Colorado is unofficially the most amazing state there is – one that is generally known for its epic winters.  With 26 ski and snowboard areas in the state it’s no wonder people flock here to vacation during the winter months.  The mountains are huge, temperatures are mild and not to mention, Colorado people are downright awesome. But, winter is not all that Colorado has to offer.

 

Ask a Colorado local about what it’s like here in the summer and you’ll likely get an earful.  This state comes alive!  From the natural beauty to the adventures to the landscape, you just can’t help but dedicate yourself to new hobbies and challenges; they just come with the terrain.   Up in the higher elevations,  the hills become crowded with mountain bikers, backpackers, fishers, rafters, hikers, campers, concerts and everything else that comes to mind when you think of the great outdoors.

 

In recent years, resort markets like Vail and Aspen have invested heavily in marketing their resort as a summer destination.  With that has spurred a lot of development in special events and infrastructure to support these destination drivers.  From participatory sporting events to those focused on culture and the arts, there is something here for everyone.  Check out some the signature events happening throughout Colorado ski towns in the summer of 2012!

Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival – June 25 – August 4^th 2012
Food and Wine Classic in Aspen – June 15-17, 2012
Telluride Bluegrass Festival – June 21-24, 2012
Teva Mountain Games Vail – May 31 – June 3, 2012
Breckenridge Kingdom Days – June 18-19, 2012
Warrior Dash at Copper Mountain – August 18 – 19, 2012
Check out this short teaser of Colorado in the summer, presented by Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

Really, I could go on for days about the amazing things possible during a Colorado summer. However, I think it best that you come experience what it’s like for yourself. Give one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals a call today to plan your summer vacation to Colorado!

Here are the Teva Mountain Games as experienced by my co-worker Kyle:

Top 3 Events: During Saturday I got to see the Biking Free ride Dual which I thought was really cool and we got a really good view by climbing over the parking lot wall and sitting down on the grass hill above. I also caught a bit of the Bouldering competition which was really amazing. I would really recommend this one it was crazy to see how strong these guys are and how they can climb. I also got to see the women’s freestyle kayaking which was really sweet because I had never seen anything like it before. I was amazed by how they were able to keep themselves in the wave while doing flips and things without getting pushed out.

3 Recommendations: Wear sunscreen (if it’s hot like it was for us). Take the bus because there won’t be any parking, and you won’t want to drink and drive. If you want to drink, bring your own beer and just sneak it into one of the cups they hand out. Be sneaky! It’ll save you some money.

Coolest sponsors: I thought it was cool to see Fetzer Wine handing out free samples. They’re from a town near my hometown. Xingtea was giving out free iced tea and as allegro was handing out free coffee, hot or iced. There was also a long boarding company, I think they were called Honey, that had a ton of long boards for people to rent and ride around. We even saw a dog riding one of the boards.

For the best places to catch the events: During the mountain biking or Biking Free ride Dual, you can climb up the hill and sit in the grass and get stadium seating. If you get to the Bouldering competition early you can get a good spot and just sit down and relax in the grass until they start. Once it begins everyone will stand up and you’ll have a good view. The Freestyle Kayaking was definitely hard to get a spot for because there’s not much standing room. I would suggest getting there early if you want to see this one.

Here are the Teva Mountain Games from one of my co-workers’ point of view:

Top three events: Freestyle Kayaking, Biking Free ride Dual, and the Mountains of Music on Saturday evening.

Freestyle Kayaking – Competitors lined the man-made eddi in the heart of the village and did various tricks including flips and barrel rolls.  The crowds seemed to thoroughly enjoy this event, as it was packed every time I passed by.  Naturally I heard the music going, the commentators talking, and the strong flow of the river and felt compelled to check it out—-great decision!

Biking Free ride Dual – I was able to catch the finals of this event on Saturday afternoon.  We managed to find a perch between the trees next to the parking structure, about twenty feet higher than the competition.  We had a bit of an exclusive birds-eye-view of the action, and watched as the bikers came tearing around the first burn, and over the gigantic and treacherous obstacles ahead.  I happen to like the more dangerous sports; high risk = high reward.

Mountains of Music – This was an AMAZING venue for some live reggae on a warm early summer night.  Walking down from the parking structure, you could hear the roars of the crowd and the steady beat echoing in the distance.  The acoustics were incredible, as the building-lined cobble-stone streets provided a sort of sound tube.  There were plenty of speakers along the sides of the street leading up to the main stage.  Vendors staked their claims on balconies overlooking the masses, enjoying their private parties and throwing beads down to the spectators.  I have never personally been to Mardi Gras, but this seemed pretty similar to what I have heard and seen.

Three recommendations for visitors next year:

Plan Ahead – I’m not talking just about bringing water to stay hydrated throughout the day, or wearing sun block.  I’m referring to making reservations long ahead of time.  If you are planning on traveling to the Teva Mountain Games in 2011 (which I highly recommend), then book your stay several months in advance to ensure a great location central to the Vail Village, and better packages and specials.

Gear Town – Make sure and hit Gear Town as it opens on Thursday and Friday at 11 a.m.  This is when the vendors typically are the most generous and tend to give away the bigger prizes.  With some great outdoor sponsors, you can come away with some really great stuff—I know I did.

Experience the Night Life – For those who are of age, I highly recommend checking out the evening festivities, due to the amount of visitors in the Vail Valley for the Teva Mountain Games weekend.  With over 40,000 visitors, it is a great way to meet people from all over the world!  Just make sure you have a few bottles of water before bed…

Coolest Sponsors:

Teva has to be at the top of this list for putting this amazing event on.  Free stickers, music compilation/DVD combos, hats and T-shirts that were screen-printed on the spot.  Another cool sponsor was Go Pro action video cameras, which our company actually purchased at the event to use on a daily basis.  Costa Del Mar and Native eyewear both showcased a variety of new models, and gave away the chance to win free pairs of glasses.  Xing Tea was a great sponsor, giving away samples of their delicious tea.  Bud light—always a great sponsor.  For rock and roll lovers, Gibson had a great trailer set up with a number of their guitars.

This past weekend I went to the Teva Mountain Games, my first one ever. After being in Vail for two weeks, this was definitely the highlight of my stay. The events, the crowds and the atmosphere were mind blowing. Friday I was able to take a couple hours off work to head down to the Village for a sneak peak of what was going on. I had enough time to catch the freestyle female kayakers and the men’s world cup bouldering qualifiers. I was amazed. The strength and stamina of the athletes blew my mind!

I had never seen live competitions of either of these sports so my eyes were glued. The kayakers did crazy flips and turns and jumps that I didn’t believe were possible in a kayak. There was even a 16-year-old girl competing! These women were amazing at what they did. But what truly blew my mind was the bouldering. The strength of these competitors and the resilience was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. And as a fan of rock climbing, I know all too well how hard it is to go up a wall. But these guys made it look so easy! It was incredible and definitely my favorite event of the weekend.

Friday was a nice introduction to what was to come, but the real festivities happened on Saturday. The streets were teeming with people, white tents were set up everywhere and the smell of BBQ and beer was intoxicating. Everyone was happy and carefree, and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. It was a perfect day to be outside with friends. This time I got to see the dogs jumping events and some more of the bouldering. Most of my time was spent just lying on a field munching on a pulled pork sandwich while enjoying the summer sun and the awesome atmosphere.  After all, that’s what weekends are for.

The Teva Mountain Games are off to a great start. Cars are lined along the road, the parking garage is full and the streets of Vail Village are once again teeming with people. Vendors are set up giving away free goodies and representing the best Vail has to offer. The festivities and intense competitions are continuing throughout the weekend so be sure to stop by. I promise you, you will not regret it!

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals currently has four specials going on for those who want to come to Vail for their next Colorado vacation.

Special #1: Get 30 percent off condo rentals in Vail for summer and fall

• minimum three night stay
• must book by June 15

Special #2: Two bedroom Beaver Creek condos starting at $195/night

• minimum three night stay
• must book by June 15

Package #1: Stay N Play Golf + lodging starting at $72/night

• two bedroom condo plus one round of golf
• pricing based on a four person occupancy
• two night minimum stay
• stay before June 17 and book by June 11

Package #2: Two bedroom condo + white water rafting

• save $220!
• pricing based on a four person occupancy
• two night minimum stay
• must book condo and rafting together

Contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to book your Vail vacation today! 1-888-866-2305

Water, water everywhere but no ocean waves to surf. Have no fear. Thanks to Stand Up Paddling (SUP), the surf culture can be enjoyed on any body of water, including on the rivers of the Rocky Mountains. The sport, which originated in Hawaii, is similar to surfing because you can ride waves, but with SUP you can surf on flat water or river rapids. Like the name suggests, SUP involves standing up on a board and using a long paddle for moving and steering. The sport uses its own specially-designed style of board, and most are between 9 feet and 12 feet.

SUP has been around since at least the 1960s, but it has just started becoming mainstream in the last decade. The popularity of the sport has reached the Teva Mountain Games and, for the first time, it’s in the 2010 competition lineup. The two different events, the Sprint and the Cross, will take place on Vail’s Gore Creek. Saturday’s First Ascent SUP Surf Sprint involves paddling a 3-mile stretch as fast as you can. The fastest SUPer wins. For Sunday’s First Ascent SUP Surf Cross, protective gear is a must! This race is about survival of the fittest. Paddlers will have to cross 200 yards worth of class II and III rapids. There will be plenty of close calls and falls into the icy water. The first to make it across wins.

Teva will also have a free SUP clinic led by a C4 Waterman team member and SUP professional Charlie MacArthur for those interested in trying out the sport for the first time. Demo boards and wet suits will be available for participants. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to see what all the craze is about!

If you’re still looking for a place to stay during the Games, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals 1-866-348-5129

The Teva Mountain Games bring more than 2,000 professional and amateur athletes to Vail to compete in kayaking, bouldering, climbing, fly fishing, mountain biking, stand up paddling, road cycling, running and rafting events. But people won’t be the only contenders at the event. Dogs will also have the opportunity to showcase their talents and win notoriety at the Games.

Dogs will have the chance to compete in three events: Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical, Big Air Wave and Doggy Dash. The events measure speed, height and length. The Speed Retrieve, the newest of the competitions, is a game of speed. A toy duck is placed at one end of the pool and the dog must jump in from the dock and fetch it. The judges measure the time it takes the dog to reach the duck. The Extreme Vertical measures the height of a dog’s jump. This is accomplished by positioning the dog on a 10-foot-high platform above the water and making him jump to get his toy. The Big Air Wave is all about distance. The dog runs down the dock and jumps into the water after his toy. The distance is measured up to where the dog hit the water. The final event, the Doggy Dash, involves owner and dog running through an obstacle course as fast as they can.

For the first time in the history of the Teva Mountain Games, the Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical and Big Air Wave will be Zone Qualifiers for the 2010 DockDogs World Championships. The winners of each event will automatically be invited to the championship for that particular discipline. This goes to prove the intense competition at the Games, for people and dogs.

The dog events will take place throughout the weekend. A complete schedule of events is available. Online registration is $20 to $25, depending on the event. It is open until 5 p.m. Friday, June 4.

If you need help finding pet-friendly lodging or planning other activities to do with your dog while you’re here, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals by calling 1-866-348-5129. They will help you plan your entire Vail weekend.

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!

Tubing has always been one of my favorite past times for summer (along with a cold beer, a foot- long brat, and a Rockies’ team win at Coors Field), but a shiny new gem has caught my eye: kayaking. One of the most popular competitions at the Teva Mountain Games (June 3-6 this year), I know it is harder than it looks but I think I can do it. Having never even sat inside of a kayak, I thought it would be a smart move to learn a few things, and I couldn’t have picked a better place than Vail to do it!

After some web browsing, I’ve made a plan of action that I intend to take over the next few weeks, just in time for the Teva Mountain Games! I’ll let you know how it goes!

Step 1: Learn about kayaks. Did you know that there are over 7 types of kayaks?

Some are made for quiet, fishing trips, while others are made to navigate whitewater rivers! I think I will start out easy on a recreational kayak- until I find my sea legs! While researching, I found that there is a serious lack of safety education when it comes to recreational kayaks. This will be my next step because I value my ability to enjoy the great outdoors, especially in the Vail Valley area! With companies such as

Step 2: Attend a kayak safety course. Knowing what safety gear I need could help me avoid sticky situations! There are many procedures that I need to know and be able to execute such as we exiting, t-rescues, and self-rescues that will all be covered through the right training courses. The internet may be useful, but it doesn’t quite match the feeling of getting water up your nose while you are locked into a floating boat! Use this website for teaching children about boat and kayak safety.

Step 3: Take a class. At first, I wanted to jump in, but after plenty of reading and realization that I can’t tackle white water on my first day, I’ve decided that a class with certified professionals is my best option. They provide the equipment, knowledge, and training I need to be on my way. It may not be tomorrow, but I will start out my kayaking adventure right! In most cases, safety is the main focus of beginner classes, followed by skill and then actual water time. As demonstrated in this video, anything can happen while you kayak! Watch this shocking video of what happened to some ocean kayakers! Kayakers are terrifyingly surprised during their trip…

Step 4: Get on the water! After I become confident in my skills, it’s time to play! I can’t wait to explore the area’s natural playground where river meets adventure! Hopefully, if I love it enough, then someday I, too, will be competing in the Teva Mountain Games!

Step 5: Watch and admire the pros! I appreciate every athletic competition more, whether it’s basketball, softball, or even tennis, after not only learning about how difficult it is, but by trying it out! My admiration grew after realizing that navigating a thin, light weight craft through raging waters doesn’t happen overnight. Hopefully, while attending the Teva Mountain Games I will be able to pull aside some pro’s and learn what their experiences were to get here! Good luck to all of the Kayaking athletes who are competing in the 2010 Teva Mountain Games!

Summer in Vail at the Teva Mountain Games:

The count-down is on! There are officially 40 days until the 2010 Teva Mountain Games. But if you’re not the athletic type, there are plenty of other things that will be going on to keep you entertained. Here are 5 awesome events and opportunities that will be at this year’s Teva Mountain Games!

1. Free Concerts! It may sound too good to be true, but I tell no lies! There will be two nights of free concerts at Checkpoint Charlie’s located in the Vail Village. The first concert is scheduled for Thursday, June 3 and the second concert is that Saturday, June 5. Both nights will feature various DJ’s and bands. Who exactly will be performing has not yet been determined so keep checking back to find out!

2. Parties! After a long day of watching or participating in these grueling athletic feats, take some time to relax and enjoy the nightlife here in Vail. The Teva Mountain Ball is on June 6 at 10 pm. Everyone is invited to dress up in the finest prom attire and dance the night away! Historically, this is the party that you do not want to miss! Also, the first annual C4 Waterman Sup and Subs party will feature the Outdoor Reels film screening and hold a luau. So, get your grass skirt ready and your tuxedo pressed because these parties will be EPIC!

3. Outdoor Reels! Film makers from across the nation will be showing their newest films on Friday, June 4. There will be a cash bar and a question and answer session after each showing. This will be a rare chance to really hear the inspiration behind these great films and have fun doing it!

4. Volunteer! If you want to get special access to the events but don’t want to pay for it, consider being a volunteer. Volunteers help make any event happen and give people an opportunity to be involved instead of just attend. You can apply to be a volunteer online at no cost!

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals has LODGING DEALS on our website, Teva Mountain Games Lodging

With summer just behind some April clouds, I am excited to be outside as much as possible, including for eating! When I am not backpacking or hiking, I take a work break refuge by eating outside- almost any patio will do, but if you are looking for the best where you can still enjoy the Teva Mountain Games atmosphere, then don’t fret, I did an office poll of where the best places to snag a snack where sunglasses are required, and why. Here’s what we came up with:

Vendetta’s. Not only is this the best place to grab a late night snack, but Vendetta’s back patio catches some great late afternoon sun. Try a “Ray Jay’s Wave” pizza (Canadian bacon, green peppers, and pineapple) for a full summer effect.

Red Lion. Located in the heart of everything that is happening in Vail, get here early because the Red Lion always has a full patio. I recommend trying their dry, smoked ribs with a local Colorado brew… 1554 by New Belgium goes great with a burger, too!
La Bottega. Enjoy the northern Italian casual restaurant, and take a look at their lunch menu. Watch out!  The sandwiches are very large, and make for a great split meal, and I haven’t found a better Meatball sub in all of Colorado! La Bottega’s patio is in Vail Village, and is one of the best spots for people watching.
The Marketplace. Across from La Bottega is the Marketplace that also includes the Tavern. Don’t want to stay for lunch? No problem, the Marketplace has a steady supply of fresh, organic meats, cheeses, and produce for you to create a personalized and healthy meal.

Big Bear Bistro. Located at the top of Bridge Street, Big Bear Bistro is the place to stop for breakfast! Featuring fresh, and locally roasted Vail Mountain Coffee, they make getting your travel group ready for a day of kayak, raft, climbing, and even canine competition viewing easy. My top recommendation: try their breakfast burrito, complete with Mike’s Finest Green Chile. Stop by in the afternoon, or call in- they do pickup as well as delivery in Vail Village.

Looking for a place to stay? Our office offers condos, private homes, and pet-friendly lodging!

As I sit here, leg in cast, looking forward to an almost 6 month recovery from a running injury, I have shifted my interest in the Teva Mountain Games from participating to watching. Yes, although I am ultimately bummed at not being able to run, bike, and raft with some of the world’s greatest athletes, I am still stoked to be a spectator at this outrageous event. If you are more interested in watching that participating in the Teva Mountain Games, than you should know which events are must-sees. Here are the Top 8 Spectator Events at the Teva Mountain Games!

As I sit here, leg in cast, looking forward to an almost 6 month recovery from a running injury, I have shifted my interest in the Teva Mountain Games from participating to watching. Yes, although I am ultimately bummed at not being able to run, bike, and raft with some of the world’s greatest athletes, I am still stoked to be a spectator at this outrageous event. If you are more interested in watching that participating in the Teva Mountain Games, than you should know which events are must-sees. Here are the Top 8 spectator events at the Teva Mountain Games!

1. Slopestyle: (When: Sunday, June 6. Qualifiers: 11am, Finals: 2pm) This freestyle competition at Golden Peak is one that I am most looking forward to. Freeriders will fly through the air performing stunning twists and flips over rugged terrain. Basically anything goes, and for these bikers, Vail is the ultimate playground! If you get fired up watching BMXers in the summer X games, don’t miss this! Plan on getting there a little early because lots of people turn out to watch this one!

2. Freestyle Kayaking: (When: Qualifiers: Friday, June 4 @ 1pm. Finals: Saturday June 5 @ 4:15 pm) The world’s best playboaters will throw down everything they’ve got to impress the judges and try to accumulate the most points in a one-minute timed run through Vail’s whitewater park. These competitors are hard core, and will stop at nothing to showboat their way to the top. If you plan on attending this or any other water event, consider staying in the Village so that you are in the heart of the action!

3. World cup bouldering: (When: Qualifiers Friday, June 4 @ 9am. Finals: Saturday, June 5 @ 3:45pm) This is a climbing event where some of the world’s best will scale an intense climbing wall set up in the heart of Vail Village.  This is a captivating test of strength and agility that measures athletic endurance and desire. Make sure to wear your hiking boots to this event because you will be inspired to go out and do some climbing after watching this fully charged event.

4. Extreme kayaking: (When: Thursday, June 3. 9:30am Championship, 10am time trials) Homestake Creek became nationally known as the ultimate kayaking challenge in 2002. Since then, some of the world’s greatest Kayakers have traveled down this intense creek that drops 480 feet per mile. The rules are simple; whoever makes it through this quarter mile creek with the fastest time wins.

5. Free Ride Dual: (When: Saturday, June 5. Finals at 3 pm) This is an intense bike race taking place in the Vail Village that incorporates doable jumps, ramps and other obstacles. Bikers can reach over 8 feet in the air in this event!! This is a must see event and has been a crowd favorite for the past 2 years.

6. 8-ball: (When: Saturday, June 6. Qualifiers: 11:30am, Finals: 2:30pm) Kayakers will gather at the covered bridge for a 200 meter sprint through Vail’s narrow Gore Creek. Civil this event is not! On the contrary, these kayakers are water gladiators, clad in full body armor and pushing, shoving, and fighting their way through the course.

7. Raft paddlecross: (When: Sunday June 6. Qualifiers: 10am, Finals: 1:30pm) A two-person raft-race down Gore Creek that showcases speed, agility, and aggression. Teams will be placed into racing groups of three and go head to head in this 1/10 mile trek through Vail’s whitewater park. Teams will have to navigate through no less than two upstream gates. The best part? Ramming is allowed! Things are going to get intense!

8. X Country Bike Race: (When: Saturday, June 5. Pro’s and Experts ride at 11:45am) It is an uphill bike race that starts at the base of Golden Peak and winds up to the top of Vail Mountain along a brand new course. The race will be broken into three heats, the second of which will be for advanced and professional riders. If you are a biking enthusiast, don’t miss this chance to watch these athletes challenge themselves and each other in this Tour de France style race!

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals has LODGING DEALS on our website, Teva Mountain Games Lodging

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   by RaceFace.com

   Sunscreen! Even you have a darker complexion Vail is over 8,000 feet above sea level and the sun here will fry you crispier than a trout fillet! Also bring a hat and sunglasses for added protection. All the events during the Teva Mountain Games are outside, so come prepared. Spend a few minutes in your vacation rental applying sunblock, especially on your children.

2. Walking shoes. Although I also love girly wedges with glitz and glam, showing off a new pedicure is not my goal during the Teva Mountain Games. Save the pedicure show for the Vail Arts Festival in Lionshead Village June 25-27.
3. Pet leash and doggie bags. Although I doubt my girl, Piggy, will be competing in the Dock Dogs competition (where dogs compete in vertical, distance, and strategy competitions), leashes are required throughout the Town of Vail during the Teva Mountain Games. Don’t forget to make your favorite family friend earn their fun- Pig has a backpack and carries her own supplies such as food, water, and even her doggy bags.
4. Re-usable water bottle. Don’t waste resources while keeping yourself healthy and hydrated during the Teva Mountain Games. In the summer heat in Vail, it’s easy to get distracted and forget to drink the recommended 8 glasses a day. Thirsty? Gear Town, located on Meadow Drive, will have many water stations where you can refill that eco-friendly water bottle.
5. Camera. Whether you are competing in the photo competition recording family memories, keep your camera accessible because you won’t want to miss a great shot! Another idea: in order to stick to your budget, bring your camera along with you throughout Gear Town, take pictures of your favorites, then go through to pick out your favorites. Some of the best and newest gear can be sampled, tested, and bought. A few of the sponsors attending the 2010 Teva Mountain Games are: Nalgene, Osprey Packs, Trek Light Gear, and Badger Mountain Campers.
6. A rockin’ Prom Tux or Dress. Don’t forget to dig out that high school prom dress or tuxedo, because the Teva Mountain Ball is back! Located at Samana Lounge, and at the low price of $5, you will be one glass Teva

   slipper away from missing the 8 am 10k Spring Runoff!

7. Save by staying in an alternative lodging option. Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals offers private homes, condos, and even pet-friendly lodging. Check out your options, utilize fully-stocked kitchens, use the complimentary concierge service, and get advice from a local staff. We live and love here!