela Martinez. A wine seminar in the evening explains the art and science of making and drinking the different varieties of wines, and another culinary demonstration, this time from Beano’s Cabin Chef Steven Topple, takes place in the evening. You definitely don’t want to miss the festival’s premier event, the Best of Walk-Around Tasting. From 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., guests will have the opportunity to taste over 40 award-winning wines and spirits and incredible dishes from Beaver Creek and guest chefs. Tickets are $65.
A full schedule and prices for the different events are available online. Contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to book your Colorado vacation today! 1-888-866-2305
Tags: adults only, august festival, beaver creek, chef, cooking class, cooking demontration, culinary, family, rodeo, summer things to do, tasting, vail valley, wine, wine and spirits festival
Posted in Concierge Information, Vail Valley Happenings, colorado, colorado travel, vail lodging | No Comments »
