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

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.