When it comes down to it, the location of the lodging property you select to spend your week long vacation in can either make or break your vacation experience. Personally, when I’m planning a ski vacation location is everything.  I want to be steps from the lifts (if not ski-in/ski-out), close to restaurants, shopping and of course the nightlife.  On my ideal vacation, nothing is too far away and your “home” is always just a quick walk away.  There is nothing I appreciate more than being able to ski my heart out and retreat effortlessly to my condo when I decide that my body needs a rest.  Once I’ve spent some time by the fire rejuvenating, in an instant I can be back on the lifts.  If this sounds like your kind of vacation, then look no further than Lionshead Centre Condominiums for your Vail lodging needs.

The Lionshead Centre Condominiums are located in the heart of Lionshead Village.  When I say the heart, I mean you are a mere 50 yards from the Eagle Bahn Gondola and Born Free Express Lift that will take you up Vail Mountain and you can be sure that Old Forge Pizza will be busy cooking up delicious pies beneath you.  Ski Rentals?  Done – Double Diamond Ski Shop is right there to take care of all of your rental equipment and gear needs.  Location! Location! Location!

Lionshead Centre offers two bedroom and three bedroom condos in Lionshead Village.  Step inside your condo and you’ll be delighted with the up close and personal views offered of Vail Mountain right outside your window.  You’ll also enjoy other amenities offered at Lionshead Centre such as a full kitchen, free wi-fi, a fireplace and ski-in/ski-out access.

From the warmth of your condo you have the luxury of watching skiers cascade down Vail Mountain, or you can step outside and relax in the year-round heated pool and sauna on the property. When it comes time to hit the town you are literally steps away from Vail’s free in-town shuttle that provides frequent service to Vail Village, Golden Peak and Lionshead Village.  But why leave Lionshead when there are plenty of restaurants, great shopping and fun bars, such as Garfinkel’s, to keep you entertained!?

The Lionshead Centre Condominiums are sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone traveling with you!   If you’re looking for something different, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals offers  properties of all shapes and sizes in other great locations throughout Vail and the Colorado Rockies.   Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations ,and Call today! (877) 811-7713

Finding ski-in ski-out lodging in mountain towns can be a difficult, as ski-in ski-out properties are often privately owned and have limited rental time frames. However, if you are coming to Vail this season we have a variety of ski-in ski-out lodging options to fit your style and budget. So check out these top 3 ski-in ski-out properties in Vail and call a local today!

 

1. Northwoods Condominiums

The ski-in ski-out Northwoods Condos are located in the Golden Peak area of Vail, and are a short walk to the center of Vail Village. Golden Peak is a nice area to stay since it is more private than Vail Village (just to the east), but still is close to the Village and has ski-in ski-out access. The condos have a  pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room, along with covered parking and a fitness center. Individual units have private balconies, fireplaces and full kitchens and are filled with comfortable furniture. Be sure to check out the Northwoods Condos for a convenient stay that won’t kill your budget.

 

2. Ski Bridge North

Ski Bridge North is a private ski-in ski-out home located in the Vail Cascade Resort just west of Vail Village. Cascade Village is a great place to stay if you are looking for some privacy with plenty of amenities. When staying in the Cascade Village, you receive access to the Aria Club and Spa, offering a fitness club, a full service spa and childcare services. The club also has indoor tennis, along  with a  heated pool and hot tub. Let the Cascade Shuttle take you to and from Vail Village and Lionshead Village, or relax in the comfort of this 5 bedroom home. The ski-in ski-out home sleeps 12, making it great for family or group vacations. Check out the Ski Bridge North in the Cascade Village for a private and convenient ski vacation.

 

3. Arrabelle

Of course, I saved the best for last. The ski-in ski-out Arrabelle is a luxury hotel in Lionshead Village that offers maximum convenience and comfort from any Vail ski-in ski-out property. The property has a heated pool and hot tub, a restaurant, valet parking, and ski valet. The gondola is just steps outside the door, and so are a variety of restaurants. You can take the in town bus or a short walk to get to Vail Village, which has more dinning and shopping options, along with another ski lift and access to even more skiing. If you are looking for luxury ski-in ski-out lodging in Vail, take a look at the Arrabelle hotel.

 

Well there are my top 3 ski-in ski-out properties in Vail, Colorado. If you didn’t see anything that struck your fancy, check out our full list of Vail ski-in ski-out lodging. Or if you are looking for lodging in other areas of the Colorado Rockies, don’t hesitate to find out more about how our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^®  at  Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals can help you book your dream ski vacation today!

Located just 75 yards from the ski lift to one of the best ski resorts in America lies the Vail 21 condominiums. The property offers a location that can’t be beat along with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Choose from one, two or two plus loft bedroom condos, able to sleep from two to six people.

Staying at Vail 21, you are able to cook a tasty dinner for your whole group in the comfort of your own full size kitchen. Guests may kick back and relax in front of the fireplace in the spacious living room or recline and gaze out on incredible mountain views through the floor to ceiling windows. Or step outside and take a breath of fresh mountain air from your private balcony. If you feel like leaving the condo, there is plenty to do in the town of Vail.

You can ski or snowboard in the breathtaking mountains, go ski biking (which is always a blast), build a giant snowman, go ice skating or just take in the beautiful scenery. In the Village you can find everything from world-class shopping to souvenir t-shits, or from interior decor to outdoor sporting gear. Also during the winter there are a variety of wonderful events such as live music, sports competitions, baking competitions and Christmas celebrations. Getting around town is made easy by the Vail free bus, so don’t hesitate to make a full list of activities to do while you are visiting. When you are feeling hungry and don’t feel like cooking at home, be sure to visit one of the many delicious restaurants in Vail for a variety of dining options.

When you return to Vail 21 condos, unwind in the outdoor rooftop and sauna. Keep your family and friends updated about your wonderful experiences throughout your vacation through complimentary internet, or watch your favorite game or television show on the TV. There is also a laundry facility at Vail 21, making laundry while on your vacation a breeze. Finally, there is daily housekeeping at the condos, giving guests the comfort of a hotel.

And remember, when you book by December 15^th you can save 15% OFF your lodging!

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

Christmas in Vail, Colorado is an enormous annual celebration with nonstop activities and events for the whole family from Thanksgiving weekend to New Year’s day.

Start your day in the comfort of your vacation home, where you can prepare a home cooked Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, or visit one of the delicious restaurantsin the Village.

During the evening on November 25^th, head over to Beaver Creek to attend the 31^st annual Christmas Tree Lightning and 7^th annual Gingerbread Competition.

During Christmas season many towns slow down and close businesses. Not Vail. The town is decorated with colorful glowing lights and evergreens, while nature provides stunning mountains covered in sparkling snow by day and glittering stars in the sky by night. One picture perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the area is with a horse-drawn carriage ride. During the scenic ride you can crawl under a warm blanket or enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.

 

During the winter there are plenty of events and activities to keep guests busy. Guests can visit the spa for a relaxing day, hit the slopes for great skiing, build a snowman, go on a scenic snowshoe hike, go ice skating or go ski biking. If you visit from December 5th-11th, be sure to attend Snow Daze and if you visit from December 18th-25th, you can take part in Vail Holidaze.

 

There are no other holidays that gather the family together like Thanksgiving and Christmas, so why not visit Vail for a holiday to be remembered? Start or continue your family tradition today by booking your holiday vacation.

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

Have you been waking up each morning with excitement? Immediately going to the window to see if snow has fallen overnight? Or religiously checking your computer for the snow report, hoping you somehow slept for a month and all the resorts have suddenly opened? Well if you have, you are not alone. I have been impatiently waiting for the beginning of ski season, even though it was only three months ago that I was taking runs at Arapahoe Basin on the 4^th of July.

It was a great day to end a wonderful season, complete with friends and a grill in the parking lot. But as I look out my office window at Vail, I look forward to the coming season, and pray that this year will be as fulfilling as the last.

While Vail is not open yet, the ski season in Colorado has already begun! On October 7^th, 2011, Wolf Creek opened, recording the earliest opening day in Colorado’s history. Arapahoe Basin followed soon after on October 11^th, this past weekend Copper and Keystone Opened! So get out your calendars, put a big red “X” on the following dates, and start the countdown to what is predicted to be another La Nina winter!

 

• ·        Keystone: November 4^th
  
• ·        Copper Mountain: November 4^th
  
• ·        Breckenridge: November 11^th
• ·        Vail: November 18^th
• ·        ***Snowmass: Now December 10^th
•          Beaver Creek: November 23^rd
• ·        Crested Butte: November 23^rd
  
• ·        Aspen Mountain: November 24^th
• ·        Telluride: November 24^th
• ·        Buttermilk: December 10^th
• ·        Aspen Highlands: December 10^th
  

 

Whether you‘re coming to ski on opening day or sometime mid-season  be sure to find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

 

 

My New Years Eve resolution in 2008 was to start living my dreams. Now, in 2011, I’m happy to say that I haven’t let myself down. It still amazes me to look back at everything I’ve been able to do in the past two years, and that I’m still blessed with the opportunity to continue my current lifestyle. Last Sunday I was able to check snowmobiling off my list.

When I was a child living at home in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, every winter I would be running around playing in the snow and stop in my tracks when snowmobilers zipped through the fields in my back yard. 20 years later and I’m still fascinated by them. One of my new friends, Cali and I, decided to book ourselves a trip with the Nova Guides. They provided everything we needed for a successful trip. It felt amazing to move so quickly through the snow. They provided us with helmets, boots, a snowsuit, and our own snowmobile! I was a little nervous at first, but once we started moving I felt incredibly comfortable. The handlebars were heated so my hands were nice and toasty for the entire half-day ride.

When we were finished our guide gave us a cup of nice warm hot chocolate we could enjoy in their lodge by a roaring fire. All in all, it was a great, exhilarating day. It allowed me to see the valley in a totally different way. There was nothing to worry about from pick-up to drop-off. Now that I’ve got that checked off my list, next is snowshoeing!

If you’d like to go snowmobiling, please contact our concierge Morgan Russell at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

I love living in this state, especially when Ski Magazine’s Annual Top 50 Ski Resorts issue comes out.  Colorado is looking good with many of our local resorts in the top thirty of the list.

Starting with the bottom, Crested Butte was ranked #25.  I have never been to Crusted Butte, as it is tucked away behind Aspen and Snowmass near the Gunnison National Forest.  Crested Butte is known for their intense double black diamonds, but also contains nice easy greens and blues on the front side of the mountain–for something for everyone.

Numbers 22, 23, and 24 are also all Colorado resorts; Winter Park, Copper Mountain, and Keystone.  I have enjoyed myself on the slopes of all these resorts, and Copper Mountain is actually my favorite mountain to ski because of their immense backcountry options, beautiful powder packed tree runs, small lift lines (for the most part), and their easy free parking.  Winter Park is located near Berthoud Pass, which is great for some backcountry if you’re up for it.  Mary Jane at Winter Park is one of the top snowboarding mountains in the state with tons of powder, out of control tree runs, very few boundaries, and a great atmosphere.  Keystone is the only ski resort in Colorado that offers night skiing, while all other resorts shut down their lifts around 5 pm.

Breaking the top twenty, Steamboat Springs is ranked #14.  Steamboat reminds me of my childhood and meeting family and friends for weekly outings.  The town of Steamboat is absolutely gorgeous before you even step onto the slopes and offers a great place for family functions.

At #11 sits the magical Telluride.  Find yourself lost in this remote snow filled playground.  There is never a line on the lifts, the snow is always fresh and the town is spectacular.  Telluride is definitely worth the six and a half hour journey from Denver.

Aspen Highlands is ranked #10 on the list mostly because of the Highlands Bowl and their constant epic conditions.  Aspen recently started offering sunset skiing every Friday at one of its four resorts.  Don’t miss the closing day party where things can get a little bit crazy with more than 14,000 beers sold at the base.

Breckenridge, at #8, is a great mountain, but I find crowded at most times.  The town of Breckenridge is very quaint with and great for Après-ski, with Main Street packed full of great bars and shops.  This resort is popular for a reason: lots of terrain to tackle and great terrain parks.  Breckenridge is actually ranked number two for terrain parks.  This mountain has a great family atmosphere and it’s no surprise it’s a top ten ski resort.

Snowmass and Aspen sit at #6 and #7.  Both of these resorts use the same pass, so you can ski two of the top ten resorts in one day, for they are only ten minutes away from each other.  There is a bus service that travels between the four mountains, Snowmass, Aspen, Buttermilk, and Highlands.  There are so many reasons to visit the luxurious Aspen Resorts that one will need to visit to understand how great these resorts are.

At #4 you have Beaver Creek Resort, a great local spot with so much to offer.  Beaver Creek is ten minutes away from #2 Vail.  Being so close together is like a dream, especially with both being a part of Vail Ski Resorts, meaning you can ski both on the same pass!  I have yet to ski either of these mountains, but now that I am surrounded by Vail’s beautiful mountains, I’ll be on the slopes of one of these top ski resorts everyday!

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals offers properties in all these destinations, so come visit some of the top ski resorts in North America.  If you have any questions, feel free to call the Friendly Knowledgeable Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

One of the great things about Vail is a consistent presence of music.  Last night, a handful of my co-workers and I got down on the dance floor, jamming out to the local Colorado band, Frogs Gone Fishin. Due to losing about $3,000 worth of equipment after their van was broken into in Denver, the band put on a show at Samana Lounge, costing no more than a suggested $5 to help them get back on their feet.

I haven’t danced like that in a while. Frogs Gone Fishin plays music that I personally would call “jammy-funky.” The guys – Trevor, Andrew, Mark, and Steve – originally started to play music in middle school and high school together outside of Denver, and since graduating from different colleges in 2008, they have continued to kill it in venues around Colorado and beyond. Vail is one place that they continue to come back to.

One of the Vail free concert series that Frogs Gone Fishin performed at was Hot Summer Nights in 2009. That same summer, the band organized an event “Mardi Gras on the Rocks,” which was a day festival at Red Rocks, featuring jazz and brass musicians like Dr. John, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, and Dirty Dozen Brass Band to name a few. I went to Tulane like Trevor (hence the New Orleans inspiration), and I was at Mardi Gras on the Rocks. It was a pretty impressive event. I didn’t make it to their Hot Summer Nights show in Vail last year, but according to this article posted in the Vail Daily last October, the band’s free show in Vail was a close rival to the fully-lined up New Orleans music festival that they hosted.

In addition to the Underground Sound Concert Series going on now at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, more concert series are to come in Vail – and more of them will be free.  With Street Beat Concert Series, Snowdaze, and CarniVail coming up this winter, there will be plenty of awesome live music to go around.

Start making your ski vacation plans, and take part in the free shows that are always going on in Vail. Book your lodging with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, and get all the scoop you need from our live agents that know this scene from the inside out! Call 1-888-866-2305.

1. We’re used to the quick paced energy of big cities and bright lights. Vail’s night life is known to get crazy…crazy in a good way. You can bar hop all night, and be stumbling distance home without having to worry about waking up to the smell of urine, hobos and roasted nuts.
2. Even though we’re well adapted to the competitive, always-in-a-rush person that will step over you in order to get to where they want to be, Vail is the perfect getaway from the people, attitude, and lifestyle we know so well. From the second you walk off your plane in Denver, you will notice this change in personalities. People are actually friendly! They acknowledge your presence (and even apologize) if they bump into you. They are low-key, mellow, down to earth, and happy to have you visit the place they call home.
3. Vail is bipartisan (even indifferent) to sports teams. Unlike our visits to “The Cape,” we can enjoy a night out on the town, a relaxing dinner, or a day on the slopes, without the nauseating site of heavy-set dudes with Red Sox gear on everywhere you turn. If the Giants are playing, you can stroll into a local sports bar, grab a beer, and root for your home team whole-heartedly, and with ease of mind.
4. We New Yorkers Love. Our. Food.  Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we value the times when we can shut off work, school, or our annoying ex, and simply indulge in good company and good food. Vail can accommodate our semi-outrageous eating habits with countless options for grubbing out and getting down. Whether it’s a New York style pie from Vendetta’s, or an Italian hoagie from La Bottega, we’re never short of meals here.
5. Last but certainly not least: a vacation is a vacation! And let’s face it, every New Yorker needs many more than they inevitably take. There’s a reason why Vail is the number one mountain in the lower 48; it’s the perfect place to curb that everlasting anxiety from our overextended, stress-induced lives. It’s nearly impossible to feel tense after a day on the slopes, après drinks at Garf’s, and an extended hot tub sesh in your own private home.

If you’re a New Yorker in need of a Vail Vacation, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305 to unwind on the slopes this winter!

This post was brought to you by Connie, a Sales Agent at the Vail/Beaver Creek office. She previously worked for Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals with the Business Development Team, and has returned as a CU graduate, now in the department of sales. She loves Colorado for the fact that people here are down-to-earth, like to spend their time doing quality things, and are thankful to be alive. She is passionate about skiing, hiking, running, and being outside, where the views, “are unbeatable, 365 days a year.” Connie loves talking to people, Italian food, and is really good at poker. She recently graduated from CU Boulder with a degree in English-Literature.

“EPIC Mix – Capture. Connect. Share.” What a slogan! Who else to come up with such a slogan, such a campaign, other than Vail Resorts, owners of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly resorts in Colorado and California. True, this EPIC day announces yet another EPIC breakthrough in technology, specifically in the world of social media. The “EPIC Mix” is what Vail Resorts is calling it, and a truly epic mix it is, of all things new in interactive social media. The Epic Mix is the Foursquare and Nike+ of the mountain, and has updates for both Twitter and Facebook.

Vail Resorts kept the EPIC Mix a secret until they debuted the mobile and web-based application today at a press event at the Ace Hotel in Manhattan. But then, out of nowhere, they unleashed the “EPIC Mix” to the world, announcing that the skiing and snowboarding would be so much more social this season, because of their innovative location-based gaming application.

[Credit: EPIC Mix]

So what does the EPIC Mix do? The EPIC Mix is somewhat like Foursquare, but instead of unlocking Foursquare “badges”, you unlock EPIC Mix “pins.” Everything from tracking your vertical drop, to how many runs, or how many days on the mountain. This is a game of multiple location-based programs all rolled into one.

The key to letting the EPIC Mix become a reality is the RFID chip that is inside the card that you get when you purchase your season pass. The cool thing about this is that you don’t have to be on your phone checking in. Your RFID chip gets scanned at the lift, and automatically put into the “EPIC Mix” of things, if you like the pun.

What I would have really enjoyed to see was a summary of what I did last year. Yeah, I know I got 50 days on the mountain, but I would have liked to have relived it somehow. The EPIC Mix will give me what I’ve always wanted, and more. I can log in to the website, check my stats, see my scores, view my friends, and so much more.

What else can the EPIC Mix do? The EPIC Mix links to your Facebook and Twitter accounts, letting you compare your pins with friends, see who’s got the most days on the mountain, or vertical feet passed, or even WHERE your friends are!

Vail Resorts is always open to new ideas, new trends, and new methods of interaction. Their EPIC Mix is the next best thing out there, fellas! I’m definitely downloading the app on my android after I buy the EPIC Pass, and racing all my friends for the most pins, most days, and most vertical feet.

Congrats to Vail Resorts for providing me with an EPIC Mix of social media interaction, and giving me the drive I’ve needed to get back out on the mountain!

Special 1: 25% off ALL Labor Day Reservations in Summit County

• Includes Breckenridge, Keystone & Frisco
• Must book by September 1^st, 2010.
• Offer good on anything from a studio condo to a six bedroom private home
• Can’t miss featured event: 35^th Annual Gathering at the Great Divide Art Festival, Breckenridge

Don't Miss Out on This View - Schedule Your Breckenridge Vacation Today!

Special 2:  Early Season Savings in Breckenridge and Keystone

• 25% off lodging
• Minimum of four night stay
• Valid November 12-December 16, 2010
• Can’t miss featured events:
  • November 12- Breckenridge Resort Opening Day
  • December 5- Lighting of Breckenridge

Special 3: Can’t make it to Breckenridge? Book 2+ nights at 30% off in Vail

• Hurry, this promotion ends September 1^st!
• Includes many properties in Lionshead, including amenity rich properties like Landmark Towers
• Excludes Christmas & New Years week
• Valid for President’s Day and Spring Break weeks!

To book one of these deals or to learn more about other lodging specials, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305.

The Beaver Creek Hiking Center opens this Saturday, June 12. Specializing in guided hikes and mountain biking tours, the Hiking Center caters to all levels of experience and all ages. You can choose to take a leisurely hike through the valley to a lake or, for those who dare, tackle a 14er (14,000-foot-tall mountain). The professional guides at the Hiking Center will take you to whatever part of Colorado you want to see. There really is no better way to admire the majesty and beauty of the Rockies than to be in the middle of them.

All the equipemnt you could ever need for an enjoyable hike is provided, including Salomon packs and boots, Leki hiking poles, rain gear, bottled water and granola bars. The Hiking Center is located in the Summer Adventure Center on the Starbucks level of Beaver Creek Plaza (in the adult ski school building). Lift tickets for the Chairlift can also be purchased here. The Chairlift runs daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1. Travel during mid-week days. By avoiding busy travel times such as the weekends, you will save not only on flights but lodging rates, adventure tour discounts, and save time by avoiding long, and stressful lines. Many summer events, such as the Teva Mountain Games, South of the Border Fiesta, Vail Arts Festival, and Vail America Days are not restricted to the weekend only.
2. Research staying in a vacation rental, where you will have extra sleeping space, a fully stocked kitchen (save by cooking a few meals), and plenty of other amenities. Have a very large family? Rather than reserving several rooms, look into a large family home. In resort areas, such as Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen, Breckenridge, and Keystone are lush with others’ large vacation homes that can sleep up to 20 people in some cases!
3. Find a family of travel buddies! By traveling as a larger group, you can split up during the day so that everyone can enjoy their vacation! Perhaps one day one adult takes the children boating, rafting, biking or fishing while the other adults have spa treatment, and then switch off on the next day. All kinds of large groups receive discounts on dining, outdoors activities, and more. Plan you trip in advance and you will more than likely experience less fees.
   

   Photo by Savvy Cafe.com

4. Split up mom and dad bonding time. Take shorter trips, and take turns between parent and child. Mom can take the girls to the spa one weekend, and a few weeks later Dad can take the boys to learn golf or on a Jeep Adventure! Keep switching off until the family can find time and money for a longer ski trip next winter.
   

   Large family homes such as this one are available for summer vacationing

5. Join the locals! Ask about local events, farmers’ markets, and what locals do in general. They will know the best place for 50% of your meal, kid friendly parks, and easy day hikes that will take you off the tourist-beaten path. Don’t forget to ask how you need to be prepared for wildlife, safety, and weather. Attend a local church gathering, social club, visit the local library, or enroll in a onetime cooking lesson for a change of pace.
6. Make a travel itinerary but be flexible! Running around trying to stick to a schedule can be a true buzz kill! If you travel to a destination, research your options that way when you arrive for your raft trip and the ever changing Colorado weather brings too much lightening, you will know where the nearest science or ski museum is located!
7. Keep snacks in your travel bag. By keeping food readily available, you can intercept hunger (and tantrums) with them if you end up waiting longer than expected for your next meal. Apples, oranges, bananas, cheese and crackers, pretzels, granola bars, trail mix, and similar snacks will keep your family happy and healthy.
   

   Life vests are a quick and easy safety precaution.

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!

For some people traveling is something that happens year round, while others wait all year for that one special vacation. My personal philosophy is that the key to happiness is always having something to look forward to; for me that being a vacation. I thought I’d share of my personal travel tips- they are easy and will help you plan the perfect escape!

1. When booking airfare domestically I always hop to Kayak.com first. It compares the prices airlines have listed, as well as prices being offered on 3rd party travel provider sites such as orbitz, so you know you’re getting the best deal around. Or, save some hassle and let a complimentary concierge take care of your flights for you!
2. If your travel dates are flexible, use Bing when searching so that you can compare historical prices for the flight you’re looking for to help you know when a good time to buy is.
3. Research special events happening in your destination before booking travel. I’ve found that the best way to save money while on vacation is to take advantage of local free events and activities.
4. Plan ahead, but don’t plan too much. An itinerary can help keep the vacation flowing, but can also take away from the travel experience. Sometimes the best memories of a vacation are those experiences that come to you.
5. Make an educated lodging decision. Are you looking to eat all or your meals out, or trying to save money by cooking at home during your stay? Most travelers automatically assume a hotel is the cheapest way to go, without considering the money they could be saving by booking a vacation rental fully equipped with a kitchen.
6. Ask a local. Locals will always be a better informer than a guide book or review you read on the internet. Ask around when trying to find the best pizza, or most happening nightlife. Locals are in the know with events and specials and are usually happy to help lost tourists have a good time.

Happy travels!

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!

It’s actually not that hard- here’s a list of all the FREE things to do during Spring Back to Vail April 12-18, 2010.
1. Free concerts! The Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars are performing on April 16th at Checkpoint Charlie, from 6-10 pm in Vail Village. They will also be showing their documentary which tells the story of the bands’ long journey from the Sierra Leone and their experiences in various refugee camps.
2. Attend Après and “After Dark Parties” where you can snipe some freebies from Bud Light and Captain Morgan at bars throughout Vail Village and Lionshead. My favorites include the Red Lion, the George, and Samana Lounge.
3. Stop by the Men’s Journal Lounge and Reverb Eco Village with sponsors such as Bear Naked Granola and attendance by Stonyfield Farm and Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance. 8:30-3:30 at the base of the Vista Bahn lift near Vail Village.

4. FREE concert! Don’t miss Wyclef Jean on Saturday, April 17 and guest Robert Earl Keen. This concert, located at Ford Park is THE concert not to miss this Spring in Vail! This will be an unforgettable combination and night to remember! Get there early- this will be one packed show! Robert Earl Keen starts at 5 pm, followed by Wyclef at 7 pm. No floor space left at my place- too many friends are coming, but you can find some great lodging deals and catch some spring runs!
5. Free lunch and entertainment continues on Sunday with the Rockstar World Pond Skimming Championships. Located at Golden Peak on Vail Mountain, watch as crazy skiers glide across a somewhat (sarcasm) chilly pool of water. Many wear costumes, some land smoothly, but most crash epically into the water! They should find a hot chocolate and heater sponsor for this one! Or perhaps an arctic dive suit maker….

Free BBQ will be provided, and then to wrap up Spring Back to Vail 2010….

6. Another free concert! Located again at Checkpoint Charlie in the Vail Village, Guster, an “acoustic-pop threesome” that throws humor into their alternative rock show.

One thing is for certain- this is one heck of a way to finish the winter here in Vail- and I won’t forget to take as many late season runs as I can humanely accomplish while also soaking in some spring weather, great music, friends, food, and fun! Hopefully the family will visit and join too- each of these events would be great for my young cousins, aunts, and more!

I didn’t know what to expect for the annual Lamb Cook-off, a part of the Taste of Vail going on now, but I gave myself a pat on the back after attending with some co-workers and friends- every dish we tried were from Vail’s best chefs and was accompanied by some of the best wine I’ve tried. To top it all off, we had warm spring weather and I actually had to take my coat off!

The Vail Lamb cook-off had some tough competitors, but Restaurant Kelly Liken took the first place position with lamb confit created by sous chef Hunter Smith. Unfortunately I arrived late and didn’t make it to their tent in time, which is why next year I will plan to arrive early, which is my number one tip is to get there early! Here are my recommendations for next year:

1. Get there early if you intend to try many samples! Long lines are guaranteed to form at the Kelly Liken, La Tour, Lodge at Vail, and Ocotillo. (the Lodge at Vail took third place this year with their lamb pastrami sandwich, while Ocotillo took second with unforgettable lamb tamales)
2. Grab an office-mate, friend, mother, sister, brother, father or a ski group, then pair up and you can find and split the tastings. You will both get to experience more and spend less on tickets.
3. Be green by bringing your own fork and cloth napkin. Use the recycle containers that can be found every 40 feet along Gore Creek Drive.
4. Spend the $60 for all access! It is more than worth it, by purchasing an all access pass you may taste every restaurant’s submission, as well as sample every attending winery. If you purchased a ticket for every place, it would add up to over $150.
5. Walk to the event! Trust me, after all of this wonderful food, you will be grateful for the walk back to your hotel, condo, villa, or vehicle!

Like every year, Vail will pull of one of its biggest and most fun events at the very end of the season-  SPRING BACK TO VAIL from April 12 to April 18 in Vail and on the mountain at Vail. SPRING BACK TO VAIL is Vail’s huge end-of-the-season bash with free concerts from national headliners, on-snow events and crazy fun street parties. The most famous event is the well known greatest spectacle of all – the World Pond Skimming Championships.

You have never heard of pond skimming- then the best thing is to come up to Vail and check it out- you will have a blast….Here a short explanation: Pond Skimming is a competition anyone can enter, sometimes in a costume or even in a bathing suit. The goal is to get enough speed going down the mountain so you can skim the pond which is set up at the bottom of the mountain and get to the other side without ending up in the pond. The faster you ski, the better chance you’ll have of making it to the other side of the pond

Friday, April 16
Free Movie and Concert
Sierra Leone’s Refugee All-stars documentary
Sierra Leone’s Refugee All-stars concert
Location: Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village
Time: 6pm-10pm

Saturday, April 17
Free Concert with Wyclef Jean presented by Bud Light
Opening: Very Special Guest Robert Earl Keen
Location: Ford Park
Time: Robert Earl Keen at 5pm; Wyclef Jean at 7pm

Sunday, April 18
Rockstar World Pond Skimming Championships
Location: Golden Peak on Vail Mountain

Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm  ****Free BBQ****
Guster
Free Concert
Location: Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village
Time: 4:30pm immediately following Pond Skimming

Most people stay Thursday till late Sunday or even early Monday –

Check out special lodging deal here !!!!!