Welcome to Avon, Colorado, the host of the 2012 Snowball Music Festival. Last year was the first year for the Snowball Music Festival and it went so well that the event will be happening again this year!

Scheduling

Snowball Music Festival will be taking place from March 2 – 4 in Avon, Colorado.  Avon is the town just outside of Beaver Creek and Down the road from Vail. The festival will be hosting a variety of shows ranging from Rock to Rap to Electronic: check out the full lineup and schedule. Snowball Music Festival will kick off on Thursday, March 1^st at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek including performances by Trampled by Turtles, Elephant Revival and Bonfire Dub ($30). The festival will continue on the next day and last throughout the weekend of March 2^nd as follows:

• Friday, March 2^nd: 1pm – 10pm

• Saturday, March 3^rd: 12pm – 10pm

• Sunday, March 4^th: 12pm – 8pm

 

Transportation

Avon is located just off I-70, making it a very accessible location. If you are staying up in the mountains for the weekend, Vail, Beaver Creek and Avon are all accessible and convenient. If you need transportation from the Vail Transportation Center, there is a $35 3-day shuttle pass available here. If you are more budget conscious, staying in Edwards or Eagle may be a better option. There is also the Eco Bus, that can transport you to and from the Eagle County Airport, Eagle, Edwards, Avon, Eagle Vail, Minturn, Leadville and Vail. The Eco Bus has various fares, depending on your trip.

 

Tickets

Tickets to the event are sold as 3-day passes. Currently, the pass is going for $159.50 right here. They have let out a few different levels of passes, so who knows if this pass will sell out or if there will be another price increase. There are also VIP tickets available today for $299.50 which includes preferred viewing areas, a tented heat lounge, full bar access and private restrooms.

After Parties

Each night when the festival winds down around 10pm, the party has just begun. There are various bars/restaurants that will host parties after the festival. These parties will have live music and/or DJs performing to keep the party going. These shows often sell out fast, so keep up with these restaurants to find out when tickets are going on sale:

• Samana Lounge (Vail Village)

• Vendetta’s (Vail Village)

• Agave (Avon
  

  Head to Agave on Saturday, March 3rd @ 9pm after the Snowball Music Festival

 

• Loaded Joes (Avon)

 

Local Tips

A music festival in the mountains…in the winter…There are a few things you need to know before trekking out here to see the show.

• Stay hydrated—staying hydrated is always the key to a good time, especially when traveling to high elevation (Avon is 7,340 ft above sea level). The air is thinner up here so your body needs more water, its that simple. And if you’re drinking, it is even more important to mix in some water now and then.

• Stay warm—don’t try and be the cool kid in a t-shirt. You may ne able to get away with this if you are in the DJ tent the entirety of the festival, but it is not recommended. Temperatures will be below freezing for most of the concert, especially after the sun goes down around 5-6. Dress for winter weather and bring a hat and gloves to ensure a good time.

• Don’t sleep in the car—while sleeping in the car has been a music festival pastime, it might not be the best idea for Snowball. With temperatures in the single digits at night, sleeping in your car is neither fun nor safe, and after partying hard getting a good night’s sleep is necessary if your want to continue partying through the weekend.

 

Well, there is a summary of what will be going on Snowball weekend, so be sure to take note of the aforementioned tips and have fun! And if you need lodging for the Snowball Music Festival be sure to contact one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. today to see what we can do!

Last year I had the time of my life at the SnowBall Music Festival and expect no less of this year’s event, taking place from March 2-4.  If you’re a first time attendee or visitor to Avon (the town that actually hosts the event), you should probably read on…

Good decisions make for good memories!

See the bottom of the page for the full lineup!

 

1)  After Parties - Trust me, you want to purchase tickets to the late night events (if you’re 21+).  The Town of Avon requires that the music stops sometime around 10pm (can’t recall the exact time) and by the time the festival ends, the party is just getting started..  The official after parties are being held at Samana and Vendetta’s (both in Vail Village) and at Agave and Loaded Joe’s (both in Avon) and they will SELL OUT Fast!  Purchase tickets in advance, and even if you decide not to go, you’ll be able to sell them easily.  I recommend trying to see a show at Agave, because you can walk there from the Festival and in my opinion, it is Vail’s best indoor concert venue.  The best thing about the after parties is they allow you to see and hang out with some of your favorite SnowBall artists in an intimate, warm setting.

2)  Don’t dress to impress; dress to stay warm! – Last year I couldn’t believe that some people thought lack of clothing was a good idea.  The SnowBall not only takes place at 7,400 feet, but it’s also outside in the middle of winter, so dress for it!  I wouldn’t consider going to Snowball without my snow pants, a jacket, beanie, thick socks, warm boots and a good pair of gloves.  There isn’t anywhere you can go to warm up while the show is going on, so come prepared so you can enjoy yourself and dance, dance, dance.

 

3)  Wondering where to sleep? Your car is NOT the answer -  You’ll freeze.  If you’re looking to save money I recommend checking out hotels in Eagle. Eagle is only a 30 minute drive from Avon and offers very affordable lodging.  I recommend the Silverleaf Suites for a great stay at an awesome price.  Better yet the Eco bus runs a regular service from Eagle to Vail and is only $4 each way.  Learn more about the Vail Valley Transit system.

 

4)  Don’t Drive -  If there is a way to get to the Snowball that doesn’t require your car, go for it.  Traffic is a nightmare, as is parking.  Do yourself a favor and hop on the Turtle Bus Bar, or have a friend drop you off at the show.  The less traffic, cars and drunk driving, the better the experience will be for all.

 

5)  Explore!  Check out Beaver Creek and Vail while you’re in town.   From the festival you can hop one of Beaver Creek’s free buses to take you up into BC Village.  Both Beaver Creek and Vail are world class resorts for a reason!  Once you see, or even better, once you ski these resorts you will want to plan a trip to come back for them.

 

6)  Most importantly – Show RESPECT and have fun!  We’re so fortunate to have this event in the Vail Valley and it takes all of us working together to keep it here.  Respect all those around you, the Town of Avon and the people bringing you the music.  Amen.

 

The Snowball Music Festival will be one of the most memorable things you do this winter, so do it right.  Call one of our local Destination Specialists today [(970)477-1777] to learn more about lodging options in Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek and Eagle.

 

The full lineup of bands and DJs that will be at the 2012 Snowball Music Festival in Avon, Colorado (schedule here)

• A. Tom Collins
• Afroman
• At Dawn We Rage
• Bag Raiders
• Bassnectar
• Beats Antique
• Big Boi
• Big Freedia
• Boneless
• Boombox
• boyhollow
• Break Science ft. Chali 2na (of Jurassic 5)
• Cassian
• Cherub
• Crushendo (formerly Slim Thugz)
• Dada Life
• Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
• DallasK
• Deer Tick
• Digital Connection
• Dillon Francis
• DJ Skywalkerr
• DubSkin
• Elephant Revival
• Eminence Ensemble
• Figure
• Flashlights
• Gardens & Villa
• Gauntlet Hair
• Ghostland Observatory
• Gosteffects
• Gramatik
• GRiZ
• Helicopter Showdown
• Hollagramz
• Kinetix
• Los Amigos Invisibles
• Major Lazer
• ManCub
• MartyParty
• MiMOSA
• My Goodness
• Nathaniel Rateliff
• NiT GriT
• Paul Basic
• Pierce Fulton
• Plastic Plates
• Rusko
• Sauna
• Small Black
• Snoop Dogg
• Soul Clap
• Stephan Jacobs
• Sub.mission Dubstep
• SunSquabi
• SuperVision
• The Acidophiles
• The Drunken Hearts
• The Head and the Heart
• The Kooks
• The Lumineers
• The Magic Beans
• The Motet
• THiCK CHiCK [LiVE]
• Thundercat
• Tommy Michael
• Trampled by Turtles
• Tribes
• TV on the Radio
• Two Fresh
• Unknown Mortal Orchestra
• Wolf + Lamb

So come out and visit the Vail Valley from March 2-4, and enjoy a great weekend in the mountains!

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

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

 

Here is a list of dates and cities where the

US Pro Cycling Challenge will take place:

 

Stage 1, August 20: Durango to Telluride

Stage 2, August 21: Montrose to Crested Butte

Stage 3, August 22: Gunnison to Aspen

Stage 4, August 23: Aspen to Beaver Creek

Stage 5, August 24: Breckenridge to Colorado Springs

Stage 6, August 25: Golden to Boulder

Stage 7, August 26: Denver

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

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

 

Check out highlights from the 2011 US Pro Cycling Challenge:

Have you been waking up each morning with excitement? Immediately going to the window to see if snow has fallen overnight? Or religiously checking your computer for the snow report, hoping you somehow slept for a month and all the resorts have suddenly opened? Well if you have, you are not alone. I have been impatiently waiting for the beginning of ski season, even though it was only three months ago that I was taking runs at Arapahoe Basin on the 4^th of July.

It was a great day to end a wonderful season, complete with friends and a grill in the parking lot. But as I look out my office window at Vail, I look forward to the coming season, and pray that this year will be as fulfilling as the last.

While Vail is not open yet, the ski season in Colorado has already begun! On October 7^th, 2011, Wolf Creek opened, recording the earliest opening day in Colorado’s history. Arapahoe Basin followed soon after on October 11^th, this past weekend Copper and Keystone Opened! So get out your calendars, put a big red “X” on the following dates, and start the countdown to what is predicted to be another La Nina winter!

 

• ·        Keystone: November 4^th
  
• ·        Copper Mountain: November 4^th
  
• ·        Breckenridge: November 11^th
• ·        Vail: November 18^th
• ·        ***Snowmass: Now December 10^th
•          Beaver Creek: November 23^rd
• ·        Crested Butte: November 23^rd
  
• ·        Aspen Mountain: November 24^th
• ·        Telluride: November 24^th
• ·        Buttermilk: December 10^th
• ·        Aspen Highlands: December 10^th
  

 

Whether you‘re coming to ski on opening day or sometime mid-season  be sure to find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

 

 

Head on over to Beaver Creek and rent some snowshoes this winter to participate in their annual Snowshoe Adventure Race! Experts and first-timers of all ages are encouraged to participate. The event includes a 5K, 10K and a children’s 1K for those 12 and under.

 

The Snowshoe Adventure Race in Beaver Creek happens in three rounds over the course of three months. On January 8th, February 12th and March 11th there will be free snowshoe demos and basic instruction before the races begin. Also expect food, a prize raffle and an awards ceremony after each event. The competition really heats up, so start training now!

 

If you’re excited about snowshoeing, but not about racing, Beaver Creek has over 32 kilometers of groomed and rustic Cross Country and Snowshoe trails. Hop on the Strawberry Park Express Lift and pay a visit to McCoy Park for breath-taking views of three glorious mountain ranges. McCoy Park’s varying degrees of terrain, means plenty of trails for all skill levels.

 

Don’t want to hit the trails alone? Take a full or half-day snowshoe tour and discover local plants and animals as you learn about local history. Free hour-and-a-half long family tours are available on Tuesdays! And check out Beaver Creek’s new Moonlight tour between 6:30 and 8:30 for a special nighttime treat under the stars.

 

Whether you are planning a leisurely vacation or looking for some competition this winter, take a trip over to Beaver Creek where you’ll find exactly what you’re in the mood for. Call one of our Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals.®  today to get your plans in motion.

 

Beaver Creek Live Music

Where you in Vail for Fat Tuesday?  If you weren’t….. you missed a GREAT free show by Frogs Gone Fishin’. The crowd was dancing, everyone was singing and the snow falling that night just made everything better.  No worries,  because  you have another chance to catch them performing and this time they will be in Beaver Creek. This was my first time ever seeing them perform live and I loved it! Why not listen to live music after skiing or boarding at Arrowhead on the Broken Arrowhead Deck for Free!. Come to Broken Arrow located at the base of Chair 17, Arrow Bahn Express Lift.

Frogs Gone Fishin’ is a band who relies on harmonies, strong melody, and dynamic rhythms to keep their fans coming back. On any given night, the Frogs cut across genres and material from their two albums and never, ever, play the same set-list twice.


Ok so I bet you want to know where this is happening right and all the details?


Alright, check it!

Where: Broken Arrow Cafe at Arrowhead Edwards, CO
When: Sun, March 20, 2011
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Cost: FREE!!!!!


Need help with lodging and activities to do in the area? Contact one of our Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

So being an East Coast native I’m not that familiar with Rodeos. To be honest, I’ve never been to one and have always been interested in going to one.  I went ahead and looked up the definition of rodeo and this is what I got:


Rodeo:
n. pl. ro·de·o/ 1. A public competition or exhibition in which skills such as riding broncos or roping calves are displayed.


Yeah this definitely sounds cool and it would be a great experience.  And Beaver Creek will have they’re annual Rodeo this summer on June 30 and will run every Thursday during the summer.  It’s a perfect family event so young and old are sure to enjoy it. I decided to check out what events and activities will be going on and this is what I found.


+mutton bustin
+bull riding
+bronc riding
+barrel racing
+team roping


Other things to check out while you’re out there include a petting zoo, pony riding, an authentic Western BBQ and Saloon.


Transportation??? Not a problem! Free shuttles will run from the covered bridge in Beaver Creek Village. I’m excited, I can’t wait to experience this event and enjoy beautiful Colorado in the Summer.  Ok so now that you know a little more about this great event, its time to figure out lodging right?  Well I suggest that you ask one of our Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals for help with all your lodging needs!

Last weekend thousands of excited ragers flooded to Avon, Colorado for the first (and hopefully annual) Snowball Music Festival. Although the ice, mud, and puddles made it somewhat hard to move from stage to stage, I don’t think that stopped anyone from having a great time! The festival certainly held true to its tagline- Music. Adventure. Party. The masses came out decked in onesies, glitter, animal suits, glowsticks, Charlie Sheen masks, hoolahoops and basically anything else you can imagine. Pretty Lights threw down an amazing set to headline the first night and got everyone pumped up for an amazing weekend!


Saturday was filled with high energy performances that made everyone forget it was less than 20 degrees outside, starting off with Colorado’s own, Big Gigantic. Paper Diamond played in the groove tent which was overflowing with people trying get down with Alex B. In my opinion, he probably should have been given the main stage where Local Natives were playing a very mellow, but enjoyable show. From there Classix, Lotus, and Savoy (with the coolest laser show I have ever seen) all rocked it out and Bassnectar closed down the show with an epic performance, as usual! The only bad part about Snowball was that it had to end at 10 pm, but that did not mean the party was over! Practically every bar in town had after parties with different musical guests. It was hard to choose which ones to go to, but I definitely had an amazing time seeing Big G late night at Agave!

Sunday was another great day of music. I had to get to the festival pretty early to represent MPLS when Brother Ali took the main stage at 2pm. It was nice to hear some hip hop after a really electric Saturday night and Brother Ali put on a great show complete with a long freestyle rap after forgetting some of his lyrics. Afro Man took the groove tent stage with a forty in hand and also forgot a few of his lyrics… (I wonder why…) but still busted out a great show with some of the classics we haven’t heard in years! After that I saw a little bit of Miami Horror then headed back to the groove tent to warm-up my toes and secure a spot for my favorite band to dance to, EOTO. Flaming Lips closed the night with a somewhat lackluster performance. I think the lasers shining off the disco ball and the giant balloons were better received than the music. It could have been due to everyone being danced out for the weekend or the fact that front man Wayne Coyne was clearly not on his ‘A’ game. Regardless, it was nice to hear Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots while snow was dumping over the mud and ice fields which is now Nottingham Park. Lucky for me, the night wasn’t over until Alex B. (Paper Diamond) and Dominic Lalli (Saxaphonist of Big Gigantic) were done throwing down an amazing collaboration at Agave!


All in all, The Snowball Music Festival was a great success! They should probably use some bigger tents next year but aside from that, everything seemed to have worked out really well. It was exciting to be a part of the first year and I hope it continues on for many more to come! If you were there this year, I’m sure you’ll be back and if not, it’s definitely worth checking out! Visit RockyMountainVacationRentals.com to have a Friendly.Knowledgeable.Local (who was most likely at Snowball) find the perfect lodging for you!

       Do you enjoy snowshoeing? Adventure? Competition? If so the Beaver Creek Snowshoe Adventure is just for you! This snowshoeing series draws first-timers, world class snowshoe athletes, kids of all ages and everyone in between. This snowshoe event includes the East West Resorts 5k Quest, Dogma Athletic 10k and Kids 1k. This is the first year for the Dogma Athletic 10k and it will mark the largest cash prize in snowshoeing in the world with more than $15,000 in prize money.

       If you don’t have snowshoes no need to worry you can rent them at the Beaver Creek Nordic Center close by. This full day event includes slope side sponsor expos and a post-event plaza party for all participates to enjoy. There will be plenty of giveaways and even a post-race meal provided by the Dusty Boot (which has awesome food).
      

        The next event date takes place Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 11:00 am at McCoy Park. Pre- Registration is $30 and $35 the day of the event. Check out active.com to sign up for this event. For lodging information for this event contact your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

I have always enjoyed the adrenaline and excitement of running half-marathons especially in scenic locations. When I found out about the TransRockies Run I could not have been more excited to get a group of friends together and try to conquer this amazing, challenging, and epic adventure.  The fifth annual TransRockies Run will take place August 21st-26th.

The TransRockies Run is 125 miles of trail running! This is reflective of the TransApline Run in Europe! Both one-of-kind courses this is a run you must add to your bucket list. The run begins in Buena Vista, Colorado and ends six days later in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Teams of two will eat, sleep, and compete together as they cross some of the most spectacular terrain in North America.  There will be support staff for each team that will assist with their food, accommodation, and on course support.

If you are thinking about trying this adventure or you are not sure, you can access a free DVD as a first time participant. The pictures on the DVD are the best way to show the camaraderie and adventure that runners experience during the run.  Start your training today because there are over 44 miles of running at high elevation and a 10,000 feet elevation gain during the last two stages.

There is no better place to end your run and meet your family than at Beaver Creek.  Beaver Creek is a remarkable family resort full of summer activities and relaxation for all.  If you are planning on conquering this epic adventure contact your “Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals ^TM” at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for lodging information at Beaver Creek.

The first annual SnowBall Music Festival has been filling their line-up quickly throughout the holiday season and continues to do so.  As of now there has been 14 spots filled with great talent, and there are a total of 29 spots according to the festival’s poster that seems to be updated daily.  The poster started with only two acts, Bassnectar and Pretty Lights, which created so much excitement throughout the music community they started to nickname this festival Snowchella comparing it to the number one ranked festival in the world, Coachella. Being associated with Coachella is a huge praise especially when only two acts have been revealed at the time.

Today the poster lists 16 acts which are; Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zero’s, Local Natives, Diplo, Big Gigantic, Portugal The Man, Classixx, 12^th Planet, Miami Horror, Mansions on the Moon, Baths, Superhumanoids, Bonfire Dub, Twin Shadow, and Portor Robinson.  I am sure there will be an addition tomorrow.  I enjoy how this is being done; it is a lot of fun to follow and exciting when you see a personal favorite band on the poster.  I have experienced this multiple times already and again this week when I saw Portugal the Man.

Portugal The Man was rumored to play at The SnowBall in the beginning but was not official until January 4th when they were added to the SnowBall poster.  This band consists of four members; John Gourley, Jason Sechrist, Ryan Neighbors, and Zachary Carothers.  Portugal the Man started as a side project for lead vocalist John Gourley with Carothers playing bass using drum machines for their supporting beat.  The band has grown in many directions, one move was signing with Atlantic Records in 2010 after being with multiple labels previous to Atlantic.  I missed Portugal The Man last time they came to Colorado in November, but I sure won’t miss them at the SnowBall Music Festival that can’t come soon enough.

For those planning on coming to The SnowBall in March make sure to purchase your tickets and lodging before it is too late.  Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals have many great lodging options for this epic music festival.  Give your Friendly Knowledgeable Locals a call at 1-877-422-0449.  Hint: Ask to be near Nottingham Lake.

The SnowBall Music Festival debuting in Avon, Colorado March 4-6, 2010 is going to be EPIC. Event producers are really building up the anticipation by releasing a new artist set to preform every day. I catch myself checking the SnowBall facebook fan page way too often for updates.  I have my fingers crossed that soon we’ll see some of the bands added that are being requested over and over again by fans such as Boombox, Ghostland, Emancipator, Disco Biscuits, the New Deal and the list goes on.  So far the SnowBall Music Festival has announced the following artists set to rock the stage at Nottingham Park in Avon this March.

Pretty Lights
Bassnectar
Classixx
Big Gigantic
Local Natives
Baths
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Miami Horror
Mansions on the Moon
DIPLO
Superhumanoids
Bonfire Dub
12th Planet
Portugal. The Man

If you plan on attending this sick festival, you best pick up your tickets now before the price jumps up. Early Bird Passes are on sale now, so get them while they’re hot!  See you at the show.  For your festival lodging needs contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals today!

Recently I have been hearing a rumor of a music festival coming to the Vail Valley with such acts as Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic  Zeros, and Bonfire Dub.  I have been checking their website daily to see updates to confirm my excitement.  As I walk into the office today and grab a newspaper I see a Front Page headline “Music Festival Coming to Avon.”

Bassnectar and Pretty Lights have been confirmed among with a few other bands to play at The SnowBall Music Festival in Avon, CO.  Organizers are planning to have three headliners and about 25 to 30 acts total over the three day festival.  The full line up should be announced within the month.  This is going to be a huge event for Vail Valley because there is going to be thousands of people in attendance and an estimated $4 million dollars  stimulated into the local economy.  The town of Avon is excited to be able to host such an event without investing a dime, as The Snow Ball LLC will be privately funding the festival.

For those who do not know Bassnectar or Pretty Lights, they both are engineers in different genres of electronic music.  Pretty Lights is Derek Smith from Fort Collins, CO who has been creating great music, electronically sampling many types of genres putting them in a nice hip-hop beat, with his percussionist who usually plays live with him on the drums.  All of  Pretty Lights’ music can be downloaded for free on their website.  Bassnectar, Lorin Ashton, is from California and plays more of a dubstep style (heavy bass) with remixes and mash-ups.  He is a lot of fun to watch as I saw him twice this year.  The last time I saw Bassnectar he laid down a two hour set!

I can’t wait to see the rest of the line up.  This is going to be an epic event and will be following it daily to see updates and news on the SnowBall Festival so stay tuned.  If you would like to book your stay before its too late contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals.

Hundreds of people gathered at Beaver Creek this weekend to watch the Birds Of Prey Ski Race, the only men’s World Cup stop in the United States. Cali and I headed over to Beaver Creek on Friday to catch the Men’s Downhill. We rode The Centennial Lift up from the base of Beaver Creek and were nearly blown away at the top. The winds were really strong and we learned that the race had been postponed two hours because of them. Once we made it down to the bottom of the course, we took off our boards and walked around, only to learn the race had been canceled due to high winds for the first time ever.

On Sunday we went back to Beaver Creek to watch the Giant Slalom. A festive atmosphere surrounded the on-mountain venue and we arrived just in time to catch all the racers’ second runs. It was an exciting environment as racers continuously knocked others off the podium. Ted Ligety was the final racer, not to mention the last chance for America to make it onto the podium. The crowd got louder and louder as Ligety made his way down and when he crossed the finish line with the first place time, the crowd erupted into cheers. It was an incredible moment that I was happy to have witnessed. Ligety took gold with a time of 2:37.67 followed by Kjetli Jansrud of Norway with a time of 2:38.49 and Marcel Hirscher of Austria with a time of 2:38.91.

Attending the Beaver Creek Birds of Prey was just another perk of living in Vail, a ski resort most only get to visit once a year.

Do you love ski racing? If you do, then Beaver Creek is your place to be this weekend. The Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race December 3-5 in Beaver Creek is a must-see for all Downhill, Super G, and Giant Slalom racing fans. Olympic hopefuls and past Olympic champions will be in Beaver Creek racing, as this is a World Cup Race. Ted Ligety and Bode Miller , among many others, will be racing for the U.S. Team, which is looking to put up a strong performance at this year’s race.

The race consists of Men’s Downhill on Friday, the Super G on Saturday, and finishes with the Giant Slalom on Sunday. Whatever your favorite type of racing is, come and enjoy the festivities on that day! If you are just the most diehard racing fan, then you won’t be disappointed by seeing three days of racing back to back to back. The best part of this race is that it is free and open to the public all weekend…so come and go as you please!

If you need a break from the racing, Beaver Creek is open and running and covered with lots of new fresh snow from the past two weeks, so get out there and make some of your own turns; just hop on a lift and enjoy some great early season skiing for yourself!

For any and all of your lodging needs, call your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Local friends at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals and we can take care of everything for you.

The word “preservation” can truly be defined by the authenticity of delightful NOLA jazz, especially presented by the traditional performances of New Orleans’ own Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Preservation Hall, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band, gracefully embody the traditional sound and sprit of a city with the broken beauty of New Orleans.

Who doesn’t immediately feel that impulse to throw up your hands, knock your hips back and forth, and joyously dance to the bright sounds of brass, percussion, bass, and sax? Lucky for Vail/Beaver Creek this year, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band is hitting the road for their 2^nd Creole Christmas tour, making a stop at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek this December. The show will highlight holiday favorites with a sassy flair, including “Blue Christmas,” “Swinging in a Winter Wonderland,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and “The Dreidel Song.”

One of the top priority activities on my Grandparents’ list while visiting me at Tulane was checking out Preservation Hall. The building itself hasn’t been touched, renovated, or modernized over the years. Without air conditioning or drink service, and its use of dim lighting, the venue stands true to representing its original purpose: being a host for authentic jam sessions. Originally a tavern during the war of 1812, the weathered building in the heart of the quarter later became a photo studio and art gallery. Eventually, the owner of the gallery initiated jam sessions in the building with close friends.  By 1961, the building was founded as a music venue by Allan and Sandra Jaffe, open to public, offering nothing but the simplicity (and complexity) of soul.

The band that came out of Preservation Hall started touring in 1963, and has continued to pass the traditions of the past down to new charter members that have joined the roster over the years. Original chapter members of Preservation Hall Jazz Band performed with gurus like Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, and Bunk Johnson.  This year, several talented musicians have joined the band, making dynamic contributions with brass, woodwind, and percussion to reflect that high spirited New Orleans flavor.

Now you can make the holiday season a “Creole Christmas” while vacationing in the Rockies.  Tickets for the show on December 21^st are on sale now, go for $58 – and I promise you, it’s worth every penny to experience this kind of jazz, “preserved” in its original form. Purchase tickets here, from the VPCA website.

For all your lodging and additional concierge needs, book with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals. Immerse yourself into mountains and music this winter, and let the good times roll!

Yoga. Mountains. Clarity.

Feeling anxious? Stressed? Sore, or stiff? Feeling like a weekend getaway designated to yoga in the mountains?

The Riverfront Resort & Spa at the Westin in Beaver Creek is hosting a Yoga Weekend Workshop October 16-17^th, for two days of clearing the mind and body while taking gravity into account as a powerful energy source. Yoga Instructor Jim Keegan, founder of Yoga Nirvana Studio in Tempe, AZ will be putting on the show, focusing on several different yoga elements.

These elements will include twists and inversions, arm balance, the biomechanics of Hatha Yoga, and breathing techniques, such as Simhasana and Neti nasal rinsing. The weekend sessions will aim to detoxify and reduce stress, increase cardio-like blood flow to the head and heart, build stability and strength, and call attention to gravity as an energy source. Twists and inversions also contribute to the cleansing of glands and organs, improving digestion, and calming the mind. The final session, nine obstacles on the yoga path, will aid participants in moving beyond mental, physical, and spiritual obstacles that contribute to the blurring of conscious discovery.

The full program for the weekend is $100 (four classes), and individual sessions are $30. Early bird prices last through October 8^th, and they are $80 for the weekend, $25 for one session.

I can’t think of anything better than yoga or the mountains to ease my mind and body. Take a break from the everyday stresses, and rejuvenate your senses on a yoga retreat in Beaver Creek. Last minute lodging deals are lasting for one more day – so book now and save travel expenses too! Call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305, and let our sales agents carry you through the rest.

This coming Friday, October 1st, is looking to be an epic evening in Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek will be hosting a premiere for Matchstick Productions’ new film titled, “The Way I See It”. As always, the athletes over at Matchstick are stretching the limits by finding the deepest powder across the world and pulling off the gnarliest moves on the mountain. The film features phenomenal athletes such as Mark Abma, Sean Pettit, Eric Hjorleifson, Cody Townsend, and many more, including my favorite lady pow-shredder, Ingrid Backstrom.

Per usual for Matchstick Productions, this cinematic powder dream travels the world in order to track down the deepest, freshest snow possible, and shred it before anyone else gets to it. Deep powder, fresh steep lines, and massive parks are featured from British Columbia, Japan, Alaska, Switzerland, Idaho, Washington, and of course beautiful Colorado!

By logging on to skimovie.com, you will be able to view the teaser for “The Way I See It”. Tickets for the premier at Beaver Creek are available by phone or in person at the Vilar Center Box Office, located beneath the ice rink in Beaver Creek.

One of my favorite things about this time of year is seeing all the new ski films emerge and watching my favorite athletes push themselves further than ever every single year. Along with the massive grabs and ridiculous runs these athletes manage to pull off, the cinematography is always taken to the highest extreme as well. Bravo to Matchstick Productions and all the other ski film production companies, keep on creating fabulous films for all to enjoy 365 days a year!

To hear about the latest lodging deals in Beaver Creek, or to get a local’s advice on the best slopes to shred this season, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305.

I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that sometimes, nature calls to you. When nature calls to me, it’s not really a matter of deciding whether or not to act on it; I have to get out. I have to feel the sun on my face. I have to immerse myself into open space and solitude; otherwise, the rest of my day just might not feel complete.

Yesterday, my roommates and I were heading back to our house in Avon from the office here in Vail, and it was that time of day – about 5:30 p.m. – when the sun is a little bit more gold in color, igniting the sloping mountain sides I-70 curves through. When there’s a blue sky allowing warm sunlight to boldly cut through the air, the force I feel to be a part of it becomes even stronger. I decided to embark on a self-induced adventure to Beaver Creek.

After touching base at home, I set off and drove in the direction that seemed right. I was told at the entrance of the mountain to have fun, was given two maps, and directions to park in Ford Hall. I was well-equipped in jeans, sneakers, and a flannel, with my ipod and notebook in the passenger’s seat. I parked my car, and walked towards elevation.

I’ve done my fair share of hiking and everything, but man, the first stretch I took went straight up from the bottom of the mountain, and I began to feel incredibly out of shape.  Once I got to a leveled out area, it was a good time to sit down, take a swig of hydration from my Sigg bottle, and admire the view of rolling mountains right before me. I had a sudden urge to pump up the volume of my music and listen to The Band’s classic, “The Weight.” Maybe it’s the influence of Easy Rider, but the song reminds me of all the ground I’ve covered over the last few years. As I stared out ahead, the comfort of recognizing my newest surroundings became apparent.  I’m not exactly roughing it – at least not when it comes to the overall satisfaction a beautiful setting provides. In fact, that’s exactly what the trail map that I was given says on the front: “Beaver Creek. Not exactly roughing it.”

Having this moment to chill and recollect my energy, I stood up and ventured on. Now listening to my favorite fall-back, Radiohead (especially when the sun starts to go down), I continued to climb upward to gain more air and a greater view. Although strange to be on a bare mountain with runs marked for skiing, I was nostalgic for last year’s season, and my adrenaline started pumping thinking about the ski season to come.

This Labor Day weekend, many events are lined up in the Vail/Beaver Creek areas. Kicking off with the final Friday Afternoon Club at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola, and continuing on with Oktoberfest in Beaver Creek and the 16^th annual Vail Jazz Party this weekend, it’s a good time to celebrate being up here. For details on events this weekend, or to purchase an Epic Pass to get pumped for the upcoming season, visit Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals’ website, or call 1-888-866-2305.

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.