Category Archives: Free fun
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
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.
Loveland Pass summits at 11,990 feet on the Continental Divide - You can see a few skiers getting ready in the background!
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!
A crowd of people getting ready to ski at the top of Loveland Pass
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.
People keeping warm by the bonfire at Loveland Pass with a full moon in the sky
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
Since moving out to Colorado last week, I have been looking forward to exploring the state. Vail, Beaver Creek, and Keystone are all beautiful, but I want to take advantage of all Colorado has to offer. This past Sunday, my roommates and I were debating how to spend yet another beautiful day. After a few minutes we all agreed to take a road trip through Independence Pass to Aspen. The foliage throughout Independence Pass was truly amazing; the colors of the leaves were so vivid, the reflection off of Twin Lakes insanely bright, and the rivers exceptionally clear. We had to stop multiple times on the way so we could take pictures of the scenery. We were all in such awe of everything around us, especially since it was the first time any of us had driven through the pass.
The town of Aspen itself couldn’t have been more beautiful. Sitting at the base of the mountains, the town was action packed since Ruggerfest was in full swing. We actually ran into one of our coworkers who was participating in Ruggerfest. It was my first trip to Aspen and it didn’t disappoint. There are a multitude of restaurants and shops along with friendly locals willing to help you out with directions or recommend their favorite Mexican joint. As the sun began to set on our perfect day, we decided to set sail back to Beaver Creek, all of our minds drifting back to the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and Aspen.
To take advantage of Aspen and all of its surrounding beauty (including Independence Pass) call Rocky Mountains Vacation Rentals at 1.888.866.2305 to book your lodging today.
This post was brought to you by Andrew, a member of the Business Development Team, primarily concerned with marketing, the website, and Google Analytics. Having grown up in Long Island and then escaping up to Vermont for college, it’s no surprise that Andrew ventured out to Colorado for the purpose of “getting away.” Andrew spends most of his free time with friends, snowboarding, being outside, and going for runs. He is passionate about making the most of each day, and can most effectively be summed up as “hard-working,” as he values the concept of getting the job done. In addition to playing lacrosse for the University of Vermont, he graduated recently with a degree in both History and Marketing Business Administration.
