Being someone who has spent numerous years in the service/retail industry, I’ve developed a great appreciation for service with a smile. As a new snowboarder, I knew I was going to be doing some serious shopping for new snow gear. Not totally familiar with the area, I was directed to a sporting goods store called Venture Sports. At Venture Sports in Avon, they truly embody what it means to value excellent customer service.

As soon as I entered, I was warmly welcomed and asked if I needed assistance with anything. I was in the market for some new gloves and a helmet, but I decided to take some time to myself just to browse and see what else they had to offer. I quickly realized that I had no idea what I was looking at so I asked for some assistance. Though there were other guests in the store, they were never too busy to answer a quick question about recommended gloves or share their specials and sales with me.

Overall, I walked out of the store with a new pair of quality gloves and a solid new helmet. I was ready to get out on the mountain. Before leaving, I took some extra time to browse and I noticed some sick looking bikes mounted to their ceiling. During the summer they become a full service bike shop, tune shop, and tour operator. Covering cycling from very high-end road and mountain bikes to base model serious bikes. If you aren’t sure about your purchase, they feature try before you buy. What more can you ask? Venture Sports is truly a one stop shop where you develop a trusting and lasting relationship as well as superior customer service.

Who moves to a ski town not knowing how to ski or snowboard? Someone who really wants to learn. Last winter I was unemployed, sitting around at home, not sure what I wanted to do with my life, and began to follow the Olympics religiously. Athletes I had never heard of before; Shawn White, Apollo Ohno, Lindsey Vonn, all became idols for me within days. Watching these athletes day after day putting everything they had, everything they spent years training for, into the few minutes they spent competing was exhilarating. Every sport they featured whether it was bobsledding, skiing, or curling, I wanted to learn. The 2009 Olympic games inspired me to move to Vail.

Vail was the natural choice for me because in my research I discovered that Vail is one of the premiere skiing resorts in the world. Not to mention, Gold medalist, Lindsey Vonn, is a Vail native. My toughest decision when I got here though was what I wanted to learn first, skiing or snowboarding? Ultimately, I chose snowboarding. Yesterday was the first day of, what I now realize to be, my long road to becoming a snowboarder.

I woke up Saturday morning excited and slightly nervous about my first day on the mountain at Vail Ski Resort. If you ask me, there couldn’t have been a better day for it. The sun was out, it was cold but not freezing and I was with new friends who were just as excited for me to be getting out there as I was to learn. For days I had been told that I would spend the majority of the day on the ground, but I really felt like proving them wrong. But, boy was I wrong. All in all, my day consisted of one lovely gondola ride to the top, and one four-hour run to the bottom. So far, Vail-1, Jen-0, but I plan on changing that as soon as I can.

I honestly haven’t felt so good and so bad at the same time in my life. I felt like a child learning how to walk. My knees are purple, and every muscle in my body, including the muscles in my fingers hurt. Just keeping my head up seems like a chore, but I’m counting down the days until I can go back out and try again. Even if I spend the next few days falling down the entire mountain until I figure it out, I couldn’t imagine being in a more beautiful place for it. So, whether you’re a beginner or an expert or an Olympian I highly suggest coming out and skiing Vail. When was the last time you learned something new?

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.

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 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.

Here is a playlist of our favorite tunes to jam out to while shredding the pow! We took a vote around the office and chose the best from there. So here you have it, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals’ very own soundtrack to the perfect day out on the slopes!

1. “Half-Mast” – Empire of the Sun
2. “First Snow” – Emancipator
3. “Ooh La La” – Goldfrap
4. “Round the Wheel” – String Cheese Incident
5. “Time to Pretend” MGMT
6. “Instantly” – Sound Tribe Sector 9
7. “Colorado” – Railroad Earth
8. “Magic Spells” –Crystal Castles
9. “Rhinestone Eyes” – Gorillaz
10. Anything Miike Snow

Thanks for checking it out!

10 tips to prepare for ski season

1. Pray for snow. Last year was a bad snow season, hopefully this year will be better. We can only hope.
2. Purchase any necessary gear for the season. Check out the buyers guide from Skiing Magazine.  On newsstands soon. Keep your eyes peeled.
3. Buy your season passes/combo packs. Where do you want to ride this year? All season passes and combo packs are on sale now. Check your favorite ski destinations for details.
4. Plan your vacation to your desired destination. Call us at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals and we can help you plan your winter trip. We are stoked for the season, and we want you to be as well. We will take care of all your needs and make your winter unforgettable.
5. Gather up all your friends/family. You are on your own for this one. No help from me.
6. Put snow tires on your car. Safety first. Nobody likes missing a powder day because they spun off the highway on the way to the slopes because they have bad tires. Don’t be that guy.
7. Start exercising/get in shape. This always creeps up on us; make sure you start preparing your body for the high elevation workout of skiing/riding in the Rockies. You will be happy you did. Wall sits always help me the most. This website should help.
8. Learn how to tune skis/boards. Simple tricks are easy to learn and will save you money and time if you know how to do the basics such as waxing, edge sharpening, and fixing core shots. Skills every rider should know. This website should help.
9. Watch ski films to get stoked about riding this season. One of my personal favorites to get ready for the season. I just cant get enough.
10. Pray for snow. I know this is tip #1 as well, but it’s the most important. The more snow the better. You can never have enough.  I want it to snow every day. I hope you do too.

Olympics Update

After four days of exciting Olympic races and performances, Germany is leading with a total of nine medals- three gold medals, four silver medals and two bronze medals, followed by the US in second with a total of eight medals, and France which is third in the medal count with seven medals. The two gold medals for the US are from Snowboard Cross racer Seth Wescott and Freestyle Moguls skier Hannah Kearney. The two silver medals come from the Colorado Nordic Combined racer Johnny Spillane who grew up in Steamboat Springs, and Short Track Speed racer Apolo Anton Ohno. The four bronze medals the US has so far are from Bode Miller who got third in the Men Alpine Downhill, Bryon Wilson a Freestyle Moguls skier, Shannon Bahrke who placed after Hannah Kearney as well as J.R. Celski who got another medal for the US in the men 1500m Short Track Speed Skating.

For today Wednesday February 17, 2010, there are more very interesting Olympic competitions on the program. First there is the Ladies Downhill skiing where Linsey Vonn from Vail is a potential medal candidate. The Ladies’ Downhill will start at noon our time. During the whole day, the Cross Country skiing sprint heats are going on where Kikkan Randall from Alaska is hoping to make the final. One of the most spectacular competitions today will be the men’s Snowboard Halfpipe event. Starting with the qualification at two mountain time and ending with the finals at eight o’clock everybody is excited what Shaun White practiced at his secret private half pipe somewhere in Colorado as well as his competitors. Hopefully there is going to be some better weather up in Whistler Mountains so that the alpine races can have a fair competition…

So get ready for more very intense and exciting Olympic days!!!

P.S. Congratulations to one of the most amazing athletes – Tatjana Huefner, who was my roommate in some army camps back home in Germany and who won the gold medal in women’s luge!!!

Olympia is coming soon, only 1 day left!!!

The past weeks Olympia 2010 did not make the best headlines- lack of snow and rainfall in Whistler where most of the skiing events will take place, gave the organization committee some sleepless nights. But right in time hundreds of officials and volunteers managed it to get all venues prepared and ready to start off in time. The opening ceremony will take place this Friday February 12. Before that ski jumper will already have their first qualification on Friday morning.  Then Saturday February 13, the 21^st Olympic Winter Games will be kicked off- Ski Jumping, Men’s Downhill, Ice Hockey, Speed Skating, Biathlon, Freestyle Skiing, Luge, and Short Track. Then on Sunday and Monday the games continue with Nordic combined, Figure Skating, Cross Country Skiing, Curling and Snowboard races. The last day of the 21^st Olympic Games will be on February 28 with a 50km cross country skiing race, the Men’s Ice Hockey Final game and the closing ceremony at night.

There will be 15 winter sports events which are announced as part of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The eight sports categorized as ice sports are: bobsled, luge, skeleton, ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, short track speed skating and curling. The three sports categorized as alpine skiing and snowboarding events are: alpine, freestyle and snowboarding. The four sports categorized as Nordic events are: biathlon, cross country skiing, ski jumping and Nordic combined. So far ski jumping is only an Olympic discipline for men. In 2006, the IOC voted not to include women’s ski jumping in the 2010 Games on the grounds that the sport was not yet developed enough and did not meet basic criteria for inclusion. The members of the Canadian Women Ski Jumping Team filed a grievance with the Canadian Human Rights Board citing gender discrimination. So far the IOC has yet to comment or change its decision.

The number of National Olympic Committees that will enter teams in the 2010 Winter Olympics is projected to be over 80 representing more than 2630 athletes. Nations will be added as they qualify at least one athlete or team. Cayman Islands, Colombia, Ghana, Montenegro, Pakistan, Peru and Serbia will make their winter Olympic débuts.  Also Jamaica, Mexico and Morocco will return to the games after missing the 2006 Winter Olympics. Tonga sought to make its Winter Olympic début by entering a single competitor in luge, attracting some media attention, but he crashed in the final round of qualifying. Luxembourg qualified two athletes but one did not reach the criteria set by the NOC and the other was injured before the games. Hence Luxembourg will not take part.

So only 2 days to go…get ready for two great weeks of winter sport with hopefully instead of bad injuries and doping issues a lot of fun, action, excitement and success stories !!! I will blog again next

Wednesday with the first update of results; hopefully I can already report some Olympic medals for the US or for my home Germany.

Monday morning I woke up on the Front Range to rain and couldn’t wait to get back up to Vail as rumors of snow swirled. As I approached Idaho Springs it was beginning to look like a winter wonderland and behind the wheel of my Subaru I was flooded with nostalgic memories of driving I-70 through white out conditions jamming to my favorite tunes, focused on the other end of Eisenhower Tunnel and the powder conditions that waited for me over Vail Pass. It is rare to see such a beautiful sight, the gold and greens of the Aspens in contrast to the snow covered pines, it reminded me how lucky I am to call Vail my home. Signs of winter have finally come to the Rockies, so say it loud and say it proud “62!” Only 62 days until the opening day of Vail Ski Resort, we know every skier and rider is ready, and today mother nature let us know she too is ready.

The burning question is what will the 2009-2010 ski season look like? According to the farmer’s almanac the Rockies can expect lower than normal temperature and above average precipitation, with below-normal winter temperatures and an above-normal precipitation forecast, the Great Lakes and Midwest will see above-normal snowfalls, especially during January and February; it’s like music to your ears I know.

In September we can expect showers of rain that will turn to snow as cold air settles over the Rockies making for an early season freeze. October is calling for cold rains/ snow over the Northern Rockies, in mid October the Rockies will be cold and clear preceded by Clouds and steady rain/ snow. The first week in November shows snow of the Rockies followed by big storms that will come down from the Pacific Northwest. By opening day the Farmer’s Almanac is saying a storm crossing the Rockies will bring heavy snow and cold air.

Last year we had record days of snow and this year is calling for more, my advice is to get up, shape up, gear up, and show up for opening day baby!

To book your Rocky Mountain Vacation Rental call 970.477.1777