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

This year (well, technically next year in 2012) will mark Aspen Gay Ski Week’s 35^th anniversary of hosting the event. Running from January 15-22 in beautiful Aspen, Colorado, this GLBT friendly event is expected to be a blast as always. They are pulling out the stops this year for the anniversary, and will be celebrating the best of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s by hosting decade themed parties throughout the week. And remember to bring your best and/or most outlandish outfits because there will be prizes given away at the decade themed parties throughout the week! These parties are not the only thing going on for Aspen Gay Ski Week—there is an opening cocktail reception, a pool party, après ski parties, a Downhill Costume Parade and a comedy show.

Here’s some footage from last year’s Downhill Costume Parade (from PlumTV):

Participants are able to purchase a single pass (the Patron Pass) for $750 that will not only include admission to the aforementioned events and activities, but also VIP access to all of the events, a 1 day lift ticket, and a week long pass to the Aspen Club & Spa. Be sure to take advantage of this pass—unpackaged it costs $1025. Also, the ticket price includes a charitable donation to The Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund (RFGLCF), so you can SAVE BIG while knowing that you also made a donation to charity. There are various other passes available as well, and you can also buy tickets to each individual event at the door. Here is a schedule of events to take place during the week:

Sunday

• Hospitality Suite  – 8 am
• Apres Ski Hot Tub Parties @Limelight Lodge – 3 pm
• Friendship Dinner @Ellina – 6 pm
• Opening Party @Baldwin Gallery – 9 pm
• Late Night @Escobar- 11:58 pm

Monday

• Friendship Dinner @L’Hostaria – 6 pm
• Film “3″ @Wheeler Opera House- 8:15 pm
• Late Night: 70s Glow Party @Hunter Bar – 10 pm

Tuesday

• Friendship Dinner @St. Regis – 6 pm
• Film “Going Down in La-La Land” @Wheeler Opera House – 7:15 pm
• Late Night: 80s Prom @Escobar – 10 pm

Wednesday

• Aspen Club & Spa Day – 8 am
• Friendship Dinner @Elevation – 6 pm
• Boutique Night – 6:30 pm
• Late Night @Caribou Club – 10 pm

Thursday

• Friendship Dinner @Gisella – 6 pm
• Play Reading “Unmarried in America” @Wheeler Opera House – 7 pm
• Comedy Night: Demented Divas @Belly Up – 9 pm
• Late Night @Belly Up – 9 pm

Friday

• Downhill Costume Parade & Contest @ Aspen Mountain – 12 pm
• Friendship Dinner @Cache Cache – 6 pm
• Late Night: Studio 2054 Party @Sundeck – 9 pm

Saturday

• Friendship Dinner @Brexi – 6 pm
• Weekend Pool Party @Aspen Recreation Center – 9 pm

 

The Limelight Lodge is the official sponsor of Aspen Gay Ski Week, so this will definitely be where it’s happening. This stylish lodge is located right in the town of aspen and has a pool and hot-tub, free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and complimentary breakfast, among other things. Also, the lodge is pet friendly! So be sure to bring your dog along for a great week in Aspen. This property is booking fast, however, so be sure to check out some of our other lodging options just in case.

 

Aspen Gay Ski week is the GLBT travel event of the winter, so be sure to come check it out! Find out more about how our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^®  at  Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals can help you book the perfect Aspen Gay Ski Week vacation!

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.

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!

Head on over to Beaver Creek and rent some snowshoes this winter to participate in their annual Snowshoe Adventure Race! Experts and first-timers of all ages are encouraged to participate. The event includes a 5K, 10K and a children’s 1K for those 12 and under.

 

The Snowshoe Adventure Race in Beaver Creek happens in three rounds over the course of three months. On January 8th, February 12th and March 11th there will be free snowshoe demos and basic instruction before the races begin. Also expect food, a prize raffle and an awards ceremony after each event. The competition really heats up, so start training now!

 

If you’re excited about snowshoeing, but not about racing, Beaver Creek has over 32 kilometers of groomed and rustic Cross Country and Snowshoe trails. Hop on the Strawberry Park Express Lift and pay a visit to McCoy Park for breath-taking views of three glorious mountain ranges. McCoy Park’s varying degrees of terrain, means plenty of trails for all skill levels.

 

Don’t want to hit the trails alone? Take a full or half-day snowshoe tour and discover local plants and animals as you learn about local history. Free hour-and-a-half long family tours are available on Tuesdays! And check out Beaver Creek’s new Moonlight tour between 6:30 and 8:30 for a special nighttime treat under the stars.

 

Whether you are planning a leisurely vacation or looking for some competition this winter, take a trip over to Beaver Creek where you’ll find exactly what you’re in the mood for. Call one of our Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals.®  today to get your plans in motion.

 

Come to Telluride this summer to experience all the festivals, mountains and beautiful scenery. If pairing the beauty of mountains with the indulgence of fine wines interest you then you will be sure to enjoy the 2011 Telluride Wine Festival. This is just one of the unique festivals Telluride has to offer this summer. The wine festival takes place on June 23rd-26th.

This year there will be more chefs, more experts, more wine, and more cocktails than ever! This is an event you cannot miss! New to the festival this year will be Chef and Food Network Star Aaron Sanchez, Chef and Author John Sedlar and Chef Sue Torres, as well as Wine/Spirits experts F. Paul Pacult and Andrea Robinson, MS. Returning favorites Doug Frost MS, MW; Steve Olson, Greg Harrington, MS; and Andy Seymour will also be part of the all star lineup, as well as many others!

The Wine Festival has amazing food, great music, and fabulous wines from across the country. You will not be bored with all the nonstop entertainment! Make sure you don’t miss out on this weekend! Contact your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for your lodging information.

The Town of Vail will be exhibiting wooden sleds decorated by local artists and will be on view in various locations throughout Vail Village. The first ever Invitational Art Sled Exhibition will promote sustainability, creativity, recreation and community. Want to buy one of the sleds on exhibit? Well you’re in luck! At the end of the exhibit the sleds will be sold in a silent auction and a portion of the proceeds will help fund art programs in Vail.


Exhibit opens this President’s Day weekend. They will be on exhibit in: Claggett Rey Gallery, Cogswell Gallery, Masters Gallery, Pismo Gallery, Vail Fine Art Gallery, Vail International Gallery, Vail Village Arts, Worth Interiors, The Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum and the Vail Public Library. For details on the visit Art in Vail.


Want to go sledding now huh? Well check out Ellefson Park in Vail. It’s Vail’s most popular sledding hill (from what I’ve heard). The park is not crowded at all, there are table settings for you to eat or take a break. Here are some easy directions: Take the West Vail exit from I-70. (If traveling on I-70 E, cross under the I-70 on Chamonix Road). In the round-about, take the Chamonix Road. Left on Chamonix Lane. Left on Arosa Drive. Right on Garmisch Drive.


Want to do even MORE stuff around Vail? Ask one of our friendly, knowledgeable, locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for suggestions on even more things to do and all your lodging needs while you’re out here.

       Do you enjoy snowshoeing? Adventure? Competition? If so the Beaver Creek Snowshoe Adventure is just for you! This snowshoeing series draws first-timers, world class snowshoe athletes, kids of all ages and everyone in between. This snowshoe event includes the East West Resorts 5k Quest, Dogma Athletic 10k and Kids 1k. This is the first year for the Dogma Athletic 10k and it will mark the largest cash prize in snowshoeing in the world with more than $15,000 in prize money.

       If you don’t have snowshoes no need to worry you can rent them at the Beaver Creek Nordic Center close by. This full day event includes slope side sponsor expos and a post-event plaza party for all participates to enjoy. There will be plenty of giveaways and even a post-race meal provided by the Dusty Boot (which has awesome food).
      

        The next event date takes place Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 11:00 am at McCoy Park. Pre- Registration is $30 and $35 the day of the event. Check out active.com to sign up for this event. For lodging information for this event contact your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

I have always enjoyed the adrenaline and excitement of running half-marathons especially in scenic locations. When I found out about the TransRockies Run I could not have been more excited to get a group of friends together and try to conquer this amazing, challenging, and epic adventure.  The fifth annual TransRockies Run will take place August 21st-26th.

The TransRockies Run is 125 miles of trail running! This is reflective of the TransApline Run in Europe! Both one-of-kind courses this is a run you must add to your bucket list. The run begins in Buena Vista, Colorado and ends six days later in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Teams of two will eat, sleep, and compete together as they cross some of the most spectacular terrain in North America.  There will be support staff for each team that will assist with their food, accommodation, and on course support.

If you are thinking about trying this adventure or you are not sure, you can access a free DVD as a first time participant. The pictures on the DVD are the best way to show the camaraderie and adventure that runners experience during the run.  Start your training today because there are over 44 miles of running at high elevation and a 10,000 feet elevation gain during the last two stages.

There is no better place to end your run and meet your family than at Beaver Creek.  Beaver Creek is a remarkable family resort full of summer activities and relaxation for all.  If you are planning on conquering this epic adventure contact your “Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals ^TM” at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for lodging information at Beaver Creek.

As a broke grad school graduate with Sallie Mae constantly pounding on my door, FREE is a word I like to hear.  When I found myself in Vail for the winter, I figured I’d probably be scraping by on teeth and nails.  With awesome events like the Snow Ball Music Festival and the X Games coming to the area, I’ve been pinching pennies wherever I can to afford going to them.  As a supporter of Bud Light for many years now, I was elated when I learned of the Bud Light Street Beat FREE concert series!  It’s just what I need to hold me over until the Snow Ball Music Festival in March.

There’s just something about live music that makes me feel more alive.  The Vail Valley Foundation presents free music in the streets of Vail on a Thursday once a month.  Last night, I got to see Lyrics Born at Checkpoint Charlie in the Vail Village.  After a long day of work, his energy was explosive and contagious.  I could hear the bass before I even saw the stage, and it immediately got my heart pumping.  As soon as I reached the crowd, it was impossible to not start dancing to the beat.  I had never really heard of him before, but was definitely impressed with the originality of his sound.  With a unique ensemble for support, I couldn’t take my eyes off the stage not wanting to miss a second of their set.  Ending his performance with an encore, featuring an amazing freestyle portion, I was left wanting more.

The next concert in the series will feature Earl Wear & Haywire on February 24, again at Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village.  Be sure not to miss these special intimate events where the crowd is small enough to really feel a connection with the artists who are performing.  Make sure you contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to help plan a great little getaway and experience everything Vail has to offer.

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.

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!

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).

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.

As this Monday approaches, Vail Restaurant Month begins with “Market to Table” week. Adding to the info posted a week ago, here is more on Vail Restaurant Month: The week of September 27^th to October 3^rd is themed “Health, Wellness, & Outdoors Week.” Being a strong supporter of delicious, healthy,  AND sustainable dining, I can appreciate the all of the events that will be taking place.

In addition to the daily special at Sapphire Restaurant with a new Grand Marnier cocktail each night, Health, Wellness & Outdoors Week kicks off with Sweet Basil’s hosting of “Make the Sustainable Menu Choice.” Executive Chef Paul Anders will feature healthy fish options farm raised locally in a clean, efficient manner. Though farm raised fish has been given a bad stigma, the featured menu will demonstrate how, when produced the right way,  local and farm raised fish are healthy and environmentally safe. There will be a $39 prix fixe menu available.

If you’re interested in being further educated on eating seafood sustainably, Chef Paul Anders will be doing a walk-through on the basics of butchering and preparing fish at home. Dedicated to green initiatives, Anders will share information on sustainable and environmental responsibility – while instructing how to filet a fish with your own hands. This will take place before the fixed menu at Sweet Basil, from 5:30-7 pm on September 27^th, and on October 1^st as well.

At Terra Bistro, Executive Chef Kevin Nelson will present a Gourmet Nutrition Class at the Vail Mountain Lodge.  With a combination of the chef’s knowledge on nutrition and experienced taste with flavor, the class will be an informative presentation on creating delicious food that does the body good. There is a class size limit of 25, so make sure to sign up soon if interested! It will be from 12:00 to 2 p.m. “Colorado Wild Mushroom Dinner” will also take place Monday at La Tour, featuring a three course meal with the hearty ingredients of local and wild mushrooms. Rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, and Vitamins D, B, and C, the dinner will be a pleasant exposure to more local healthy resources. Chef Paul Ferzacca will be preparing the menu, fixed at $39.

Kids will also get to participate in the week’s celebration of food and health, while getting their hands a little dirty.  On Wednesday, September 29^th, Vail Restaurant Month and Vail Resorts will collaborate with Eagle County School District and host “Little Foodies in the Kitchen: ‘Winners and Dinners.’” Fifth grade winners from a cooking competition will assist a different chef each week to prepare a healthy meal. The participating restaurants include the Mariott, Cucina, and Tavern on the Square, and following cooking session, the movies Ratatouille and No Reservations will be shown in hotel ballrooms from 6-9 pm.

Back on the topic of fish, Gore Creek Flyfisherman is hosting a seminar on Thursday, September 30th to October 3rd from 10:30am  to 1pm daily.  A special menu will follow, and the extra special promo of $50 off any half day wade or float trip, or $75 off any full day will be offered.  Friday, the seminar “Essentials for Happy Hiking” will take place at Patagonia, where Vail Mountain Rescue will present for about 30 minutes, followed by Q&A. Following the presentations and seminar, all will be welcomed to Blue Moose Pizza, sweet deals of $4 /slice + soda, or $5/ slice + beer!

Weekend specials include “Dine and Unwind” at Wildflower, “Extreme Dining” at Restaurant Kelly Liken, a host dinner with NY Times writer and author of “Recipes for Health,” Martha Rose Shulman, and a bicycling and running event featuring Michelob Ultra to wrap up events on Sunday. You can get more information on restaurant month from their website.

If you  plan to pass through the Vail Valley for Health, Wellness, & Outdoors week, book your lodging with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, and allow us complete your vacation plans with a comfortable home to return to. Stay posted on more details regarding Vail Restaurant Month during the colorful fall season, and call us at 1-888-866-2305!

This post was brought to you by Nika, a part of the Business Development Team, focusing on Public Relations. Her work mainly entails writing the press releases, establishing media contacts, reaching out to the community, and devising a PR plan for the upcoming year. Nika enjoys traveling anywhere, but can’t get enough of the open space that Colorado has to offer. A New England native and Tulane grad, Nika ended up in Boulder, CO for a change of pace and has since fallen for the free spirit, natural beauty, and clean air. In her free time, she enjoys getting lost outdoors, making quirky earrings out of broken jewelry, cooking vegetarian meals, and looks forward to another ski season. Nika is passionate about discovering new places and culture, and would use the word “mischevious” to describe herself, because she is curious, eager, and sometimes sneaky. Nika graduated from Tulane University, with a degree in French and Communication.

I’m frequently asked how and why I got into vacation rental sales as a newly graduated English major with a focus in literature. The answer has nothing do with a vying passion for lodging, or a background in real estate or the travel industry, and everything to do with the earnest, ever-devoted backbone of the small company for which I’m lucky enough to work. What is it that I do, per se? The quick and easy answer: I sell short-term rentals for vacationers, as well as for corporate and group retreats in the Vail/Beaver Creek rental markets. The roundabout answer, which is the point of this blog, makes coming to work every morning worthwhile, makes me a friendly, knowledgeable, local, and makes our small, Vail-based company representative of everything we try to “sell”: the Colorado lifestyle, attitude, and “joie de vivre” that we experience, simply by waking up every morning and looking out our windows.

A perfect example of this “Colorado experience” was this weekend’s company outing in Denver which included a visit to Coors Field to watch the Rockies defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks, a stop at the happening Vesta Dipping Grill for tapas and cocktails, and the perk of the weekend, a night’s stay at the Hyatt Regency, the premiere hotel to come and experience Denver nightlife.

At the start of last month, owner and founder of Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, Tommy Z. Hoffman, a close friend, and a coworker more so than an actual boss, sat down with the sales agents and told us about his personal objective for the month: to hit the total sales number of August 2008, the month before the economy crashed in Vail.  It was about $100,000 over our initial August 2010 sales goal.

When we successfully hit Tommy’s “mega push goal,” he had already planned a very generous weekend in honor of the entire staff’s hard work  and commitment to the team before we could mutter the words, How ‘bout them Rockies… I will never forget this past weekend in Denver: our company grew a little bit stronger, became a little bit more like family, and reached a milestone in the growth of RMVR that will only serve as greater incentive to share with the world the RMVR ideology.  When I come to the office each morning and talk to my clients, I’m not simply selling a product; I’m selling a lifestyle. I’m telling a story of what it means to be aware, to be truly conscience of our existence, and our relationship with our natural surroundings. I’m creating a scenario for the prospective visitor that basically sells itself, one which I, too, carry out and live by deliberately. The brand, the product of our company, is not our inventory of properties, but our tight-knit staff–those that recognize the impermanence and subsequent need for the appreciation of life, and those who help others do the same.

Whether your particular focus is in sales, marketing, real estate, social networking, videography, or website development, here at RMVR, we are united by our exuberance and by our eagerness to work, live, and play in the Rocky Mountains. With great friends, infinite possibilities, and the passion of existence that each and every one of our staff members feels on a daily basis, we exemplify exactly what it is we aspire to share with others.

Having been a server at various restaurants over the past four years, I am an avid consumer of quality food paired with well-crafted drinks. In spirit of the off-season this year in colorful Vail, several local chefs and establishments are hosting events September 20^th – October 17^th, during what’s being called “Restaurant Month.”

This idea was crafted over the past few years by frequent Vail visitor and owner of I Openers, Ilene Rapkin. This year, the series of events will kick off its debut September 20^th, and will be featuring “Market to Table Week,” “Health, Wellness, & Outdoors Week,” “Vail LoveFest,” and “Family Week.” Each themed week will provide gourmet food by star chefs, wine and beer tastings, health, wellness, and spa packages, chef demos, and author readings and book signings. Eighteen participating restaurants will put on the show.  Here is a rundown of the first Restaurant Month week, “Market to Table Week”:

Every night at Sapphire Restaurant and Oyster Bar, there will be Grand Marnier cocktail specials to accompany colorful fall creations by Executive chef and Partner, Peter Milette. Appetizers, contests, and promotions will be featured during the cocktail tastings, and a Fall dinner tasting menu will be offered nightly, from 6 to close. On the topic of drinks, Alpine Wine and Spirits will put on “Tasting Tuesdays,” where there will be special themed tastings of wine, champagne, and spirits. Quench your thirst at their specialized location inside City Market at 2109 N. Frontage Rd.

Restaurants that will feature market to table concepts include La Tour, Vail Chophouse, and Vail Blue Moose. Chef Paul Ferzacca of La Tour will create a three-course dinner, using fresh produce from the restaurant’s organic garden and Colorado’s Grant Family Organic Farms. These dinners will take place from 6-10:00 pm on September 20^th and September 26^th, so come enjoy a culinary delight for $39. The Vail Chophouse and Vail Blue Moose will also be highlighting healthy foods on the menu and healthy choices, both on September 21^st and September 26^th.

Larkspur Bar will kick off their Wednesday Guest Bartender Series, a program designed to invite local nonprofit organizations to support fundraising for the community. A guest bartender will donate their time, socialize with guests, endorse the event, and perhaps pour a few brews to help create tips.  They will also create proceeds from a silent auction consisting of donated items. This will take place each Wednesday, from 5:30-7:30 pm.

Other events throughout the weekend will include “Vail Chophouse and Stella, the Perfect Combination,” “Celebrate the Bounty of Colorado’s Harvest Dinner,” “Where Does My Food Come From?,” “Tea on the Meadow,” and a chef’s cooking demo catered by Amuse Bouche. More details are posted on the Vail Restaurant Month website.

To indulge in this savory series throughout the beginning of Fall, book your lodging with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, and plan a colorful stay in the Valley. Stay posted for more updates on Restaurant Month, and call us at 1-888-866-2305 for more advice on where to dig into a delicious meal!

If you missed out on Oktoberfest at Beaver Creek last week, fear not:  there are still TWO MORE opportunities to get your oom-pah-pah on in the Vail Valley area.  This weekend, festivities are scheduled to take place in Lionshead Village, and the 17^th-19^th the party moves over to Vail Village.

I personally attended Beaver Creek’s Oktoberfest, and it will be a perfect September if I can make all three in a row.  You can expect to find food stands galore, with all types of Bavarian entrees from leg of lamb sandwiches, to bratwurst, to German potato salad, and more.   The lines at the beverage stand move quickly, and there’s no better way to celebrate Oktoberfest than by drinking a Beck’s Oktoberfest brew.

The party kicks off tomorrow at 5 pm and lasts through Sunday at 6 pm. Start practicing your yodeling now, and bring your old alpine horn out of hiding, because both are sure to be prevalent throughout the fest.  Possibly the most exciting event of all is sure to be the Beck’s Keg Bowling Contest.  Contestants can sign up Saturday and Sunday of each weekend.  What does the contest entail, you ask?  Two chances to push an empty keg strapped to a dolly into a pyramid of six empty kegs.  Participants with the highest total of fallen kegs will advance to the finals!  Entry is free, and there’s a reward for the winner of the finals, so there’s no excuse not to give it a whirl!

If you’re not up for Keg Bowling, try a lighter fare, the Brat-Eating Contest.  This event is also free, so join eight-ten participants and eat as many brats as you can in three minutes to achieve a full belly and a prize for the winner!  Sign-ups are available on site Saturday and Sunday.

The Oktoberfest Fun Run is the perfect opportunity to stave away your guilt from eating all those brats! The race will take place on Sunday, the 19^th, and includes a free commemorative t-shirt for the first 150 registered runners, a 10k, 5k run/walk/blade and kids race, an after party, and awards for the top three overall male and female finishers.  Registration is $20 online and $25 on site.  Participants under 18 are $10 both online and on race day!

To schedule lodging for either weekend, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305.  If your phone doesn’t work, just yodel as loud as you can!

What does skiing for free mean to you? What would you do if you could ski for free?

Whether your response is invite all your friends to ski with you in the Rockies, shred through as many runs as possible, quit your job, kiss a stranger, or have an epic winter, it probably falls under the category of being something INCREDIBLE.

For the month of September only, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals is offering the killer deal of a free lift ticket for every $2,500 spent on lodging.  Book now for your vacation later, and spend an entire day ripping through any of the fine ski resort destinations that we book for free! Destinations with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals include Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Aspen/Snowmass and Park City.  For every $15,000 spent on lodging, you can have your Epic Pass for free this season, or the equivalent for single tickets, a $600 value.

What would I do if told I could ski for free? First, call my Dad. Second, plan on trying out some sweet demos and killing it on the mountain. Third, I would probably splurge on live music in a ski resort destination, because there isn’t much that could beat free skiing and live music.  In conclusion, I think I would have an incredible winter.

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals will also be sure to customize your ultimate ski vacation with the support from Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals., where live sales agents are available to answer questions concerning any and all of your needs. Again, this offer will only be available for the month of September, so book in advance to get your FREE lift tickets! Please visit our website or call 1.877.843.6215, and start planning your best winter yet.

1)      Indian Summer
Beginning in September, the weather cools down and the days stay comfortably warm without the risk of heat exhaustion, allowing for the perfect weather for fishing, hiking, biking or getting in any last-minute summer activities before the snow falls.

2)      Crisp, clean air
You can literally smell and feel the season beginning to change.  Go outside at least once every day for the sole purpose of breathing in the air; it’s refreshing, revitalizing, and the perfect hint of winter hiding just around the corner.

3)      Outdoor fire pits
When the sun goes down earlier in the evenings, and the weather is cool, it’s time for fire pits and bonfires.  Snuggle up in your most comfortable jacket and boots, and always bring blankets to share with friends and family.  The smell of fall and burning wood is an unbeatable combination and the perfect atmosphere to relax in at the end of any day.

4)      Hayrides
Hayrides are available almost anywhere in Colorado, the perfect form of entertainment to enjoy with friends, family, or a special somebody.  Hayrides almost always mean hot cocoa, apple cider or pumpkin spiced beer, the most festive of beverages and the warmest form of nostalgia you’ll ever have flow through your veins.

5)      The changing of the leaves
This might be the most obvious reason Fall is unbeatable in Colorado, but there’s a reason for it.  You can literally watch the Aspens change from green to yellow, as the mountains become ablaze with brilliant hues of red, orange, gold and brown.  It’s nature’s one last fling before going into hibernation, and on some days, it looks like the whole mountain is on fire.

Don’t miss out on fall in Colorado—Contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals today at 1-888-866-2305 to reserve lodging in any of our locations, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen/Snowmass, Keystone, Breckenridge, Telluride or Steamboat Springs.

September Just Got a Little Bit Cooler…

Adding to the wide array of Labor Day events occurring this year in Colorado is the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival.  The festival is sponsored by Jazz Aspen Snowmass, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving jazz music by hosting festivals, performances, and educational programs.

The festival kicks off this Friday, September 3^rd, at 4 pm with Calexio on the Main Festival Stage.  Performances will continue throughout the weekend, with appearances from popular artists including Wilco, Lubriphonic, The Stone Foxes, The Black Crowes, and more.  The festival will come to a close Sunday with a performance by my personal favorite (hitting close to home—I grew up playing in the Ronnie Van Zant playground in Middleburg, Florida), Lynyrd Skynard, at 7:15 pm on the Main Festival Stage.

For those who can’t seem to keep their toes from tapping after the festival, there will be a FREE DJ dance party nightly at 10 pm at the Eight K Restaurant at the Viceroy Hotel.

General admission for the festival is $56 on Friday, $75 each on Saturday and Sunday, or $190 for a three day pass.  Students showing student ID will receive 50% off admission, and children 13 and under will be admitted free of charge.

To book your last minute lodging for the festival, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305, and until then, keep jammin’!