Category Archives: Colorado Travel

In 2015, the Vail Valley will host the FIS (International Ski Federation) Alpine World Ski Championships for the first time since 1999. The 43rd Alpine World Ski Championship will host some of the best ski racers in the world and will be held in Beaver Creek in 2015, and construction on the course began Monday, July 2.

The construction began on the women’s downhill course Monday, which is located skier’s right of, and will share similar terrain with, the legendary Birds of Prey course. They crew will also be constructing women’s slalom and giant slalom courses to the skier’s left of Birds of Prey – and renewing the Red Tail finish arena.

The runs will make there debut for the annual Audi FIS Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week this winter, and the course will make its international debut over December 14-15, 2013, when the World Cup women make a stop in Beaver Creek to compete.

However, the main reason for these course additions/revisions is for the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, scheduled for February 2-15. Drawing ski racers from more than 70 nations and boasting a television audience of 750 millions, this is an event that continues to gain fans and followers as we approach 2015, and is sure to be a great event for the valley.

When planning your lodging for the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, or any other time of year across the Colorado Rockies, be sure to contact one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® for a full service experience.

After hearing many rumors of its greatness and procrastinating for months, I finally packed my bags and headed up to Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat, Colorado. Many friends and co-workers have been telling me that I need to get up there for a while now, and this past weekend turned out to be a great time to make the trip. While the Hot Springs operate year-round and are beautiful every time of year, it is better to go during the off season – May, September, October -  mainly to avoid crowds. But every time of year is guaranteed to be a great experience.

The sun sets over Steamboat on a cool spring evening

The Hot Springs were acquired by the city of Steamboat in the 1930′s, and were finally sold to a private owner in the 70′s – who developed it into what it has become today. Today it is a small and private hot spring, with multiple pools and a massage center to optimize relaxation. There are 2 large hot pools, a couple of smaller overflow pools, and a cold pool that connects with the river flowing alongside the Hot Springs. The river is all snowmelt, so it can get quite cold.

The hot springs are located alongside a stream that stays 100% cold

The Hot Springs are about 7 miles from Steamboat, and require a 4 wheel drive vehicle during November – April, but can be accessed by a 2 wheel drive vehicle during the other months. Guests also have the option of taking a shuttle from Sweet Pea Tours – who will take you “door to door” from Steamboat to the Hot Springs – Prices range from $15 – $40 for the round trip. The drive to the Hot Springs is windy and steep, but only takes about 20 minutes from Steamboat.

• If driving into town, turn right on 3rd Street, take your first right on Fish Creek Falls Road, take your second left on Amethyst Rd., and follow it until you hit a dirt road, which you then take to the end.

A unique entrance to Strawberry Park Hot Springs - combo of a cabin and a car...

The walk from the entrance down to the Hot Springs is only a couple hundred yards, but if you visit in the winter (or any time for that matter) coming fulling dressed is not a bad idea. There are public changing rooms and restrooms above the hot springs, and there is also a warming hut and tepee by the pools so that guests are able to get changed. From here, let the relaxation begin.

Along with a tepee, guests may use warming huts like this one to get dressed. The hut channels heat using water from the hot spring uphill.

After getting your suit on, start down the stairway towards the pools, cross the bridge over the river, and you’re there! There are plenty of chairs and benches on which you can put your things, or you can put them in the tepee or warming hut. The first, and main pool is the hottest. It has a direct feed from the hot spring that makes certain areas of the pool get quite hot.

A view of the hot spring pools and their source up the hill

The next pool downstream is a bit cooler (in the shade in the picture below) and is a nice change of pace if you begin overheating in the hot pool. Continue further downstream and you will go in the cold pool, which is fed by the river – which consists of snow melt. Unless you like ice baths, I strictly advise staying out of the river. It felt like a bunch of needles going in my skin. But if you happen to like the hot/cold mix, the river can be quite refreshing. There are a few other side pools, and exploring the Hot Spring area is an adventure in itself.

The steam rises off the hot springs as the sun begins to set

There are also plenty of hikes and trails in the nearby area, so remember to bring your hiking boots. The wilderness surrounding Steamboat is beautiful and the landscape is filled with Aspens and Evergreens – so also remember to bring your camera when you go out for a hike.

Looking upstream from the hot springs

We met some friends on the road to the Hot Springs

If you are visiting Steamboat this summer, I would strongly recommend reserving a day just to relax at the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Even if you live in Denver, visit Vail or Breckenridge, or even just visit Colorado, Strawberry Park is worth the trip. Here are a few details about the Park:

• Cost: Adults – $10, Teens (13-17) $5, Kids (3-12) $3 [cash only]
• Hours: Sun – Thurs (10am – 10:30 pm), Fri – Sat (10am – 12am)
•  No entry after 10:30pm, Pools cleaned 7am-10am every Thursday
• 18+ after dark
• Open year round
• No glass, alcohol, food, or smoking
• No pets

After a weekend at Strawberry Park, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated and was ready to take on the world. Sometimes you just need to get away from everything, and I found Strawberry Park to be the perfect retreat. If you are planning a vacation to Steamboat or any of our destinations, be sure to give a Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® a call today and see how we can help you plan your trip! (855)210-2469

When you hear someone talking about a Ski Town, common associations come to mind – Skiing; winter; snow; mountains.  It’s true that most people, in fact, move to a ski town just in time for the snow to start falling and the ski resort to kick start their lift operations.  However, interestingly enough, once spring comes along the locals, who moved here specifically for the ski season, find themselves eagerly awaiting the summer. This phenomenon is due to the fact that summertime in these mountain towns (mainly in the Colorado Rockies) is AMAZING!

Colorado is the sunshine state – not Florida – as Colorado receives 300+ days of sunshine a year!  Pair that up with perfect weather, very low humidity and incredible natural terrain and you’ve got yourself a glorious climate!  On the weekends I have to make a choice on how I want to spend my perfect day… Should I go hiking? On a bike ride? Rafting? Camping? Play golf? Pitch a BBQ?  – It’s a tough decision because every one of these activities is at my disposal in no more than a 20 minute drive!  Forget the malls and your television, we get outside in Colorado!

Not outdoorsy?  No big deal.  Ski towns host a multitude of special events during the summer aimed at driving tourism to these destinations.   Some of my favorite summer events are the Teva Mountain Games, Aspen Food and Wine Classic, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Vail International Dance Festival and the list goes on and on!

Trying to stay low budget?  Great news!  Lodging rates dip down significantly in the summer months.  There are deals to be had everywhere and the rooms are cheap enough to make you want to extend your stay a week longer.

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals going Ducking on the Colorado River

If you come to places like Vail, Breckenridge, Telluride or Aspen to ski and love it, I invite you to discover just how amazing these places are during the summer.  Although most locals prefer that this be kept a secret, I had to offer it up as a local’s tip, because it’s something everyone should experience.  Call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to start planning your trip today. (855) 210-2469

Since I have moved up to the mountains, one of the things I have come to respect the most is the night sky. Having lived in a city most of my life, I was never truly able to see the night sky. The sky really does light up, and it seems that there are endless amounts of stars. You can see all the major constellations, but then there are tons of stars filling in the gaps – I could lay on the ground staring up for ages.

However, on some nights you can’t see the stars. No, I am not referring to when it is cloudy at night, but rather to when there is a full moon. While I miss the stars on these nights, I love looking up at the full moon, a complete circle, as it lights up the night.

A nice view of the full moon reflecting on the water

While initially I was satisfied with just staring at it, eventually a few seasoned mountain locals let me know about a few activities you can do at night in Colorado – and these activities are especially recommended on full moon nights (for safety and sight-seeing reasons). Here are a few activities that can be done best at night under a full moon:

• Fishing
• River Rafting/Boating
• Hiking (winter and summer)
• Skiing/Snowboarding
• Biking

A few of these activities can be done right around your home (hiking, biking, maybe even fishing), but the others require a bit of effort. While I have hiked and fished a bit at night, 2 things I had never done before moving here were Full Moon Rafting and Full Moon Skiing.

If you are interested in heading up to the Colorado Mountains for stargazing, moongazing, or any other reason, check out my blogs on Full Moon Rafting and Full Moon Skiing. And don’t hesitate to contact one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® to help answer any questions you have about the Colorado Mountain sky in all of our destinations. Call today! (855) 210-2469

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Aspen Street Inn in historic Telluride, Colorado. This charming 17 room Inn provided fabulous service and an experience that you can’t find at other properties. A Gem if I do say so!

Exterior of the Aspen Street Inn

Prior to my arrival I was contacted by Heather about what time I would be arriving in Telluride. Since I would be arriving late, she sent me detailed check-in instructions that made getting into our room at 11pm a breeze. When you walk into the Aspen Street Inn you feel like you’re walking into your own home in the mountains. It’s cute, quaint and welcoming. Just through the front doors there is a couch and dining area where complimentary hot breakfast is served daily. This area is a great place to relax and grab some coffee or hot tea while reading the newspaper.

Great day skiing Telluride!

The first morning, we walked outside our room into the hallway and were drawn to the dinning room by a bacon aroma. The eggs and compliments were prepared to our liking and it was just what we needed before a day of skiing the 5″ of powder Telluride would get throughout the day. One of the best things about the Aspen Street Inn is its location – 1 block from the gondola station and a short walk to any of the restaurants and shops in historic Telluride.

After an exhausting day of skiing we came back to the Aspen Street Inn to find the most amazing, doughy, hot cookies waiting for us. Additionally, they had set out cheese and crackers for guests to enjoy. The couple who manages the Inn was very friendly and always available for a conversation or to answer any questions we had. They really made you feel like a welcome guest in their home.

After a quick nap it was time to hit the hot tub. At the Aspen Street Inn there is an outdoor patio area and hot tub that was PERFECT! We enjoyed another night at the Aspen Street Inn before departing back to Vail. Each of the 17 rooms at the Inn is unique, so I look forward to going back and checking out another area of the Inn. I never thought of staying at an Inn while on vacation, but I had the best time and will definitely  return in the future. Give Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals a call today to book your room at the Aspen Street Inn or to find lodging in all of our destinations. (855)210-2469

Colorado is unofficially the most amazing state there is – one that is generally known for its epic winters.  With 26 ski and snowboard areas in the state it’s no wonder people flock here to vacation during the winter months.  The mountains are huge, temperatures are mild and not to mention, Colorado people are downright awesome. But, winter is not all that Colorado has to offer.

Ask a Colorado local about what it’s like here in the summer and you’ll likely get an earful.  This state comes alive!  From the natural beauty to the adventures to the landscape, you just can’t help but dedicate yourself to new hobbies and challenges; they just come with the terrain.   Up in the higher elevations,  the hills become crowded with mountain bikers, backpackers, fishers, rafters, hikers, campers, concerts and everything else that comes to mind when you think of the great outdoors.

In recent years, resort markets like Vail and Aspen have invested heavily in marketing their resort as a summer destination.  With that has spurred a lot of development in special events and infrastructure to support these destination drivers.  From participatory sporting events to those focused on culture and the arts, there is something here for everyone.  Check out some the signature events happening throughout Colorado ski towns in the summer of 2012!

Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival – June 25 – August 4^th 2012
Food and Wine Classic in Aspen – June 15-17, 2012
Telluride Bluegrass Festival – June 21-24, 2012
Teva Mountain Games Vail – May 31 – June 3, 2012
Breckenridge Kingdom Days – June 18-19, 2012
Warrior Dash at Copper Mountain – August 18 – 19, 2012
Check out this short teaser of Colorado in the summer, presented by Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

Really, I could go on for days about the amazing things possible during a Colorado summer. However, I think it best that you come experience what it’s like for yourself. Give one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals a call today to plan your summer vacation to Colorado!

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.

My good friends and I at SnowBall Music Festival 2011

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

Stage Map, Photo: US Pro Cycling Challenge

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:

You could say I’m addicted to traveling. I’ve traveled to many places around the world, and can say that my most memorable travel experiences have been those either spent with a local or created due to a locals’ advice. Most will agree that planning a vacation to a new place can be overwhelming, especially when making decisions on where to stay, what activities to do and what companies to use. These important decisions are typically driven by guide books and the internet, leaving travelers wondering whether they made the right decisions or not.
That is why Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals fits so well into a unique niche in vacation planning. Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.® is not only our tagline, it’s exactly what people get when they call any of our offices in the Colorado Rockies. Whether you call Telluride, Aspen, Vail or Breckenridge, the person who answers the phone is local to the area they love to call home and takes pride in helping you plan your perfect mountain vacation.

RMVR Staff ATVing at Camp Hale with Nova Guides

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals’ staff is a group of mountain enthusiasts who (in the winter) arrive to work early and stay late in order to catch fresh powder lines during the day. We can suggest a lodging property because we’ve seen it, recommend epic ski runs because we’ve skied them, and we will be here during your vacation to answer any questions you may have. No one else in the industry possesses the passion and product knowledge that we do and it clearly shows in our guests’ experiences.  We want people to leave with such an amazing feeling about their vacation that they are already thinking about coming back again.
It’s easy to find out what’s “touristy” in town.  However, it often takes time to search around for the best runs on the mountain or the best après ski cocktail in town. These things require local advice. Lucky for you, our destination specialists enjoy helping vacationers find out what to do and where to stay to better suit their vacation experience. We love where we live and take pride in the service we provide our guests. So plan your next ski vacation with one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.® and you’ll never want to do it any other way.

Every year since 2001, Aspen has been hosting the Winter X Games. And every year, they up the ante and get more creative and intense with their jumps, terrain features and race tracks. This year will be no exception.

Winter X Games 16 will return again to beautiful Aspen, Colorado from January 26-29, 2012. Last year, various milestones were set, including the first triple cork in a snowboard competition, the first 1080 by a woman in the superpipe, the first 4-peat gold by Shaun White in the superpipe, and the Moore brothers did a back flip on a snowmobile—together (however they were disqualified from the event since the event was for “individuals”). The event grows bigger each year as athletes and judges continue to raise their performance expectations, along with the growing popularity of snow sports in general. Last year broke their previous attendance record of 85,100 and reset the bar at 114,200. Attendance is expected to increase again, making Winter X Games 16 the biggest Winter X Games yet.

A photo from the roof of scenic Aspen

There are also a handful of returning athletes with big expectations: Shaun White, Scotty Lago, Louie Vito, Gretchen Bleier, Kelly Clark, Hannah Teter, Kevin Rolland, Sebastien Toutant,Torstein Horgmo,  Sarah Burke, Lindsey Jacobellis, Daniel Bodin, and a handful of others.

Here is the schedule throughout the weekend:

Thursday, Jan 26:

10:30 am – Men’s Ski Slopestyle Elimination

1:30 pm – Women’s Ski Slopestyle Final

2:30 pm – Snowboard Street Final

7 pm – Snowmobile Freestyle Final

7:45 pm – Men’s Ski Slopestyle Final

Friday, Jan 27:

10:30 am – Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle Elimination

11:30 am – Men’s & Women’s Skier X Qualifying

1:30 pm – Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle Final

2 pm – Men’s & Women’s Snowboarder X Qualifying

3:30 pm – Adaptive Snowboarder X Exhibition

6:30 pm – Men’s Ski SuperPipe Elimination

8:30 pm – Snowbaord Big Air Final

9 pm – Women’s Snowboard SuperPipe Final

Saturday, Jan 28:

9:30 am – Mono Skier X Qualifying

11 am – Women’s Ski SuperPipe Final

12:30 pm – Men’s Ski SuperPipe Final

2 pm – Men’s & Wome’s Snowboarder X Final

6:45 pm – Ski Big Air Final

7:30 pm – Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle Final

Sunday, Jan 29:

12 pm – Men’s & Women’s Skier X Final

12:15 pm – Men’s Snowboard SuperPipe Elimination

2:45 pm  – Mono Skier X Final

7 pm – Snowmobile Best Trick Final

7:45 pm – Men’s Snowboard SuperPipe Final

Television coverage for this event can be found on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN 3D. Internet coverage can be found on espn.com/action, xgames.com and espn3.com.  And don’t forget to check out all of last year’s footage to get stoked for this year.

When searching for lodging in Aspen or Snowmass for the X Games, be sure to contact us for the best deals. Also, our complimentary full service concierge will take care of all your ski rentals, lift tickets, and transportation to and from the airport.

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized X Games Vacation today!

     Year after year Vail has been ranked as one of the best ski resorts in North America. The mountains are spectacular and the town is one of-a-kind. Vail was created by two veterans from the 10th Mountain Division, who trained here during World War Two. Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton were visionaries and created one of the best and most romantic ski resorts in the world.

Walking around Vail on the pedestrian cobble-stone, car-free streets is a truly unique experience. Here you can enjoy world-class shopping in Vail and Lionshead Village. You will find everything from boutiques to outdoor sporting gear to fine art and souvenir shops.

After all that shopping you are sure to get hungry and no matter what you are craving for dinner you will find it here.  With several restaurants offering elegant fine dining, casual comfort or grab and go you will pleasantly surprised with all your delicious options. At night you will hear live music coming from various bars and restaurants, which always attract a lot of people creating a lively atmosphere.   

Vail Village

      Of if you are looking for a family friendly activity, ice skating is fun for everyone. You can find a surplus of different options such as skating rinks, frozen lakes or an indoor ice rink. In Vail the Solaris Plaza boasts a 6,500 square foot ice rink situated next to the two beautiful interactive sculptures. One of them is shaped like a giant glass tree glowing with changing colors. When you are done exploring the Village you can take the convenient in-town, free  shuttle, back to the Riverhouse.

The Riverhouse Condo in Vail Village is by the quiet Willow Park. It offers a prime location for your Vail ski vacation and it is only steps from the Vista Bahn lift, connecting you to the expansive Vail Mountain. The Riverhouse is beautiful with a gorgeous panoramic view of the Village in one direction and the Gore Range which dominates the eastern skyline in the other. The condo has an inviting living room with a beautiful gas-fireplace, flat screen TV and integrated stereo system . It’s all you need to relax after a long day on the mountain. There is a gourmet kitchen which opens to the dining and living room, so you can entertain guests while preparing a home cooked meal. If you feel like barbecuing there is a commercial BBQ on the patio allowing you to take in the magnificent views of the Gore Creek while dining on juicy burgers. The condo is outfitted with modern furnishings and rich woodwork. When it’s time for bed, step inside one of the two bedrooms, each outfitted with expansive windows and a shared patio. The large king sized bed and soft linens will ensure you wake up fully rested the next morning, ready to take on the day! Staying at the Riverhouse in Vail you are sure to have an amazing vacation.

Riverhouse

Condo Rentals in Vail Village: To experience Vail for yourself call our team of Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals® eager to assist you.      

Ski Magazine recently announced their 2010-2011 Resort Rankings List.  The editors at Ski Mag seem to agree  that Colorado is THE place to ski!  With well over 25 resorts to choose from, champagne powder, and unbelievable weather, it’s not wonder why we love this place!   In fact, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals offer hotels, condos, and private homes in nine of the top 20 ski destinations on the list.

Vail Skiing

Vail came in at number two this year, and we couldn’t be prouder. With tons of powder, wide open bowls, quick lifts and terrific food, Vail is a perfect place for fun. But we already knew that and are eager to share it with you! For adventure seekers Vail offers two terrain parks featuring a dozen jumps, an 18’ half pipe and three handmade log slides. When the ski day is done Vail visitors will have plenty to do. The town came in third for nightlife. There are bars on every corner offering dancing, live entertainment, and outstanding people watching.  The casual atmosphere invites guests of all ages to sip on original cocktails or savor a few cold beers.

If you’re traveling with the kids you must visit Snowmass.  It was ranked number one by Ski Magazine for families and fourth overall. Your stay couldn’t be more luxurious with a surplus of ski-in/ski-out accommodations. The lifts are quick and the slopes are perfectly groomed so you can get the most snow. Take the little ones to the Treehouse Adventure Center on Fanny Hill for an afternoon of exploring and climbing. There’s even a children’s museum that teaches about the local environment and mining history.

Then there is Beaver Creek which placed seventh on the resort list this year, and came in forth as both a place for families and great on-mountain food. Pay a visit to the Dusty Boot for a filling meal and the best happy hour in town.  Don’t be shy, try some of our Colorado micro-brews that are delicious and always on tap!

Girl's Trip, Aspen

The beautiful Aspen Mountain offers a surplus of varying terrain and fantastic dining which contributes to its number 11 ranking. Aspen was also noted as the best spot for a Girl’s Trip. Something tells us it’s because of the excess amounts of high-end designer shopping and trendy bars which draw women in for bachelorette parties year-round.

Additional Colorado ski vacation mentions on the list included Telluride as the Most Charming and Keystone as an Editor’s Pick for an Undiscovered Family Resort. All of our resorts are world-class and these awards only exemplify what we already know and want you to see. To learn more about how you can experience any of these amazing destinations give one of our Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals ^® a call.

It’s 8:30 am, temperature outside is 15 degrees and yes I’m still smiling.  This is 7th day living in Vail and everything has been amazing, I have done so much in so little time.  Moving from Maryland to Colorado is a big change not only weather wise but also the people.  The vibe here is great and everyone I’ve met or bumped into is super cool, friendly…I never have felt more welcome from all the places I’ve lived in around the U.S.  The town is lively and there is always something going on, there’s now way you can get bored here. I was checking the Vail Daily and just on Saturday there are over 40 different things to do!

Check out all that’s happening around town for yourself in Vail Daily February Events and  while you’re at it, why don’t you just stay a few more days, or a week perhaps…there’s plenty to do and I totally recommend it. Definitely worth the trip. Need help or want more info about lodging in Vail? Why don’t you go for it and contact your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

Nothing is more exciting than watching winter sports live.  The incredible talent and dedication these athletes have is unbelievable.  I am so excited to be going to the Winter X Games in Aspen. I have only seen winter sports on TV and I have always thought how amazing it would be to actually be there. Seeing the energy and excitement at these events I cannot wait to experience this myself!

ESPN Winter X Games 15 is right around the corner.  Two weeks marks the start of the X Games in Aspen/Snowmass.  This event brings in more than 250 ski, snowboard, and snowmobile athletes from across the globe!  The X Games are held at the base of Buttermilk Mountain and is free to the public, so there is no excuse to miss this awesome event in Aspen! The event beings on Thursday January 27^th and ends on Sunday January 30^th. In addition to the X Games there will be a complimentary Bud Light Hi-Fi concert at the base of Aspen Mountain featuring Big Boi on Saturday January 20^th.  If you cant make it to this awesome event check it out on ESPN an ESPN2 for 24-hour live coverage of the games.

It is not too late to plan your trip to the Winter X Games in Aspen/Snowmass. For lodging, lift tickets, and much more contract your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to help you plan your trip!

The Snow Ball Music Festival has the powers of impressing me every day.  It must be some magic wizard.  Announcing artists daily keeps me intrigued, as if Bassnectar and Pretty Lights weren’t enough.  The way the acts are being announced I think its genius and accidental, but all good things happen for a reason.  I keep going to the website and social networks everyday to check on updates waiting for my mind to be blown, and they are doing a great job.  As acts are still being signed, it is exciting to watch this wonderful idea grow daily.

On January 13, I was impressed again with the announcement of Brother Ali to the concert poster along with a few other announcements and the growth of free spaces on the poster!  I saw Brother Ali opening for Bassnectar earlier this year, so it’s great to see them together again at the same festival.  Brother Ali must enjoy the dance music.  More spaces mean more acts and I thought 29 was a large amount, but now there are 44 spots on the line-up.  With the addition of Brother Ali to the Snow Ball, I expect to see another act added to the line-up – Mimosa. He opened for Pretty Lights at Red Rocks this summer, and I recently saw him play a great show at Agave in Avon.  I would love to see him again especially in a festival atmosphere.

I only have one problem with this: the third headliner.  Who will it be? I have been waiting eagerly and I don’t want to wait anymore.  I have heard rumors that DeadMau5 might be playing at the Snow Ball, but would he be the third headliner?  I for one wouldn’t want that, but seems to be a good fit.  I think the third headliner shouldn’t be electronic – a lot of genres are coming to the Snow Ball, and it would be healthy to have some diversity.  I’d like to see a hip-hop act, like Atmosphere  or maybe something old school.  Whoever it may be, I’m sure everyone will be stoked regardless of who it is.  I can’t wait to see.

If you are planning on attending the Snow Ball Music Festival contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for your lodging needs.

My other Snow Ball Blogs:

The Snow Ball Music Festival Continues to Excite!

The Snow Ball Is Coming

Today is my last day at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals and I could not have had a better experience. Living in Vail has truly been amazing. I’ve been hiking, camping, visited Aspen and partied it up in Breckenridge (multiple times). I’ve met some great people and made friends I’ll never forget.

My time at RMVR was spent with friends I'll never forget.

Moving out here from Long Island, I had no idea what to expect, but the results have been all I had hoped for and more. I’ll be moving in Denver after Thanksgiving, so I won’t be too far away. Today is opening day in Vail, so to say I’ll be going out on a perfect day is an understatement. I’ll be heading out at noon today to hopefully get some fresh tracks. So for everyone who follows the RMVR blogs, I hope to see you out on the mountain this season and enjoying all Colorado has to offer!

Winter solstice will technically arrive on December 21st, but as far as I am concerned, Jack Frost has already graced us with his presence, bringing along with him tons of snow.  The last few weeks, ski resort towns have been receiving snowstorms making them look like the holiday season has already begun.

Last weekend I found myself in the town of Breckenridge, enjoying good friends and spirits while watching the constant flow of snow.  Breckenridge has received 36” of snow in the last 72 hours!

While I was driving back to Vail, my jaw dropped when I stared at Vail Pass.  Pillows of snow covered the entire pass, as if just waiting for someone to ski what looks to be waist deep powder.    I spent the last few years spending my backcountry time in Loveland and Berthoud Pass, so I am really stoked to explore Vail Pass.

If you decide to hit up any pass or other backcountry spots, make sure to be prepared.  The following provides a list of materials that should be brought along on any backcountry journey:

• Make sure to dress warm!
• Skins or snowshoes will allow your hike to be that much easier.
• Small snacks like peanuts or trail mix to satisfy your hunger on the powder.
• A probe, shovel, and beacon to be ready for the worst case scenario.
• Compass and topographical map to ensure you of your location.
• Snow packs are great–they keep all your tools and such safely secured when you need them the most.
• And of course, your skis or board.

Colorado has a lot to offer, from amazing backcountry to the top ski resorts in the country.  Whatever your choice may be, make sure to be properly prepared and remember to book your vacation with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

When you think Mardi Gras, you may not think of Aspen. Think again. Snowmass actually celebrates Fat Tuesday with one of the biggest Mardi Gras bashes in the country. The party starts at the crack of dawn with The Mother of All Ascensions – an extremely wacky, costumed, 1,741-foot uphill snowshoe race. The rest of the day is fully packed with outrageous events for all to enjoy. Other events include King Cake Giveaways, a Kids Carnival, Mask Making, a Parade, a Massive Bead Throw, and an After Parade Party.

The snowshoe race is the kick-off of all Mardi-Gras celebrations that leads from the bottom of Fanny Hill and ends at Gwyn’s High Alpine Restaurant. Last year there was a total of $15,000 in prizes awarded! The untraditional categories includes Best Time, Worst Time, and Best Costume, to name a few.

The Massive Beadthrow involves tossing 24,000 beads. Lucky catchers will be able to win a piece of the King Cake as well as a chance to win a Grand Prize. Last year, the prize was a snowboard donated by sponsor, Jagermeister. Other prizes included gear from Camelback, Boleri, Gyro, and many others!

The parade, which is most likely the wackiest parade in the Rocky Mountains, features kings and queens, mountain jesters, jugglers, jokers, and feather-festooned fools riding their floats through Snowmass Village. Of course, no parade would be complete without the bagpipes and dancers, too! The parade is open to floats and all in costume! So suit up and join in on the fun!

As the sun goes down, the party is only starting. Snowmass remains lit up with purple, gold, and green, and the live music, giveaways, drink specials, and partying go on until the wee hours. Many bars and restaurants will be featuring their own parties as well!

Mardi Gras in Snowmass is March 8, 2011! So gather your friends, and reserve the trip of a lifetime!

Last weekend Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals attended the Ski and Snowboard Expo at the convention center in Denver, Co.  The Expo was a good time with great deals, tons of giveaways, and many different types of vendors to help you get ready for the upcoming season.  We gave away a pair of skis everyday to three lucky winners thanks to Venture Sports.  After a busy weekend working at the ski and snowboard expo, I was glad to finally head back to Vail.

Sunday night after the expo it was time to get out of Denver.  As I was carpooling with fellow employees, we decided to grab dinner on the way out, and I knew of a place right off of I-70 that I have visited before that goes by the name of Kermitts Roadhouse.  When you pass the town of Genesis, you will embark on a very steep downhill portion of the road; at the bottom will be exit 244 and you will see the lonely Kermitts Roadhouse.

When you walk into Kermitts, the first thing you will notice is the copious amount of dollar bills covering every wall. They are famous for their green chili, so we all indulged in some!  As a green chili enthusiast, I will definitely give them a passing grade.  After our great meal, we decided to put a dollar bill on the wall and of course we had to represent RMVR.

If you find yourself visiting us in the mountains and need a quick delicious bite to eat, don’t be too shy to stumble into Kermitts Roadhouse.  While you are there, try to find our Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals dollar bill; it’s not to hard to find.

Ready for some super sweet competitions this winter? I know I certainly am.  For years I was an alpine ski racer, and I think it is fair to say I have never let my competitive blood run dry.   Growing up on the east coast, there is not much for freeride racing, although I really wish there were because I would have loved to get into it while I was still in my racing career.  Although I may not be racing anymore thanks to a few knee injuries, I still love going to competitions of all types. One event in particular I am extremely excited about is the Colorado Freeride Series & Championship, which will be held February 25-27, 2011 at Snowmass in Aspen, CO.  Alpine racing is much different from freeride racing; there is no course to follow, you choose your own line and interpret it as best possible. Personally, I think the freeride competitions are much more exciting than any other type of competition.  Given that each racer picks their own line, it truly makes it a game of strategy for both the mind and body.

The three-day competition includes skiers and snowboarders each divided into two actions – men & women. Some of the biggest names in the industry hit the mountain to show off everything they’ve got on Snowmass’ cliff-littered experts-only terrain. Last year’s competition rang in over 100 riders, giving a stunning show to all spectators. Each rider has two runs and is judged on a point system by five judges over a three day period.

The Colorado Freeride Series is one of the stops on the IFSA North American Freeride Tour.  Therefore, the competitors are able to gain points overtime for a national title. Winners for last year’s competition were Patrick “Packy” Wesfeldt (Men’s Skiing), Liz Norton (Women’s Skiing), Dave Watson (Men’s Snowboarding), and Ivana Crone (Women’s Snowboarding).