Are you vacationing in the mountains anytime soon? Planning on doing some skiing, hiking, biking, rafting, climbing or other activities while you are here? Then you know the importance of a good breakfast. Getting something to fill you up in the morning is necessary if you want to last through a day full of activities. And if you’re vacationing to Vail, you’re in luck.

While Vail has a variety of breakfast spots to choose from, it will be worth your while to go to the First Chair Café at the Marriott. I had the pleasure of getting breakfast there this morning, and it was outstanding – definitely my new favorite breakfast stop.

While they have a full breakfast menu with options like Bacon and Eggs, a selection of Signature Omelets and Waffles, I went after the Breakfast Buffet. The Buffet was great, and included almost everything on the main menu (including juices and coffee). There was an omelet bar with an on hand chef and a variety of toppings/ingredients for your omelet, a variety of breakfast meats, a Fat Tire gravy for biscuits and sausage, potatoes with peppers and onions, a waffle bar – also with a variety of toppings/ingredients, a fruit bar, a variety of yogurts, an assortment of breakfast cereals and oatmeal, a variety of breads and pastries, and a locally smoked salmon. I hope I didn’t leave anything out, but even with this list there are plenty of options for everyone.

 

I went straight for the omelet bar, and made a bacon-veggie omelet that was cooked perfectly. While my omelet was being prepared, I filled up my plate with bacon, potatoes, yogurt, fruit and salmon and then went back to collect my omelet and have a nice little feast. While others at the table commented on how great the salmon was, I enjoyed the omelet and potatoes the most. But the whole meal was terrific. Our waiter took great care of us as well, always checking in and topping off our orange juice and coffee.

 

While items off of the breakfast menu range from $10-$20, the breakfast buffet was only $25. To extend our gratitude to The Marriott and our customers, we’ll go ahead and give you some free breakfast buffet vouchers to the First Chair Café in the Marriott if you book your stay to Vail with us. Call one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® today to take advantage of this great offer! (855) 210-2469

Today Vail Resorts announced that it would be purchasing Kirkwood Ski Resort and the base area of the mountain for about $18 million. The Resort, well known for its advanced high alpine terrain, will join Heavenly and Northstar at Tahoe as the 3rd Vail Resort Mountain in California.

Pass holders at Kirkwood will now have immediate access to Heavenly and Northstar, and Heavenly and Northstar pass holders will have immediate access to Kirkwood. This is great news for Epic Pass holders, as there is yet another mountain available to change it up. Also, if you are from Colorado, considering a Spring Break Trip to Tahoe is sounding better and better…

 

So congratulations to Vail Resorts for this new acquisition, and be sure to get out there and enjoy yet another Vail Resort!

Are you ever looking for a quick snack on the mountain? Want something to hold you over before you swing by the lodge for lunch? Forget to snag a granola bar on your way out of the house? It’s okay, grab a Nature Valley bar from the ticket office!

 

All Vail Resorts mountains have complementary Nature Valley bars on the mountain or at ticket offices/windows. So next time you visit a Vail Resort be sure to grab some Nature Valley bars for a quick and easy snack on the chair lift!

Beaver Creek

At Beaver Creek, employees can often be spotted at the base of the mountain handing out Nature Valley bars. If you don’t see anyone handing them out, visit the nearest ticket office/window. *At 3 PM everyday at the Centennial Chair #6 fresh, hot cookies are handed out—a great way to end the day!

Breckenridge

Breckenridge has Nature Valley bars at the Peak 7 and Peak 8 ticket offices, and sometimes they are offered by chair lifts on the mountain.

Keystone

Keystone will give you a few Nature Valley bars for the day at its ticket windows and in the Mountain Service Center

Heavenly

You can grab Nature Valley bars for the mountain at the Stagecoach Lodge at Heavenly.

Northstar at Tahoe

Visit any ticket office/window or the Season Pass office at Northstar at Tahoe for a few Nature Valley bars.

Vail

Head over to the Lionshead ticket office in Vail to get your supply of Nature Valley bars for the day. Also, be on the lookout for Vail employees at the base of the mountain handing out Nature Valley bars.

Next time you visit any Vail Resort, be sure to grab a few Nature Valley bars for a great snack on the mountain. Enjoy the slopes!

 

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. Call today! (855) 210-2469

Welcome to The 10^th, Vail’s newest on mountain dining location. Unlike the cafeteria style food commonly served on the mountain, The 10^th has raised the bar a notch (or two) with a full service, sit down restaurant. I was able to visit The 10^th restaurant earlier today for lunch, and thought I would share a bit about it with you:

The 10^th restaurant is located in Mid-Vail, a short ride up the Vista Bahn Express Lift (next year this will be replaced with a gondola, making access to the restaurant even easier). The modern mountain restaurant overlooks the Gore Range through tall windows that surround the restaurant, allowing guests to take in some very nice mountain scenery while dining.

 

Upon entering The 10^th Restaurant, guests are invited to the ‘locker room’ or ‘changing area’, where you can remove your goggles, hats, gloves and boots (don’t worry, you won’t be barefoot—they provide you with slippers to wear around the restaurant). I actually got a little too comfortable in the slippers and didn’t want to put my boots back on at the end of the meal. Speaking of the meal…

 

The 10^th Restaurant has a variety of menu options and the menu changes throughout the season, so don’t be shy and try what sounds good –it might not be there the next time you visit. I ended up ordering the Heritage Chicken & Pheasant Pot Pie, and after snacking on some very tasty breads and pizzas, my dish arrived.

A perfect dish for a day of skiing, the toasty pie had an assortment of vegetables mixed in with chicken in a vermouth cream. The crust was nice and flaky, and mixed perfectly with the fillings inside. Some of my friends ordered the French Dip Sandwich and all of them thought it was delicious, especially the crispy onions in the sandwich. While all of us ordered more basic items, the 10^th Restaurant has plenty more to choose from in their full menu.

And nothing is better after a meal on the mountain than a nice cold beer. Luckily, the 10^th Restaurant has a few different beers to choose from: The 10^th Amber Lager, Crazy Mountain Amber Ale, Crazy Mountain IPA, and HoeGaarden among others. As I had never been to The 10^th Restaurant before, I figured I must try The 10^th Amber Lager, a signature beer brewed exclusively for The 10^th Restaurant. It was quite a good drink, and had a small bite to it that left a nice aftertaste.

 

Also, The 10^th restaurant has a full bar, so don’t hesitate to stop in even if you are just grabbing a drink. But if you would like to sit down, The 10^th does accept reservations between 11am – 2:30pm. So book your reservation at The 10^th restaurant now to ensure yourself a table.

 

If you visit Vail this year, it would be a mistake not to visit The 10^th Restaurant, even if you are just there for a moment. The architecture and style of The 10^th are a reason enough to check out the new restaurant, so stop in and see what you think!

 

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. Call today! (970) 477-1777

Well, it has been a tough week for Colorado–the Rockies have hardly gotten any snow as of late, and there were serious snow storms on the eastern plains halting travel plans and creating danger for travelers. However, it is snowing up here in Vail now, and more snow is expected to be on the way!

Aspen: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 5in

Aspen is one of the only mountains in the Colorado Rockies that got snow this week, giving some much needed powder to anxious skiers. The snow helped open up the 560 ft long superpipe, which is one of the many features that will be used in the 2012 Winter X Games.

 

Breckenridge: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 0in

The Dew Tour got of to a great start this past weekend in Breckenridge. Riders killed it in the superpipe and in the Freeway Park. Breckenridge has now opened the park to the public, giving park enthusiasts a chance to ride a truly spectacular course. Also, tomorrow Breckenridge will open Peak 10. With new snow on the way, this is sure to be a great opening day for Peak 10

 

Copper: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 0in

Copper opened up its Rendezvous Lift yesterday, providing access to 15 lifts and 593 acres.

 

Keystone: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 0in

Keystone will be reopening NASTAR today after a brief hiatus due to snow conditions. Check out what Keystone has open on the mountain.

 

Vail: 24 hr: 0in 72 hr: 0in

While no new runs or lifts have opened at Vail since the last update, they have moved up their opening time from 9 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

 

So get out there this weekend and enjoy all the new terrain!

Find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized winter ski vacation to all of our destinations.

It has been snowing up in the Colorado Rockies the past few days, providing skiers with fresh snow and new terrain. Vail, Copper, Keystone and Telluride have are all opening new terrain as we speak, opening up more and more of the mountain for adventure. So here’s a quick update on whats going on:

 

Vail: 24 hr: 4in.  72 hr: 6in.

With 6 inches in the last few days, Vail has now opened up Chair 10 (Highline Express Lift), Chair 26 (Pride Express Lift) and Chair 14 (Sourdough Express Lift). These lifts have opened up runs from the far west side all the way to the far east side of the mountain.

 

Copper: 24 hr: 2in. 72 hr: 2in.

The new Union Creek High Speed Quad chairlift opened today in Copper, giving riders access to new terrain on the western side of the front of the mountain.

 

Keystone: 24 hr: 2in. 72 hr: 2in.

This Friday, December 16, 2011, Keystone will open up night skiing every night until January 1st. This is a great opportunity to extend your day and have runs all to yourself (but dress warm, because when the sun goes down it gets chilly). Night skiing is great because your ticket to Breckenridge or Keystone is valid for night skiing! Spend your day skiing in Breckenridge, then swing over to Keystone around 3 or 4 in the afternoon and ski for a few more hours.

 

Breckenridge: 24 hr: 3in. 72 hr: 3in.

Even with the Dew Tour and official celebration of Breckenridge’s 50th birthday, they are still continuing to open more parts of the mountain. Tomorrow (Friday, Dec 16) Breckenridge will open its C Chair, providing access to Gold King, Sundown, and Lower Peerless runs. The lift is in between Peak 8 and Peak 9, so be sure to get over there early and get some fresh snow.

 

Telluride: 24 hr: 2in. 72 hr: 8in.

Telluride has been getting some good snow over the last week, resulting in the opening of Chair 6 (Apex Lift), Chair 12 (Prospect Bowl Express), Chair 14 (Gold Hill Express) and lastly Chair 15 (Revelation Lift) providing access to Revelation Bowl. This opens up more advanced slopes further up the mountain, giving skiers some great new terrain.

 

It looks as if things are starting to pick up for the season, and more snow is on the way. So  get up to the Colorado Rockies and find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized winter ski vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

 

Mountains’ terrain is constantly changing, especially at the beginning of the season. So here’s a quick look at whats going on in the Colorado Rockies this weekend.

Aspen/Snowmass

This weekend, Aspen Highlands will open parts of Highland Bowl, Steeplechase and Temerity. Buttermilk will start its season by opening its Tiehack Express lift on Saturday. This now means that top-to-bottom skiing will be available at the 4 Aspen/Snowmass mountains. This is great news for the area, as the year has gotten off to a slow start. Also, the remodeled Merry-Go-Round on-mountain restaurant will open today at Aspen Highlands **show up from 1-3 for an opening day party!

Breckenridge

Peak 7 opened today at Breckenridge, expanding their terrain to 420 acres out of the available 2,358. While there is still much to be opened at Breckenridge, the opening of Peak 7 is great improvement to the mountain.

Vail

Parts of Game Creek Bowl are set to open today, giving skiers even more access to Vail. While the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin are still some time away from opening, expanding access to Game Creek Bowl with the Game Creek Express Lift marks the start of a great winter.

Keystone

Keystone’s Main Street Jump Line is set to open this weekend, which often deemed as some of the best jumps in the nation. Pro ski and snowboard teams come to Keystone every year to film and train on these jumps.

Beaver Creek

There are big things going on in Beaver Creek this weekend with the opening of 4 new lifts. Rose Bowl is opening up with a new high speed quad, Upper and Lower Beaver Creek Express will be running. and finally the Riverfront Gondola will be opening. These changes will all take place on Saturday, just in time for a great weekend in the mountains.

 

So come visit the Colorado Rockies this winter and be sure to find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized ski vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

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.

You just finished skiing all day, and all you want to do is sit down for some food and drink. But where in Vail can you go for great food and drink at a great value? This is an age old question in many ski towns, as food close to the mountain is typically very expensive. But, there are always a few hidden gems that may go unnoticed. Here are a few spots in Vail that I consider “hidden gems”:

1. Vendetta’s—Vendetta’s is located just off the mountain, by the Vista Bahn Express Lift on Vail’s famous Bridge Street. This neat Italian diner sells pizzas whole or by the slice. They also have a full menu with a variety of Italian dishes but beware, pasta dishes get a little pricey (if you want to eat cheap, stick to pizza). For those looking for a drink, Vendetta’s also has a full bar with a wide selection of beer, wines and spirits.

2. La Cantina—La Cantina is great for a quick taco stop on your way to the bus. Conveniently located in the Vail Transportation Center, this Mexican restaurant has oversized burritos, inexpensive drinks and salsa bar offering a wide range of flavors to add onto your meal. Plus, you get endless tortilla chips with your order so you continue snacking and trying out the different salsas while you wait for the bus.

3. Westside Café—The Westside Café is a great restaurant located in West Vail on the northern side (opposite the mountain) of the highway. This gem is located right next to the Holiday Inn and has something on the menu for everyone. They serve great Eggs Benedict, and their Captain Crunch French Toast is a local favorite. Their Bloody Mary’s also have quite the reputation, and are constantly voted the best Bloody Mary in town. While they are widely known for their terrific breakfast, they also have a great lunch and dinner menus. Westside is the spot to go if you want a great dining experience for a moderate price.

If none of the above sound appealing, visit our comprehensive Dining Guide to learn about all the different restaurants in Vail.

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.

Moving to Vail, Colorado has been an amazing experience–and with the ski season starting in Vail this Friday, November 18^th, I am sure to have the time of my life.

In January 2011, I left Denmark and moved to Florida to attend Daytona State College as an exchange student. After finishing the semester I needed to find an internship to complete my bachelor degree requirements. The only thing I knew for certain was that I wanted to live in a different part of America, and to learn more about this vast and diverse country. I began to search for the perfect internship, and finally found it in Vail, Colorado.

I landed a marketing internship with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, and soon I was packing my bags for Colorado. The internship has provided me with challenging work, a lively work environment and fun colleagues. My co-workers are all in their twenties and thirties, and always bring energy to the office and to outdoor activities. When I first moved here I did not know anyone, but thanks to the friendly locals and my friends at work I now have many friends in Vail.

One of the first things I noticed about Vail and living in the mountains was the abundance of beauty. The natural surroundings are amazing, and I will never get tired of looking at the mountains and exploring the area. However, beauty lies not only in the mountainous landscape, but also in the people who live in it. Locals’ of the area are constantly active, playing in the outdoors all year round. The winter season especially holds a place in locals’ hearts. Everyone here is getting anxious for Vail to open for skiing (4 more days!), and I am no exception.

Another thing I have noticed that is unique about Vail and the state of Colorado is that this is a dog loving place. We have three charming dogs in the office, always creating lots of laughter and smiles when they welcome you in the morning, or when they chase each other around the office.

Coming from Denmark to Florida with limited luggage I had only packed summer clothing. So when I arrived in Vail, I did not have any winter clothing or ski gear. Going to different ski sales I was able to collect all the needed ski gear, which is now on display in my living room. It gets me excited for the ski season every time I look at it. My personal goal is to go skiing every day from November 18^th when the slopes open in Vail until December 17^th when I will return to Denmark.

The last time I went skiing I was fifteen years old, so I will most likely start with the bunny slopes and hopefully I will quickly work my way to the more advanced slopes. A fun skiing tradition, which I am sad to miss, is dressing up in a costume on the Mountain’s closing day. This year closing day isn’t until April 15^th, 2012, long after I leave. However, I am hoping that I can get some friends to join me in dressing up for my last day on the mountain. Another thing I am looking forward to during the ski season is the after skiing bars and parties.

My two favorite places to go out to in Vail are The Red Lion and the Tap Room. I was first introduced to the Red Lion by one of my co-workers who sometimes works there at night. They have different bar games during the week, live music on the weekends and a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The bartenders there are always in a good mood and talking it up with customers. The crowd is a mix of locals and tourists, so if you are looking for a party this is the place to be. The Tap Room is a bit more relaxed and is a great place to watch sporting events. The walls are made from lodge wood and have pictures carved into them of various mountain animals. They also have a fun table which is made from a PAC-MAN game. The Tap Room is a great place for dinner that has mouthwatering burgers, great sandwiches and an extensive drink menu.

Vail has been a great place to live, and would also be a great place to visit for your winter ski vacation. So find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^®can help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation to Vail or 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.

     Year after year Vail has been ranked as one of the best ski resorts in North America. The mountains are spectacular and the town is one of-a-kind. Vail was created by two veterans from the 10th Mountain Division, who trained here during World War Two. Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton were visionaries and created one of the best and most romantic ski resorts in the world.

 

Walking around Vail on the pedestrian cobble-stone, car-free streets is a truly unique experience. Here you can enjoy world-class shopping in Vail and Lionshead Village. You will find everything from boutiques to outdoor sporting gear to fine art and souvenir shops.

 

After all that shopping you are sure to get hungry and no matter what you are craving for dinner you will find it here.  With several restaurants offering elegant fine dining, casual comfort or grab and go you will pleasantly surprised with all your delicious options. At night you will hear live music coming from various bars and restaurants, which always attract a lot of people creating a lively atmosphere.   

 

      Of if you are looking for a family friendly activity, ice skating is fun for everyone. You can find a surplus of different options such as skating rinks, frozen lakes or an indoor ice rink. In Vail the Solaris Plaza boasts a 6,500 square foot ice rink situated next to the two beautiful interactive sculptures. One of them is shaped like a giant glass tree glowing with changing colors. When you are done exploring the Village you can take the convenient in-town, free  shuttle, back to the Riverhouse.

 

The Riverhouse Condo in Vail Village is by the quiet Willow Park. It offers a prime location for your Vail ski vacation and it is only steps from the Vista Bahn lift, connecting you to the expansive Vail Mountain. The Riverhouse is beautiful with a gorgeous panoramic view of the Village in one direction and the Gore Range which dominates the eastern skyline in the other. The condo has an inviting living room with a beautiful gas-fireplace, flat screen TV and integrated stereo system . It’s all you need to relax after a long day on the mountain. There is a gourmet kitchen which opens to the dining and living room, so you can entertain guests while preparing a home cooked meal. If you feel like barbecuing there is a commercial BBQ on the patio allowing you to take in the magnificent views of the Gore Creek while dining on juicy burgers. The condo is outfitted with modern furnishings and rich woodwork. When it’s time for bed, step inside one of the two bedrooms, each outfitted with expansive windows and a shared patio. The large king sized bed and soft linens will ensure you wake up fully rested the next morning, ready to take on the day! Staying at the Riverhouse in Vail you are sure to have an amazing vacation.

 

Condo Rentals in Vail Village: To experience Vail for yourself call our team of Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals® eager to assist you.      

 

When visiting Vail exploring the mountain is an obligation. A good way to get started in the winter is to take the Eagles Bahn Gondola in Lionshead to the top of Vail Mountain. The ride is stunning, on the way up you can see Lionshead from above and watch the skiers underneath you. When you arrive take a look around, the view is absolutely spectacular. Next to the Gondola is the Nature Discovery Center. They provide free educational tours, focusing on the mountain and the wildlife in hopes of increasing people’s awareness about the magnificent Rocky Mountain. The nature center is open during the winter and summer seasons and is a must-see for visitors and locals alike.

 

In the winter you can join a free guided snowshoe tour with a Walking Mountain Naturalist at 3 pm. On the tour you will walk through the snow covered forest, learning about the animal’s adaptations and the winter ecology. It is important to dress warm with layers, because walking with snowshoes will get your heart rate up. They also offer a free moonlight snowshoe tour that is magnificent. The tour is on January18-21 and February 15-18 from 7 to 8 pm. You will learn about the animals while walking under the light of the full moon surrounded by a winter paradise. A reservation is required, so remember to book early.

 

No matter what season the Nature Discovery Center is always worth a visit, from December to April on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 pm they have Nature at Night. It is a family friendly program with activities and interesting information about the ecosystem and night creatures in the area, such as Colorado Cats, owls, wily weasels and many more. It is always a good idea to bring a camera, you never know when you might see some wildlife.

 

After a long day on Vail Mountain you can enjoy a meal in Eagle’s Nest which is next to the Eagles Bahn Gondola. The only way up here is taking the gondola, making the dining experience even more unique. Inside you will find Bistro 14 which serves fine American dining with a stunning view, their Grilled Rocky Mountain Trout is delicious. Another dining option is the Gondoly’s “pizza by the slice” they serve thin crust pizzas and cold beer.

 

You can also grab a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or baked goods at Bailey’s Coffee House. It is right behind the Eagle Nest building on the Southside of the Adventure Ridge building. It is a great place to warm up next to the fire.

 

No matter what your interests are, the Vail Mountain is always worth a visit.

Call our team of Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals® and we will be happy to help you discover the mountains.

 

Vail Cascade is a vacation destination where mind, body and spirit find balance and family bonds grow stronger. It is located in the picture-perfect settings along Gore Creek between Lionshead and Vail. The Cascade is thirty-five minutes from the local airport and about two hours from Denver International Airport.

 

Walking into the lobby you immediately know that you are in an AAA Four-Diamond property, the beautiful interior is stylish and elegant. Once inside be sure to stop by the library, the furniture and art items belong to a frequent guest who stayed at the hotel over 100 days a year. All suites and guestrooms are inviting with warm color tones and breathtaking mountain or courtyard views.

 

 

The Cascade creates the perfect settings to enjoy our winter wonderland here in Vail, the chair-lift outside the door, allows you to connect with other lifts to easily explore the rest of the mountain. At the end of the day when you return put your boots in the mudroom outfitted with boot heaters to ensure they will be nice and toasty for the next morning.

 

When staying at the Cascade you must take advantage of the Aria Spa & Club, it has the largest fitness center and an award-winning spa. Outside there are two heated swimming pools and hot tubs. They are especially amazing in the winter, as you can watch the snowfall while rejuvenating your tired legs.  And you’ll stay warm walking back and forth to your room by utilizing the plush bath robes. If you like playing sports, you have plenty of options with the indoor tennis, racquetball, squash, volley, and basketball courts. The Spa also offers a variety of treatments designed to make you feel and look you’re very best. Come early to distress and enjoy a cup of organic herbal tea or a glass of sparkling champagne in the Sanctuary Room.

 

After your calming spa experience, visit the Atwater in the Cascade. Here you can sit in lavish chairs and take pleasure in the warmth and beauty from the fireplace while looking out on the Gore Creek. Start with their delicious fresh baked bread and salted butter and try the Charred Corn Bisque soup with lobster and avocado salsa, it is absolutely mouth-watering. For the main courts spoil your taste buds and order the Colorado Grilled Lamb Trio, it won Taste of Vail People’s Choice Award. Or hop on the free shuttle and explore the variety of dining opportunities in Lionshead or Vail. No matter what you are craving you can find it here in Vail.

 

Vail Ski Vacation: To find out more about the luxurious Vail Cascade call our team of Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals® and we will be happy to help you.

       When coming to Vail, Colorado on vacation there are a few things everyone must do.  Here is my local’s guide to the Vail Valley.  I will tell you where to stay, what to eat and what to do! Having spent a lot of time here I know my intimate knowledge of the Valley will not only benefit you on your next ski vacation in Colorado it will truly enhance it.

 

You can’t come to Vail if you don’t have a place to stay.  So, here are my recommendations.  Vail is considered one of the original luxury ski vacation towns in Colorado, so I suggest you stay at one of the many beautiful luxury rental homes we offer.  I, personally, love the Gore Creek Place; this amazing five-bedroom home is walking distance to the Eagle-Bahn Gondola and Vail Ski School.  At the end of the day come home to relax next to the two-story fireplace or hop in the outdoor hot tub and watch the snow fall. Another great lodging option is the Booth Creek Drive home that is hidden amongst the Colorado Mountains.  While providing exclusive privacy this amazing home is only two minutes from Vail Village which is filled with a surplus of shops and restaurants.  After a day of skiing enjoy lounging on the plush couches next to the fireplace while you take in the spectacular views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.  If no one feels like cooking there are many delicious places to eat while vacationing in Vail.

 

       For breakfast venture to Eagle-Vail for a traditional diner breakfast.  Route 6 is known for serving up the best corned beef hash in the Valley.  And make sure to order your potatoes extra crispy.  For a filling and tasty lunch whether you’re taking a break from skiing or just wandering around town Moe’s BBQ is known for whipping up the best “soul food in town.”  The ribs are soft and tender, the chicken is full of flavor and the grits are just like Grandma makes down South.  They do a bargain lunch deal including your entre, side and a drink for under $10.  For dinner I would recommend Montauk, it is a delicious fine-dining restaurant with an expansive seafood and steak menu.  Each dish is served with multiple sauces so you can try a variety of flavors while only having to order one dish.  There are many other fantastic restaurants in the Valley and I have compiled them in a list on our dining guide for you to see.

 

But of course you didn’t only come to Vail, Colorado to eat you came for all the world-class activities offered here.  The skiing is some of the best in the world.  The wide open bowls, the challenging steeps and the tight trees make this mountain a favorite among many.  But when you need a day away from down-hill skiing I recommend the ice rink in the heart of the Village.  It will remind you of your youthful childhood and the magic of winter.  Take the kids along or a romantic date and enjoy practicing your twirls and enjoy a steaming cup of hot chocolate next to the fireplace afterwards.  And of course no vacation is complete without a souvenir.  Throughout the Villages and the town there are plenty of shops selling everything from ski gear to jewelry to authentic Colorado gifts.  So, take a day and wander around town to find the perfect memento.

 

One of my favorite things about living in Vail is the golf! Colorado is home to some of the country’s most beautiful and challenging courses.  Set against the backdrop of the Rockies, our local courses offer unparalleled vistas to go along with fastidiously manicured greens.  Summertime is all about the outdoors, and there is no better way to enjoy a “Colorado Bluebird” day than hitting the links with some buddies.  As a resident of Vail Valley, I love having access to so many courses that offer me such a variety of terrain.

The Vail Golf Club is one of my favorites!  It is right here in town, and it is considerably flatter than the area’s other courses.  It still offers a great challenge, though, with lots of fairway bunkers and beaver ponds lining the course.  The Vail Club has a course rating of 70.8 and a slope rating of 121, making it one of the “easier” courses in Vail Valley, but my score card usually doesn’t reflect that.

Eagle-Vail has a great public course too.  Located just west of Vail, this course is very convenient and very competitively priced.  The course plays longer than its 6836 yards because of the elevation changes.  The ups and downs make for a great challenge, and offer the possibility of setting a new personal best for your longest drive.  The ball really sails in this thin mountain air!

The Eagle Ranch course is great too, even though it always keeps my ego in check. With a course rating of 74.8 and a slope rating of 141, this is one of the toughest courses you will ever play!  It is an Arnold Palmer Signature design course, so you know you will get every penny’s worth of your reasonable ($95) greens fees.

This winter was absolutely amazing, but I am ready for golf season!  Maybe I will see you out there, or perhaps participating in one of the other many great activities offered in Vail during the summer.

A great way to kick off your vail summer vacation! The country’s largest celebration of adventure sports, art and music, the Teva Mountain Games, are returning to Vail June 2- 5, 2011. The Teva Mountain Games attract professional and amateur athletes from all around the world to compete on the mountains and rivers of Vail in eight sports and 24 disciplines for more than $100,000 in prize money! This year’s events include kayaking, rafting mountain biking, road cycling, World Cup Bouldering, amateur climbing, fly fishing, stand up paddling, trail running and a half marathon.

In addition to the exciting sporting events, the Teva Mountain Games also offer many lifestyle components including: the Mountain Click Photo Competition, the Outside Adventure Film School, Outdoor Reels Film Festival, Mountains of Music free concerts and the Teva Mountain Ball. There will also be expos by the Gear Town and Green Light District as well as the interactive family zone, Adventure Village.

The best part of the Teva Games… spectating is totally FREE! There are also free activities such as the Bear Naked Adventure Village, the Eddie Bauer Zip Line, the Thule Stash and Dash competition, the Bud Light Mountains of Music concerts, the Outdoor Reels Film Series and MORE! All of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. ® here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals are looking forward to the Teva Mountain Games and would love to help you book your dream vacation rental!

Find More Vail Colorado Events

Vail Colorado Ski Vacation Activities: Adventure Ridge’s closing day was this past Saturday and I made it there just in time to enjoy some tubing and trampoline jumping before the season ended. Both were quite thrilling but I think the coolest part of adventure ridge is ski-biking, which some of us over here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals were able to try out. As you can see in our video below, we thoroughly enjoyed it! Adventure Ridge is Vail’s Mountaintop Adventure Center that allows your on the slopes fun to continue into the evening! If you didn’t make it to Adventure Ridge this winter don’t you worry, there are lots of great activities to enjoy there during the summer!

Horseback Tours & Pony Rides

Take a scenic horseback tour from Eagle’s Nest through Game Creek Bowl and back, overlooking the Vail Valley. Suitable for adults and children 7 years and up. With or without lunch- $35- $85. Children ages 2–6 years can enjoy pony rides around our mountaintop corral. $6.

Vail Mountain Guided Hikes – NEW!

Guided hikes on Vail Mountain are offered Wednesday to Saturday during summer operations.  Private hikes are available Sunday to Tuesday and are customizable to your hiking preference!  All guided hikes will meet at the Lionshead Ticket Office.

Top of the Mountain Tours – NEW!

Explore Vail Mountain in an adventurous, open air vehicle.  Tours leave from Adventure Ridge at Eagle’s Nest and head to the top of China Bowl and back. With or without lunch- $20- $40

Climbing Wall
Reach new heights with our NEW climbing wall equipped with a safety harness. $10 per session.

Rebound Trampoline
Catch some air at 10,000 ft. on a modified trampoline with a waist harness attached to bungee cords. You may think this is for kids, but once you see the sheer joy it brings a child- you will want to try it! $10 per session.

Disc Golf
Tee up for this spectacular, self-guided 18-hole Disc Golf Course at the top of the mountain. Front nine is beginner/intermediate and the back nine is intermediate/advanced. Allow 1–2 hours per nine holes. $8 disc rental.

Lawn Sports
Bocce Ball, Horseshoes, Dino Dig, and a new Slack Line Park. Enjoy an afternoon of fun in the sand and sun with your friends. All lawn sports are FREE.

Guided Nature Hikes
Explore Vail Mountain on a free one-hour guided hike with the Gore Range Natural Science School and learn about the area’s flora and fauna departing at 11am and 2pm.

Discovery Center
Learn about the environment through fun, interactive displays or join a guided hike. The center is a cooperative arrangement between Vail Resorts, Walking Mountains Science School and the U.S. Forest Service.

After 4pm, use your $10 evening lift ticket voucher toward purchase of any Adventure Ridge activity.

There are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy at Adventure Ridge and Vail this summer! Contact a Friendly. Knowledgeable. Local. at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to book your summer lodging!

So being an East Coast native I’m not that familiar with Rodeos. To be honest, I’ve never been to one and have always been interested in going to one.  I went ahead and looked up the definition of rodeo and this is what I got:


Rodeo:
n. pl. ro·de·o/ 1. A public competition or exhibition in which skills such as riding broncos or roping calves are displayed.


Yeah this definitely sounds cool and it would be a great experience.  And Beaver Creek will have they’re annual Rodeo this summer on June 30 and will run every Thursday during the summer.  It’s a perfect family event so young and old are sure to enjoy it. I decided to check out what events and activities will be going on and this is what I found.


+mutton bustin
+bull riding
+bronc riding
+barrel racing
+team roping


Other things to check out while you’re out there include a petting zoo, pony riding, an authentic Western BBQ and Saloon.


Transportation??? Not a problem! Free shuttles will run from the covered bridge in Beaver Creek Village. I’m excited, I can’t wait to experience this event and enjoy beautiful Colorado in the Summer.  Ok so now that you know a little more about this great event, its time to figure out lodging right?  Well I suggest that you ask one of our Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals for help with all your lodging needs!

Just like that Spring is fast approaching. What are you doing for your Spring Break? …I’m not thinking sun and beach… I’m going more for free concerts, last chance to get some skiing/boarding before the season is over, street parties, pond skimming championships. Doesn’t all that sound so much better than just sun and beach?  How do you get to do all this? Easy just come to Spring Back at Vail 2011!

Starting April 15 there will be tons of activities and concerts to celebrate the end of this great ski season we’ve had at Vail. Come early for an all-mountain film competition open to pros and amateurs. Best of all concerts are FREE and lift ticket deals and great lodging packages will be available and who better to help you get this party started and get your lodging needs in order than your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

Curious about who will be playing at the concerts? Here are a few of the bands that will be playing:

• • Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
  • Train
  • The Greyboy Allstars
  • Shpongle presents the Shpongletron Experience
  • Stephen Marley
  • Chris Velan
  • Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars

Alright I’m stoked about all this …I know if you read this blog you probably are too. What next…book your lodging with one Vail’s own Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals!