As a small business, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals is always asking how we can provide our guests with an experience that not only satisfies them, but goes beyond satisfaction to creating a truly unique vacationing experience. We work to make customers who want to tell their friends about our company – and use our services time and time again. This ski season Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals has initiated a guest services program that goes beyond what’s expected and shows you that you don’t need to be a guest at the Ritz Carlton to be treated like one.

Check out the details of our revamped guest service initiative below:

 

Thank you!
Every customer that books lodging with us receives a hand written thank you card in the mail a week after booking.  In the cards is also your destination specialist’s business card , because you never know when you’ll want to use them again or pass the card on to a friend!

Guest Arrival
Our guests check into hundreds of properties across our different locations, and we’re ready for them.  At time of check-in, each guest receives a personalized welcome note which includes the following:

1)      Lift Tickets -If the guest purchased lift tickets through us, they will be waiting in the envelope for them at time of check-in–you shouldn’t have to deal with long lift ticket lines if you pre-purchased tickets.

2)      Real Estate Letter of Introduction – Andie Odie, of Rocky Mountain Luxury Properties has enclosed a personalized note to introduce herself and offer up her time to educate those who are interested, about the local real estate market.  Learn more at RockyMountainLuxuryProperties.com

3)      Preferred Client Card – RMVR’s Preferred Client Card gives our guests exclusive discounts made available just to them at participating restaurants, spas, rental shops, adventure companies and more.  These businesses were hand-picked by our staff to be featured on the Preferred Client Card because we personally stand behind them and the services they provide. Preferred Client discounts include 30% off at the boutique at Aria Club and Spa,  a free order of hot sake with your meal at Foxnut Sushi, 15% off everything at the Marketplace on Meadow Drive, buy 3 Get 1 Free on any activity at Nova Guides, and many other smoking deals. (The preferred client card is currently only available for Vail and Beaver Creek guests). Learn more about all of the exciting offers at RMVRCard.com

4)      Trail Map – For obvious reasons, we will provide you with a trail map so you can plan your next day on the mountain, a get a feel for the mountain before you go skiing.

5)      Concierge Business Card – RMVR wants to let our guests know that we are here for them from the time they step off the plane to the time they step back on, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our concierge at any time.

Gift Baskets
Qualifying guests are welcomed into their private home or condo with a handmade gift basket!  The welcoming gift basket contain a bottle of red wine, Vail Mountain Coffee, Mountain Man Fruit and Nuts snacks, Cliff Bars, a survival kit, our Elevated Living property magazine, maps and other area information.  We all know that traveling can take its toll, which is why we love to surprise our guests with these baskets upon arrival!

 

What really makes the difference in our service here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals is our local, passionate staff.  At any given time we are just minutes away from our guests, which means we can join them for a lap on the mountain, or if something unexpected happens, we can be there to make it right.  Call one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. today to experience the difference for yourself!

 

 

 

Tonight is the first performance of the 2010 Vail International Dance Festival, debuting with world-renowned performer Savion Glover along with legendary jazz musician Eddie Palmieri.  This will be Glover’s second consecutive trip to the Vail International Dance Festival, as he performed back-to-back last year.  He is a well decorated tap dancer that can please a crowd regardless of age.  His influences date back to the Vaudeville tap era and range to recent hip-hop.

He has starred on the big screen as well as on Broadway, alongside legends such as Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr.  In fact, Gregory Hines coined Savion Glover to be “the greatest tap dancer that ever lived.”  Many may know his work in the Oscar award-winning animated film “Happy Feet”, where he was co-choreographer for the character Mumble.  Last year he managed to sell out both shows; and certainly it will happen again.

Tickets are $17 for lawn seating, $55-$75 for reserved seats, and $10 for children.  This is a great substitute for the usual Tuesday Hot Summer Nights Series.  For more information about upcoming events and lodging in the Vail Valley, please visit our website at rockymountainvacationrentals.com, or by phone at (970)477-1777.

My college roommates dropped through Vail this past weekend, which was clearly a pleasant surprise.  They quickly forced me to realize how truly fortunate I am to be living in the mountains for the summer months.  Complaining of 100 degree days in Baltimore and D.C. was the first step to this realization.  Step two was noticing that due to the lack of extreme humidity, my friend Tommy was not sweating bullets.  Step three was the presence of sunshine on a regular basis.  Step four?  All of it involves the weather.

Aside from the occasional storm that rolls through the Valley, the weather in the summer here is practically unbeatable.  A slight breeze constantly trickles through my screened in doors, brushing against my puffy blonde afro.  I cannot say how happy I am to not endure the humidity rocking the Chesapeake Bay region.  In Colorado a common motto is: “If you don’t like the weather, wait twenty minutes”.

On a typical day you can see for what seems to be an eternity, and notice nothing but ecstatic blue skies, and rays beaming off of the oddly (well, to me…) white-capped Rockies.  Within the next twenty minutes, a squall will have crept up, threatened, and gone on its merry way.

Over the weekend, we decided to head back to the Colorado River Center, where RMVR has taken several company rafting trip — connections.  During our three hour float, I must say that the sun came and went at least 20 times.  We experience heat, rain, wind, clouds, and vibrant sunshine: the full range of meteorological emotions.  The motto certainly proved true to us.  I have yet to visit Colorado in the winter, but I would imagine the weather is much the same, just a bit colder.

For more information about current conditions, summer or winter, as well as lodging deals throughout Colorado among other destinations, please contact our concierge service.  Or visit our website at http://rockymountainvacationrentals.com or call 1-888-866-2305.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are: Friendly.  Knowledgeable.  Locals.

…It’s kind of our thing.

By: Derek S. Lichtfuss

2 months ago I applied to an internship here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, without practically any knowledge of the Vail scene.  1 month ago I bought a plane ticket with a leftover gift certificate, and a little bit of help from my parents.  1 week ago it all clicked.

19 days ago I packed as much as I could into two suitcases (both under 50 lbs. to avoid the lovely airline service charge), hopped on a plane, and never looked back.  What is that old saying about time flying and having fun?  I can vouch for that…   

It finally makes sense to me that a college education isn’t just about how you did on your senior thesis, or brown nosing during office hours.  Networking is most important, especially in a tight knit society.  I learned a valuable lesson within a week of being here: ask and you shall receive.  Be bold, everyone is here for the same reason; a passionate, enjoyable lifestyle.

Vail, like most resort destinations, is not exactly cheap.  It is, however, very affordable, especially after making many of those initial contacts around town.  Working multiple jobs is NOT a bad thing.  I know it seems like a damper on your summer vacation, but plant one of your many roots in a social environment.   I currently work nights at a local hot spot, and it couldn’t be a better time.  Vailites pay homage to local joints such as the Red Lion, the George, the Tap Room, Samana, Whiskey Jack’s, Vendetta’s and so on.  Wear as many hats as possible.

Free Tuesday concerts at Ford Amphitheatre could not be a better way to get down with friends, co-workers, and complete strangers.  Vail is home to all walks of life.  Foreigners, hippies, business men, college kids, outdoor enthusiasts, musicians, artists, athletes…You name it, they’re here.  Join a social league while you’re here; I currently play kickball on Sundays.  What a perfect way to blow off some steam and enjoy the unbeatable mountain surroundings. 

I learned quickly that the Vail Valley locals are passionate about their surroundings, having fun, and being friendly.  Don’t be surprised if you wake up with a smile on your face every day, no matter how festive the night prior, or physical labor that’s on the daily schedule.  Take the opportunity to take that extra deep breath, trust me, at a mile and a half above sea level you’ll need it! 

I have been lucky enough to work with an amazing group of young, fun-loving individuals; who have been given the opportunity of a lifetime to experience the adventures that the High Rockies have to offer.  There is certainly something to be said about a company that knows how to work hard, and play equally as hard.   Opportunities to meet and greet while interning here have been endless.  I have had the ability to represent the company at multiple concierge events around town involving great people, delicious food, and free microbrews. 

Be sure to check our website for our media updates including action footage, interviews, and photographs showing the best activities this place has to offer.  It would surely be an understatement to call this a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Vail is home to the world’s highest botanical gardens. Standing at an elevation of 8,200 feet, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens has been showcasing the beauty of the Rockies since 1986. With 3,000 species of high-altitude plants from the Rocky Mountains and other regions of the world, the gardens overflow with nature’s beauty. It’s no wonder the Gardens was named the winner of 2009 Garden Excellence award by American Public Gardens Association and Horticulture Magazine.

The Gardens was founded by the Vail Alpine Garden Foundation with a mission to “inspire a passion for plants in high altitude communities through beautification, conservation, education, and research programs.” There are six different gardens: the Mountain Perennial Garden, the Mountain Meditation Garden, the Alpine Rock Garden, the Schoolhouse Garden, Alpine Tundra Garden and the Children’s Garden. Each distinct garden has unique attractions and plants. There are also a variety of programs available for guests to enjoy. Mondays and Thursdays are garden volunteer days. Children’s learn and grow programs take place Wednesdays and horticulture therapy is on Tuesdays. For a small fee, guests can participate in yoga classes in the middle of the garden Mondays and Fridays. Guided tours and art demonstrations are also available throughout the week.

More than 100,000 visitors a year come to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens to experience the flourishing and thriving bounty of Colorado. It’s open from dawn to dusk and admission is free. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to get a little closer to nature. Contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to plan your next Vail vacation 1-888-866-2305

Summer is here and so is the golf season. If you’re in search of some tee time in the Rockies, now is the best time to get started. With the early season come low rates and fewer crowds. Anyone can have the golf experience they’ve always dreamed of at a reasonable price.

The Vail Golf Club opened its 18-hole, par 71 course for the season on May 29. The 7,024 yard course is at an elevation of 8,200 feet, which means that swings will go 10 percent farther. The Vail Golf Club was ranked by Golf Digest among its “Top 100 Resort Course,” and it’s clear to see why. Located at the base of the Gore Mountain Range, stunning views of the Rockies and the White River National Forest surround the green and give golfers an experience unlike any other. Only in the Rocky Mountains can you feel on top of the world while golfing.

The Vail Golf Club’s early season specials are one of the best in the Valley. It’s $30 to walk nine holes and $45 to walk 18 holes. For golfers with carts, it’s $42 for nine holes and $64 for 18 holes. Hurry and come play before prices rise for the high season! Contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for help planning your Vail escape 1-888-866-2305

Loaded Joe’s is a local favorite. A coffeehouse by day and a cocktail lounge by night, Joe’s has been the premier chill out spot for locals since its opening in January 2004 in Avon. This place truly has something for everyone. During the day, you can relax on a comfy couch, read a book, stare out the window at the gorgeous mountains, talk with friends over coffee or simply enjoy some good food. The place is decorated like a living room, so you can unwind and feel at home. When the sun goes down, the action at Joe’s gets kicked up a notch. Live entertainment, karaoke, open mic, dancing, movie screenings and trivia contests are some of the events that happen throughout the week. A schedule of what’s happening is available.

This place is more than a coffeehouse and a bar; it’s a way of being. Go to Loaded Joe’s for some good coffee, strong cocktails, rocking music and great people. If you need any other ideas about places to go while in the Vail Valley, contact Rocky MountainVacation Rentals’ concierge service.

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!

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!

Summer in Vail keeps getting better with this year’s addition of the first annual Colorado Soul Festival, to be held August 20-22, 2010. The Soul Festival is produced by Legacy Entertainment, out of Denver. Legacy Entertainment is no stranger to the Vail Valley, due to their commitment to producing an annual women’s retreat at the Vail Cascade Resort and Spa for the last three years.
The mission of Colorado Soul Festival is to celebrate the heart of soul music with top musicians, empowerment seminars, workshops and cultural activities. The festival will feature live performances by some of the greatest Rhythm & Blues, conscious Hip Hop, alternative Rock, Blues &Soul artists from around the world. Producers estimate that the first annual festival will bring in 2,500 attendees over the span of the three day summer event.
The Soul Festival comes at a great time for Vail Valley businesses. As the summer winds down, in turn does summer business although the weather during this time of year is beautiful.  I know I’m excited to put on my dancing shoes and experience what soul music is all about!
CSA

20th Annual Taste of Vail

From Thursday April 8, 2010 until Saturday April 10, 2010

Vail is gone have its 20th food and wine festival. The annual three-day event is held at several venues throughout Vail Village. Participants at the Taste of Vail will enjoy the best wines from over 50 of the country’s most noted vintners. In addition, visitors will dine at Vail Valley’s world-class restaurants, fine wine poured by winemakers and winery owners from top wineries around the globe, participate in interactive seminars, auctions and dance. As well as going to the Colorado Lamb Cook Off, après ski tasting and the popular mountaintop picnic sensory extravaganza at the top of Vail Mountain. The event will start of on Thursday morning with Celebrities on Snow, the Belgian Beer Lunch and the 5^th Annual Colorado Lamb Cook- Off and après ski tasting. Then on Friday there will be again Celebrities on Snow, a seminar, mountain top picnic, and live auction chef showcase and at night a cigar seminar. Saturday will start off with the aphrodisiac foods army reiley, and the Josh Wesson Seminar. In the afternoon, the Taste of Vail Festival will finish   off with a Pinot Noir Speed Dating Style Seminar and the Great Tasting and Dinner Dance.
In the past years, Vail could welcome more than 5,000 people for the Taste of Vail Festival.

So mark the date- be part of the event and enjoy amazing days in Vail during the Taste of  Vail.

Click here, here and here to see some fun videos from the past Taste of Vail Events !!!

All can agree that the business climate today is unlike anything most veterans have experienced in a lifetime.  Many companies’ response to the contracting economy has been in short, downsizing, budget adjustments and streamlining of practices in order to focus on what’s going to produce the biggest ROI.

However, not everywhere is hurting.  In fact trends of the last two years pose a phenomenal growth opportunity to those with a vision and a means to act tactfully towards their vision. So when the economy gets back to the levels seen prior to late 2008 these companies are steps ahead of the competition.

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals has been an anomaly in the lodging industry, boosting noteworthy growth in sales from the previous year. Management has taken on additional talented staff, preformed extensive research and is expanding their business model.  Group Travel, RMVR’s most recent addition, was created to meet the growing needs of groups traveling to the Rocky Mountains.  More times than not, someone gets stuck being the group organizer for a trip to the mountains, without having any knowledge of the area to which they’re traveling to.  Yet they are expected by their peers to create a seamless, enjoyable experience for all.  That’s why RMVR group services team leverages their local knowledge, diverse lodging inventory and partnerships; thus allowing the group organizer to relax, while RMVR handles all the details.

With 3,700 properties in Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge/Keystone, and Aspen/Snowmass, RMVR can place groups in anything from a studio rental to a large private home.   Considering that the needs of a particular group vary based on the nature of travel, size of group and length of stay, RMVR has an advantage that hotels don’t have for groups; options. From transportation, meeting space, tours, activities and special event coordination, RMVR has the experience and resources to take care of as much or as little that is required for each client.  Groups will continually come through the Rockies year-round despite the macro economy.  We will be here every expanding and refining our skills so that our clients can rest assured knowing that we are making them look good.  Who doesn’t like that?
CSA

Families looking to plan their next vacation typically let one common denominator influence their decision on where and when to travel; price. These days it’s common for one to search Expedia or Hotels.com and take the quoted room rates at face value, book the hotel room and disregard what they have sacrificed for this booking. However, savvy vacation planners know that the buck doesn’t stop here and there are many things such as one’s health, the cost of food, privacy and the overall experience that comes into play when making a lodging decision.

Consider the trade-off of staying in a hotel room vs. renting a vacation rental from a reputed company such as Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals. For arguments sake, let’s say a family of five books lodging at a standard hotel room in Vail, CO for 5 nights at $249.00 a night. Without a proper kitchen, this family will be spending at minimum $200 a day eating out (remember we’re in Vail). So the real cost of their hotel stay is closer to $500 a day. This is a large price to pay considering the sacrifices that are being made to ones diet, only to be cramped into a small space, competing for the next spot in the bathroom. Fun.

The wise consumer, who opts to stay in a professionally managed vacation rental property, receives the benefit of a fully functional kitchen, space for each family member and uncompromising privacy for under $400 a night. One $200 trip to the grocery store and a family has enough food to enjoy home cooked meals all week long in an intimate setting. For once the primary goal of quality family time isn’t lost by crowded restaurants, temptations, and the hustle and bustle of a hotel.

Any health conscientious individual can quickly weight the consequences of eating out every meal for five days. Living well shouldn’t stop because one is on vacation; vacationers’ remorse doesn’t have to come into play once back to the “real world”.

This market is saturated with competitive pricing options for vacation lodgings. But what one can’t comprise is the how the choice of lodging is responsible for the overall experience of a destination. So my advice is weigh your options, what you want to get out of your holiday and talk to a local from Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to get you exactly where you want to be.

CSA

One big event after the other………..it never gets boring in Vail !!!!!!!

Last weekend Vail hosted the first Vail Gay Ski Week which turned out to be a huge success. People attending had a blast.  Many people from all over the country, especially the East Coast, California and the Denver area traveled to Vail and enjoyed awesome snow, parties and events the Vail Gay Ski Week team came up with. Most people showed up Thursday for the first event- the Women Wrestling in Samanas. Nobody ever imagined that women wrestling could be such fun. The 10 woman wrestler gave their best and even more… People watching were pushing each other to get the best spot in order to see the girls rolling on the floor.  Then Friday morning most went out skiing and then getting ready for the Beer Bust. The Beer Bust Friday night was the first big party. Hosted in the Donovan Pavillion in Vail, the cowboy themed party was a great party. People enjoyed drinks and dancing to DJ Sammy Jo till midnight. Saturday morning seemed kind of slow. Registration was open at 8am but most people showed up later which was related to the Beer Bust and dancing the night before ….But once up, groups of skiers and boarders went out together and enjoyed the amazing Colorado weather and snow on the slopes. After skiing most went back to the Vail Plaza to relax in the Plaza Hot Tub and enjoy some drinks to prepare for the final party Saturday night – the POPular Party.  During the Popular Party with dj guillaume the silent auction was taking place approaching final bits for its closing at midnight. The Vail Gay Ski Week team managed to get amazing prices from resorts, art galleries, sport shops, hotels…on which participants were biting on. Most people at the party took advantage of the fact that they were staying right at the party place, the Vail Plaza, so that they could party really hard and then just roll in their room once the party was done at 2am. Sunday morning was even slower than Saturday…most participants decided to relax and then simply check out and travel home with amazing memories and looking forward to Vail Gay Summer and the next Vail Gay Ski Week.

Once Vail Gay Ski Week is over Vail Village is already getting ready for the next big event, the CarniVail. In less than two weeks, February 14^th to the 21^st the next event will be hosted in the party mountain town. Bridge Street will become Bourbon Street! CarniVail starts of on Sunday 14^th up on Eagle’s Nest, located at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, with true Cajun dishes including Crawfish, Gumbo, Jambalaya, music and more! The Bud Light Fat Tuesday Parade and Street Party with Frogs Gone Fishin’ and a Float Competition is going on February 16th, and on Friday, February 19 the event will be finished up with a free concert of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe presented by Southern Comfort.

What better way to celebrate our country’s independence than watching the nation’s best atheletes compete in a little contact sport? The 37^th annual Vail Lacrosse Shootout is already underway and will continue to thrill Vail Valley residents through the 5^th of July.  The weather is perfect, the competition is fierce and the stakes are high as America’s top lacrosse players show off their talent in the Vail Shootout. Touted as one of the premier lacrosse tournaments nationwide, the Vail Shootout hosts nearly 100 men’s and women’s team from all over the United States. The best of the best—including legends Gary and Paul Gait, the Powell brothers, and two players from Syracuse’s national championship team—always jump at the opportunity to play lacrosse in one of the most beautiful settings the US has to offer.  While games will take place all day throughout the week, the men’s and women’s elite championship games will be held on July 5^th at Ford Field.  Come and enjoy the fun, and let Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals be your resource for the most affordable lodging in the valley. We offer properties for families of all sizes. Check out our website at Vailskivacations.com and come celebrate the 4^th of July with us in Vail!

The Vail Shootout is just one of the many events taking place in Vail this summer. In fact, if lacrosse doesn’t interest you, there are certainly other attractions that will suit your preferences. The Vail community also hosts a variety of music festivals and other sporting events throughout the summer. However, what we all need is a little vacation and Vail is the perfect place to relax, kick back and enjoy the Colorado Mountains.

Vail, Colorado is the perfect place to spend our country’s Independence Day!  Over 10,000 shells explode in the sky overlooking Nottingham Park in Avon, making Fourth of July in Vail the largest fireworks display in the Colorado Rockies!  Avon is just 10 minutes away from the number one ski resort in North America, so you can experience the fireworks display choreographed to local music, while also enjoying the multiple amenities that both Vail and Beaver Creek Mountains have to offer!!

Property Management companies throughout Vail Valley, Beaver Creek, and Avon are offering 20-40% off Summer Discount Specials, while others are doing a “buy 2 nights get the 3rd night free” promotion!  Call our sales agents at (970) 477 1777 TODAY to speak to one of our friendly, knowledgeable, locals and hear about the best deal out there for you and your vacation needs!

Driving to the rockies and bringing your dogs to roam freely through White River National Forest?  Don’t worry!  We have tons of pet-friendly lodging options–from right in the center of Vail Valley, Lionshead, and West Vail to Arrowhead and Bachelors Gulch in Beaver Creek!  Make this year’s 4th a leisurely, quiet escape from a hectic summer or an outdoor, adventurous, thrill-riding time with activities like white-water rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, floating, and more that can all be arranged by our world-class concierge service!

Whether you’re cruising up to Vail for a long weekend with your buddies or hoping to cook up a surprise romantic summer getaway for you and your significant other, our local sales agents at VailSkiVacations.com will know exactly how to please your every need. We’re not only experienced in the vacation planning industry, but we’re also in Vail for the same reasons you are—to enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rockies and all of the amenities that Vail has to offer—so you can trust our judgment when it comes to finding you the best kept secrets in Vail, from restaurants, to camping spots, and everything in between!

Visit our website at www.vailskivacations.com or better yet, just give us a call at (970) 477 1777 to let us plan your entire vacation from start to finish for the 4th of July!

Just a quick heads up that the Epic Pass is only on sale until November 15th, hurry and purchase this amazing deal.  The Epic Pass offers unlimited skiing to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin for an unbeatable $579.  In addition, in comparison to other season passes there are no restrictions or Blackout dates on the Epic Passs, meaning you ski whenever you want to.

Economic concerns have serious impacts on tourism, yet this doesn’t need to be the case if you plan a cost conscious plan to your vacation. In doing so you can enjoy another great trip to Vail or Beaver Creek without spending a fortune, sounds intriguing doesn’t it? Below you’ll find some appropriate tips for how to reduce your vacation’s cost while still maximizing your enjoyment.

1) Renting in larger numbers reduces the cost per person, as such renting a private home with friends and family is a great way to ensure affordable lodging. In addition, houses are often well equipped with a wide variety of amenitites and features to entertain the whole family. From hot tubs to private theaters, pinball machines to workout equipment private homes are perfect for families looking to spend some quality family time.

2) With a number of grocery stores in the Vail Valley and speciality meat/seafood stores cooking at home is not only an attractive and fun activity but very cost conscious. My recommendation for grocery stores is the City Market in West Vail, it offers great produce and has a large meat department.

3) Enjoy activities in Vail aside from skiing, though Vail and Beaver Creek are two of North America’s best mountains the Vail Valley offers a wide array of activities. Snow shoeing in the neighboring mountains is a great activity and very peaceful as you meander through serene environments, snowmobiling is a great alternative for guests looking for a more adventorous activity. Our staff can reccommend great places to do either.

Locally owned and operated VailSkiVacations.com is a great resource for planning your upcoming vacation to the Vail Valley. We provide helpful insight on the best properties and deals in town, showcasing to our valuable customers our deep knowledge of our lodging inventory to find you the perfect accommodations. Contact us at 1-877-425-8245 if you’re planning a trip or would just like to learn more about lodging in Vail or Beaver Creek.