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.

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

Last night (Thursday, March 8th) we were graced with a full moon. And while the full moon detracts from the stars, it lights up the sky and is quite a magnificent sight. Luckily, the full moon comes around once a month and allows us Coloradans to do a few things we might not normally do…

 

Like skiing at night! (or in the summer rafting at night!)

 

To celebrate this full moon during the winter, there is a gathering once a month at Loveland Pass. Ski and snowboard enthusiasts looking for a change of pace head up Loveland Pass to take shuttle runs up and down the mountain – guided by moonlight. While most use a headlamp or flashlight, one is able to ski down the pass using only the natural light of the moon and stars.

 

For those who don’t know, a shuttle run consists of driving up the pass, dropping off skiers, and then picking them up at the bottom of the run. When there is a large crowd, you don’t always need a driver as hitch-hiking up the pass is always an option.

Last night me and a group of friends traveled over to Loveland Pass to take part in this event, which takes full form a few nights a year when the conditions are right. Last night was one of these nights, as skiers and snowboarders from all over were looking to get some full moon shredding in. It was my first time participating in the event, and it was truly amazing. There is a certain element of risk and excitement added to the riding due to low lighting, but this makes each run that much more of a thrill!

But don’t worry! If you are not comfortable riding in the dark or if you forgot your flashlight, it is worth heading up there just for the views and good vibes. There were plenty of people last night up there just to take photos or act as chauffeurs for skiers and snowboarders. At the lower lot (where people get/give rides) there is often bonfires and people just enjoying the beauty of the night.

Colorado is one of the only places that such an event takes place, and it’s events and outings like these that really make Colorado a special place to visit (or live). Hopefully there will still be some snow around for April’s full moon so I can go and do this again.

 

If you would like to take part in events like this or find out what else Colorado has to offer, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® to help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations. Call today! (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!

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 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!

 

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 officially closing weekend in Vail, and I am packing up all the loose files and items that have scattered my desk space for nearly a year. I remember my first week with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals pretty well – it was the end of summer, gorgeous, and somewhat quiet in the Valley. I was itching for the sensation of feeling small, and my immersion into mountains seemed to be an accurate solution to fill this fix.

On Monday, this small mountain village will again crawl into a time of low-key hibernation, just as our neighboring bears are being drawn to the sweet smell of our trash. It’s a time for towns like Vail to rest, evaluate progress, transition, welcome our shared land to the wildlife, and melt into warm beginnings.

It does feel appropriate that today is my last with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals. It has been quite the trip throughout this past Fall, Winter, and Spring, in which I have seen a lot of changes in the weather, industry trends, clothing ensembles, outdoor activities, and people.

When you become a local to the Valley, sometimes it seems like faces pass like the clouds that bring snow, rain, and clarity. The mountains certainly do attract individuals with unique stories – whether they are on vacation from another part of the globe,

whether they came with a 2 year plan that turned into 20 (which really never surprises me), or whether Vail had to at least be one place to stop at for a while along the road… All of these scenarios share a common ground – a thirst for adventure.

Throughout my time working with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, I have made many new friends, been enlightened by every individual’s unique story, gained knowledge of media relations for a private company, and had the pleasure of highlighting our successes. I must say, however, one of my favorite assignments was managing content for the company bios, interviewing new hires, and simply getting to know everyone. Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals is comprised of people that are driven, a little bit quirky, and absolutely sincere. Each story is different.

The seasonal nature of this town is a bittersweet reminder of transition. As I embark on new beginnings with the start of summer trickling into the mountains, I will not lose sight of the many lessons that someone like Tommy Z. Hoffman himself has taught me. Never cut yourself too short when it comes to compromise, and never cut yourself too short in taking a chance.

In the first blog I published in August for the company, I concluded my thoughts with “We are a team of friendly, knowledgeable, locals, and are eager to assist those of you with that itch to venture out here too.” Take a chance in the Colorado Rockies, and please support my good friends when you book with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

Breckenridge Colorado Live Music

Guess what!? This Sunday Ozomatli will be in Breckenridge playing for FREE! It’s spring time here in the valley and that means a lot of free concerts. We just finished a series of Bud Light concerts in Vail but wait it’s not completely over. Now the Bud Light concert series has moved on to Breck and they have a great line up: Wailers, Devotchka, and Ozomatli to name a few.


Being a huge Ozo fan I’m super excited about them performing here in Colorado and for FREE. This band is high energy all the time, I don’t remember ever going to one of their concerts (yes I’ve been to several) and not danced the whole time they’re on stage. People that get to see them for the first time get hooked and become Ozo fans instantly. At least that’s been my experience with the people I’ve taken to the concert with me.


A little about the band (some info from their website): Ozomatli is an LA-based group with a great live presence, brewing a vital concoction of Latin salsa, urban hip-hop, and jazz-funk. Notorious urban-Latino-and-beyond collision of hip hop and salsa, dancehall and cumbia, samba and funk, merengue and comparsa, East LA and New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga and Indian raga— has long followed a key mantra: it will take you around the world by taking you around L.A. They were invited by the U.S. State Department to serve as official Cultural Ambassadors on a series of government-sponsored international tours to Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East, tours that linked Ozomatli to a tradition of cultural diplomacy that also includes the esteemed likes of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Louis Armstrong.


Ozomatli has spent 15 years working diligently to spread its message of peace, communication and understanding through music, with a long standing tradition of performing for children all over the world, from the schools of North St. Louis to the orphanages of Southeast Asia. 2011 has the band focused on “oZoKidZ”, a special family friendly set geared towards performing for children and adults alike. The band are currently in the studio with acclaimed producer Tony Berg, recording a children’s album for release in 2011, followed by a book, DVD and tour

Concert Info: Sunday, April 10 from 3 – 5pm
Where: Get to the base area at Peak

For more info on the concerts in the area click here: Concerts


There are tons of events and things to do here in the area. For more info on these events and all your lodging needs, contact one of the Friendly, Knowledegable, Locals here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals

For More Gigs in Breck visit the Breckenridge Colorado Events Calendar

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!

As spring quickly approaches we begin to try and fill our summer schedules with awesome things to do. Although beaches and islands are always great nothing beats the mountains in the summer time.  That’s always why the locals say they came to Telluride for the winter but ended up staying for the summer.

There is so much to do in Telluride during the summer from mountain biking to river activities to a  ton of weekend festivals there is no reason not to visit us. This year marks the 33^rd annual Mountain Film in Telluride. This four day, six sense experience of the art, adventure, culture and environment will be sure to be life changing.

The festival begins each year with its Moving Mountains Symposium. This full-day event has a different topical theme each year, discussed and debated by a panel of world class experts drawn from many and varied disciplines. In 2009 the festival featured Food, in 2010 it featured The Extinction Crisis and this year the festival will focus on AWARENESS INTO ACTION where Mountainfilm will work on shortening the distance between awareness and action by providing us with a way to actively change the world around us.

I am sure once you all plan your summer vacation to Telluride and check out this year’s Mountain Film in Telluride you will understand why this festival is a locals favorite. For information on your summer activities and lodging contact your friendly, knowledgeable, locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

I love living in the mountains for several reasons – the open space, the pretty landscape, the way people are easy-going, and how there is always so much to do! When the winter winds down and the snow starts to disappear up here in the Rockies, many summer events are already lined up for us all to engage in and enjoy. Among these, one of the top independent Film Festivals will be taking place in June, just down the road from Vail in Breckenridge.


This year will be the 31^st annual Breckenridge Film Festival, featuring around 51 independent drama, comedy, spiritual, and documentary films. Additionally, the festival highlights a GLBT Film Series, showcasing diverse subject matter representative of the films’ creators, as well as presenting the audience with meaningful artistic perspective.


Breckenridge is a unique mountain town that offers quirkiness, character, natural beauty, and a youthful vibe. It is rather appropriate that the town of Breck has been a proud host of the indie film fest for so many years. In an article published last year in the Denver publication Westword, writer Amber Taufen stated “the Breckenridge Film Festival is an anomaly. The fest has managed to retain a truly indie vibe throughout its thirty years of existence.”


Now being the 31^st celebration of innovation, art, culture, and perspective, the festival should continue to impress this upcoming June. Taking place on the 9^th through the 12^th, early summer weather in Colorado will permit a truly enjoyable environment for the series. The event is hosted by renowned Film Critic Jeffrey Lyons, and his son Ben Lyons, E!’s own entertainment journalist.


You’ve heard it by many – people come to Colorado for the winter, and stick around Colorado for the summer. Come see what summer in the Rockies is all about, while indulging in the culture of independent film here in Breckenridge. Ticket info. for the event can be found here, and be sure to check out our lodging options for a comfortable stay.

Just like that Spring is fast approaching. What are you doing for your Spring Break? …I’m not thinking sun and beach… I’m going more for free concerts, last chance to get some skiing/boarding before the season is over, street parties, pond skimming championships. Doesn’t all that sound so much better than just sun and beach?  How do you get to do all this? Easy just come to Spring Back at Vail 2011!

Starting April 15 there will be tons of activities and concerts to celebrate the end of this great ski season we’ve had at Vail. Come early for an all-mountain film competition open to pros and amateurs. Best of all concerts are FREE and lift ticket deals and great lodging packages will be available and who better to help you get this party started and get your lodging needs in order than your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

Curious about who will be playing at the concerts? Here are a few of the bands that will be playing:

• • Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
  • Train
  • The Greyboy Allstars
  • Shpongle presents the Shpongletron Experience
  • Stephen Marley
  • Chris Velan
  • Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars

Alright I’m stoked about all this …I know if you read this blog you probably are too. What next…book your lodging with one Vail’s own Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals!

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!

Looking for an alternative to downhill skiing during your stay in Vail? Perhaps something that presents an even greater challenge than shredding the back bowls and returning to the sauna each night of your stay? One cool alternative to consider is the 10^th Mountain Division Hut and Trail System, offering 29 backcountry huts and 350 miles of suggested routes in the Rocky Mountain Region of Colorado.


The trail system honors the men of 10^th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army, who were trained during World War II at Camp Hale in central Colorado. Several backcountry huts are accessible from trailheads located in Vail, Aspen, Minturn, Leadville, Copper Mountain, and other areas throughout the Rockies. The trail system offers great opportunity for backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and during the summer, mountain biking with comfortable shelter to break up the journey. The huts provide beds, some with private bedrooms, and heat including wood burning stoves for all your cooking needs.


The Eiseman Hut is a great option if you plan to be staying in Vail at anytime this winter. Peaks of the Gore Range backdrop the hostel, and the terrain is said by some to be the best skiing of any 10^th hut included in the trail system. There is also a spectacular view of the slopes at Vail Mountain. Two private bedrooms are available if not booked already, and 12 single beds are offered as well. Some of the trailheads to access this hut are the Vail Pass Trailhead, Red Sandstone Creek Trailhead, and Spraddle Creek Trailhead. For directions, maps and details on trailheads, more information can be found here.


It is suggested that at least one experienced individual in evaluating avalanche and snow stability hazards be on board for the journey. A fair amount of the huts across the region are situated in extreme avalanche terrain, so be responsible if your hard-core aspirations wish to indulge! Updated information on avalanche conditions can be found at this website, and you can also access an Avalanche Advisory Report for the Vail/Minturn by calling 970-827-5687.


After some backcountry on the 10^th Mountain Division Hut and Trail System, you will probably enjoy the ease of downhill skiing and comfortable lodging with every amenity upon your return. Make sure to check out Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, with boundless travel options to meet your vacation needs.

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.

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.

Snow has been dumping on the Rocky Mountains over the last few days, with staggered opening days launching the start of the season, and holiday events quickly approaching us!

According to snow reports in Breckenridge, the resort town got a total of 20 inches in the last 24 hours – what a reassuring kick-off into winter, just following the official opening of Breck last Friday. Other resort areas received a fair amount of snow as well:

Copper: 14 ”

Keystone: 8 ”

A Basin: 10 ”

Vail: 13 ”

With all this snow coming our way, signs are pretty decent for the month of December. Breckenridge hosts a number of events throughout the month, featuring what the town calls their “Victorian Winter Wonderland,” a festive month of holiday decorations, the Lighting of Breckenridge, ornament painting, shopping, Santa visits, ice sculpting, the Summit Action Sports Film Festival, and how can we forget, the 2011 Winter Dew Tour, December 16-19!

The Lighting of Breckenridge will be on December 4^th, and there will be ornament painting from 12-5 p.m., free hot chocolate and cookies, and Santa arrives at 5:00 in a horse-drawn carriage in front of the Subway to lead a procession to Blue River Plaza. At 5:15, the tree lighting in Blue Plaza will take place, and kids will have the opportunity to share their Christmas wishes with Santa Claus from 5:30 to 7:00 that night.

Additionally, Breck’s Victorian Holiday Market will feature German-style holiday shopping, Santa Claus, mulled wine and cider on the weekends of December 4-5^th, and 11-12^th. An ice-sculpting competition for prize money will be taking place from the 5^th through the 11^th, and sculptures will remain on display throughout the holidays.

With 20 inches of snow already, the holiday season in Breckenridge will truly be a winter wonderland, offering great early conditions on the mountain, and plenty of family fun. To embrace the festivities in Breck this December, book with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

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.

The temperature is changing, the leaves are falling, the snow has appeared, the smell of fire is around us, and we are pulling out our down jackets; this can only mean one thing.  Winter is coming!

The slopes are opening up!  Loveland and Arapahoe Basin have opened for the season and the rest will follow soon.  I am excited for Telluride to open on November 25^th, for the slopes should be covered with powder as should rest of the resorts, if we can view this recent early dumping as a positive sign.

Telluride continues to be recognized in ski magazines for its 360-degree views and towering mountains. Escape to an undisturbed box canyon, surrounded by 14,000 foot peaks where you’ll discover miles of un-crowded slopes and diverse terrain. Telluride offers some of the best black diamonds in the country, while still providing a nearly even mixture of beginner and intermediate runs. Telluride continuously draws in first-time visitors as well as longtime locals ready to experience exciting, new adventures. Whether you’re ready to enjoy the serene, beautiful alpine location, explore the intelligent arts community, or bask in the comforts of a relaxing, calm vacation, Telluride is just the place that can satisfy all your needs and more.

Telluride and Mountain Village are companion towns connected by a free gondola and surrounded by escalating mountains. Telluride boasts over 1,700 acres of “must ski” areas for beginner skiers, extreme skiers, and everyone in between. Telluride offers some of the best black diamonds in the country, while still providing a nearly even mixture of beginner and intermediate runs. The Telluride Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also one of Colorado’s 20 National Historic Landmarks. Victorian-inspired architecture can be seen throughout Mountain Village and Telluride.

Get ready for the winter season because it’s reached the mountains already!  Plan your trip to Colorado through Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals and see what I am talking about.

I have been living in Colorado over twenty years now and there is a certain system of rules I like to live by in the winter.  My rules are in the list provided below:

1. Layers- Dress in layers, especially on the slopes.  I like to use at least three and undress if I am hot.  It is better to be too hot than too cold.  Two words: Long Underwear.
2. Vitamins- Take your daily vitamins because people tend to get sick in the winter.  Keep your immune system strong.  I prefer the Flintstones chewables.
3. Car Pooling- When driving some distance to embark on powdered-filled mountains, it is safer to have at least one more person on the trip with you, just in case.  It is better to be stranded somewhere with a friend rather than by your lonesome.
4. Beware of Ice- This pertains to the ground obviously and ice crystals above the front door.  For the ground, make sure to shovel and apply ice melting salt to your walkway.  For the ice above us, it is very simple: just slam the door before you exit and the loose ones will fall.  It’s never fun to get hit by heavy ice on your way out of the house!
5. Keep your feet dry- Make sure you have warm socks and plenty of them.  Boots provide peace of mind during the harsh winter weather when you know you are safe and warm. It is very important to have dry feet to allow the rest of your body to keep warm, especially when on the slopes.
6. Music- Music and skiing are two peas in a pod.  I like to have a playlist made for my days on the slopes so I am ready to go and am not selecting music while trying to ride.
7. Food- I always bring food with me when I am on the slopes to keep energy in me and to satisfy hunger pains.  I like to bring spicy peanuts, 2 for $1 at any gas station.  Sandwiches are always great as well; I find tuna is the easiest to travel with. It is hard to eat a square meal on the slopes and meals can get expensive at the resort, so wait until you get home.  Soups and chili are always a good idea in the winter.
8. Liquid- Water, Water, Water!  Staying hydrated is very important when on the slopes.  I tried to bring my camalbak with me a few times, but the water usually freezes, so I use it for other liquids now.  If you don’t want to carry a water bottle in those big pockets, make sure to hit the water fountains!
9. Getting Warm- It is always nice to know how you’re going to warm yourself, so have a plan in mind to keep yourself at ease.  Some ways are having a fire ready to go, dry clothes ready, a hot shower, hot tub if lucky enough, or anything else you can think of.  A roaring fire with a peppermint patty in my hands is my favorite way of warming up.
10. Après-Ski- This is a must after a hard day on the slopes to enjoy a delicious drink, mingle, unwind, and relax.

So when planning on visiting the Rockies, or if it’s your backyard, you may want to follow a rule or two and have a great winter.  Remember to book your trip through Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

If there are any rules you like to live by during the winter, please add them in the comments.

The last week there has been a lot going on in this amazing state of Colorado and much planned for the winter.  In Denver this weekend, there were several great concerts and the Annual Zombie Crawl.  In the High Rockies, two ski resorts opened and snow has finally greeted us!

I attended two concerts this weekend, each of which were incredible; the BassNectar show at First Bank Center and the first Gorillaz World Tour at the Wells Fargo Theatre.  The Gorillaz have only performed in the U.S. a very few times before their world tour, and as a huge fan, I could not miss Damon Albarn (mastermind of the Gorillaz) in Colorado.  My year was made when I was able to tell Damon of my appreciation of his music and my favorite album Mali Music.  BassNectar was incredible, playing a two and a half hour set, blowing the walls of the First Bank Center.

If you found yourself on the 16^th Street Mall on Saturday October 23^rd you might have been petrified by the walking dead.  The Annual Zombie Crawl happens in the Streets of  Denver every year before Halloween to celebrate this great time.  This year, the Denver Zombie Crawl broke a World Record of most registered zombies in the streets at 7,300, shattering the previous record held by Seattle.  Now that’s a lot of Zombies!

Leaving Vail early Saturday morning, I was greeted with dead stopped traffic.  Usually, I would be stressed, but this time, there was a wonderful reason: tons of snowfall.  Thankfully, I have a Jeep and made it safely to Denver.  It continued to snow all weekend to help allow Loveland and Arapahoe Basin ski resorts open.  Opening weekends for other resorts are coming soon; Copper: November 5^th, Keystone: November 5^th, Breckenridge: November 12^th, Vail: November 19^th, Beaver Creek: November 24^th, Ajax: November 25^th, and Telluride: November 25^th.

If you are planning to visit Denver or the High Rockies, plan your trip through Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, your Friendly Knowledgeable Locals.

The snow is here in Vail and that can help me (as well as everyone else in the office) get excited about riding at all the resorts we are so lucky to live amidst. However, one thing I am so excited about this year which I have always wanted to do but have never done is a ski hut trip in the Rockies. The 10^th Mountain Division Hut Association in Colorado has over 29 backcountry huts all throughout the Rockies which are connected by 350 miles of suggested routes for backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, and hiking. I personally will be using them for backcountry skiing and trying to access places in the mountains not many people get to see. Lucky for you, you can do this too, and the best part is that even if we are out there in these huts at the same time, chances are we won’t see each other or track out each other’s lines because there is so much terrain to ride that there is more than enough for everyone. Huts range from 3 beds to 20 beds and come equipped with wood burning stoves for heating and cooking, photovoltaic lighting, cooking and eating utensils, toilet paper, mattresses, pillows, and decks for those warm spring days.

Hut trips are a great break from the luxury living style here in Vail, but I know we all love Vail for its amenities and services that you can’t get anywhere else. So when planning around your hut trip for your next vacation here to the Vail Valley, be sure to call us at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305 so we can help you get the most out of what Vail has to offer.