Archive for the ‘What’s good in Avon’ Category
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
Vail Resorts is taking their mountains high tech, at least in regards to social media. This coming winter, Vail, Beaver Creek, and all of their sister resorts will be debuting their new EpicMix technology, thus connecting skiers, snowboarders, and really all mountain pass holders with a location-based service for smart phones and computers.
As it stands, all Vail Resorts season passes already have a chip inside them. This will be utilized now to track your location and tell you a number of statistics about your day on the slopes. At the end of the day you can login to your EpicMix account and see everything from your vertical feet skied, to the location of other approved pass holders while they’re on the mountain, to which lifts you rode.
Taking it a step further, Vail Resorts brings a game-like competitive sense to the program with goals to accomplish, such as visiting a chairlift a certain number of times. When you complete a goal, you get a “pin” to add to your collection of Vail Resorts mountain accolades.
[Credit: EPIC Mix]
For those of you not thrilled by this new sense of location tracking, worry not. You can opt-out of this service if you feel uncomfortable. Then again, if that isn’t a big draw, feel free to let the world know. One of EpicMix’s perks is that you can share your stats or any of the information provided with your social media accounts. Just a push of a button is needed. If you have an enabled smartphone, you can do this while sitting on a chairlift or at the top of the run. While Vail Resorts has been gaining strength in their social media for the past few years, this takes things to a whole new level. To read more about this, check out Vail Daily’s article on the subject.
Speaking of passes, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals can get you all setup with your Epic Pass for the coming winter season, as well as help you to find out about any other information regarding the Epic Pass and EpicMix. That’s one of the perks of being Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals–Click here to check it out.
Tags: epic mix, epic pass
Posted in Beaver Creek Events, Breckenridge, Colorado Travel, Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings, Vail events, What's Happening in Vail, What's good in Avon, colorado, keystone | No Comments »
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.
[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!
Tags: epic mix, epic pass
Posted in Beaver Creek Events, Breckenridge Events, Colorado, Colorado Travel, Group Travel, Keystone events, Press, Vail Ski Vacations, Vail Snow Conditions, Vail Valley Happenings, What's Happening in Vail, What's good in Avon, keystone | No Comments »
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 »
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
Herbert Jeffrey a.k.a. “Herbie” Hancock is one of the world’s most influential jazz pianists and composers of all time, and he’s making his first Beaver Creek appearance this Wednesday at the Vilar Performing Arts Center! His stop at the Vilar Center is a part of his “Imagine Project,” a nation-wide tour in honor of Hancock’s 70th birthday. This is an experience not to be missed. A huge contributor to the “post-bop” era of Jazz, Herbie has performed with everyone from Miles Davis, Buster Williams, and Billy Hart, to Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, and Freddie Hubbard.
For nearly half a century, Herbie Hancock has been changing people’s lives with his progressive sound. Tickets are still on sale at vilarpac.org, and for those of you in the Denver area looking for a place to stay for the night (or for the long weekend?), Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals is offering discounted local rates. Call us to book your lodging for the event at 1-888-866-2305.
Herbie Hancock is one of many amazing artists to play at the Vilar center this summer, including country star Randy Travis, guitarist Jonny Lang, and bluesman Keb’Mo’. Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals can take care of all your vacation planning, including lodging, restaurant reservations, family & adventure packages, and transportation. We are friendly, knowledgeable, local vacation specialists who love Vail, and want YOU to love it too. Come check out Herbie Hancock’s performance this Wednesday and see for yourself why we’re proud to call our home “the best place on earth.”
Tags: beaver creek jazz, herbie hancock, imagine project, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, vail jazz, vilar performing arts center
Posted in Beaver Creek Events, Colorado, Colorado Travel, Vail Lodging, Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings, Vail events, What's Happening in Vail, What's good in Avon, event | 2 Comments »
Thursday, August 19th, 2010
What could possibly be better than a day of food, beer and live music? Two days of food, beer and live music! Add your finest Bavarian costume to the mix, and you just might find yourself at the 10th annual Oktoberfest in Beaver Creek.
The Oktoberfest celebration will take place in the Beaver Creek Village Saturday, September 5th through Sunday, September 6th. Festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday with the third annual Oktoberfest Shuffle, with proceeds benefitting the Vail Breast Cancer Awareness Group. The Shuffle, presented by the Beaver Creek Resort Company, is a non-competitive 5k or 10k run/walk/hike that will take participants along trails through the resort and along the mountain. The race is $25 for breast cancer survivors and $30 for all other entrees. Participants can preregister for the race online at active.com or on the day of the race in Beaver Creek Village for an extra $5 charge (day of race registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on race day).
The rest of the weekend’s events will include food booths and a beer garden in Beaver Creek Plaza accompanied by live music from Trachtenkappelle and the Helmut Fricker Band. Special performances will take place by Super Diamond from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and by Beatle Mania Live from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Complimentary children’s activities will be available from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days, and will include an interactive children’s theatre, indoor museum and outdoor fun zone. Make sure you’re present at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday to watch the kid’s European Alpenhorn Contest at the Kid’s Fun Zone. Youths 16 and under are invited to sign up by 1:30 p.m. on Sunday to participate.
Other free activities for adults include culinary demonstrations both days at the demo kitchen in Beaver Creek Plaza. Receive free cooking tips and taste a few samples from top chefs! And of course, the weekend’s can’t miss event is the Bavarian Costume Contest, taking place at 4:10 p.m. on Saturday. Dress in your finest Bavarian apparel, bring your friends, and prepare to take the main stage to walk the catwalk during judging!
The Beaver Creek Oktoberfest is a weekend you won’t want to miss, so make sure to make your last-minute lodging reservations with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals by calling 1-888-866-2305.
Tags: beaver creek, beaver creek activities, beaver creek events, beaver creek oktoberfest, colorado labor day weekend, Labor Day Weekend, labor day weekend beaver creek, oktober fest, oktoberfest, oktoberfest shuffle
Posted in Beaver Creek Events, Colorado, Colorado Travel, Events, Group activities, Summer in Colorado, Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings, What's Happening in Vail, What's good in Avon | 4 Comments »
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010
Episode IV
Welcome to the weekly blog that reports my adventures throughout the general area of the Vail Valley. I am recently new to Vail and have a passion for exploring the beautiful nature while also informing anyone planning to visit the Valley, or even current locals, of the incredible activities the Valley has to offer. Every week I plan on going somewhere remote to experience the Rocky Mountains by participating in activities including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, tubing, cliff diving, and whatever else I can think of. During these activities I will be capturing the nature around me with my camera to produce breathtaking photos and informative videos if possible.
When I moved to the Vail Valley, I made sure to bring all my toys: a mountain bike, Honda Ruckus, fishing poles, backpacking gear, and my long board. Recently I took a cruise on my Ruckus to explore parts of Avon I had not yet seen, and I encountered some very steep hills that seemed ideal for long boarding. A couple days later, as my friends and I were discussing what we should do after a long day’s work, we decided to test them out so we grabbed our long boards and headed to the hills! To get to the hills, take Exit 167 and continue through the first turn in the roundabout that will head towards 7-11. The road I discovered before, Buck Creek Road, was a little intimidating when we had our boards facing the horizon, but another road, Switch Gulch Road, seemed to be less a intense hill to warm up on. (Swift Gulch Road is the immediate right after 7-11.)
During an epic long boarding adventure, Stephen Eberle and Jeff Larson take on some hills in Avon, Colorado.
We drove to the top of Switch Gulch Road and started with the back side, which has a lot of curves and was not as exciting as we hoped, but definitely a good first run. We hit this section a few times before we decided to head the other way. It started well with decent speed and great cruising and carving opportunities, and as the road started to decline, we continued with no concerns…until our friend who was in front took a head first slider into the rough gravel. I believe he was safe. The rest of us stopped to make sure he was okay; thankfully he had his helmet on and was alright, with the exception of a few scrapes and bruises. Once I knew he was in good shape, I got back on my board with an adrenaline rush which I blame for what happened next: As I was going down an even steeper part of the road, I noticed there was nobody behind me, but I continued forward, thinking this was an amazing hill. I decided to stop carving and go for speed, which was clearly not the best idea. I started to feel speed-wobbles and I tried to correct myself by carving but just threw myself off my board instead. Thankfully I didn’t injure myself, just some scrapes on my hands and elbows.
Stephen passes Jeff on the way downhill.
Amid the falls, I still had a great time on this hill; it is not too steep in some areas making it great for cruising, there are not a lot of vehicles, and the views are great. Next time I go I will definitely bring some more protective gear, including:
- A helmet
- Elbow pads
- Knee Pads
- Long boarding gloves
For more experienced long boarders, Buck Creek Road would be an epic ride. Please be properly prepared before embarking on any adventure. If you are planning on visiting the Vail area, make sure to book your trip through Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, your Friendly, Knowledgeable Locals, by calling 1-888-866-2305.
Tags: long boarding, long boarding avon, long boarding colorado, long boarding falls, long boarding vail, Summer in Colorado
Posted in Colorado, Colorado Travel, Vail Valley Happenings, What's Happening in Vail, What's good in Avon | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
As the sun sets in the beautiful Vail Valley on a perfect summer night, the only place you need to be is at the Gerald R. Ford Ampitheater listening to free music, hanging with your friends, and enjoying some great people watching. Tonight Toad the Wet Sprocket is on stage as part of their summer tour for everybody in The Valley to enjoy. Dancing is encouraged, but not necessary. Food can be brought in, blankets are always a good idea, and with all these combined, your fun-meter is guaranteed to be overflowing.
If you enjoy any of the following: fun, friends, food, sunshine, mountains, the 90’s, dancing, laughing, music, meeting new people, getting out of your house, or enjoying some local mountain culture, then I should see you at the amphitheater tonight in East Vail. I’ll be there tonight with my friends from here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, and you owe it to yourself to come and enjoy some free music as well.  I see only positives coming from an evening of fun at the Hot Summer Nights concert series this evening.
Toad the Wet Sprocket is one of the most popular alternative rock/folk bands of the early 90’s, with two platinum albums and multiple chart topping hits, and you can see them FREE tonight.
For more information regarding the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, the Vail Valley or on finding lodging in Colorado, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305. See you there. You owe it to yourself.
Tags: CO, Free Concerts, free vail events, Gerald R. Ford Ampitheater, hot summer nights, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, summer in vail, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Vail, Vail Colorado, Vail events, vail free concerts
Posted in Events, Free fun, Group Travel, Group activities, Hot Summer Nights, Local Vail Resources, Summer in Colorado, Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings, Vail events, What's Happening in Vail, What's good in Avon, colorado, colorado travel, rmvrMedia | 4 Comments »
Thursday, July 29th, 2010
Photo taken by: Stephen Eberle
Episode III
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.
The adventure I embarked on this week was a rugged hike to Lost Lake. After work one day a few co-workers and I headed back up Red Sandstone Road. This road leads to Piney Lake (episode I), but if you stop about halfway through the road there is a parking lot on the right for the Lost Lake trail head. After we parked, we put on our hiking shoes and made sure everything was packed up in my A-frame. Here is a list of things you should bring for a half day hike:
- Water!!!
- Dry food
- Flashlight
- Pocket knife
- Fishing gear
- Rain gear
- First aid
- Compass/map
The Lost Lake trail winds into the trees and through the wilderness, steadily inclining the whole way up. Along the way, you are greeted by breathtaking views of the horizon. As you continue through, the trail begins to narrow and twists and turns. After about three miles the trail begins to decline. Once you hit the decline there is only about a half mile left before you reach Lost Lake. You may think you are lost, but just continue following the trail and you will eventually see an old wooden post sign pointing to the right that reads “Lost Lake.” Lost Lake will appear through the woods, a beautiful sight! My coworkers and I did some fishing up there but not for long because the mosquitoes were really bad. The abundant bird species in the area make Lost Lake a great place for bird watching. There were two what I believe were finches hanging out with us the entire time. It was very amusing. We stated to head back before it got dark. The roundtrip took us three and half hours and was about 7.5 miles long.
The Lost Lake Trail is a great hike for any level of hiking experience. The amazing views and entertaining wildlife make it a great hike for anyone. This trail would be great for mountain biking and also a magnificent place to camp. 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 Vail Hiking, Vail Valley Events, What's Happening in Vail, What's good in Avon, colorado, colorado travel | No Comments »
Monday, July 26th, 2010
Summer is halfway through and that means there is only one more month left to take a yoga class in Vail’s beautiful Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Classes are offered Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and are taught by experienced yoga instructor Maria DeSimone. All abilities are welcome, but be sure to bring a yoga mat or towel, a bottle of water, and loose fitting yoga attire. Classes are held at the Alpine Plaza at the base of the waterfall, so participants are able to enjoy magnificent views of the Gore Range, unless they’re in Downward Dog, that is. The last day of class will be Friday, September 3rd.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is located at 8,250 feet above sea level, making it the highest botanical garden in the United States. Access to the gardens is free and there are many youth and adult educational programs offered throughout the summer. So come find your inner sensei and do yoga at altitude—you might find your highest higher power yet!
For more information on the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens or to book your vacation in the Vail Valley, please contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305. Yogis and non-yogis welcome!
Tags: betty ford alpine gardens, outdoor yoga, Rocky Mountain Group Travel, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, rocky mountains, Vail Valley Events, vail valley outdoors, vail valley yoga, vail yoga, yoga
Posted in Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings, What's Happening in Vail, What's good in Avon, colorado, colorado travel | No Comments »
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Avon’s Lakeside Cinema summer movie series will start tomorrow at dusk! The movies are free, and guests are encouraged to bring a blanket, picnic basket, and of course, popcorn. The first 100 guests will also receive free root beer floats! Seating is on the grass field and is on a first-come, first-served basis, but if you were at Nottingham Lake for the Fourth of July fireworks, you know there is plenty of room!
Movie Schedule
• 7/23: “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale”
• 7/30: “Nine” **
• 8/6: “More Than a Game”
• 8/13: “Invictus” **
• 8/20: “Dear John”
**Date night movies. Free childcare will be provided by the Avon Recreation Center. Children must be registered, childcare lasts from 8:00-10:30 p.m.
For more information on Lakeside Cinema summer movies or to plan your next Avon/Vail/Beaver Creek vacation, please contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305.
Tags: friday night movies avon, lakeside cinema summer movies, nottingham lake, nottingham park, What to do Avon, what to do vail
Posted in Aspen Colorado Events, Uncategorized, Vail Valley Events, Vail Valley Happenings, What's Happening in Vail, What's good in Avon, colorado | No Comments »
