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Archive for the ‘Vail Ski Vacations’ Category

EPIC Mix – An Innovative Social Experience

Monday, August 30th, 2010

“EPIC Mix – Capture. Connect. Share.” What a slogan! Who else to come up with such a slogan, such a campaign, other than Vail Resorts, owners of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly resorts in Colorado and California. True, this EPIC day announces yet another EPIC breakthrough in technology, specifically in the world of social media. The “EPIC Mix” is what Vail Resorts is calling it, and a truly epic mix it is, of all things new in interactive social media. The Epic Mix is the Foursquare and Nike+ of the mountain, and has updates for both Twitter and Facebook.

Vail Resorts kept the EPIC Mix a secret until they debuted the mobile and web-based application today at a press event at the Ace Hotel in Manhattan. But then, out of nowhere, they unleashed the “EPIC Mix” to the world, announcing that the skiing and snowboarding would be so much more social this season, because of their innovative location-based gaming application.

Rocky Mountain Vacation is Happy that Vail Resorts introduced the EPIC Mix to the world
[Credit: EPIC Mix]

So what does the EPIC Mix do? The EPIC Mix is somewhat like Foursquare, but instead of unlocking Foursquare “badges”, you unlock EPIC Mix “pins.” Everything from tracking your vertical drop, to how many runs, or how many days on the mountain. This is a game of multiple location-based programs all rolled into one.

The key to letting the EPIC Mix become a reality is the RFID chip that is inside the card that you get when you purchase your season pass. The cool thing about this is that you don’t have to be on your phone checking in. Your RFID chip gets scanned at the lift, and automatically put into the “EPIC Mix” of things, if you like the pun.

What I would have really enjoyed to see was a summary of what I did last year. Yeah, I know I got 50 days on the mountain, but I would have liked to have relived it somehow. The EPIC Mix will give me what I’ve always wanted, and more. I can log in to the website, check my stats, see my scores, view my friends, and so much more.

What else can the EPIC Mix do? The EPIC Mix links to your Facebook and Twitter accounts, letting you compare your pins with friends, see who’s got the most days on the mountain, or vertical feet passed, or even WHERE your friends are!

Vail Resorts is always open to new ideas, new trends, and new methods of interaction. Their EPIC Mix is the next best thing out there, fellas! I’m definitely downloading the app on my android after I buy the EPIC Pass, and racing all my friends for the most pins, most days, and most vertical feet.

Congrats to Vail Resorts for providing me with an EPIC Mix of social media interaction, and giving me the drive I’ve needed to get back out on the mountain!

Breckenridge Lodging Specials

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Special 1: 25% off ALL Labor Day Reservations in Summit County

  • Includes Breckenridge, Keystone & Frisco
  • Must book by September 1st, 2010.
  • Offer good on anything from a studio condo to a six bedroom private home
  • Can’t miss featured event: 35th Annual Gathering at the Great Divide Art Festival, Breckenridge

Photo- Scenic mountain view of Breckenridge in Winter

Don't Miss Out on This View - Schedule Your Breckenridge Vacation Today!

Special 2:  Early Season Savings in Breckenridge and Keystone

  • 25% off lodging
  • Minimum of four night stay
  • Valid November 12-December 16, 2010
  • Can’t miss featured events:
    • November 12- Breckenridge Resort Opening Day
    • December 5- Lighting of Breckenridge

Special 3: Can’t make it to Breckenridge? Book 2+ nights at 30% off in Vail

  • Hurry, this promotion ends September 1st!
  • Includes many properties in Lionshead, including amenity rich properties like Landmark Towers
  • Excludes Christmas & New Years week
  • Valid for President’s Day and Spring Break weeks!

To book one of these deals or to learn more about other lodging specials, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305.

Beaver Creek Hiking Center opens for summer

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

The Beaver Creek Hiking Center opens this Saturday, June 12. Specializing in guided hikes and mountain biking tours, the Hiking Center caters to all levels of experience and all ages. You can choose to take a leisurely hike through the valley to a lake or, for those who dare, tackle a 14er (14,000-foot-tall mountain). The professional guides at the Hiking Center will take you to whatever part of Colorado you want to see. There really is no better way to admire the majesty and beauty of the Rockies than to be in the middle of them.

All the equipemnt you could ever need for an enjoyable hike is provided, including Salomon packs and boots, Leki hiking poles, rain gear, bottled water and granola bars. The Hiking Center is located in the Summer Adventure Center on the Starbucks level of Beaver Creek Plaza (in the adult ski school building). Lift tickets for the Chairlift can also be purchased here. The Chairlift runs daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

7 Ways For Large Families to Save on Their Vacations

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010
The Colorado River offers all levels of rafting for your family

Courtesy of TravelInParadise.com

  1. Travel during mid-week days. By avoiding busy travel times such as the weekends, you will save not only on flights but lodging rates, adventure tour discounts, and save time by avoiding long, and stressful lines. Many summer events, such as the Teva Mountain Games, South of the Border Fiesta, Vail Arts Festival, and Vail America Days are not restricted to the weekend only.
  2. Research staying in a vacation rental, where you will have extra sleeping space, a fully stocked kitchen (save by cooking a few meals), and plenty of other amenities. Have a very large family? Rather than reserving several rooms, look into a large family home. In resort areas, such as Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen, Breckenridge, and Keystone are lush with others’ large vacation homes that can sleep up to 20 people in some cases!
  3. Find a family of travel buddies! By traveling as a larger group, you can split up during the day so that everyone can enjoy their vacation! Perhaps one day one adult takes the children boating, rafting, biking or fishing while the other adults have spa treatment, and then switch off on the next day. All kinds of large groups receive discounts on dining, outdoors activities, and more. Plan you trip in advance and you will more than likely experience less fees.

    Take time to teach the boys to fish in a Colorado lake, river, or pond!

    Photo by Savvy Cafe.com

  4. Split up mom and dad bonding time. Take shorter trips, and take turns between parent and child. Mom can take the girls to the spa one weekend, and a few weeks later Dad can take the boys to learn golf or on a Jeep Adventure! Keep switching off until the family can find time and money for a longer ski trip next winter.

    Sleep more people and save

    Large family homes such as this one are available for summer vacationing

  5. Join the locals! Ask about local events, farmers’ markets, and what locals do in general. They will know the best place for 50% of your meal, kid friendly parks, and easy day hikes that will take you off the tourist-beaten path. Don’t forget to ask how you need to be prepared for wildlife, safety, and weather. Attend a local church gathering, social club, visit the local library, or enroll in a onetime cooking lesson for a change of pace.
  6. Make a travel itinerary but be flexible! Running around trying to stick to a schedule can be a true buzz kill! If you travel to a destination, research your options that way when you arrive for your raft trip and the ever changing Colorado weather brings too much lightening, you will know where the nearest science or ski museum is located!
  7. Keep snacks in your travel bag. By keeping food readily available, you can intercept hunger (and tantrums) with them if you end up waiting longer than expected for your next meal. Apples, oranges, bananas, cheese and crackers, pretzels, granola bars, trail mix, and similar snacks will keep your family happy and healthy.

    life vest, orange vest, rafting vest

    Life vests are a quick and easy safety precaution.

A Beginner's 5-Step Guide to Learning to Kayak in Vail, Colorado

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

Canoes, rafts, and kayaks can be very useful

Kayaking can take my travels beyone the whitewater rapids of Colorado!

Tubing has always been one of my favorite past times for summer (along with a cold beer, a foot- long brat, and a Rockies’ team win at Coors Field), but a shiny new gem has caught my eye: kayaking. One of the most popular competitions at the Teva Mountain Games (June 3-6 this year), I know it is harder than it looks but I think I can do it. Having never even sat inside of a kayak, I thought it would be a smart move to learn a few things, and I couldn’t have picked a better place than Vail to do it!

After some web browsing, I’ve made a plan of action that I intend to take over the next few weeks, just in time for the Teva Mountain Games! I’ll let you know how it goes!

Step 1: Learn about kayaks. Did you know that there are over 7 types of kayaks?

Some are made for quiet, fishing trips, while others are made to navigate whitewater rivers! I think I will start out easy on a recreational kayak- until I find my sea legs! While researching, I found that there is a serious lack of safety education when it comes to recreational kayaks. This will be my next step because I value my ability to enjoy the great outdoors, especially in the Vail Valley area! With companies such as

Step 2: Attend a kayak safety course. Knowing what safety gear I need could help me avoid sticky situations! There are many procedures that I need to know and be able to execute such as we exiting, t-rescues, and self-rescues that will all be covered through the right training courses. The internet may be useful, but it doesn’t quite match the feeling of getting water up your nose while you are locked into a floating boat! Use this website for teaching children about boat and kayak safety.

Orange and gray life vest.

Life vests are a simple safety tool, but can mean the difference between life and death.

Step 3: Take a class. At first, I wanted to jump in, but after plenty of reading and realization that I can’t tackle white water on my first day, I’ve decided that a class with certified professionals is my best option. They provide the equipment, knowledge, and training I need to be on my way. It may not be tomorrow, but I will start out my kayaking adventure right! In most cases, safety is the main focus of beginner classes, followed by skill and then actual water time. As demonstrated in this video, anything can happen while you kayak! Watch this shocking video of what happened to some ocean kayakers! Kayakers are terrifyingly surprised during their trip…

Step 4: Get on the water! After I become confident in my skills, it’s time to play! I can’t wait to explore the area’s natural playground where river meets adventure! Hopefully, if I love it enough, then someday I, too, will be competing in the Teva Mountain Games!


Step 5:
Watch and admire the pros! I appreciate every athletic competition more, whether it’s basketball, softball, or even tennis, after not only learning about how difficult it is, but by trying it out! My admiration grew after realizing that navigating a thin, light weight craft through raging waters doesn’t happen overnight. Hopefully, while attending the Teva Mountain Games I will be able to pull aside some pro’s and learn what their experiences were to get here! Good luck to all of the Kayaking athletes who are competing in the 2010 Teva Mountain Games!

Kayaks can take you around the world to secluded, and pristine sunsets.

Learn to Kayak in Colorado, take your skill around the world!

Small Tips for Planning a Great Vacation

Monday, April 26th, 2010
Red and white cessna flying on a clear day.

Flying in Colorado

For some people traveling is something that happens year round, while others wait all year for that one special vacation. My personal philosophy is that the key to happiness is always having something to look forward to; for me that being a vacation. I thought I’d share of my personal travel tips- they are easy and will help you plan the perfect escape!

  1. When booking airfare domestically I always hop to Kayak.com first. It compares the prices airlines have listed, as well as prices being offered on 3rd party travel provider sites such as orbitz, so you know you’re getting the best deal around. Or, save some hassle and let a complimentary concierge take care of your flights for you!
  2. If your travel dates are flexible, use Bing when searching so that you can compare historical prices for the flight you’re looking for to help you know when a good time to buy is.
  3. Research special events happening in your destination before booking travel. I’ve found that the best way to save money while on vacation is to take advantage of local free events and activities.
  4. Plan ahead, but don’t plan too much. An itinerary can help keep the vacation flowing, but can also take away from the travel experience. Sometimes the best memories of a vacation are those experiences that come to you.
  5. Make an educated lodging decision. Are you looking to eat all or your meals out, or trying to save money by cooking at home during your stay? Most travelers automatically assume a hotel is the cheapest way to go, without considering the money they could be saving by booking a vacation rental fully equipped with a kitchen.
  6. Ask a local. Locals will always be a better informer than a guide book or review you read on the internet. Ask around when trying to find the best pizza, or most happening nightlife. Locals are in the know with events and specials and are usually happy to help lost tourists have a good time.

Happy travels!

8 Must-See Events: 2010 Teva Mountain Games

Friday, April 16th, 2010

As I sit here, leg in cast, looking forward to an almost 6 month recovery from a running injury, I have shifted my interest in the Teva Mountain Games from participating to watching. Yes, although I am ultimately bummed at not being able to run, bike, and raft with some of the world’s greatest athletes, I am still stoked to be a spectator at this outrageous event. If you are more interested in watching that participating in the Teva Mountain Games, than you should know which events are must-sees. Here are the Top 8 spectator events at the Teva Mountain Games!

1. Slopestyle: (When: Sunday, June 6. Qualifiers: 11am, Finals: 2pm) This freestyle competition at Golden Peak is one that I am most looking forward to. Freeriders will fly through the air performing stunning twists and flips over rugged terrain. Basically anything goes, and for these bikers, Vail is the ultimate playground! If you get fired up watching BMXers in the summer X games, don’t miss this! Plan on getting there a little early because lots of people turn out to watch this one!

2. Freestyle Kayaking: (When: Qualifiers: Friday, June 4 @ 1pm. Finals: Saturday June 5 @ 4:15 pm) The world’s best playboaters will throw down everything they’ve got to impress the judges and try to accumulate the most points in a one-minute timed run through Vail’s whitewater park. These competitors are hard core, and will stop at nothing to showboat their way to the top. If you plan on attending this or any other water event, consider staying in the Village so that you are in the heart of the action!

3. World cup bouldering: (When: Qualifiers Friday, June 4 @ 9am. Finals: Saturday, June 5 @ 3:45pm) This is a climbing event where some of the world’s best will scale an intense climbing wall set up in the heart of Vail Village.  This is a captivating test of strength and agility that measures athletic endurance and desire. Make sure to wear your hiking boots to this event because you will be inspired to go out and do some climbing after watching this fully charged event.

4. Extreme kayaking: (When: Thursday, June 3. 9:30am Championship, 10am time trials) Homestake Creek became nationally known as the ultimate kayaking challenge in 2002. Since then, some of the world’s greatest Kayakers have traveled down this intense creek that drops 480 feet per mile. The rules are simple; whoever makes it through this quarter mile creek with the fastest time wins.

5. Free Ride Dual: (When: Saturday, June 5. Finals at 3 pm) This is an intense bike race taking place in the Vail Village that incorporates doable jumps, ramps and other obstacles. Bikers can reach over 8 feet in the air in this event!! This is a must see event and has been a crowd favorite for the past 2 years.

6. 8-ball: (When: Saturday, June 6. Qualifiers: 11:30am, Finals: 2:30pm) Kayakers will gather at the covered bridge for a 200 meter sprint through Vail’s narrow Gore Creek. Civil this event is not! On the contrary, these kayakers are water gladiators, clad in full body armor and pushing, shoving, and fighting their way through the course.

7. Raft paddlecross: (When: Sunday June 6. Qualifiers: 10am, Finals: 1:30pm) A two-person raft-race down Gore Creek that showcases speed, agility, and aggression. Teams will be placed into racing groups of three and go head to head in this 1/10 mile trek through Vail’s whitewater park. Teams will have to navigate through no less than two upstream gates. The best part? Ramming is allowed! Things are going to get intense!

8. X Country Bike Race: (When: Saturday, June 5. Pro’s and Experts ride at 11:45am) It is an uphill bike race that starts at the base of Golden Peak and winds up to the top of Vail Mountain along a brand new course. The race will be broken into three heats, the second of which will be for advanced and professional riders. If you are a biking enthusiast, don’t miss this chance to watch these athletes challenge themselves and each other in this Tour de France style race!

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals has LODGING DEALS on our website, Teva Mountain Games Lodging

7 Tips for Attending the Teva Mountain games June 3-6, 2010

Monday, April 12th, 2010
  1. bike jump mountain, Teva Games

    by RaceFace.com

    Sunscreen! Even you have a darker complexion Vail is over 8,000 feet above sea level and the sun here will fry you crispier than a trout fillet! Also bring a hat and sunglasses for added protection. All the events during the Teva Mountain Games are outside, so come prepared. Spend a few minutes in your vacation rental applying sunblock, especially on your children.

  2. Walking shoes. Although I also love girly wedges with glitz and glam, showing off a new pedicure is not my goal during the Teva Mountain Games. Save the pedicure show for the Vail Arts Festival in Lionshead Village June 25-27.
  3. Pet leash and doggie bags. Although I doubt my girl, Piggy, will be competing in the Dock Dogs competition (where dogs compete in vertical, distance, and strategy competitions), leashes are required throughout the Town of Vail during the Teva Mountain Games. Don’t forget to make your favorite family friend earn their fun- Pig has a backpack and carries her own supplies such as food, water, and even her doggy bags.
  4. Re-usable water bottle. Don’t waste resources while keeping yourself healthy and hydrated during the Teva Mountain Games. In the summer heat in Vail, it’s easy to get distracted and forget to drink the recommended 8 glasses a day. Thirsty? Gear Town, located on Meadow Drive, will have many water stations where you can refill that eco-friendly water bottle.
  5. Camera. Whether you are competing in the photo competition recording family memories, keep your camera accessible because you won’t want to miss a great shot! Another idea: in order to stick to your budget, bring your camera along with you throughout Gear Town, take pictures of your favorites, then go through to pick out your favorites. Some of the best and newest gear can be sampled, tested, and bought. A few of the sponsors attending the 2010 Teva Mountain Games are: Nalgene, Osprey Packs, Trek Light Gear, and Badger Mountain Campers.
  6. A rockin’ Prom Tux or Dress. Don’t forget to dig out that high school prom dress or tuxedo, because the Teva Mountain Ball is back! Located at Samana Lounge, and at the low price of $5, you will be one glass Teva
    80s prom style suggestion

    slipper away from missing the 8 am 10k Spring Runoff!

  7. Save by staying in an alternative lodging option. Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals offers private homes, condos, and even pet-friendly lodging. Check out your options, utilize fully-stocked kitchens, use the complimentary concierge service, and get advice from a local staff. We live and love here!

Free things to do during Spring Back to Vail 2010

Friday, April 9th, 2010

It’s actually not that hard- here’s a list of all the FREE things to do during Spring Back to Vail April 12-18, 2010.
1. Free concerts! The Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars are performing on April 16th at Checkpoint Charlie, from 6-10 pm in Vail Village. They will also be showing their documentary which tells the story of the bands’ long journey from the Sierra Leone and their experiences in various refugee camps.
2. Attend Après and “After Dark Parties” where you can snipe some freebies from Bud Light and Captain Morgan at bars throughout Vail Village and Lionshead. My favorites include the Red Lion, the George, and Samana Lounge.
3. Stop by the Men’s Journal Lounge and Reverb Eco Village with sponsors such as Bear Naked Granola and attendance by Stonyfield Farm and Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance. 8:30-3:30 at the base of the Vista Bahn lift near Vail Village.

The Vista Bahn charlift

Vista Bahn Charlift number 16

4. FREE concert! Don’t miss Wyclef Jean on Saturday, April 17 and guest Robert Earl Keen. This concert, located at Ford Park is THE concert not to miss this Spring in Vail! This will be an unforgettable combination and night to remember! Get there early- this will be one packed show! Robert Earl Keen starts at 5 pm, followed by Wyclef at 7 pm. No floor space left at my place- too many friends are coming, but you can find some great lodging deals and catch some spring runs!
5. Free lunch and entertainment continues on Sunday with the Rockstar World Pond Skimming Championships. Located at Golden Peak on Vail Mountain, watch as crazy skiers glide across a somewhat (sarcasm) chilly pool of water. Many wear costumes, some land smoothly, but most crash epically into the water! They should find a hot chocolate and heater sponsor for this one! Or perhaps an arctic dive suit maker….

Free BBQ will be provided, and then to wrap up Spring Back to Vail 2010….

6. Another free concert! Located again at Checkpoint Charlie in the Vail Village, Guster, an “acoustic-pop threesome” that throws humor into their alternative rock show.

Jumps, race tracks, and more

Big jumps at Golden Peak

One thing is for certain- this is one heck of a way to finish the winter here in Vail- and I won’t forget to take as many late season runs as I can humanely accomplish while also soaking in some spring weather, great music, friends, food, and fun! Hopefully the family will visit and join too- each of these events would be great for my young cousins, aunts, and more!

Wham, bam, thank you lamb! 5 tips for having the best Vail Lamb Cook-off Experience

Friday, April 9th, 2010

I didn’t know what to expect for the annual Lamb Cook-off, a part of the Taste of Vail going on now, but I gave myself a pat on the back after attending with some co-workers and friends- every dish we tried were from Vail’s best chefs and was accompanied by some of the best wine I’ve tried. To top it all off, we had warm spring weather and I actually had to take my coat off!

The Vail Lamb cook-off had some tough competitors, but Restaurant Kelly Liken took the first place position with lamb confit created by sous chef Hunter Smith. Unfortunately I arrived late and didn’t make it to their tent in time, which is why next year I will plan to arrive early, which is my number one tip is to get there early! Here are my recommendations for next year:

1. Get there early if you intend to try many samples! Long lines are guaranteed to form at the Kelly Liken, La Tour, Lodge at Vail, and Ocotillo. (the Lodge at Vail took third place this year with their lamb pastrami sandwich, while Ocotillo took second with unforgettable lamb tamales)
2. Grab an office-mate, friend, mother, sister, brother, father or a ski group, then pair up and you can find and split the tastings. You will both get to experience more and spend less on tickets.
3. Be green by bringing your own fork and cloth napkin. Use the recycle containers that can be found every 40 feet along Gore Creek Drive.
4. Spend the $60 for all access! It is more than worth it, by purchasing an all access pass you may taste every restaurant’s submission, as well as sample every attending winery. If you purchased a ticket for every place, it would add up to over $150.
5. Walk to the event! Trust me, after all of this wonderful food, you will be grateful for the walk back to your hotel, condo, villa, or vehicle!