Breckenridge has long been a favorite vacation destination during the winter and summer months. Originally founded as a mining town in the 1850’s, Breckenridge has become one of the most popular mountain resorts in the nation. But what is it that keeps drawing people back to Breckenridge? The quaint mountain town? The great dining options? The great skiing? The convienent lodging? The family friendly activities offered year round? The special events?

 

I could try to answer this question all day, but in reality, all of these things combine together to make Breckenridge a unique and fun destination:

And while I could write a post on each one of these topics, today we’ll take a look at the convenient lodging.

 

Breckenridge has become well known for its ski in/ski out and village lodging thru conveniently located properties, friendly family services and great value. Let’s go ahead and check out 1 hotel, 1 condo and 1 home that have helped Breckenridge grow to be one of the best resorts around.

1 (hotel). The Beaver Run Hotel, located at the base of Peak 9, is a great ski in/ski out property for families and groups who want to stay on the mountain. With the Beaver Run Super Chair and Quicksilver Super 6 chair located just outside the hotel, guests have instant access up the mountain. There is also a selection of hiking and biking trails located just outside the door, great for taking in some of the beautiful scenery of the area. Not to mention, the hotel is just minutes from down town Breckenridge, where there are plenty of shops, restaurants and boutiques to keep you busy.

 

The property has studio to 4 bedroom suites, with a variety of room types to match your needs. The hotel also has a full service restaurant and spa, and equipment rental is on-site. The hotel is also pet-friendly, and offers multiple pet services to make sure your dog has a great vacation too! If you want to stay on the mountain and are looking for convenient hotel accommodations, this is the place to stay.

2 (condo). One Ski Hill Place, Breckenridge’s newest condo property, opened up last year at the base of Peak 8. This prime-time location is great during the summer and winter, as it is located right next to the gondola to town and next to 3 different chair lifts up the mountain. Also located at the base of Peak 8 is Breckenridge’s Gold Runner Coaster, a 2,500 ft coaster that weaves in and out of the trees of Breckenridge. This location simply can’t be beat, and the full spa, aquatic center and restaurants on-site ensure that you don’t even have to leave (even though your should go explore) the residences during your stay.

 

The property offers studio to 4 bedroom suites, and has a variety of rooms and layouts to fit your needs. Rooms either receive views up the slopes or out towards the continental divide and town of Breckenridge. As with the Beaver Run Hotel, a variety of hiking and biking trails are right outside the door, leaving all of the Breckenridge area open for exploration. This is a great property for those looking for maximum convenience and outstanding amenities.

3 (home). Now for the house – 31 Riverwood Drive. 31 Riverwood Drive is located on a 1 acre lot just outside the town of Breckenridge. This magnificent 5 bedroom home has a private hot tub and home theater, not to mention the flat screen televisions and fireplaces throughout the house. Guests may take in relaxing views of the wooded surroundings and ski resort from the private decks, or prepare a feast in the gourmet kitchen. The home is conveniently located on the shuttle route and there is also a private shuttle that will provide door-to-door service in Breckenridge. For a luxurious vacation in Breckenridge, this home is the perfect fit. So bring your group or family out for a vacation to be remembered!

 

Well there are 3 of my favorite places in Breckenridge, each with their own pros and cons. Check out the map below to see where all these properties are located on the mountain.

Hopefully this gave you a better idea about how Breckenridge is laid out, and you have a bit of info about these select 3 properties. To continue your search for the perfect fit, check out our Breckenridge hotels, condos and homes, or feel free to give one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® a call today! (855)210-2469

Are you ever looking for a quick snack on the mountain? Want something to hold you over before you swing by the lodge for lunch? Forget to snag a granola bar on your way out of the house? It’s okay, grab a Nature Valley bar from the ticket office!

 

All Vail Resorts mountains have complementary Nature Valley bars on the mountain or at ticket offices/windows. So next time you visit a Vail Resort be sure to grab some Nature Valley bars for a quick and easy snack on the chair lift!

Beaver Creek

At Beaver Creek, employees can often be spotted at the base of the mountain handing out Nature Valley bars. If you don’t see anyone handing them out, visit the nearest ticket office/window. *At 3 PM everyday at the Centennial Chair #6 fresh, hot cookies are handed out—a great way to end the day!

Breckenridge

Breckenridge has Nature Valley bars at the Peak 7 and Peak 8 ticket offices, and sometimes they are offered by chair lifts on the mountain.

Keystone

Keystone will give you a few Nature Valley bars for the day at its ticket windows and in the Mountain Service Center

Heavenly

You can grab Nature Valley bars for the mountain at the Stagecoach Lodge at Heavenly.

Northstar at Tahoe

Visit any ticket office/window or the Season Pass office at Northstar at Tahoe for a few Nature Valley bars.

Vail

Head over to the Lionshead ticket office in Vail to get your supply of Nature Valley bars for the day. Also, be on the lookout for Vail employees at the base of the mountain handing out Nature Valley bars.

Next time you visit any Vail Resort, be sure to grab a few Nature Valley bars for a great snack on the mountain. Enjoy the slopes!

 

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. Call today! (855) 210-2469

What draws people to Aspen? This has been an age old question that only visitors of Aspen know the answer to. Is it the variety of terrain? The fabulous lodging options? The special events? Well, all of the above.

Aspen – Founded during the silver boom in 1879, this Colorado Ski town has solidified its’ place on the map as one of the most renowned ski destinations in the world. When I used to hear someone talk about “Aspen”, Hollywood, high-society, and world-class skiing often came to mind. While, yes, Aspen does encompass all of these things, behind the glitz and glam Aspen is a true locals’ town. Its down to earth vibe and unique mountain culture make it a place that is hard to resist for locals and visitors alike.

 

The Power of Four: A weekend trip simply isn’t going to do it here. At Aspen/Snowmass there are four mountains to ski! Right out of the center of town there is the Silver Queen Gondola that takes you up to Aspen Mountain, best known for its steep, black-diamond terrain. Just outside of town you have Aspen Highlands, a locals’ favorite for over 50 years. At Highlands you can hike to the summit of Highland Bowl at 12,392 feet and reap the benefits by skiing fresh powder. At Buttermilk Mountain, home to the Winter X Games, you can take it easy or challenge yourself at the park which was voted by Transworld Snowboarding Magazine Reader’s as the Best Park. Buttermilk not only hosts some of the best riders and skiers in the world, but also serves as a great mountain for beginners and families to ski due to its smooth and easy rolling trails. Fifteen minutes away is Snowmass, the mountain you can’t discover in just one day of skiing. Boasting a massive 3,132 acres of terrain, Snowmass also providers skiiers with the most vertical feet in the country (4,406 ft).

World Class Lodging: Aspen’s lodging collection promises to inspire even the most discerning traveler. At the luxury end of the spectrum, the Dancing Bear Private Residence Club is one of a kind. The Dancing Bear blends Aspen’s sophistication into a luxurious downtown retreat, offering guests nothing but the finest resort amenities and personal service. Another favorite is the Little Nell and Residences at the Little Nell. Located slope-side on Aspen Mountain, the Little Nell collection features private condos and hotel style residences, all boasting state-of-the-art amenities in a location that can’t be beat. Aspen ski in ski out lodging and Snowmass ski in ski out lodging options are quiet impressive, spanning to offer private homes, condos and hotels to fit most budgets and all lodging desires.

Special Events: With such an incredible landscape and set-up, it’s no surprise that Aspen is host to a multitude of special events throughout the year that draw in spectators and participants from around the globe. Some of Aspen’s featured events are the Winter X Games, FOOD & WINE Classic of Aspen, and 12 Days of Aspen. However, Aspen also hosts smaller, unique events throughout that year that make for a truly special experience for visitors to Aspen. Learn more about events throughout the year in Aspen at www.AspenChamber.org.

Aspen is truly a gem in the mountains of Colorado – A place that seems to get better every time I visit and always leaves me wanting more. Learn more about Aspen lodging, skiing and special events by calling our local, Aspen Destination Specialist at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals today.

At Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, we work to find travelers to find the vacation rentals of their dreams in the mountains.  Some travelers want the best of the best, and that’s when we tell them about the amazing 917 Bachelor Ridge Road ski-in/ski-out access home in Bachelor Gulch of Beaver Creek.

This 7 bedroom, 7.5 bath ski-in/ski-out residence is stunning from the outside, but it’s the interior that will really blow you away.  Rich mahogany wood and stone archways are utilized throughout the home, giving it a modern feel with elegant taste.  In fact, “luxurious,” is the best way to sum up every detail of 917 Bachelor Ridge Road.  In the family room you’ll find a home theater opening up to the billiards room.  Here you can play a game, catch a flick, or mix up a cocktail at the wet bar.  Right outside the family room is a patio where you will find your private hot tub built into the rocks, offering a view of the Gore Range like no other.

The residence features 7 bedrooms, sleeping a total of 20 guests, making this the perfect home for a large group or family traveling together.  Guests can enjoy time together at the private outdoor swimming pool, or have a pizza party by utilizing the wood burning pizza oven.  For those who need to get some work done, they will appreciate the home office at the residence.

Upstairs, in the Great Room, you can find a place to relax on one of the many luxurious furnishings placed throughout the room.  Just outside, on the wrap-around patio, you can’t help but smile at the views of the Gore Range in front of you.    When it’s time to get out there and play, simply ski down to the Bachelor Gulch Chairlift!  From here you can spend the day exploring Beaver Creek, knowing that when you come home exhausted, the hot tub, steam room and sauna await you!

917 Bachelor Ridge Road is one of the most beautiful ski-in/ski-out access homes in Beaver Creek.  It will truly delight anyone who is fortunate enough to call it home for a few days. Call one of our Destination Specialists today to learn more and plan your vacation to Beaver Creek or any one of our other fun filled Destinations.

Skier Slang  – Ski Terminology – Ski definitions

When you’re from out of town and up on the mountain, you may hear some terms get thrown around that sound a bit foreign. This ski term dictionary will help you get familiar with the terms before you visit. Keep in mind that these definitions were crafted based on the opinion of one, slightly biased person and are meant to be taken with a grain of sarcasm. Enjoy!

• Gaper day— A group ski day noted by skiers sporting unique, tightly fitted neon styles from head to toe.  The most popular style is a onesie, brought together by fanny packs and boom boxes bumping hits from the 80′s, which is often times very distracting to others on the mountain.

• Ducking the rope— Frowned upon at ski resorts, ducking the rope is often referred to a risk skiers take to find untracked terrain and powder stashes when going outside of ski resort area boundaries.  Ducking the rope can cause one to lose their skiing privileges by getting their pass clipped, getting lost, or even gettin caught in an avalanche. My advice is to stay inside the ropes, because once you’ve crossed over, you are no longer in the safe zone…
• Getting Your Pass “Clipped”— This refers to getting your pass removed by ski patrol and possibly resulting in fines and penalties. This happens when you duck the ropes or hesitate to follow all rules laid out by the ski resort.

• Après ski— Meaning “after ski” in French, après ski is typically a time between 3-6 pm when skiers enjoy drinks, food and live music at local bars and restaurants. Après ski is like a little reward for your body’s hard work on the mountain that day (or at least that’s what I like to tell myself).

•  The Beav’ — Also known as Beaver Creek, locals call it The Beav’ because it mainly just sounds cooler.

• Breckenfridge— The term Breckenfridge or “The Fridge” refers to Breckenridge, which is often cold and windy, so be sure to dress warm!

• Ski-in/ski-out—A property advertised as ski-in/ski-out means that somewhere on your property you can ski into the ski run, down to the chair-lift, and ski back into your property at the end of the day without having to hassle with taking a shuttle or walking to the runs. Ski-in/ski-out gives one “baller status”.

• Ski-in/Ski-out Access— Often confused with ski-in/ski-out, ski-in/ski-out access means that you have to WALK to the run, strap in and then you can ski.  It is likely that you’ll have to ski to the same place where you strapped in at the beginning of the day, unstrap, and then walk back to your rental property.  Ski-in/ski-out access means you will be WALKING, however it is typically a 100 yards or less; which most people can handle.

• Shredding the Gnar— Although loosely used, shredding the gnar simply means- own it.  The word “gnar” is used to make something gnarly or cool.  It could be the terrain, the powder, the surf; but whatever, “Just shred the gnar, dude!”

• Pow Day – The BEST mornings are Pow Mornings. This is when you wake up to tons of fresh snow (8+ inches) and get out of bed super fast so that you can get first chair up the mountain! On a Pow Day, everyone is getting fresh tracks, surfing through the snow, and loving every minute of it. There’s nothing like an epic Pow Day. Nothing.

• First Chair— Getting first chair is a highly held honor on the mountain. This means you are the first one in line at the lift, the first one up the mountain, and the first one down. Everyone will look in envy as you cruise down the mountain below them for the first run of the day. This typically takes getting to the lift 30-45 minutes before the lift opens, and is highly valued on Pow Days.

• Dust on crust – This is a day when people get overly excited about a few fresh inches of snow (less than 5 inches).  They rush to get to the mountain, but are quickly disappointed when they realize that the new snow only provides a dusty cover to the ice crunching beneath them. Dust on crust is not a favorable condition, and often gets tracked out fast.

• Liftie – The friendly person making sure you get on and off the chair lift, and the one who stops the lift when you are less than successful…  Liftie’s often have the reputation of being uneducated ski bums, but in reality they just LOVE to ski and make that a priority in their life.

Finding ski-in ski-out lodging in mountain towns can be a difficult, as ski-in ski-out properties are often privately owned and have limited rental time frames. However, if you are coming to Vail this season we have a variety of ski-in ski-out lodging options to fit your style and budget. So check out these top 3 ski-in ski-out properties in Vail and call a local today!

 

1. Northwoods Condominiums

The ski-in ski-out Northwoods Condos are located in the Golden Peak area of Vail, and are a short walk to the center of Vail Village. Golden Peak is a nice area to stay since it is more private than Vail Village (just to the east), but still is close to the Village and has ski-in ski-out access. The condos have a  pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room, along with covered parking and a fitness center. Individual units have private balconies, fireplaces and full kitchens and are filled with comfortable furniture. Be sure to check out the Northwoods Condos for a convenient stay that won’t kill your budget.

 

2. Ski Bridge North

Ski Bridge North is a private ski-in ski-out home located in the Vail Cascade Resort just west of Vail Village. Cascade Village is a great place to stay if you are looking for some privacy with plenty of amenities. When staying in the Cascade Village, you receive access to the Aria Club and Spa, offering a fitness club, a full service spa and childcare services. The club also has indoor tennis, along  with a  heated pool and hot tub. Let the Cascade Shuttle take you to and from Vail Village and Lionshead Village, or relax in the comfort of this 5 bedroom home. The ski-in ski-out home sleeps 12, making it great for family or group vacations. Check out the Ski Bridge North in the Cascade Village for a private and convenient ski vacation.

 

3. Arrabelle

Of course, I saved the best for last. The ski-in ski-out Arrabelle is a luxury hotel in Lionshead Village that offers maximum convenience and comfort from any Vail ski-in ski-out property. The property has a heated pool and hot tub, a restaurant, valet parking, and ski valet. The gondola is just steps outside the door, and so are a variety of restaurants. You can take the in town bus or a short walk to get to Vail Village, which has more dinning and shopping options, along with another ski lift and access to even more skiing. If you are looking for luxury ski-in ski-out lodging in Vail, take a look at the Arrabelle hotel.

 

Well there are my top 3 ski-in ski-out properties in Vail, Colorado. If you didn’t see anything that struck your fancy, check out our full list of Vail ski-in ski-out lodging. Or if you are looking for lodging in other areas of the Colorado Rockies, don’t hesitate to find out more about how our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^®  at  Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals can help you book your dream ski vacation today!

 

Unique hardly describes the stunning Castlewood residence in Telluride.  Castlewood is Telluride’s finest private home marveling 17,300 square feet of indoor living space. And that’s just the beginning…

I challenge you to find anything quite like the estate, which includes

• Amazing hot springs that are built into the residence.  As the story goes, the hot springs were discovered many years ago and were enclosed within the guest house, left mostly in their “natural state” with exposed rock, waterfalls, and two tubs to soak in.
• Exterior hot tub outside of the 2-story master suite.
• History. Constructed to appear nearly 200 years old, you’ll find rich patina on every surface throughout the estate.
• A Murphy bed in the wine cellar tasting room!
• 3 twin beds in the observatory tower (yes there is an observatory tower)
• 4 washers and dryers
• 10 bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms, 6 steam showers and room to sleep 35 people!
• 3 interconnected but separate living quarters
• A theater – you have never seen a home theater like this!

Now imagine your perfect day of skiing…Got it? Castlewood is bound to offer all you can dream of and more. You will wake to sun rising over the San Juan mountain range outside your bedroom window, and be greeted soon after waking by a steam shower. Follow it up with a cup of Joe in the stunning gourmet kitchen (one of 3 full kitchens available to our guests).  Once you’re ready for the slopes, head over to the guest house to warm your boots and gloves prior to hopping on your skis and skiing down Double Cabins Ski Run. Ski. Ski. Ski.

Once you’ve exhausted your muscles covering all of Telluride’s diverse terrain, ski home for lunch, perhaps prepared by a private chef.  After your meal, why not opt for a private in-home massage in the guest house’s Spa room.  It already has massage tables set up, and even includes a incredible mechanical massage table for those impromptu massages! Then get out there and ski some more—you will have plenty of time to relax in luxury when you return home where the Castlewood Hot Springs await your return!

This magnificent room features a main hot spring pool and a separate hydro full-body massage tub, sauna and steam bath. While all of this is very tantalizing, what really tops off this room is the ice cold beer available from one of five taps in the room, filled with your favorite beer.

 

Once your body is rejuvenated, go ahead and challenge someone to a game of billiards in the game room or dance to your favorite tunes on the surround sound speaker system. After having some fun, there is nothing like a big meal in the Great Room where you’re surrounded by antique woods and fine furnishings.

With 23 beds at the property, it will be an adventure just deciding where you want to lay your head! Eight of the bedrooms have their own flat screen TV with access to the house media system.  This means that you can start your night watching a movie in the theater and then finish that same movie in your bedroom.  If you’re feeling in the mood for a good book, make your way to library for an expansive collection of classic reads.

 

The Castlewood estate is the perfect place for family reunions, wedding receptions, or any large group traveling to Telluride.  If you’re bringing a crew of people with you, look no further than the Castlewood estate to accommodate all of your group’s needs.  Call our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® today at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to learn more about the Castlewood estate and book your dream vacation today.

If you have never stayed in a ski-in/ski-out property while on vacation, you are making a big mistake. There is no comparison to the convenience added when you can ski out the door in the morning and then ski home at the end of the day–no buses or shuttles required. When trying to pick out the “top 5″ ski-in/ski-out properties in Beaver Creek, I couldn’t help but picking 6. So I settled with 3 condo properties, 2 homes and 1 hotel (listed in that order). Enjoy!

 

1. The Borders Lodge

The Borders Lodge in Beaver Creek may be one of the best ski-in/ski-out values in Beaver Creek. The property is just outside the Elkhorn Lift, providing access to all of Beaver Creek. The property has private ski lockers, a heated pool and a hot tub. Check out the Borders Lodge for an affordable vacation without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

 

 

2. McCoy Peak Lodge

The McCoy Peak Lodge offers condos that truly stand out from the rest. These luxurious slope side condos have maple wood floors and gourmet kitchens, and are just seconds from the lift! Enjoy the heated pool and hot tub, or walk out the door to the ice skating rink. These condos are a great fit for those looking for ski-in/ski-out lodging while maintaining maximum comfort.

 

3. Snow Cloud Lodge

The Snow Cloud Lodge of Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek offers premier lodging right on the ski slopes! This property looks out over the slopes, and is just seconds from the Bachelor Gulch Express Lift. Guests can take pride in warming up to the fireplace or hopping in the Ritz Carlton hot tub after a day of skiing when staying at the Snow Cloud Lodge.

 

4. Strawberry Park Residence.

The Strawberry Park Residence is a private estate tucked into the Strawberry Park neighborhood of Beaver Creek. This luxurious ski-in/ski-out residence is highlighted by a 3 car garage, media room, private patio and steam shower. Offering great views of the Colorado Rockies and Beaver Creek, this 6 bedroom home is a great getaway for families and groups.

 

5. Cresta Residence

The Cresta Residence is one of the nicest homes in the Arrowhead Village of Beaver Creek. This 5 bedroom ski-in/ski-out home opens right up to the slopes, with the living area opening to expansive views of the mountains. The property also has a private hot tub on its deck, and is also a great choice for family and group vacations.

 

6. Park Hyatt

I couldn’t write about ski-in/ski-out lodging in Beaver Creek without talking about the Park Hyatt Hotel. This magnificent property has 2 bedroom units, each complete with a deluxe kitchen, fireplace and washer/dryer. The convenience inside the rooms is equally as great when you walk outside, with some of the best skiing, shopping and dining in the Rockies. Take your pick from the many hot tubs on the property, or pay a visit to the on-site Allegria Spa to relax at the end of the day. And with on-site bars, lounges and restaurants, there’s not much to complain about at the Park Hyatt.

 

Enjoy surfing through our Beaver Creek ski-in/ski-out properties, and we hope to see you soon!

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized ski-in/ski-out vacation.

 

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.

 

 

        Come to Borders Lodge if you are yearning for a kid-friendly mountain or ski vacation to Beaver Creek this season. Two and three-bedroom fully furnished condos are the perfect option for all your lodging needs.  One of the biggest attractions of Borders Lodge is the ski-in/ski-out property at the bottom of the Elkhorn Lift.  You won’t have to worry about walking around with bulky ski equipment as the Borders Lodge has you covered with their private, indoor ski-lockers.

 

 

         If one of your family members has had enough of the cold they can stay active in the heated pool or relax in a hot tub while enjoying the spectacular views of the frosty mountain top. Be sure to take advantage of Boarders’ complimentary shuttle and explore the village for spectacular places to eat.  We recommend Blue Moose for pizza, subs, Italian entrees, and of course nice cold beers.  Kids are encouraged to color on the paper tablecloths so everyone can stay entertained. For a more posh dining experience head to the Beaver Creek Chophouse and try the applewood smoked bacon wrapped shrimp or a ribeye steak.

 

Book quickly and you’ll make it in time for the Beaver Creek Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition on November 23^rd.  Taste test the top five cookies then gather up the family for a visit to the ice skating rink to practice your figure eights. Luckily, Beaver Creek Village is only a couple blocks away so you can save your energy for tubing down the mountain at Haymaker Hill.

 

When your ski day is done and your body is aching from all the fun, kick back in front of your very own gas-fireplace to share hot chocolate and stories.  The Borders Lodge décor is the epitome of alpine elegance. With a gourmet kitchen, large countertops and plenty of seating, guests are encouraged to savor a home cooked meal. If you don’t feel like grocery shopping, speak with our concierge to have your groceries delivered to your condo when you arrive. And if you book your Beaver Creek ski vacation rental with one of our Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals. by OCT 15^th you can save up to 25%.

Beaver Creek, Colorado Vacation Home Rentals

 

 

Beaver Creek’s slogan, Not Exactly Roughing It™, can be better understood by staying at the late President Ford’s Beaver Creek Home. Beaver Creek Village combines luxury and comfort to bring visitors and residents unparalleled mountain living. The Village is centrally located in Beaver Creek, so be sure to frequent the Village and take advantage of elegant shopping and dining. While in Beaver Creek, exploring the Vail Valley is easy; the Town of Avon is just down the hill and Vail Village is a short fifteen minute drive away. But let’s get back to the Ford Home…

This amazing house was built in 1983 and was a vacation retreat for President Gerald Ford and his wife Betty. The couple frequented the Vail Valley enjoying this beautiful vacation home during the summer and winter months. Sleeping sixteen, this seven-bedroom home is spacious and luxurious, and makes for a great family or group rental. The property is ski-in/ski-out, so you can ski home for a delicious home cooked lunch and return to the slopes to finish the day. Return home to your oversized hot tub and the only private pool in Beaver Creek.
 
The newly renovated property offers expansive views of the Rocky Mountains from the spacious living area, complete with a deck which is ideal for watching the sunset in comfort.  The sound system and large flat screen television complimented by luxury furnishings, invite you to lounge after an adventurous day on the mountain. The gourmet kitchen  makes whipping up family favorites a breeze and the separate chef’s kitchen invites you to entertain in style with a caterer or private chef. After meals, the tea room adjacent to the kitchen makes for a great place to unwind and converse with friends and family. Or entertain them in the billiards room, home movie theater or on the heated patio to enjoy the clear Colorado skies.

The elegant master bedroom is outfitted with a king bed, gas fireplace, and full bathroom featuring a Jacuzzi tub which will rejuvenate your tired legs. Two more rooms have king beds and private bathrooms while three others have queen beds and private bathrooms, and the seventh bedroom has two twin beds and a trundle bed ensuring plenty of space for everyone. There is also a President’s office that may be used as a den. Navigate your way through the three-story home via the intricately decorated staircases, or enjoy the convenience of an elevator.
 
The historical significance of this home along with its luxury and location make for a fabulous vacation home rental. Luxury furnishings, elegant décor and rare artwork help make guests feel as if they were President. So the next time you come to Beaver Creek, ask one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^®  about the Ford House and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime!

Bachelor Gulch Ski Vacation Rentals in Beaver Creek, Colorado

Over the weekend I went to a friends house in Bachelor Gulch. This was my first time going to his place, and I must say I was quite impressed with the entire Bachelor Gulch area. It is nestled in the mountainside, providing private areas and great views. While many think this is typical of mountain homes, there is a certain style to Bachelor Gulch that makes it stand out. When we were hanging out at my friends, he noted that there were some cool views and homes in the area that we should stop and look at on our way down.

One of the properties that he recommended I look at was the Buckhorn Townhomes of Bachelor Gulch. These townhomes are located right by the Ritz Carlton of Beaver Creek, and are right by some of the best shopping, Beaver Creek dining and skiing (at least during the winter) in the area. We stopped by the Coyote Café to grab some food and beverage for lunch, and were able to enjoy some tasty quesadillas. The restaurant had a lively atmosphere, and made for a great afternoon stop. After leaving the restaurant, we continued on to check out the Bachelor Gulch Townhomes.

The string of three Townhomes was quite an impressive site. Providing lodging for up to eight, each of these townhomes also has access to tennis courts and an outdoor pool and hot tub. They also have a large balcony that looks onto the slopes of Beaver Creek. During the winter, the townhomes provide excellent ski-in/ski-out opportunities, as they are essentially located on the ski run. This makes it that much easier to be one of the first ones up the mountain in the morning, where lifties will greet you at the top with a nice cup of hot chocolate. *Make sure you get up early enough; the hot chocolate doesn’t last long. Then at the end of the day you will be welcomed off the mountain with hot, fresh cookies. These are just a few of the reasons to visit Beaver Creek, and also why their slogan is “Not Exactly Roughing It®”.

Find out more about Bachelor Gulch ski vacation rentals and how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

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!

On June 18 at 5:00 pm, LaSportiva will once again have the LaSportiva Summer Solstice Twilight Trail Run. This event will feature a 10k (elevation gain is aprox. 1,500 feet), 5k (elevation gain is 811 feet) and a Father and Son run in honor of Father’s Day on Beaver Creek Mountain.

If you are not a runner but would like to go on and cheer on some friends, there will also be live music and food. For more details on schedule and a map of the run you can check out the  Vail Recreation District website. All Benefits go to the Vail Valley Charitable Fund.


And since you’re going to be in town already why not take advantage of all that Beaver Creek has to offer during the summer with amazing hiking, biking, and tons of other outdoor activities. If you want to find out what else you can do here and if you need help with lodging contact one of our very own Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals in Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

       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.

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.

After a long Thanksgiving weekend of skiing, I was so tired and sore I was actually looking forward to the workweek to come! My brother came out to visit from San Francisco. It was his first trip to Colorado to ski and he was not disappointed. The weeklong trip was nonstop; we definitely covered our bases. We skied at Vail, Beaver Creek and Breckenridge, and broke up the week with a snowmobiling trip.

We were lucky enough to be a Beaver Creek for their Opening Day.  I’m sure you’ve seen the video posted by our videographerTyler Boyd of his Opening Day adventures.  If not, you’re missing out.  After a long week of continuously falling snow, the conditions at Beaver Creek were epic with plenty of fresh powder to shred.

We skied and snowboarded at Vail, and new lifts kept opening every day.  Blue Sky Basin will be opening this week, so shredders rejoice!  The great thing about Vail is that it is so expansive that you can ride all day without hitting the same trail twice if that’s your prerogative.

Breckenridge is one of my favorite places to ski.  I was there for Opening Day earlier this month, and this past visit was even better as a lot more lifts and terrain were open.

Snowmobiling was a completely new experience for us. I moved here mainly for the skiing; snowmobiling was just an added bonus. We went on a trip with Nova Guides and they provided us with everything we expected. After an exhausting two hour tour, we hit their quaint lodge for some much needed relaxation and a complimentary cup of hot chocolate. I would definitely recommend snowmobiling to anyone looking for a thrill; not only do you get to hit the trails, you drive straight up the mountain to the Top of the Rockies, to enjoy spectacular views that go on for miles.

Whenever you choose to make a trip to the Rockies this winter, make sure to give Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals a call. Our new full time concierge, Morgan, will give you the local scoop on all off-mountain activities to be had during your stay. These include fine dining, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, to name a few.

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.

It’s been said that Vail’s Opening Day was the best in a long time..sure enough, there were more lifts open Friday than anybody would have imagined possible. Since Vail’s opening day, the snow has continued to fall and more lifts have continued to open, which can mean only one thing; Beaver Creek’s Opening Day is going to blow us all out of our ski boots.

Watch this video of Vail’s Opening Day to get excited for tomorrow!

With another two feet of snow expected to fall tonight, we can all be thankful for one thing this holiday week, and it’s not the turkey; fresh tracks. Beaver Creek’s untouched slopes are waiting for us to shred like a blank canvas. So grab your skis, grab your board, and grab your friends…if they can keep up. There’s a whole lot of powder out there you don’t want to miss out on!