Category Archives: Local Vail Resources

The Sustainable Art Sled photo by

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.

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.

This Saturday, a humble crew of my co-workers and I at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals drove up to Piney River Ranch, where we put on some work gloves and got our hands dirty!

The project was an effort to follow up with some work for a stream restoration project that Fish Biologist, Matt Grove, had initiated a year ago with White River National Forest. The site was along Piney River, right by the popular area Piney Lake, just north of Vail.

Last year, this particular part of the river was losing its pool depth for fish habitat and continued flow down the stream. Grove pointed out some of the work he had previously done – like moving some dead trees from the surrounding area into the stream to impact the water flow. He had devised a layout along this section of the river so that depth could be restored and provide fish with a habitat to survive. The follow-up work in willow planting along the riverbed is where RMVR came into play!

In order to build a sturdy wall to protect the river from flooding outward, our crew clipped branches from surrounding willow plants, created deep enough holes in the ground by hammering metal rods into the soil, and replaced the rods with stems of willow plants. (This is the best I can do at explaining it all.) By doing so, the willows can root themselves into the soil, continue to grow, and provide vegetation along the riverbed to protect the fragile pools that Grove previously worked to restore.

The site used to be a popular spot for campers – where the habitat was disturbed by erosion along the riverbed, trash was left behind, and dirt bike trails attracted foreign and abrasive sounds to pass through the area. Unfortunately, it’s too often that campers/bikers discover a beautiful place in the isolated wilderness, and fail to leave no trace behind. For tips on treading lightly through the woods, this website offers some useful advice.

The Piney River site where we were located no longer permits camping, which is great news for the rehabilitation of the river. In addition to willow planting, we planted seeds for grass in areas that were lacking vegetation, and covered these areas with straw to protect its growth. On our way out, we moved dead tree branches to a dirt bike trail in order to block access to the area. If you happen enjoy your dirt bike – watch out around Piney River. Fragile land is now being healed.

There are a lot of reasons to be environmentally conscious these days. In a beautiful place like Colorado, the visual aspects of this fragile and powerful environment can easily reinforce our reasons to respect the land. To read more on what Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals is up to, stay posted on our website and check in with more RMVR news to come!

As summertime in the valley begins to wind down, some activities like the Tuesday Hot Summer Nights concert series and Friday Afternoon Club will be coming to an end. Although it’s always sad to see the summer wrapping up as the fall rolls in, new seasons welcome change and the start of new activities.

As of last Thursday, Beaver Creek’s Vilar Performing Arts Center is selling passes for the fall season’s “Underground Sound” concert series. The art center’s venue will provide a warm and comfortable atmosphere for concert goers, and the artists lined up for the series will indulge listeners with music holding a story-telling feel. As described on the Vilar Performing Arts Center’s website, it’s “music with a message.” Musicians include Martin Sexton, Elephant Revival, Colin Hay, Dala, Taylor Carson, and Susan Werner. Kicking off the series will be Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers from Western Massachusetts.

The art center’s Love for the Locals Underground Access Pass includes seven concerts and seven drinks for $98 – a pretty sweet deal considering single shows will range from $15-30. Maybe I speak for myself, but I’m generally inclined to packaged deals that include a tasty beverage (not to mention the rich and intimate experience of the series). Passes are transferrable, for those of you with the fear of committing to all seven shows, so if you can’t make it, it’s cool to let a friend borrow the pass. Passes will be on sale from August 26 to September 19.

On the first night of the series, pass holders will be entered in a drawing for an ultimate winter prize pack giveaway. Prizes include two sets of 2011 Atomic TI skis with bindings, two First Light First Tracks invites, and two tickets to the Warren Miller movie “Wintervention.”

Stephen Kellogg and the, more affectionately known as, the SK6ers have been producing their unique sound since coming together at UMass Amherst in 2003. Sounds from keys, bass, tuba, accordion, drums, mandolin and banjo contribute to the band’s authentic personality, which will be a suitable debut for the Underground Sound Series. Special guest Aslyn will be making an appearance, and individual ticket prices are $25.

Stay posted for more shows and upcoming events by checking out the Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals website, or call us at 1-888-866-2305.

Last night at my softball game a guy referred to Vail as a vortex.  He was trying to get to Chicago, but hadn’t yet been able to leave Vail.  It got me thinking… What is it about being a “ski bum”, or not even that, just living in the mountains of  Colorado that draws people in to the point of no return to the “the real world”.  Time and time again I hear, “I came for the winter, but stayed for the summer”.  Naturally, people who decide they want to spend a winter in the mountains shredding every day, find themselves still in the mountains five years down the road.  Vortex indeed.

Just Enjoying Another Day at Belle's Camp on Vail Mountain

Getting sucked into this vortex I speak of just…happens.  Looking back, my bucket list once stated, “live in a ski town for a winter”.  As I approached college graduation it evolved into “find a legitimate job in a ski town”.  Those “legitimate,” high paying jobs are not as easy to come by in a small community that thrives on tourism.  It’s sad, because so often vacationers to the area wrongfully assume that their bartender, front desk agent, lift operator, whoever it may be, is just an uneducated ski bum.  They couldn’t be more wrong:  Nearly everyone I meet in the Vail Valley has a college education and could easily be making good money working in a city…if that’s what they wanted.

However, people live here because they put true value on their Quality of Life.  If you don’t have that, you should maybe  reconsider your life decisions, my friend.  Vail is a renowned tourist destination for a reason;  We’re just lucky enough to experience its glory every day of the year.  Why not live some place where every day feels like a vacation?  I’d rather make next to nothing than save my pennies all year just for that one vacation that lasts merely a week.

Living here is easy because both the summers and the winters are amazing, yet locals still look forward to the off-seasons of May and October.  For the wise and able, these off-seasons equate to two months away from work, allowing for the opportunity to travel or spend time with family. The possibility to free yourself like that just isn’t an option with jobs elsewhere.  I once read that stress is related to 99% of all illnesses.  I think waking up in the mountains every day gives people a sense of peace and appreciation that creates balance.    It’s hard to let stress get to you when you’re surrounded by laid-back people taking each day as it comes, in no real hurry to get to the next best thing.  Because for many; this is it. Why keep searching when you’ve already found it?

Trying to put a definition on “mountain mentality” doesn’t make sense.  It’s something you have to experience for yourself and create your own definition.  Mine is as simple as staying true to myself and the rest seems to flow seamlessly.

Cali A.

As the sun sets in the beautiful Vail Valley on a perfect summer night, the only place you need to be is at the Gerald R. Ford Ampitheater listening to free music, hanging with your friends, and enjoying some great people watching. Tonight Toad the Wet Sprocket is on stage as part of their summer tour for everybody in The Valley to enjoy. Dancing is encouraged, but not necessary. Food can be brought in, blankets are always a good idea,  and with all these combined, your fun-meter is guaranteed to be overflowing.

If you enjoy any of the following: fun, friends, food, sunshine, mountains, the 90’s, dancing, laughing, music, meeting new people, getting out of your house, or enjoying some local mountain culture, then I should see you at the amphitheater tonight in East Vail. I’ll be there tonight with my friends from here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, and you owe it to yourself to come and enjoy some free music as well.   I see only positives coming from an evening of fun at the Hot Summer Nights concert series this evening.

Toad the Wet Sprocket is one of the most popular alternative rock/folk bands of the early 90’s, with two platinum albums and multiple chart topping hits, and you can see them FREE tonight.

For more information regarding the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, the Vail Valley or on finding lodging in Colorado, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305. See you there. You owe it to yourself.

Vail Valley Adventures

Welcome to the first weekly blog that reports my adventures throughout the general area of the Vail Valley.  I am recently new to the Vail Valley and have a passion to explore all the beautiful nature around me while also informing anyone planning to visit the Valley or current locals on the incredible activities the Valley has to offer.  Every week I plan on going somewhere remote to experience the Rocky Mountains by participating in the acts of hiking, mountain biking, fishing, rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, tubing, cliff diving, and whatever else I can think of.  During these activities I will be observing the nature around me with my camera to produce breathtaking photos and informative videos if possible.

Last Saturday afternoon, my roommate and I decided to find a remote lake to do some fishing and hiking in the general area, but we didn’t have much of a clue on where to go.  Thanks to Google Earth I found a lot of small lakes in the backcountry area, and we decided on Piney Lake.  The plan was set, now we had to pack. When going on a hike it is important to make sure to dress and pack for the elements of nature.  Deciding what to bring depends on the location and the extent of the journey.  Regardless on details, I like to bring around ten essentials because I’m not always sure what adventures I will get myself into.

• Flashlight
• Pocket Knife
• Compass/map
• A tent (just in case)
• Fishing pole with bait
• Plenty of Water and dry food
• Rain gear
• Water proof matches
• First-aid kit
• Two pairs of hiking shoes

That list is essential when hiking or camping. You might not always use everything, but you will be happy when you need it. When going on longer hikes, it is good to bring more supplies just to be on the safe side. Such as:

• Bug Spray
• Space blanket
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Toilet paper
• Extra sock
• Extra clothing
• Sleeping bag
• Trash bag
• A hat
• Iodine drops or a water pump

The beginning of our trip was somewhat of a struggle because of taking a slight detour, but we eventually got back on track thanks to an information booth we stumbled upon; a great source if you ever find yourself lost.  Once in Vail you want to take North Frontage Rd. towards Red Sandstone Rd.  This road goes through a neighborhood and soon turns into, literally, a red sandstone road.  Follow the dirt road for about 45 minutes.  If you think you’re going the wrong way you’re probably not just keep going forward and signs will appear to reassure your going the correct way.  This road is a bumpy ride, very enjoyable if you like those types of things, great conditions for dirt bikes.  Once you see Piney Lake Ranch the Lake is directly behind it.  The view from the lake is unreal with what I believe is the Gore Mountain Range in the background.  This area is ideal for astonishing photography opportunities.  The sun was starting to set so our hike wasn’t as long as we planned, actually it was a not so simple walk around the lake because areas around the lake are very marshy and proper footwear should be utilized.  When trying to fish in this lake there are only a few dry spots you can cast from, unless you have waders which I highly recommend if planning to fish at Piney Lake.  A canoe would also be ideal for fishing in this lake.  Unfortunately I didn’t catch anything, but I only fished for an hour because it got dark quick.

The trip back was more eventful than we had planned for. We didn’t get further than 500 feet before we saw a deer run across our path, still inside the ranch vicinity.  When we passed the camp sites a few hundred meters down the road we saw an object in the road so we slowed down; behold beautiful living creatures were staring us down as we stopped when we realized what was in front of our path.  A gigantic mother moose and her calf were gazing towards us in our brights blaring suburban.  As they looked at us we were not too sure on what to do.  I wanted to take a picture of this mind-blowing experience, but I was frightened on the reaction the flash of the camera might cause.  To continue on our path we slowly started going forward. As the mother and her calf started to walk away, we kept our eyes on them as they trotted back into the trees.  The mother moose and her calf were not the only wildlife we encountered on our ride back home.  We stumbled onto a small fox and a herd of deer towards the end of Red Sandstone Rd.

Piney Lake is a great adventure that offers fishing, great hiking trails, nearby camp sites, unbelievable scenery and lots of wildlife.  I would love to go back to Piney Lake sometime this summer to explore more of the area.  Please be properly prepared before venturing into the wilderness for your safety and my piece of mind.  If you are planning on visiting the Vail area make sure to book your trip through Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, your friendly, knowledgeable locals.

I have had the pleasure of attending all but one of the Hot Summer Nights Free Concert Series on Tuesdays at the Ford Amphitheatre.  This has to be the best deal going in the High Rockies.  The Vail Valley Foundation, with the help of their sponsor Bud Light, has done a fantastic job recruiting bands that is appeasing to the eardrums of all listeners in attendance.

It is enthralling to see little tykes with their parents and extended families parked on a checkered picnic blanket, enjoying tasty beats from the lush green lawn seating.  It certainly takes the edge off of the work hangover from Mondays.  In my opinion, there is not a bad seat in the house.  The acoustics are astonishing, and the seating offers a 180° view of the stage.

Each set is broken up into two parts, lasting about an hour and a half per side, dependant on the bands desired participation level.  So far each band that I have seen was a certain crowd pleaser, showing their appreciation of Vailites by playing until dusk.  By the end of the first set each week, the sun has stumbled just beyond the rolling mountains in Avon, and likely Edwards.  It leaves a most incredible canvas painted with fluffy, luminescent clouds and an impalpable array of lush orange, blues, purples, and yellows.

True to form, the second set typically hits the ground running and is capable of luring most eyes away from natural wonder, directing back towards the man-made stage ahead.  I couldn’t imagine leaving the amphitheatre on Tuesday nights with a feeling of melancholy.

So far we have seen Soulive, The Aggrolites, The Killdares, and Jonathon Tyler and the Northern Lights.  A bit of advice to those who plan on attending: make sure you are parked in the parking garage by 6:10 or so.  Not only is parking a royal pain after this time, but you will also miss the start of the show.

To those interested, there is another performance tonight by a group called Hoots & Hellmouth, who define their style as a blend of alt-country, rock, and gospel, filled with endless amounts of “attitude and energy”.  If you have no plans, and are within driving distance of Vail Valley, you have no excuses.

For more information about local events and activities please visit our website at www.rockymountainvacationrentals.com.

We are: Friendly.  Knowledgeable.  Locals.

…It’s kind of our thing.

This 4^th of July, celebrate the nation’s birthday in the Vail Valley with some amazing weather, beautiful landscape and one of the best fireworks shows in the country. Colorado is the perfect getaway, whether it’s for a weekend or a week. So don’t delay any longer, book your trip and get your butt to the Rockies!

Destination Resorts in Vail is currently having up to 35 percent off their rates. If you stay one or two nights, you get 10 percent off the total, three nights: 15 percent off, four nights: 25 percent off, five or more nights: 35 percent off. Destination Resorts has 100 properties to choose from all at the base of Vail Mountain, a premier location for shopping, eating out and all major attractions. The properties are fully-equipped condominiums or houses, and there are seven communities to choose from: Landmark Towers, Enzian, Vantage Point, Vail Village Inn, Vail 21, Gore Creek Place and Westwind.

Landmark Towers are one, two and three bedroom condos. These condos, which recently underwent a $44 million

Enzian

renovation, are in Lionshead Village and feature a recreation deck with heated pool, three hot tubs and a fire pit. You get great views of the village and Vail mountain from everywhere in the complex.

Enzian has 1,400 square foot three bedroom three bath and 1,850 square foot four bedroom four bath condos. Each condo comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, washer and dryer and a BBQ grill on the balcony. Enzian is located in Lionshead Village.

Gore Creek Place

Gore Creek Place offers 4,500 square foot five bedroom and five and a half bath rental homes on the banks of Gore Creek in the heart of Lionshead Village. The properties each have two fireplaces, perfect for cuddling up during a cold, stormy day and the large, open living rooms are perfect for family game night or a movie night.

Vantage Point

With Vantage Point condos, you have a wide range of options to choose from. One bedroom, two bedroom, two bedroom plus loft, three bedroom, three bedroom plus loft and four bedroom plus loft condos are available. An outdoor pool and two hot tubs are on the property for guests and there is complimentary high-speed Internet.

Vail 21

Vail 21 is Destination Resorts’ most economical option. You will stay at the base of beautiful Vail Mountain walking distance from the gondola, but at an affordable price. There are 825 square foot one bedrooms, 850 square foot two bedrooms and 1,150 square foot two bedroom

plus loft. All the condos have two bathrooms.

Westwind has an outdoor pool and two hot tubs open all year. So if you come for the summer and want to return in winter, you can still enjoy the same amenities. Nothing beats soaking in a hot tub after a long day of skiing. The two bedroom two bath condominiums are 950 square feet and the three bedroom two bath condominiums are 1,300 square feet.

Village Inn Plaza

Village Inn Plaza is located in Vail Village, one of the most desired locations in the area. The top shopping and dining locations are here and these condos are in the center of it all. Village Inn Plaza has 950 square foot two bedroom two bathroom units and a balcony BBQ is available upon request for those planning on grilling some ribs for a hot summer lunch.

Our last Vail Teva Mountain Games update was all about general event information, an overview and the schedule of the first day- June 3 with the Bud Light Lime Steep and Creek Competition and the free concert in the Vail Valley.

Today we will tell you more about the IFSC Bouldering World Cup which is scheduled as of today for Friday June 4^th with the women and men qualifiers, and then with the semifinals and finals scheduled for Saturday June 5^th. The IFSC Bouldering World Cup will be presented by Pyramide and will take place at the Mtn. Plaza at the Vista Bahn Lawn.

Bouldering is a kind of rock climbing. But in contrast to rock climbing, bouldering is usually without a rope, not very high up, rarely higher than 3-5 meters, more vertically along the rock or boulder.  Bouldering is practiced on large natural boulders, rock faces, and artificial boulders, in gyms or even on buildings or public architectures. Unlike traditional climbing that requires a lot of endurance and longer stretches, bouldering focuses on short term power, strength and dynamics. There are three main disciplines in bouldering- lead, boulder and speed.

IFSC stands for “International Federation of Sport Climbing”.  The IFSC World Cup Serious 2010 consists of about 16 competitions all around the world. The world cup started off at the last weekend of April in Trento- Italy. The next bouldering world cup competition will be next weekend, May 14^th in Greifensee- Switzerland. The third IFSC World Cup will take place in Wien- Austria. After three weekends in Europe, the bouldering competitors will come to the US- to Vail where they will compete during the Teve Mountain Games from June 3^rd till June 4^th. After that they will go to Moscow, Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Sheffield- Great Britain, Chaarmonix- France, Daone- Italy, Munich- Germany, and then in August in Xining- China, Chuncheon- Korea, in September back to Europe to Imst- Austria, Puurs- Belgian, at the end of October to Huaiji- China and then for the last bouldering competition one more time to Europe to Kranj in Slovenia.

This is going to be an amazing event. Only the very best boulder competitors from all around the world will give their very best. Come out and watch it. In case you need a place to stay check out Lodging Deals provided by Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

See you all !!!!

The Teva Mountain Games are the nation’s largest mountain sport event. Celebrating mountain lifestyle, outdoor competitions and events and music concerts- the 2010 Teva Mountain Games hosted form June 3 to June 6 in the Vail Valley are gone be an incredible event you should not miss.

Top professional and also amateur athletes from all around the world will compete in eight different sports in overall 24 different disciplines for over $ 100,000 in prize money. The eight sports are biking, climbing, dogs competing, running, fishing, kayaking, rafting and stand up paddling.

As of today, the 2010 Teva Mountain Games will start off on Thursday June 3 at 10am with the Bud Light Lime Steep Creek Championship which will be presented by Thule at the Homestake Creek, Red Cliff. Homestake Creek is dropping 480 feet per mile which makes this competition one of the most popular and interesting not only to race but also to watch. If you want to compete in the quarter mile creek race register fast- there is only a limited number of starter places for the first round- so make sure you get in there! The ten fastest female and the ten fastest male will then compete in a second round and the fastest time will determine the winners.

Registration for the race on race day opens at 8am at the Homestake Creek – Red Cliff. At 8.30am there will be the possibility to practice in the Steep Creek. At 9.30am the time trail will start. So if you are only there to watch the challenging race- try to make it there by 9.30am to see all competitors. And then at 10am the Steep Creek Championship will kick off. Check regularly the Teva Mountain Games website to see if there were any changes in the schedule!

The Steep Creek Championship is gone be a popular and promising competition since there will be professional athletes from all around the world to win the $ 2000 Price money for the first man and for the first woman. The second man and woman can each win $ 1000 and the third will get $ 500. The 2009 winners of the Steep Creek championship are Mike Dawson from New Zealand and Nikki Kelly.

To round the first day and the first competition of the 2010 Teva mountain games up- there will be a free concert in the heart of Vail Village. Starting at 7pm at Checkpoint Charlie there is gone be the first half of the Bud Light Mountains of Music show where DJs and Band will rock the village.

Try to make it to Vail to the first great day of the 2010 Teva Mountain Games. If you need some great lodging deal to stay for the whole games check this out!