Summer is equally as awesome as winter. May is half way over, and summer will officially begin in the mountains on Memorial Day Weekend. Be sure to come out early for the best rafting conditions, or wait until August to escape the heat around the country. Whenever you decide to come this summer, be sure to take notice of these Local’s Tips about mountain living:

1)      Wear sunscreen – It doesn’t matter what time of year, always wear sunscreen. In high altitude you get an additional 8 to 10 percent increase in sun exposure for every thousand feet at elevation you climb.  This is because there is less atmospheres to absorb the sun’s damaging rays the higher in elevation you go.

2)      Planning on rafting this summer?  98% of Colorado is currently in a drought.  That means rafting season is going to be short and sweet!  Unlike winters with heavy snowfall, last year was a doozie, which means less snow run off and a short window to get some good turns out in the river.  We recommend The Adventure Company’s full moon rafting trip they offer!

3)      Hiking?  I hope so! Typically in the summer you can expect afternoon thunderstorms, so start your hike early so that you are finished by 3:00pm before the storms roll in.

4)      Rent a bicycle.  With so much to see amidst beautiful weather, renting a bicycle is the best way to make the most of your stay in the mountains.  Local outfitters offer bicycle tours, rentals mountain biking adventures and all sorts of other ideas to explore via bicycle.  Talk to a local Destination Specialist today so we can recommend a reputable company to rent from or take a tour with.

5)      Take a ride on the Gondola!  Take a ride up the Gondola during the summer to see your favorite destinations from a bird’s eye view.  Depending on the resort you can play Frisbee golf, hike, mountain bike, go on a picnic and whatever else your heart desires.  It’s always fun to see how your favorite ski runs transform during the summer months.

5.5) Many mountain towns have a frisbee golf, or disc golf course at the top of the mountain. While taking a scenic trip on the Gondola has the same views, taking part in a game of disc golf seals the deal.

Be sure to contact one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® if you plan on visiting this summer to any of our destinations, and we can’t wait to hear from you!

Summer is our favorite time to be in the Colorado Rockies.  Call a local Destination Specialist at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals today to find out the scope on lodging and activities during your stay!

The sun sets over Steamboat on a cool spring evening

The Hot Springs were acquired by the city of Steamboat in the 1930′s, and were finally sold to a private owner in the 70′s – who developed it into what it has become today. Today it is a small and private hot spring, with multiple pools and a massage center to optimize relaxation. There are 2 large hot pools, a couple of smaller overflow pools, and a cold pool that connects with the river flowing alongside the Hot Springs. The river is all snowmelt, so it can get quite cold.

The hot springs are located alongside a stream that stays 100% cold

The Hot Springs are about 7 miles from Steamboat, and require a 4 wheel drive vehicle during November – April, but can be accessed by a 2 wheel drive vehicle during the other months. Guests also have the option of taking a shuttle from Sweet Pea Tours – who will take you “door to door” from Steamboat to the Hot Springs – Prices range from $15 – $40 for the round trip. The drive to the Hot Springs is windy and steep, but only takes about 20 minutes from Steamboat.

• If driving into town, turn right on 3rd Street, take your first right on Fish Creek Falls Road, take your second left on Amethyst Rd., and follow it until you hit a dirt road, which you then take to the end.

A unique entrance to Strawberry Park Hot Springs - combo of a cabin and a car...

The walk from the entrance down to the Hot Springs is only a couple hundred yards, but if you visit in the winter (or any time for that matter) coming fulling dressed is not a bad idea. There are public changing rooms and restrooms above the hot springs, and there is also a warming hut and tepee by the pools so that guests are able to get changed. From here, let the relaxation begin.

Along with a tepee, guests may use warming huts like this one to get dressed. The hut channels heat using water from the hot spring uphill.

After getting your suit on, start down the stairway towards the pools, cross the bridge over the river, and you’re there! There are plenty of chairs and benches on which you can put your things, or you can put them in the tepee or warming hut. The first, and main pool is the hottest. It has a direct feed from the hot spring that makes certain areas of the pool get quite hot.

A view of the hot spring pools and their source up the hill

The next pool downstream is a bit cooler (in the shade in the picture below) and is a nice change of pace if you begin overheating in the hot pool. Continue further downstream and you will go in the cold pool, which is fed by the river – which consists of snow melt. Unless you like ice baths, I strictly advise staying out of the river. It felt like a bunch of needles going in my skin. But if you happen to like the hot/cold mix, the river can be quite refreshing. There are a few other side pools, and exploring the Hot Spring area is an adventure in itself.

The steam rises off the hot springs as the sun begins to set

There are also plenty of hikes and trails in the nearby area, so remember to bring your hiking boots. The wilderness surrounding Steamboat is beautiful and the landscape is filled with Aspens and Evergreens – so also remember to bring your camera when you go out for a hike.

Looking upstream from the hot springs

We met some friends on the road to the Hot Springs

If you are visiting Steamboat this summer, I would strongly recommend reserving a day just to relax at the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Even if you live in Denver, visit Vail or Breckenridge, or even just visit Colorado, Strawberry Park is worth the trip. Here are a few details about the Park:

• Cost: Adults – $10, Teens (13-17) $5, Kids (3-12) $3 [cash only]
• Hours: Sun – Thurs (10am – 10:30 pm), Fri – Sat (10am – 12am)
•  No entry after 10:30pm, Pools cleaned 7am-10am every Thursday
• 18+ after dark
• Open year round
• No glass, alcohol, food, or smoking
• No pets

After a weekend at Strawberry Park, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated and was ready to take on the world. Sometimes you just need to get away from everything, and I found Strawberry Park to be the perfect retreat. If you are planning a vacation to Steamboat or any of our destinations, be sure to give a Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® a call today and see how we can help you plan your trip! (855)210-2469

This time, my good friend Sean agreed to make the 4.5 hour drive with me to Telluride – the most magical place in Colorado!   If you haven’t ever been, you don’t know what you’re missing.  With 100’s of hikes to be discovered amidst spectacular scenery you just can’t go wrong.  We arrived late, camped and woke up with no plans other than to take a little hike and maybe check out the Telluride Film Festival going on in town.  That “little” hike turned into a 6 hour, highly rewarding journey that I recommend to all!

Historic Telluride Sunset

One of the  unique features of Telluride is the Gondola that connects Historic Telluride and Mountain Village.    Right in the middle of the two, the Gondola allows passengers the option to get out at mid mountain (10,554ft) which is where Sean and disembarked.  Mid mountain is also home to Allred’s Restaurant, one of the most popular places to grab a drink while watching the sunset.  Having skied Telluride in the winter, I was stoked to take a walk up one of my favorite alpine trails, See Forever.  See Forever took us on a fairly steep incline passing us through numerous trail intersections and landmarks.  When we stumbled upon the Tempter House at 12,200 feet we were blown away.  This architectural wonder is nestled atop a ridge beside the famous Gold Hill and is one of the highest elevation homes in North America!  You just can’t find the privacy and views offered here at any other rental property.  That’s right you can rent this property out, just give Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals a call!

View from the Tempter House Balcony

Sean and I finally reached what we felt was the top of our journey, but then we noticed that the trail seemed to keep going so we followed it up to the Revelation Bowl (12,570ft). At the top of Revelation Bowl we paused a moment for a photo and took a second look at our trail map.   We have two options- Turn around or continue onward across the Wasatch Connection down to East Bear Creek Trail into the Town of Telluride.  The answer was an obvious choice and we continued onward! Bear Creek Trail takes you down into the lush valley along the river to Bear Creek Falls putting you in Town Park in historic Telluride.  Lucky for us we brought sunscreen and water because we didn’t reach Town Park until 4 hours after we first reached Revelation Bowl.

Sean and I at the top of Telluride's Revelation Bowl

The moral of the story is this – Get outside and explore!  When you need a place to rest your head, call on Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to find you just the comfort you’re looking for in a Telluride vacation rental.

Local Papers can be very helpful when discovering new areas, or re-discovering old ones

Not only does the local paper help you get situated with the area and learn about what’s happening in town, but you learn about all the best deals in town – the best happy hours, apre specials and dinner specials. You may find 50% off sushi one day, $2.99 steaks the next, and a sale at the local sports shop the day after that – or all of these on 1 day!

Recently, Minturn Country Club has been running their $2.99 NY Strip special – it is at night on Wednesday, April 18th this week. While this deserves a “Local’s Tip Tuesday” in itself (you get to pick your steak and grill it yourself!), I thought I would throw it into this tip. So whatever mountain town you may vacation in, check out the local paper and you will be surprised with the information you find.

I could try to answer this question all day, but in reality, all of these things combine together to make Breckenridge a unique and fun destination:

And while I could write a post on each one of these topics, today we’ll take a look at the convenient lodging.

Breckenridge has become well known for its ski in/ski out and village lodging thru conveniently located properties, friendly family services and great value. Let’s go ahead and check out 1 hotel, 1 condo and 1 home that have helped Breckenridge grow to be one of the best resorts around.

A few Skiers enjoying some Spring Skiing and Blue Skies in Breckenridge

1 (hotel). The Beaver Run Hotel, located at the base of Peak 9, is a great ski in/ski out property for families and groups who want to stay on the mountain. With the Beaver Run Super Chair and Quicksilver Super 6 chair located just outside the hotel, guests have instant access up the mountain. There is also a selection of hiking and biking trails located just outside the door, great for taking in some of the beautiful scenery of the area. Not to mention, the hotel is just minutes from down town Breckenridge, where there are plenty of shops, restaurants and boutiques to keep you busy.

The property has studio to 4 bedroom suites, with a variety of room types to match your needs. The hotel also has a full service restaurant and spa, and equipment rental is on-site. The hotel is also pet-friendly, and offers multiple pet services to make sure your dog has a great vacation too! If you want to stay on the mountain and are looking for convenient hotel accommodations, this is the place to stay.

Looking up the mountain from the Beaver Run Hotel

2 (condo). One Ski Hill Place, Breckenridge’s newest condo property, opened up last year at the base of Peak 8. This prime-time location is great during the summer and winter, as it is located right next to the gondola to town and next to 3 different chair lifts up the mountain. Also located at the base of Peak 8 is Breckenridge’s Gold Runner Coaster, a 2,500 ft coaster that weaves in and out of the trees of Breckenridge. This location simply can’t be beat, and the full spa, aquatic center and restaurants on-site ensure that you don’t even have to leave (even though your should go explore) the residences during your stay.

The property offers studio to 4 bedroom suites, and has a variety of rooms and layouts to fit your needs. Rooms either receive views up the slopes or out towards the continental divide and town of Breckenridge. As with the Beaver Run Hotel, a variety of hiking and biking trails are right outside the door, leaving all of the Breckenridge area open for exploration. This is a great property for those looking for maximum convenience and outstanding amenities.

A view up the mountain from a One Ski Hill Place deck

This cozy bedroom features a queen sized bed and looks out across the valley.

3 (home). Now for the house – 31 Riverwood Drive. 31 Riverwood Drive is located on a 1 acre lot just outside the town of Breckenridge. This magnificent 5 bedroom home has a private hot tub and home theater, not to mention the flat screen televisions and fireplaces throughout the house. Guests may take in relaxing views of the wooded surroundings and ski resort from the private decks, or prepare a feast in the gourmet kitchen. The home is conveniently located on the shuttle route and there is also a private shuttle that will provide door-to-door service in Breckenridge. For a luxurious vacation in Breckenridge, this home is the perfect fit. So bring your group or family out for a vacation to be remembered!

A great shot of the home, which is privately set in the woods,

The spacious living area has plenty of room for everyone to be comfortable

Well there are 3 of my favorite places in Breckenridge, each with their own pros and cons. Check out the map below to see where all these properties are located on the mountain.

Hopefully this gave you a better idea about how Breckenridge is laid out, and you have a bit of info about these select 3 properties. To continue your search for the perfect fit, check out our Breckenridge hotels, condos and homes, or feel free to give one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® a call today! (855)210-2469

Nine 3-bedroom units make up the Dancing Bear, each beautifully decorated with handcrafted fixtures and furnishings. Due to the well-designed layout of the Dancing Bear, each unit is located on a corner, so everyone can take in great views of the mountainous area. Another highlight of the building is the Rooftop Terrace, which gives guests a 360 degree view of Aspen and the surrounding mountains. The terrace also has 2 hot tubs, a fire pit and some cozy star-gazing chairs.

The Rooftop Terrace has some comfy furniture

Staying at the Dancing Bear, guests also have access to a state of the art work out facility, the Brexi Brasserie Restaurant, complimentary bicycles to ride around town, and a private movie theater.

The state of the art fitness center at the Dancing Bear

The Brexi Brasserie Restaurant serves traditional French cuisine, has a very knowledgeable staff and great beer and wine lists

 The Dinner, Beer and Wine menus

The private movie theather at the Dancing Bear is a great place to relax and catch a movie with family and friends

Guests who stay at the Dancing Bear also are guaranteed top-notch service. Not only will your shoes be shined and skis tuned overnight, you will be greeted each morning with your favorite newspaper and a full breakdown on the ski report (only during the winter, of course). One great thing about the Aspen / Snowmass region is that the 4 mountains are only about 15 minutes apart. And luckily, at the Dancing Bear a car will be ready to take you to any of the 4 mountains you choose. And don’t worry, all mountains are accessible with the purchase of a pass at any mountain.

The 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom units at the Dancing Bear truly separate themselves from the rest. The master suite is equipped with a steam shower and jacuzzi tub. The professional grade gourmet kitchens feature state of the art appliances and are great for cooking meals for the family. Each unit also has a fireplace, private balcony, wireless internet, and high quality audio and video systems. Rooms also feature spacious living areas and plenty of comfortable furniture for everyone.

A cozy fireplace in the Dancing Bear Residences

Gourmet kitchens are common throughout the Dancing Bear

Whatever time of year you decide to visit Aspen, Colorado, don’t forget to check out the Dancing Bear Residences when searching for lodging. Or, give one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® a call today and have them plan your next Rocky Mountain Vacation for you! (855) 210-2469

Belly Up is setup in a tiered manner, making for an outstanding concert experience.  In the far back of the venue you’ll find the bar which provides standing room and limited seating around the perimeter, a few feet lower is the VIP area, and further down is where the main dancing area is in front of the stage.  The venue is intimate (450 people at maximum capacity) allowing for an incredible light show and the opportunity to get up close and personal with your favorite artists. The sound at Belly Up Aspen is not surprising amazing so you can count on an overall stellar experience.  Get your tickets early, because this venue sells out shows fast!

Here’s a look at some of the upcoming shows happening at Belly Up Aspen.

• April 25 – Oakhurst – Album Release Party
• May 16 – Mishka * AnuhaMay 28 – Mt. Eden
• June 8 – Indigo Girls
• June 7 – Jimmie Vaughan and The Tilt-A-Whirl Band Feat. Lou
• June 13^th – The Dandy Warhols
• June 17 – Mickey Avalon

After a night of dancing you’ll want to comfy bed to come home to.  Call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals today and our Aspen local will help set you up with lodging in Aspen conveniently located close to Belly Up.

1) Swag!  Who doesn’t love free stuff?  At the Teva Mountain Games, free is pretty easy to come by.   Being a respected and well established event has its perks when it comes to attracting Sponsors. Whether is free stickers, socks, or Chipotle burritos, – there is swag to be had!  At Teva, the vendors’ line up tents throughout Vail Village, which is better known as “Gear Town”.  Gear Town attracts really cool companies who are there to educate and introduce their products to like-minded consumers.  In fact, I’ve discovered some really cool companies through Gear Town over the years!

Dirty Heads Concert at Teva 2011

2)  Free Music!
The Vail Valley Foundation never disappoints when it comes to booking amazing artists to perform for free during the event.  Last year at the Teva Mountain Games The Dirty Heads and Xavier Rudd both put on amazing shows!  Organizers haven’t released the line-up for this year’s event yet, but I’m confident that when they do, it will be something to look forward to.

3)   Amazing athletes
No matter what event you find yourself at during the Games, you’re going to have a good time.  Athletes come from around the globe to compete in kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, rafting, and much more during the Games.  There are even competitions for our little furry friends in Golden Peak.  Last year our office dog Aussie got a taste of the action in the Duck Dogs Competition.

4)      Participate!
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to engage in some friendly competition at the Teva Mountain Games.  There is a 10k, Vail Pass Marathon and Mud Run among other events that anyone can register for.  Last year me and a few girls I work with did the Mud Run and has a blast and half!

Lodging in Vail comes in a great price during the summer months.  I recommend calling one of our Destination Specialists today to learn more about the Teva Mountain Games and secure a place to stay!

The Marriott in Lionshead Village in Vail

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.

The First Chair Cafe at the Marriott in Vail

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

A crowd gathers to watch pond skimming at Spring Back to Vail

Spring Back to Vail always brings in big crowds, as people gather for great spring skiing, free concerts and the famous World Pond Skimming Championships! The activities last from Thursday, April 12 thru Sunday, April 15. And while there is a free concert Sunday afternoon at the Solaris in Vail, pond skimming is typically the event that brings skiers closure to the season. Pond skimming takes place at the Golden Peak Lake at the base of Vail Mountain, and is open to the first 75 participants who dare to register.

• The event begins at 1:30 pm and costs $75 dollars to participate -the event is free for spectators.

A brave soul attempting to pond skim at the World Championships in Vail

While pond skimming is on the last day of the event, there will be free concerts held all weekend long! Here are details on the concerts:

• Thursday, April 12 – Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – At Ford Park Amphitheater
  

- Venue opens at 7 pm  and music starts at 8 pm

• Friday, April 13 – Thievery Corportation – At Ford Pork Amphitheater

- Venue opens at 6 pm and music starts at 6:30 pm

• Saturday, April 14 – JJ Grey & Mofro – At the Solaris

- Venue opens at 6 pm and music starts at 6:30 pm

• Sunday, April 15 – Iration – At the Solaris

- Venue opens and music starts at 4 pm

Spring Back to Vail Free Concerts are great!

A shot from the top of the Ford Amphitheater in Vail

Come out this year to Vail to check out Spring Back to Vail! It takes place over closing weekend (April 12-15) and will be fun for everyone. We are also putting together a special promotion specifically for this weekend. So keep your eyes open and don’t hesitate to contact a Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® today! (855) 210-2469

The Exterior of the Grand Timber Lodge in Breckenridge

The Grand Timber Lodge offers studio, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom units, all of which have access to all of the property’s amenities and services. The studio room  features a queen bed, queen sleeper sofa and full bath. Studios also have a kitchenette with a stove top, dishwasher and refrigerator. The studio is a great fit for singles or couples, and can sleep up to 4 people.

A Studio Room at the Lodge

The 2 bedroom units at the Lodge feature a king size bed with a jetted tub and separate shower in the master suite, along with a queen size bed and a queen size sleeper sofa (sleeps 8). These 2-bedroom condos also have a full kitchen – along with a kitchenette in the 2nd bedroom – a fireplace, dining room table, private washer/dryer and a private balcony. There is also a large living area for everyone to relax. Quite the upgrade from the studio, these 2 bedroom condos are great for families and groups.

The 2nd Bedroom in a 2 bedroom residence

Finally, the Grand Timber Lodge has 3 bedroom units. These units are a bit more spacious, and feature a king bed with a jetted tub and separate shower in the master suite, a king bed and full bath in the 2nd bedroom and a queen bed and queen sleeper sofa in the 3rd bedroom (sleeps 10). The 3rd bedroom also has a kitchenette and full bath. The rooms open up to a large living room, full kitchen, dining area and private balcony. This condo also includes a washer/dryer.

The large living area and kitchen in a 3 bedroom condo

The Lodge has some great rooms to choose from, but the main reason to stay here is for the convenience. Not only is the lodge ski in ski out and walking distance from town, it also has the full service Grand Victorian Day Spa and Salon, the Lodgepole Bar and Grille Restaurant, Indoor/Outdoor pools and hot tubs, a fitness center that offers exercise classes, a small general store, a children’s playground and an arcade. Also, right in Breckenridge you have access to skiing, cross country skiing, ice skating, snow shoeing, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, ATV tours, road and mountain biking, golf, disc golf, mine tours, and historic train rides. Staying at the Grand Timber Lodge, you can really find something for everyone to do.

The indoor pool/hot tub at the Lodge

The outdoor pool/hot tub at the lodge

A view of the Lodge and Patio/ Pool

With a variety of rooms to choose from and endless amenities, the Grand Timber Lodge is the perfect choice for people who want to stay on the mountain in Breckenridge. You could literally not leave the Lodge for the duration of your stay-no matter the length, but I would recommend exploring the historic town of Breckenridge to get the full Breckenridge vacation experience.

To plan your Grand Timber Lodge vacation, Breckenridge vacation or vacation to any of our destinations, don’t hesitate to browse our site or call one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® today! (855) 210-2469

We started from Vail after work, which is about 100 miles away from Aspen. We made a pit stop at Phat Thai in Carbondale for a delicious Thai dinner before continuing on to Aspen (I recommend the Sweet Potato Fried Rice). The drive was beautiful, as we drove through a mountainous landscape with bits of snow here and there. Finally we arrived in Aspen and went over to meet up with Tyler, our Aspen Destination Specialist. After sharing a few laughs, we decided to go experience the night-life in Aspen, which it has grown quite famous for.

We started off at Eric’s Bar, right in the heart of Aspen. The bar had 3 separate areas: a dance lounge, a cigar bar and a billiards room. After shooting a few games of pool and decided to continue on to the next spot. After wandering around looking for an appealing bar, we decided to head down to Escobar.

The unique interior of Escobar, in Aspen

This place was truly unique, and the entire bar seemed to be modeled after the inside cabin of an airplane.We stayed here for a bit, until we decided to turn in for the night – we had big plans for the next day!

We wanted to fully experience the Aspen/Snowmass area, so we decided that we should ski at a couple of mountains in the area. The Aspen/Snowmass region has 4 mountains – Aspen Mountain (Ajax), Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass. When you buy a lift ticket at 1 of these mountains, you have access to all 4 of them! And since the mountains are only 8 miles apart at the furthest point, we figured we would ride Aspen Mountain in the morning and then move over to Snowmass after lunch.

Driving up to Aspen Mountain

The Gondola gets high off the Ground in Aspen!

This plan couldn’t have worked out better, as we got a half day of skiing in at each mountain. Aspen Mountain has 675 acres while Snowmass has 3,132. You could spend a full week exploring Snowmass and not get sick of it. On the other hand, in the half day we were at Aspen Mountain, we rode every lift and did almost every run on the mountain. While Aspen Mountain is much smaller, it is just off the heart of the town and has some steep and thrilling runs. But again, a pass to 1 of these mountains gives you access to all 4 of them! And since they are so close together, you can never get tired of the Aspen/Snowmass region.

Deanna at the top of Snowmass - the Cirque Bowl - 12,510 feet

It was also quite nice to experience a variety of terrain and get a few different views of the surrounding mountains. The mountains up in this region are very beautiful, and have a deep red color that really stands out (partially covered by snow right now). You get some great views from the peaks of both mountains:

The view off the back of Aspen Mountain

Me and Dee got a great view of the famous Maroon Bells off the back of Snowmass. Both Maroon peaks are 14,000+ feet.

After a great day of spring skiing and exploring the entire Aspen/Snowmass region, we stopped by Sneaky’s Tavern in Snowmass Village to grab a bite to eat before the drive home. After some delicious wings and hydration, we figured that it was time to part ways with the area and head back home to Vail – where we arrived about 2 hours later.

 

My only regret from the trip is that it did not last longer. The variety of terrain we found between Aspen Mountain and Snowmass kept us guessing, and I would love to try skiing Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk to see how their terrain compared. I am told that both the other mountains also have great views from their peaks, and I would love to get some photos of those. Hopefully I will return to Aspen soon to complete the 4 mountain tour.

 

If you would like to take a trip to Aspen/Snowmass or any of our destinations, don’t hesitate to browse our site or call one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® today! (855) 210-2469

Colorado is the sunshine state – not Florida – as Colorado receives 300+ days of sunshine a year!  Pair that up with perfect weather, very low humidity and incredible natural terrain and you’ve got yourself a glorious climate!  On the weekends I have to make a choice on how I want to spend my perfect day… Should I go hiking? On a bike ride? Rafting? Camping? Play golf? Pitch a BBQ?  – It’s a tough decision because every one of these activities is at my disposal in no more than a 20 minute drive!  Forget the malls and your television, we get outside in Colorado!

Not outdoorsy?  No big deal.  Ski towns host a multitude of special events during the summer aimed at driving tourism to these destinations.   Some of my favorite summer events are the Teva Mountain Games, Aspen Food and Wine Classic, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Vail International Dance Festival and the list goes on and on!

Trying to stay low budget?  Great news!  Lodging rates dip down significantly in the summer months.  There are deals to be had everywhere and the rooms are cheap enough to make you want to extend your stay a week longer.

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals going Ducking on the Colorado River

If you come to places like Vail, Breckenridge, Telluride or Aspen to ski and love it, I invite you to discover just how amazing these places are during the summer.  Although most locals prefer that this be kept a secret, I had to offer it up as a local’s tip, because it’s something everyone should experience.  Call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to start planning your trip today. (855) 210-2469

Here is the snow report for 3/19/2012:

Aspen (Highlands): 24 hr: 3 in, 72 hr: 3 in

Aspen Highlands got a fresh 3 inches last night, giving them some much needed snow. This should help fill in some of the dirt gaps that have been popping up lately.

• Terrain Open: 89%
• Trails Open: 101
• Lifts Open: 5
• Ski-Able Acres: 891
• Total March Snow: 13 Inches

Aspen (Ajax) : 24 hr: 3 in, 72 hr: 3 in

Aspen Mountain also got 3 inches last night, which should help the mountain stay away from “early season conditions.” Be on the lookout for more snow in the next few days.

• Terrain Open: 100%
• Trails Open: 76
• Lifts Open: 7
• Ski-Able Acres: 675
• Total March Snow: 13 Inches

Aspen (Buttermilk): 24 hr: 2 in, 72 hr: 2 in

Buttermilk got a couple new inches over night, again helping cover all the dirt and lengthen the season. No mountains have reported early closing dates this year, so you still have about a month to take your spring ski vacation.

• Terrain Open: 98%
• Trails Open: 41
• Lifts Open: 7
• Ski-Able Acres: 450
• Total March Snow: 12 Inches

Beaver Creek: 24 hr: 5 in, 72 hr: 5 in

While it has been warm in Beaver Creek the last 2 weeks, the mountain got 5 inches of fresh last night and there is more expected on the way.

• Terrain Open: 99%
• Trails Open: 148/149
• Lifts Open: 25/25
• Ski-Able Acres: 1,814
• Total March Snow: 17 Inches

Breckenridge: 24 hr: 2 in, 72 hr: 2 in

Breckenridge got a couple of new inches last night – hopefully it has not gotten blown away yet. And if you haven’t heard, as a part of the 50 Wishes Campaign, Breckenridge has extended the season by 2 weeks! So come check out some spring skiing in Breckenridge!

• Terrain Open: 99%
• Trails Open: 152/155
• Lifts Open: 31/31
• Ski-Able Acres: 2,338
• Total March Snow: 14 Inches

Copper Mountain: 24 hr: 1 in, 72 hr: 1 in

Copper Mountain got a little dusting last night, but the mountain still in “early season” shape. Watch out for rocks and dirt when skiing.

• Terrain Open: 86%
• Trails Open: 124/135
• Lifts Open: 21/22
• Ski-Able Acres: 2,121
• Total March Snow: 9 Inches

Keystone: 24 hr: 2 in, 72 hr: 2 in

Keystone got a couple inches last night, but the mountain is only about half open due to the hot weather over the last couple weeks. With less than 50% open, you’ve really got to watch out for rocks, dirt, and closed areas. Be careful out there!

• Terrain Open: 46%
• Trails Open: 86/135
• Lifts Open: 19/20
• Ski-Able Acres: 1,451
• Total March Snow: 11 Inches

Snowmass: 24 hr: 5 in, 72 hr: 5 in

With 5 inches from last night and 100% of the mountain open, Snowmass is in great shape for the spring time. I skied Snowmass last week, and was able to summit the mountain and hit some of their back-country terrain. While there were quite a few rocks, the mountain was in great shape overall.

• Terrain Open: 100%
• Trails Open: 91
• Lifts Open: 18
• Ski-Able Acres: 3,132
• Total March Snow: 15 Inches

Telluride: 24 hr: 11 in, 72 hr: 11 in

Telluride got hit with almost a foot of snow last night! While only about 80% of the mountain is open, expect some spring powder conditions. This means a little bit of heavy powder sitting on a slushier base. Telluride is a great place to visit this spring, especially with more snow on the way.

• Terrain Open: 78%
• Trails Open: 99/127
• Lifts Open: 18/18
• Ski-Able Acres: about 1,600
• Total March Snow: 20 Inches

Vail: 24 hr: 5 in, 72 hr: 5 in

Vail got 5 inches last night, which should help cover up some of the dirt you’ve been seeing lately. Now 80% of the mountain is open, but we may see some more terrain open up as the snow continues to fall.

• Terrain Open: 82%
• Trails Open: 180/193
• Lifts Open: 29/31
• Ski-Able Acres: 4,329
• Total March Snow: 14 Inches

March has kicked back into gear since last night, as snow is expected to fall throughout the Colorado Rockies thru Wednesday. While California has been getting multiple feet per night, Colorado should start to shape up for some spring powder here soon.

Telluride and Snowmass are tied for the king of March with 20 inches each this month!

Come visit us this spring for a some spring/powder skiing and  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

A few Skiers enjoying some Spring Skiing and Blue Skies in Breckenridge

Here are the details:

Breckenridge will stay open for 2 extra weekends (April 20th – 22nd & April 27th – 29th).

• The mountain will be open from 9 am – 4 pm on all 6 of these days
• Lift tickets on these days will be sold for $50 (in honor of the 50th anniversary, of course!)
• There are a variety of lodging options, most of which are also offering special deals  and offers (3rd night free, 30% off) to celebrate the end of a great season!

Call one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® today to book a nice spring weekend in Breckenridge for a great price! (877) 540-3645

While there will probably be a few spring storms that pass through and drop off some snow in the Colorado Rockies in late March and April, there is slushy snow and blue skies for now. And although skiing when there is tons of snow is great, it doesn’t get much better than skiing in t-shirts under a great blue sky.

It was another blue sky day in Aspen yesterday - I love the spring!

Spring skiing often resembles “Early Season Conditions,” so be careful out there and watch out for rocks, protruding trees, dirt gaps, and even puddles! And if you are looking to ski through the trees, be cautious because the snow is heavy and planting turns can get a little tricky. So while skiing in the spring is possibly the most fun, there can be some questionable conditions – stay safe and have fun!

Here are some mountain stats:

Aspen (Highlands): 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 0 in

• Terrain Open: 87%
• Trails Open: 99
• Lifts Open: 5
• Ski-Able Acres: 882
• Total March Snow: 10 Inches

Aspen (Ajax) : 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 0 in

• Terrain Open: 100%
• Trails Open: 77
• Lifts Open: 6
• Ski-Able Acres: 675
• Total March Snow: 10 Inches

Aspen (Buttermilk): 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 0 in

• Terrain Open: 96%
• Trails Open: 41
• Lifts Open: 7
• Ski-Able Acres: 462
• Total March Snow: 10 Inches

Beaver Creek: 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 0 in

• Terrain Open: 99%
• Trails Open: 148/149
• Lifts Open: 25/25
• Ski-Able Acres: 1,814
• Total March Snow: 12 Inches

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

• Terrain Open: 99%
• Trails Open: 152/155
• Lifts Open: 31/31
• Ski-Able Acres: 2,338
• Total March Snow: 10 Inches

Copper Mountain: 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 0 in

• Terrain Open: 94%
• Trails Open: 128/135
• Lifts Open: 21/22
• Ski-Able Acres: 2,264
• Total March Snow: 8 Inches

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

• Terrain Open: 72%
• Trails Open: 111/135
• Lifts Open: 19/20
• Ski-Able Acres: 2,282
• Total March Snow: 9 Inches

Snowmass: 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 0 in

• Terrain Open: 100%
• Trails Open: 91
• Lifts Open: 19
• Ski-Able Acres: 3,132
• Total March Snow: 15 Inches

Telluride: 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 0 in

• Terrain Open: 94%
• Trails Open: 120/127
• Lifts Open: 18/18
• Ski-Able Acres: about 1,880
• Total March Snow: 9 Inches

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

• Terrain Open: 98%
• Trails Open: 189/193
• Lifts Open: 31/31
• Ski-Able Acres: 5,164
• Total March Snow: 9 Inches

Come on out to Colorado this spring and be sure to contact one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® to help answer any questions you have about vacationing in any of our fun-filled destinations this spring. Call today! (855) 210-2469

However, on some nights you can’t see the stars. No, I am not referring to when it is cloudy at night, but rather to when there is a full moon. While I miss the stars on these nights, I love looking up at the full moon, a complete circle, as it lights up the night.

A nice view of the full moon reflecting on the water

While initially I was satisfied with just staring at it, eventually a few seasoned mountain locals let me know about a few activities you can do at night in Colorado – and these activities are especially recommended on full moon nights (for safety and sight-seeing reasons). Here are a few activities that can be done best at night under a full moon:

• Fishing
• River Rafting/Boating
• Hiking (winter and summer)
• Skiing/Snowboarding
• Biking

A few of these activities can be done right around your home (hiking, biking, maybe even fishing), but the others require a bit of effort. While I have hiked and fished a bit at night, 2 things I had never done before moving here were Full Moon Rafting and Full Moon Skiing.

If you are interested in heading up to the Colorado Mountains for stargazing, moongazing, or any other reason, check out my blogs on Full Moon Rafting and Full Moon Skiing. And don’t hesitate to contact one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® to help answer any questions you have about the Colorado Mountain sky in all of our destinations. Call today! (855) 210-2469

A luxury hotel, multiple restaurants, an 1800’s style bar, rumors of tormenting ghosts, and 130 years of history. If you are familiar with Aspen, Colorado then you will know that I am talking about the Hotel Jerome.

The historic hotel was built in the 1880’s and is still running today. The hotel has gained notice for its traditional style and welcoming atmosphere. It has been a favorite hotel among celebrities visiting Aspen, and the bars and restaurants have long been favorite hang outs for Aspen locals. Now let’s take a look at all that the Hotel Jerome has to offer:

The Historic Hotel Jerome

The hotel has a 4 different room types: Deluxe King (sleeps 2), Premier King (sleeps 2, has a Jacuzzi tub), Junior Suite (sleeps 2-4), and the One-Bedroom Suite (sleeps 2, has a Jacuzzi tub). Each room has deluxe bathrooms, luxurious bedding, plush bath robes, a flat screen television, wireless internet and a safe. While the stylish rooms and historical furnishings are reason enough to stay here, the hotel’s amenities and services really tie the Hotel Jerome experience together.

A Deluxe King Room at the Hotel Jerome

Whatever time of year you visit, it is nice to have a pool and hot tub to relax in and luckily the Hotel Jerome has a pool and two hot tubs. There is also a poolside menu to order off when you are lounging by the pool. While there is a fitness studio on site, staying at Hotel Jerome gives you complimentary access to the Aspen Club & Spa, a 77,000 square foot fitness and full treatment spa facility. The Hotel also offers complimentary valet, laundry services, twice daily housekeeping and even babysitting arrangement services. Also, the Hotel Jerome offers pet friendly lodging, so that you don’t have to leave Buster behind! Above all, the Hotel has earned fame from its bars and dining options.

J-Bar

The J-Bar has been an Aspen favorite for around 100 years now, serving a variety of beers and cocktails in an old-fashioned saloon setting. J-Bar also has a select snack menu and an all day menu. The bar is open daily from 11:30 am – 2 am.

Garden Terrace

Going by the “Garden Terrace” in the summers and “Jacob’s Corner” in the winters, this on site restaurant is devoted to serving the freshest ingredients provided by local farmers in made-from-scratch recipes. The restaurant is open for breakfast daily, and only opens for lunch and dinner in the summers. Here are the breakfast and lunch menus.

The "Garden Terrace" or "Jacob's Corner"

The Library

The Library takes guests back in time as it serves a variety of early 1900’s style cocktails, fine wines and premium liquors. The dimly lit lounge is decorated with  a variety of historical artifacts and furniture to truly make guests feel like they are in the early 1900’s. The lounge is open daily from 4 pm – 11 pm.

The Library Lounge at the Hotel Jerome

Café Jerome

The Café makes for a great stop in the morning before a day of skiing. Serving pastries and house-baked goods, the Café also takes orders from the Garden Terrace breakfast menu. Open daily at 6:30 am.

If you’re not convinced to stay at the Hotel Jerome by now, don’t forget that Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass Mountain are all within a 15 minute drive. When you can stay at a place as cool as this and get to choose from 4 different mountains each day, it’s hard to think of a reason not to visit Aspen.

Don’t hesitate to contact one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® to help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation to Aspen. Call today! (855) 210-2469

Like skiing at night! (or in the summer rafting at night!)

To celebrate this full moon during the winter, there is a gathering once a month at Loveland Pass. Ski and snowboard enthusiasts looking for a change of pace head up Loveland Pass to take shuttle runs up and down the mountain – guided by moonlight. While most use a headlamp or flashlight, one is able to ski down the pass using only the natural light of the moon and stars.

For those who don’t know, a shuttle run consists of driving up the pass, dropping off skiers, and then picking them up at the bottom of the run. When there is a large crowd, you don’t always need a driver as hitch-hiking up the pass is always an option.

Loveland Pass summits at 11,990 feet on the Continental Divide - You can see a few skiers getting ready in the background!

Last night me and a group of friends traveled over to Loveland Pass to take part in this event, which takes full form a few nights a year when the conditions are right. Last night was one of these nights, as skiers and snowboarders from all over were looking to get some full moon shredding in. It was my first time participating in the event, and it was truly amazing. There is a certain element of risk and excitement added to the riding due to low lighting, but this makes each run that much more of a thrill!

A crowd of people getting ready to ski at the top of Loveland Pass

But don’t worry! If you are not comfortable riding in the dark or if you forgot your flashlight, it is worth heading up there just for the views and good vibes. There were plenty of people last night up there just to take photos or act as chauffeurs for skiers and snowboarders. At the lower lot (where people get/give rides) there is often bonfires and people just enjoying the beauty of the night.

People keeping warm by the bonfire at Loveland Pass with a full moon in the sky

Colorado is one of the only places that such an event takes place, and it’s events and outings like these that really make Colorado a special place to visit (or live). Hopefully there will still be some snow around for April’s full moon so I can go and do this again.

If you would like to take part in events like this or find out what else Colorado has to offer, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® to help you plan your customized summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations. Call today! (855) 210-2469

Here is the snow report for 3/8/2012:

Aspen (Highlands): 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 0 in

Aspen Highlands hasn’t gotten much snow since last week, look for packed powder and warm weather conditions.

• Terrain Open: 96%
• Trails Open: 108
• Lifts Open: 5
• Ski-Able Acres: 969
• Total March Snow: 10 Inches

Aspen (Ajax) : 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 0 in

Aspen Mountain hasn’t gotten much snow in the last week, so be ready for packed powder and possibly some slushy snow.

• Terrain Open: 100%
• Trails Open: 76
• Lifts Open: 6
• Ski-Able Acres: 675
• Total March Snow: 10 Inches

Aspen (Buttermilk): 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 0 in

Buttermilk has been dry for the last week or so. However, 100% of the mountain is still open so get on up and enjoy the nice weather.

• Terrain Open: 100%
• Trails Open: 40
• Lifts Open: 7
• Ski-Able Acres: 470
• Total March Snow: 10 Inches

Beaver Creek: 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 0 in

It’s been sunny and warm in the Vail Valley the past week, leaving spring-like skiing conditions. Snow is expected to fall in the next few days, so you might need to still wear more than a t-shirt this weekend.

• Terrain Open: 99%
• Trails Open: 148/149
• Lifts Open: 25/25
• Ski-Able Acres: 1,814
• Total March Snow: 12 Inches

Breckenridge: 24 hr: 1 in, 72 hr: 1 in

Breckenridge got an inch of snow last night! This is the first mountain on the report to receive snow last night! But don’t expect powder conditions in Brecken-fridge this weekend, it has probably blown away.

• Terrain Open: 100%
• Trails Open: 155/155
• Lifts Open: 29/31
• Ski-Able Acres: 2,358
• Total March Snow: 10 Inches

Copper Mountain: 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 0 in

Despite the lack of snow in the last week, Copper Mountain has opened up 5 more trails and more than 300 new acres! Congrats to Ski Patrol in Copper for managing to open so much new terrain without the new snow.

• Terrain Open: 98%
• Trails Open: 134/135
• Lifts Open: 21/22
• Ski-Able Acres: 2,400
• Total March Snow: 8 Inches

Keystone: 24 hr: 1 in, 72 hr: 1 in

Keystone also got a new inch of snow last night! It looks like the only snow fell in Summit County last night, even if it was only an inch.

• Terrain Open: 89%
• Trails Open: 116/135
• Lifts Open: 20/20
• Ski-Able Acres: 2,810
• Total March Snow: 9 Inches

Snowmass: 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 0 in

Despite the lack of snow, Snowmass is still 100% open. Head on up to Snowmass for some spring-like skiing.

• Terrain Open: 100%
• Trails Open: 91
• Lifts Open: 19
• Ski-Able Acres: 3,132
• Total March Snow: 15 Inches

Telluride: 24 hr: 1 in, 72 hr: 1 in

Telluride also got an inch of fresh snow last night, adding them to the short list of mountains that did. Even without snow in the last week or so, Telluride has opened up almost 20 more trails, making the mountain 95% open. Way to go Telluride for getting this new terrain open!

• Terrain Open: 95%
• Trails Open: 121/127
• Lifts Open: 18/18
• Ski-Able Acres: about 1,900
• Total March Snow: 9 Inches

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

Vail hasn’t seen much snow in the last week, but there have been blue skies everyday! This spring-like skiing is always a nice way to mix things up, but hopefully we will get a few more storms before it’s all said and done.

• Terrain Open: 98%
• Trails Open: 189/193
• Lifts Open: 31/31
• Ski-Able Acres: 5,164
• Total March Snow: 9 Inches

March started off great, but has slowed down here over the last week or so. While some say I am optimistic, I believe we are being tricked into thinking it is spring and soon Mother Nature will give us some big powder days for the end of the season. Hope to see you on the slopes!

So far, Snowmass is the king of March with 15 inches in this month, Beaver Creek is close behind with 12!

Come visit us this spring for a some spring/powder skiing and  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

Traveling up and over mountain passes often increases the price of food, drink and gas. If you are planning on driving up and through the Colorado Rockies, it may be a good idea to do some grocery shopping before you leave Denver and to fill up on gas before you reach Vail Pass.

The same goes when leaving the mountains-if you have a quarter tank and you are in Vail, wait until Frisco or Silverthorne to fill up for the journey home.

Local’s Tip: “If you’re driving from Denver, fuel up in Silverthorne or Frisco to save money on gas!”

Here are prices of gas today along Interstate-70 from Denver to Avon:

1. Denver————–$3.09
2. Boulder:————$3.19
3. Idaho Springs—–$3.17
4. Georgetown——-$3.19
5. Silverthorne——-$3.19
6. Frisco—————$3.29
7. Breckenridge——$3.29
8. Vail——————-$3.69
9. Avon—————–$3.69

*Data recorded for “Regular” gas on March 6, 2012

Silverthorne or Frisco will save you $0.50 or more per gallon vs. Vail and Avon

So remember this local’s tip when driving through the mountains, and save the extra cash for a meal on the hill or for Apre Ski!

Don’t hesitate to contact our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® for more Local’s Tips and vacation planning assistance in any of our destinations. Call today! (855) 210-2469

Here is the snow report:

Aspen: 24 hr: 9 in, 72 hr: 11 in

Aspen got hit with a winter storm last night, leaving 9 inches of fresh! Get out to Aspen/Snowmass this weekend for some great skiing.

• Terrain Open: 100%
• Trails Open: 76
• Lifts Open: 6
• Ski-Able Acres: 675
• Total March Snow: 10 Inches

Beaver Creek: 24 hr: 10 in, 72 hr: 21 in

Beaver Creek received 10 inches of new snow last night – it’s a double digit powder day! With 21 inches in the last 3 days and 99% of terrain open, you have to get up to Beaver Creek this weekend.

• Terrain Open: 99%
• Trails Open: 146/149
• Lifts Open: 25/25
• Ski-Able Acres: 1,814
• Total March Snow: 12 Inches

Breckenridge: 24 hr: 6 in, 72 hr: 19 in

Breckenridge got half a foot of new snow last night, and has almost 20 inches in the last 3 days. 100% of Breckenridge is open – come out and enjoy all 2,358 acres this weekend.

• Terrain Open: 100%
• Trails Open: 155/155
• Lifts Open: 31/31
• Ski-Able Acres: 2,358
• Total March Snow: 8 Inches

Copper Mountain: 24 hr: 4 in, 72 hr: 18 in

Copper has been around 65% – 80% open recently, but with 18 inches in the last 3 days they have managed to get 95% of terrain open. Great snow conditions are ready for the weekend.

• Terrain Open: 95%
• Trails Open: 129/135
• Lifts Open: 21/22
• Ski-Able Acres: 2,036
• Total March Snow: 6 Inches

Keystone: 24 hr: 3 in, 72 hr: 10 in

Keystone has been getting some snow over the last few days, getting set up for a nice weekend. Keystone is a huge mountain with almost 3,000 acres ready to ski! Expect groomers and powder all weekend long.

• Terrain Open: 92%
• Trails Open: 121/135
• Lifts Open: 19/20
• Ski-Able Acres: 2,887
• Total March Snow: 5 Inches

Snowmass: 24 hr: 12 in, 72 hr: 17 in

Snowmass is 100% open for march with over 3,000 ski-able acres! The entire Aspen/Snowmass area has been getting pounded with snow, so make the trek up there and you will be rewarded.

• Terrain Open: 100%
• Trails Open: 92
• Lifts Open: 16
• Ski-Able Acres: 3,132
• Total March Snow: 15 Inches

Telluride: 24 hr: 5 in, 72 hr: 8 in

Telluride has been getting some snow over the last week or so, but less than most other Colorado destinations. Telluride does offer high alpine skiing that is unique to the area, so head down to Telluride for some chutes and big drops!

• Terrain Open: 80%
• Trails Open: 102/127
• Lifts Open: 18/18
• Ski-Able Acres: about 1,700
• Total March Snow: 5 Inches

Vail: 24 hr: 7 in, 72 hr: 15 in

It has been snowing in Vail consistently over the last 3 or 4 days, leaving 15 inches of snow in the last 3 days. It has been a bit windy, so some of the back bowls and Blue Sky Basin have been wind blown, but there is still plenty of powder to be had! Come up this weekend for some great skiing!

• Terrain Open: 98%
• Trails Open: 189/193
• Lifts Open: 31/31
• Ski-Able Acres: 5,164
• Total March Snow: 9 Inches

After a longer than normal February, March is finally here! March tends to be the snowiest month for the state of Colorado, so be sure to check back for terrain updates throughout the month.

So far, Snowmass is the king of March with 15 inches in the last 2 days!

Here are the results for the snowiest mountains in February:

• 1st: Breckenridge with 70 inches

• 2nd: Telluride with 66 inches

• 3rd: Vail with 66 inches

Be sure to visit the Colorado Rockies soon for some great skiing and 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

With the right timing, you can avoid lift lines, get better snow, and ski all day hassle free!

So here is a guide of When to Ski (and when to stay home)…

1)  Just in Time for the Storm – The weather channel informs you that a massive snow storm is headed for the Rockies.  My advice is to book a room with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals and dip out of town while you still can! Don’t wait for the weekend to make it happen – that’s what everyone else does.

2)  On Closing Day – Costumes, drinking, and half-clothed people skiing on the mountain is a good time.  Closing day at any resort is a party that you don’t want to miss! Even though it is crowded, closing days is often the most fun day of the year. Below is a list of when our favorite Colorado Resorts are closing for the 2011-2012 season.  Don’t forget that A-basin stays open until the snow melts each year!

• Vail: April 15, 2012
• Beaver Creek:  April 8, 2012
• Snowmass: April 15, 2012
• Aspen Mountain: April 15, Aspen Highlands: April 22, Buttermilk: April 8
• Breckenridge: April 15, 2012
• Keystone: April 8th, 2012
• Telluride: April 8th, 2012

3)  Between opening day and December 17^th (roughly and excluding Thanksgiving weekend) – This is the time for discount lodging leading up to the holidays.  As soon as December 22^nd hits, you’re paying holiday rates that are often much, much higher than normal rates.

4) During the Spring! – After March 31^st you’ll typically find cheaper lodging through the end of the ski season and beautiful days on the hill. The weather is often terrific, and sometimes there are even powder days!

When you should probably stay home…

Don't let this be you!

1)  The Day after Christmas – Enough said.

2)  New Years Day (+/- 1 day) – Surprisingly enough people still love to ski on New Years Day.  The truth is, nothing cures a hangover as quickly as some fresh mountain air blowing in your face while cruising down the mountain.

3)  President’s Day weekend – Next to Christmas, this is the busiest time of year to be in the mountains.  If you have to ski over President’s Day Weekend be sure to book your lodging early in the season and expect to pay premium prices.  If your trip can wait, then I’d recommend holding off until the holiday passes to go skiing.

Hopefully you found these local tips on when to ski and when not to ski helpful.  Rocky Mountain Vacation’s Rentals’ staff is local to each of the destinations we represent, so wherever your ski vacation may be, be sure to give Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals a call! (855) 210-2469

Here is the snow report:

Aspen: 24 hr: 10 in, 72 hr: 12 in

Aspen got slammed with powder last night, reporting 10 inches in the last 24 hours. Be sure to get to Aspen this week for powder conditions. And more snow is on the way!

• Terrain Open: 100%
• Trails Open: 76
• Lifts Open: 6
• Ski-Able Acres: 675
• Total February Snow: 62 Inches!

Beaver Creek: 24 hr: 9 in, 72 hr: 10 in

Beaver Creek got 9 inches last night, sure to be a great place to ski for the next few days. And get ready for the weekend, because more snow is expected tonight and tomorrow!

• Terrain Open: 99%
• Trails Open: 146/149
• Lifts Open: 25/25
• Ski-Able Acres: 1,797
• Total February Snow: 49 Inches

Breckenridge: 24 hr: 11 in, 72 hr: 12 in

Breckenridge got pounded with snow last night, reporting almost a foot overnight. Head up to the Imperial Bowl for some great views and great powder skiing.

• Terrain Open: 100%
• Trails Open: 154/155
• Lifts Open: 29/31
• Ski-Able Acres: 2,358
• Total February Snow: 70 Inches!

Copper Mountain: 24 hr: 12 in, 72 hr: 12 in

Copper got a foot of snow last night, adding to the list of Colorado mountains that will have powder all day today. Visit Copper for free guided tours of the mountain.

• Terrain Open: 81%
• Trails Open: 128/135
• Lifts Open: 20/22
• Ski-Able Acres: 1,989
• Total February Snow: 51 Inches

Keystone: 24 hr: 5 in, 72 hr: 5 in

Keystone got a solid 5 inches last night, putting a nice layer down for some stable powder conditions. Head to the Outback at Keystone for great tree runs and bowl skiing.

• Terrain Open: 89%
• Trails Open: 115/135
• Lifts Open: 18/20
• Ski-Able Acres: 2,799
• Total February Snow: 33 Inches

Snowmass: 24 hr: 5 in, 72 hr: 12 in

Snowmass is officially 100% open just in time for March. March tends to be the snowiest month in Colorado, so come out for a great spring ski vacation!

• Terrain Open: 100%
• Trails Open: 92
• Lifts Open: 16
• Ski-Able Acres: 3,132
• Total February Snow: 55 Inches

Telluride: 24 hr: 3 in, 72 hr: 11 in

Telluride has 3 inches from last night and 11 inches in the last 2 days. While only 80% is open today, expect more to open thru the week and be about 90% ready for skiing by the weekend.

• Terrain Open: 80%
• Trails Open: 102/127
• Lifts Open: 18/18
• Ski-Able Acres: about 1,700
• Total February Snow: 66 Inches!

Vail: 24 hr: 6 in, 72 hr: 6 in

Vail got a good 6 inches last night and the mountain is in great shape. Yesterday had no snow reported but it was snowing all day and had great powder conditions. Come ski Blue Sky Basin and you will know what I am talking about.

• Terrain Open: 98%
• Trails Open: 189/193
• Lifts Open: 31/31
• Ski-Able Acres: 5,164
• Total February Snow: 66 Inches!

Well, it looks like Breckenridge’s 11″ of new snow did the trick last night to make them the snowiest mountain in CO this month (from the mountains listed above). It’s been a great month, but lets see if March’s snowfall will top February’s!

Here are the results for February:

1st: Breckenridge with 70 inches

2nd: Telluride with 66 inches

3rd: Vail with 66 inches

Be sure to visit the Colorado Rockies soon for some great skiing and 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

Exterior of the Aspen Street Inn

Prior to my arrival I was contacted by Heather about what time I would be arriving in Telluride. Since I would be arriving late, she sent me detailed check-in instructions that made getting into our room at 11pm a breeze. When you walk into the Aspen Street Inn you feel like you’re walking into your own home in the mountains. It’s cute, quaint and welcoming. Just through the front doors there is a couch and dining area where complimentary hot breakfast is served daily. This area is a great place to relax and grab some coffee or hot tea while reading the newspaper.

Great day skiing Telluride!

The first morning, we walked outside our room into the hallway and were drawn to the dinning room by a bacon aroma. The eggs and compliments were prepared to our liking and it was just what we needed before a day of skiing the 5″ of powder Telluride would get throughout the day. One of the best things about the Aspen Street Inn is its location – 1 block from the gondola station and a short walk to any of the restaurants and shops in historic Telluride.

After an exhausting day of skiing we came back to the Aspen Street Inn to find the most amazing, doughy, hot cookies waiting for us. Additionally, they had set out cheese and crackers for guests to enjoy. The couple who manages the Inn was very friendly and always available for a conversation or to answer any questions we had. They really made you feel like a welcome guest in their home.

After a quick nap it was time to hit the hot tub. At the Aspen Street Inn there is an outdoor patio area and hot tub that was PERFECT! We enjoyed another night at the Aspen Street Inn before departing back to Vail. Each of the 17 rooms at the Inn is unique, so I look forward to going back and checking out another area of the Inn. I never thought of staying at an Inn while on vacation, but I had the best time and will definitely  return in the future. Give Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals a call today to book your room at the Aspen Street Inn or to find lodging in all of our destinations. (855)210-2469

Aspen: 24 hr: 1 in, 72 hr: 3 in

Aspen got dusted a little last night, bringing in 3 inches in the last few days. Get up to highlands bowl and you may still find some powder!

• Terrain Open: 100%
• Trails Open: 76
• Lifts Open: 6
• Ski-Able Acres: 675
• Total February Snow: 41 Inches

Beaver Creek: 24 hr: 3 in, 72 hr: 6 in

Beaver Creek got some snow last night, and now has half a foot in the last 3 days. Visit Beaver Creek if you don’t like waiting in lines and enjoy fresh cookies at the end of the day.

• Terrain Open: 99%
• Trails Open: 146/149
• Lifts Open: 25/25
• Ski-Able Acres: 1,797
• Total February Snow: 38 Inches

Breckenridge: 24 hr: 5 in, 72 hr: 14 in

Breckenridge now has over a foot in the last 3 days with 5 new inches last night. Breckenridge is a great powder mountain, so go for a hike or take the T-Bar to get fresh lines.

• Terrain Open: 100%
• Trails Open: 154/155
• Lifts Open: 31/31
• Ski-Able Acres: 2,358
• Total February Snow: 50 Inches

Copper Mountain: 24 hr: 3 in, 72 hr: 13 in

Copper may have only got 3 inches last night, but with over a foot in the last 3 days they definitely have some great powder skiing conditions.

• Terrain Open: 68%
• Trails Open: 121/135
• Lifts Open: 21/22
• Ski-Able Acres: 1,685
• Total February Snow: 35 Inches

Keystone: 24 hr: 1 in, 72 hr: 4 in

Keystone has been getting less snow than most Colorado mountains this month, but this huge mountain has great groomers and is a great resort for families with its unique “Kidtopia” at the top of the mountain.

• Terrain Open: 89%
• Trails Open: 115/135
• Lifts Open: 18/20
• Ski-Able Acres: 2,808
• Total February Snow: 27 Inches

Snowmass: 24 hr: 3 in, 72 hr: 5 in

Snowmass has steadily been getting snow throughout the month, and the 3,000+ acre mountain has tons of space for skiers to spread out and find some snow.

• Terrain Open: 95%
• Trails Open: 89
• Lifts Open: 16
• Ski-Able Acres: 3,028
• Total February Snow: 40 Inches

Telluride: 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 3 in

Telluride has been on a bit of a drought as most other mountains in Colorado have received lots of snow. Telluride is further south and in the San Juan Mountains, so it often receives different snow than the rest of the northern and north-western Rockies. Sometimes its good, sometimes not so much.

• Terrain Open: 94%
• Trails Open: 119/127
• Lifts Open: 18/18
• Ski-Able Acres: about 1,800
• Total February Snow: 53 Inches

Vail: 24 hr: 12 in, 72 hr: 26 in

Vail got another foot last night! I am starting to be a bit skeptical of their numbers over the last 2 days as there has been little or no snow in town, but there has definitely been powder on the mountain-especially in the back bowls. Maybe this is where they take their readings…

• Terrain Open: 98%
• Trails Open: 189/193
• Lifts Open: 31/31
• Ski-Able Acres: 5,164
• Total February Snow: 58 Inches

Vail takes the cake so far for most snow in February, but Telluride and Breckenridge are close behind. Be sure to check our Terrain Updates to see who gets the most snow this month!

Be sure to visit the Colorado Rockies soon for some great skiing and 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

Aspen: 24 hr: 1 in, 72 hr: 5 in

Aspen got a good amount of snow over the holiday weekend, but haven’t got very much this week. Still, 100% of terrain in Aspen is open and much of it is powder.

Beaver Creek: 24 hr: 2 in, 72 hr: 10 in

Beaver Creek has gotten 10 inches since Monday, making it a very favorable mountain for skiers and boarders alike. Venture into the Rose Bowl or search the trees at Beaver Creek and you will find some secret powder stashes.

Breckenridge: 24 hr: 7 in, 72 hr: 11 in

Breckenridge reported 7 inches of snow last night, which is sure to make the T-bar and Imperial Bowl worth your while. Don’t be afraid to hike around for a bit to find your perfect line at Breckenridge.

Copper Mountain: 24 hr: 8 in, 72 hr: 11 in

Copper is reporting 8 inches of new snow today, so be sure to make it to the top and catch a Snow Cat ride for some great powder runs.

Keystone: 24 hr: 1 in, 72 hr: 5 in

Keystone got a little bit of dust last night, but with 5 inches in the last 3 days the mountain is still reporting favorable conditions. Keystone is another mountain where you can hike for 10-15 minutes (off Outback by North and South Bowls) and be able to ski fresh lines.

Snowmass: 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 2 in

Snowmass was one of the few mountains in Colorado that did not get snow overnight. Snowmass still has 3,028 acres open to ski, and more snow is expected through the week.

Telluride: 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 12 in

Telluride also did not get snow last night, but with a foot of snow in the last 3 days, there is still powder to be had in Telluride. Head over to the chutes for a unique Telluride experience.

Vail: 24 hr: 11 in, 72 hr: 18 in

Vail has been getting lots of snow over the past week, and last night added another 11 inches. The back bowls were great today, and I was taking fresh powder turns most of the way down. The snow is still coming down, so expect more powder for the weekend!

Riding up Chair 5 into a cloud today at Vail

Be sure to visit the Colorado Rockies soon for some great skiing and 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

A Bluebird day at Kirkwood

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!

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

Aspen: 24 hr: 7 in, 72 hr: 7 in

Aspen now has a 32″ base that continues to grow. The mountain now has 100% of its terrain open with 7 chairs, 76 trails and 675 acres. Everything at Aspen is open!

Beaver Creek: 24 hr: 7 in, 72 hr: 10 in

Beaver Creek got a bunch of snow last night, bringing them to 10 inches in the last 3 days. 96% of terrain is now open with 146 trails, 25 lifts and 1,789 ski-able acres. Beaver Creek is a big mountain, meaning that there is still plenty of powder to be had!

Breckenridge: 24 hr: 2 in, 72 hr: 6 in

Breckenridge has been getting consistent snow this month, and the weekend kept this trend alive. 99% of Breckenridge is open with 152 trails, all 31 lifts and 2,339 ski-able acres for you to enjoy.

Copper Mountain: 24 hr: 1 in, 72 hr: 2 in

Copper now has 88% of their terrain open with 119 trails, 21 lifts and 1,755 ski-able acres. Its still snowing in Copper today, so don’t let these low ‘powder’ stats fool you.

Keystone: 24 hr: 2 in, 72 hr: 4 in

Keystone has been getting consistent snow over the weekend, leaving 2,809 ski-able acres, 18 lifts and 115 trails open for great Colorado skiing. *Go for a quick 10 minute hike off North Bowl or South Bowl (or take the Snow Cat) for some great back-country style riding.

Snowmass: 24 hr: 7 in, 72 hr: 7 in

Along with Aspen, Snowmass got hit with some snow last night. Powder hounds will enjoy 95% of open terrain with access to 16 lifts, 89 trails and 3,028 ski-able acres. Visit Snowmass for great ski conditions and relax for some Apre Ski at Base Mountain Village.

Steamboat: 24 hr: 27 in, 72 hr: 28 in

Steamboat takes the cake for snow in Colorado this weekend, racking up 27 inches overnight. Steamboat now has 97% of terrain open with 161 trails, 15 lifts and 2,864 ski-able acres. Get out your powder snorkel and head up to Steamboat while the fresh snow is still there.

Telluride: 24 hr: 9 in, 72 hr: 9 in

Telluride almost got double digits last night, pulling in 9 inches. The mountain now has 80% of terrain open, 18 lifts and 116 trails. So come and enjoy some great bowl and chute skiing in Telluride!

Vail: 24 hr: 4 in, 72 hr: 5 in

Vail got a decent amount of snow last night, and its still snowing today! Enjoy the new snow on 98% of terrain, 189 trails, 31 lifts and 5,164 ski-able acres. The largest resort in Colorado always seems to have secret powder stashes, so come out to take advantage of  the new snow!

Be sure to visit the Colorado Rockies soon for some great skiing and 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

Here is a quick update about whats going in the Colorado Rockies:

Aspen: 24 hr: 3 in, 72 hr: 13 in

Aspen now has a 36″ base that continues to grow. The mountain now has 100% of its terrain open with 6 chairs, 76 trails and 675 acres. Aspen is well known for its steep skiing and hike-able terrain, and now everything is open!

Beaver Creek: 24 hr: 3 in, 72 hr: 10 in

Its been snowing every night in Beaver Creek for the past few days, allowing 96% of terrain to open up with 145 trails, 25 lifts and 1,750 ski-able acres.

Breckenridge: 24 hr: 3 in, 72 hr: 10 in

Breckenridge now has a 59″ base after the recent winter storms. 99% of Breckenridge is now open and their Imperial Bowl Lift and T-Bar are now open. These both offer great ‘backcountry’ style skiing with only a short hike. 153 trails are open with 29 lifts and 2,347 ski-able acres.

Copper Mountain: 24 hr: 3 in, 72 hr: 10 in

Copper has been getting hit with snow in the past week as well, bringing the mountain a 47″ base. Copper has 65% of terrain open with 116 trails, 20 lifts and 1,642 ski-able acres. Get to Copper and take the Snowcat up to the top for some great powder runs.

Keystone: 24 hr: 2 in, 72 hr: 7 in

Keystone now has a 38″ base and 89% of terrain open. Keystone is a huge mountain, now with 2,809 ski-able acres, 18 lifts and 116 trails open for some great Colorado skiing.

Snowmass: 24 hr: 3 in, 72 hr: 13 in

Snowmass now has a 43″ base with 95% of its terrain open. With 15 lifts, 89 trails and 3,028 acres open for business, what’s keeping you from heading over to Snowmass?

Telluride: 24 hr: 2 in, 72 hr: 16 in

While Telluride only got a couple inches last night, there is plenty of powder to be had from the past week of snow. The mountain now has a 63″ base with 91% of terrain open, 18 lifts and 116 trails.

Vail: 24 hr: 4 in, 72 hr: 13 in

Vail got pounded over the weekend, and is finally starting to open all of their terrain. 98% of Vail is now open, with 189 trails, 31 lifts and 5,164 ski-able acres. Come visit the largest mountain resort in Colorado to take advantage of all this snow!

Be sure to visit the Colorado Rockies soon for some great skiing and 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

Vail Film Festival 2011

On March 1^st the Vail Film Festival will announce what films will be screened during this year’s event.  This event will be the world premier for many films, while some will have debuted at other film festivals around the globe. There will be a variety of films showing ranging from documentaries to short films to student and adventure films.  While the majority of the screenings will be shown at the host hotel The Sebastian, producers will also utilize Cine Bistro and Vail Mountain School fir screenings.  The Sebastian is a great host hotel for the Vail Film Festival due to its premier location in Vail Village and the luxurious amenities that are inherent of the property.  At the property there is Block 16 restaurant, Frost bar and lounge, Bloom Spa, a business center and a market where you can grab a snack to go.  The Sebastian Vail offers both hotel and condominium style residences to accommodate different a variety of guests.

Attendees have the option of purchasing a variety of festival passes, depending on what they want to get out of the festival.  While some might be interested in just the screenings, other attendees will take advantage of the unique opportunity to participate in panel discussions with film makers and lead actors, or mix and mingle with others in the industry at the parties and in the hospitality lounge.

Last year I had the pleasure of attending various screenings and event parties and I loved every minute of it.  I saw some incredibly memorable films and was thoroughly impressed with the Vail Film Festival.   I look forward to another great event in 2012!

If you’re coming out for the Vail Film Festival and have yet to secure your lodging, give one of our local Destination Specialists a  call at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals so they can help find you the best lodging in Vail for your Film Festival experience.

Scheduling

Snowball Music Festival will be taking place from March 2 – 4 in Avon, Colorado.  Avon is the town just outside of Beaver Creek and Down the road from Vail. The festival will be hosting a variety of shows ranging from Rock to Rap to Electronic: check out the full lineup and schedule. Snowball Music Festival will kick off on Thursday, March 1^st at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek including performances by Trampled by Turtles, Elephant Revival and Bonfire Dub ($30). The festival will continue on the next day and last throughout the weekend of March 2^nd as follows:

• Friday, March 2^nd: 1pm – 10pm

• Saturday, March 3^rd: 12pm – 10pm

• Sunday, March 4^th: 12pm – 8pm

Transportation

Avon is located just off I-70, making it a very accessible location. If you are staying up in the mountains for the weekend, Vail, Beaver Creek and Avon are all accessible and convenient. If you need transportation from the Vail Transportation Center, there is a $35 3-day shuttle pass available here. If you are more budget conscious, staying in Edwards or Eagle may be a better option. There is also the Eco Bus, that can transport you to and from the Eagle County Airport, Eagle, Edwards, Avon, Eagle Vail, Minturn, Leadville and Vail. The Eco Bus has various fares, depending on your trip.

Tickets

Tickets to the event are sold as 3-day passes. Currently, the pass is going for $159.50 right here. They have let out a few different levels of passes, so who knows if this pass will sell out or if there will be another price increase. There are also VIP tickets available today for $299.50 which includes preferred viewing areas, a tented heat lounge, full bar access and private restrooms.

Savoy's crazy light show

After Parties

Each night when the festival winds down around 10pm, the party has just begun. There are various bars/restaurants that will host parties after the festival. These parties will have live music and/or DJs performing to keep the party going. These shows often sell out fast, so keep up with these restaurants to find out when tickets are going on sale:

• Samana Lounge (Vail Village)

• Vendetta’s (Vail Village)

• Agave (Avon
  

  Head to Agave on Saturday, March 3rd @ 9pm after the Snowball Music Festival

• Loaded Joes (Avon)

Local Tips

A music festival in the mountains…in the winter…There are a few things you need to know before trekking out here to see the show.

• Stay hydrated—staying hydrated is always the key to a good time, especially when traveling to high elevation (Avon is 7,340 ft above sea level). The air is thinner up here so your body needs more water, its that simple. And if you’re drinking, it is even more important to mix in some water now and then.

• Stay warm—don’t try and be the cool kid in a t-shirt. You may ne able to get away with this if you are in the DJ tent the entirety of the festival, but it is not recommended. Temperatures will be below freezing for most of the concert, especially after the sun goes down around 5-6. Dress for winter weather and bring a hat and gloves to ensure a good time.

• Don’t sleep in the car—while sleeping in the car has been a music festival pastime, it might not be the best idea for Snowball. With temperatures in the single digits at night, sleeping in your car is neither fun nor safe, and after partying hard getting a good night’s sleep is necessary if your want to continue partying through the weekend.

Well, there is a summary of what will be going on Snowball weekend, so be sure to take note of the aforementioned tips and have fun! And if you need lodging for the Snowball Music Festival be sure to contact one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. today to see what we can do!

Aspen – Founded during the silver boom in 1879, this Colorado Ski town has solidified its’ place on the map as one of the most renowned ski destinations in the world. When I used to hear someone talk about “Aspen”, Hollywood, high-society, and world-class skiing often came to mind. While, yes, Aspen does encompass all of these things, behind the glitz and glam Aspen is a true locals’ town. Its down to earth vibe and unique mountain culture make it a place that is hard to resist for locals and visitors alike.

The Power of Four: A weekend trip simply isn’t going to do it here. At Aspen/Snowmass there are four mountains to ski! Right out of the center of town there is the Silver Queen Gondola that takes you up to Aspen Mountain, best known for its steep, black-diamond terrain. Just outside of town you have Aspen Highlands, a locals’ favorite for over 50 years. At Highlands you can hike to the summit of Highland Bowl at 12,392 feet and reap the benefits by skiing fresh powder. At Buttermilk Mountain, home to the Winter X Games, you can take it easy or challenge yourself at the park which was voted by Transworld Snowboarding Magazine Reader’s as the Best Park. Buttermilk not only hosts some of the best riders and skiers in the world, but also serves as a great mountain for beginners and families to ski due to its smooth and easy rolling trails. Fifteen minutes away is Snowmass, the mountain you can’t discover in just one day of skiing. Boasting a massive 3,132 acres of terrain, Snowmass also providers skiiers with the most vertical feet in the country (4,406 ft).

Aspen on a Powder Day - Photo Jeremy Swanson

World Class Lodging: Aspen’s lodging collection promises to inspire even the most discerning traveler. At the luxury end of the spectrum, the Dancing Bear Private Residence Club is one of a kind. The Dancing Bear blends Aspen’s sophistication into a luxurious downtown retreat, offering guests nothing but the finest resort amenities and personal service. Another favorite is the Little Nell and Residences at the Little Nell. Located slope-side on Aspen Mountain, the Little Nell collection features private condos and hotel style residences, all boasting state-of-the-art amenities in a location that can’t be beat. Aspen ski in ski out lodging and Snowmass ski in ski out lodging options are quiet impressive, spanning to offer private homes, condos and hotels to fit most budgets and all lodging desires.

Relax at the Dancing Bear Residences

Special Events: With such an incredible landscape and set-up, it’s no surprise that Aspen is host to a multitude of special events throughout the year that draw in spectators and participants from around the globe. Some of Aspen’s featured events are the Winter X Games, FOOD & WINE Classic of Aspen, and 12 Days of Aspen. However, Aspen also hosts smaller, unique events throughout that year that make for a truly special experience for visitors to Aspen. Learn more about events throughout the year in Aspen at www.AspenChamber.org.

Aspen is truly a gem in the mountains of Colorado – A place that seems to get better every time I visit and always leaves me wanting more. Learn more about Aspen lodging, skiing and special events by calling our local, Aspen Destination Specialist at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals today.

Last November, Rock Resorts opened up One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge—a ski in ski out complex located right at the base of Peak 8. I had the opportunity to stay at One Ski Hill Place last winter, and it was truly an experience. The ridiculously convenient lodge has 3 dining areas, a full spa and pool (my favorite part-complete with indoor/outdoor hot tubs, a steam room, sauna and pool), a bowling alley, private movie screening rooms, a fitness center, and access to 4 chair lifts right outside the door.

The Ski in ski out One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge

The 3 dining areas include a full service skier restaurant with a grand fireplace, the T-Bar après-ski bar with 40 beers on tap, and a Living Room Café with Slope side Views. The skier restaurant is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and makes for a great place to stop throughout the day. Each of these dining areas are unique to one another, and there is no better place for après ski than right at the base of the mountain. And to go a step further, a selection of menu options can be brought to your door from One Ski Hill Place’s room service.

The lodge is at the center of all the action—the gondola connects to the patio of the lodge, providing guests with access to and from the Town of Breckenridge. And with the ski lifts just outside the door, One Ski Hill Place is truly a ski in ski out property.

The Indoor Aquatics Center at One Ski Hill Place

One Ski Hill Place provides studio to 4 bedroom condos, offering a variety of options for any group size. The units have the option of a “slope side” view (facing the mountain) or a “Continental Divide” view (facing the Continental Divide and looking out over Breckenridge). Both options are great, it just depends on whether you would rather look up the mountain or out over the valley.

A Slope Side Patio View from One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge

With great views and maximum convenience, the new One Ski Hill Place is a terrific lodge to spend your lunch break, après ski, or your entire vacation. Everything in Breckenridge is at your fingertips from the property, so when booking lodging in Breckenridge don’t forget to mention that you would like to stay at One Ski Hill Place.

Submit a Quote Request or Call today to find out how our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals  can help you plan your summer vacation to One Ski Hill Place today!

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

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

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

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

A downhill view of The 10th (Photo: Vail.com)

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.

The delicious Heritage Chicken & Pheasant Pot Pie

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.

The French Dip at The 10th

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

The holiday in Breckenridge will start on Saturday, February 18th from 6pm – 10pm with the Bacchus Ball at the Beaver Run Resort. The Bacchus Ball is a great way to spend a Saturday night, full of New Orleans style food, music, drinking and dancing. Be sure to bring your best costume or masque to ensure a great time. The Bacchus Ball will offer a variety of dining:

• Live Crawfish boil in the Center Ballroom
• Fresh Louisiana Crawfish and Shrimp Boil, Corn, New Potatoes, Andouille Sausage
• Chicken and Sausage Gumbo with Rice
• Crawfish Etouffee with Rice
• Fried Catfish Fingers with Cajan Remoulade
• Camilla Red Beans and Rice
• Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
• Bananas Foster Station
• King Cakes

The ball tickets are $55 a piece, or $100 for couple (21+ event). Our full service concierge will take care of all ticket purchases for you!

Here is a little video showcasing the Bacchus Ball:

And now for the main event–the Mardi Gras Parade on Fat Tuesday! Fat Tuesday falls on February 21st this year, and the parade will begin at 4:30 pm on Main Street in Breckenridge. It is free to attend the parade, and will surely be a good time for all.

Celebrating Fat Tuesday! (Photo: Summit Concierge)

If you would like to participate in the parade, fill out and return this form to the mentioned address.Float space is limited, so hurry up and get on this today.

Check out our Mardi Gras lodging special, offering 25% OFF when you stay 4+ nights over the Mardi Gras weekend.

As February is one of the snowiest months in Breckenridge, the weekend of February 17th will be a great time to visit. If you decide to come out for the festival or any time of year, be sure to browse our diverse catalog of Breckenridge lodging options.

The Gant Condos in the Beautiful Rockies

The Standard units are described as comfortable and cozy condominiums at a reasonable price, while the Deluxe units offer a more luxurious feel due to the higher-end décor. Finally, the Premier units at The Gant boast fine furnishings and incomparable style.   The accommodations range from one to four bedrooms all of which include full kitchens, fireplaces, and private balconies.

Premier Living Room at The Gant

One of my favorite things about The Gant is the outdoor heated pools and hot tubs.  They are set against the mountains so you can relax in an intimate, private setting.  Also at The Gant, guests can enjoy use of the fitness facility, saunas and tennis courts.

Relax at The Gant by the pool

During your stay at The Gant you can choose to walk into the heart of Aspen, or hop on The Gant’s free shuttle that will take you into the center of town.  The customer service provided at the Gant is nothing short of exceptional and I invite to you come experience it for yourself.  Call one of our Destination Specialists today to reserve your stay at The Gant in beautiful Aspen, Colorado.

Aspen: 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 14 in

Aspen got hit hard by the recent storm, reporting 26″ inches in the last week. Aspen Mountain now has 97% of its terrain open, providing access to some of the best skiing in Colorado. Also, the X-Games are in Aspen this weekend, so be sure to check it out!

Beaver Creek: 24 hr: 5 in, 72 hr: 15 in

Beaver Creek has seen some steady snowfall in the past 2 weeks, giving it a 29″ inch base, and the mountain is expecting to get hit hard by the incoming storm. 83% of the mountain is open, with all 25 lifts running and 1,500+ acres of ski-able terrain.

Breckenridge: 24 hr: 4 in, 72 hr: 17 in

Breckenridge also got hit by the storm this past weekend, allowing them to open 73% of terrain and 30/31 lifts. With a 48″ inch base and snow likely over the next few days, Breckenridge will definitely have great skiing all week long. Also, with the recent opening of the T-Bar, there is plenty of powder to be had.

Copper Mountain: 24 hr: 4 in, 72 hr: 15 in

Copper Mountain had a rough weekend, with a power outage on Sunday before 12 pm that lasted for a few hours. On the bright side of things, Copper has gotten over a foot of snow in the last 3 days, and with 70% and almost 1,000 acres of terrain open, there are fresh tracks available at the resort.

Keystone: 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 9 in

With over a foot of snow in the last week, Keystone is in great shape. While only 17/20 lifts are open, there is still about 1,400 acres of ski-able terrain open. Search hard enough, and you’ll be able to find some secret powder stashes.

Telluride: 24 hr: 4 in, 72 hr: 20 in

Telluride got hit hard on Saturday evening, leaving the resort with 16″ inches of powder on Sunday morning. Telluride has 17/18 lifts open, ensuring that everyone who visited over the weekend got some powder runs. More snow is on the way, so be sure to add Telluride to your list of ski resorts to visit this winter.

Vail: 24 hr: 5 in, 72 hr: 16 in

Vail had a big weekend, as they opened the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin. Chair 5 was also opened up, which is always a turning point in the season at Vail. I was lucky enough to ski Vail over the weekend, and I must say it was fabulous. I was getting fresh powder each run down the mountain. While only about half of Vail acreage is available for skiing, they still have 2,325 acres open, the most of any resort in Colorado.

Be sure to visit the Colorado Rockies soon and 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

The Private hot tub at the ski in ski out home

This 7 bedroom, 7.5 bath ski-in/ski-out residence is stunning from the outside, but it’s the interior that will really blow you away.  Rich mahogany wood and stone archways are utilized throughout the home, giving it a modern feel with elegant taste.  In fact, “luxurious,” is the best way to sum up every detail of 917 Bachelor Ridge Road.  In the family room you’ll find a home theater opening up to the billiards room.  Here you can play a game, catch a flick, or mix up a cocktail at the wet bar.  Right outside the family room is a patio where you will find your private hot tub built into the rocks, offering a view of the Gore Range like no other.

The Billiard Room

The residence features 7 bedrooms, sleeping a total of 20 guests, making this the perfect home for a large group or family traveling together.  Guests can enjoy time together at the private outdoor swimming pool, or have a pizza party by utilizing the wood burning pizza oven.  For those who need to get some work done, they will appreciate the home office at the residence.

The Spacious Great Room

Upstairs, in the Great Room, you can find a place to relax on one of the many luxurious furnishings placed throughout the room.  Just outside, on the wrap-around patio, you can’t help but smile at the views of the Gore Range in front of you.    When it’s time to get out there and play, simply ski down to the Bachelor Gulch Chairlift!  From here you can spend the day exploring Beaver Creek, knowing that when you come home exhausted, the hot tub, steam room and sauna await you!

917 Bachelor Ridge Road is one of the most beautiful ski-in/ski-out access homes in Beaver Creek.  It will truly delight anyone who is fortunate enough to call it home for a few days. Call one of our Destination Specialists today to learn more and plan your vacation to Beaver Creek or any one of our other fun filled Destinations.

Here is a quick update about whats going in the Colorado Rockies:

Aspen: 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 3 in

The 4 mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass region have had a good mix of snow this year. Aspen Mountain has a 20″ inch base, and Aspen Highlands has a 40″ inch base. Aspen is supposed to get hit hard by the incoming storm, predicting 15″-20″ inches over Saturday and Sunday. Also, the X-Games are in Aspen next week, so be sure to check it out!

Beaver Creek: 24 hr: 1 in, 72 hr: 3 in [Predicted between Jan 20 - 23 : 15"-25" inches]

Beaver Creek has seen some steady snowfall in the past 2 weeks, giving it a 29″ inch base, and the mountain is expecting to get hit hard by the incoming storm. 83% of the mountain is open, with all 25 lifts running and 1,500+ acres of ski-able terrain.

Breckenridge: 24 hr: 3 in, 72 hr: 9 in [Predicted between Jan 20 - 23 : 16"-27" inches]

Breckenridge has gotten more snow in the past few days than most mountains in the area, bringing it to a 39″ inch base. With 9″ inches in the last 3 days and more on the way, Breckenridge is going to have great skiing in the coming days. Breckenridge also just opened Chair 6 and their infamous T-Bar, so be sure to check out Breckenridge soon for some great skiing.

Copper Mountain: 24 hr: 1 in, 72 hr: 9 in

Copper Mountain also got hit pretty hard in the past few days, but keep an eye out for more snow on the way. Copper has a 32″ inch base with 17 lifts and 83 trails open, and look out for Snow Cat shuttle services to start in the coming week.

Keystone: 24 hr: 2 in, 72 hr: 4 in [Predicted between Jan 20 - 23 : 12"-23" inches]

Keystone has a 27″ inch base, 18/20 lifts open, and over 1,300 acres of ski-able terrain. With the coming storm, guests should expect more hike-able terrain and more Snow Cat shuttles.

Telluride: 24 hr: 0 in, 72 hr: 0 in

Telluride opened Gold Hill Chute 1 yesterday, a big step for the ski resort. Tellluride has a 36″ inch base and should receive some good snow in the next week of stormy weather.

Vail: 24 hr: 1 in, 72 hr: 2in [Predicted between Jan 20 - 23 : 15"-26" inches]

Vail officially has parts of the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin open, but there is limited access. Vail has a 27″ inch base and 26/31 lifts open. The Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin should continue to open more terrain with more snowfall, so there should be more terrain open in the next week or so.

Check out the upcoming winter storm, and be sure to visit the Colorado Rockies soon and 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! (970) 477-1777

Thursday: Sun Up Bowl and China Bowl will open with Chair 17 (Sun Up Lift) and Chair 21 (Orient Express Lift) will open, with access to Yonder side of 17, Poppyfields, Shangri Li and Chop Stix

Friday: Blue Sky Basin will open with Chair 37 (Skyline Express Lift) and Chair 39 (Pete’s Express Lift) will open with access to Big Rock Park and other areas under Chair 39.

Get out there and enjoy the snow!

Aspen/Snowmass- 24hr: 14 in  72hr: 17 in

Aspen/Snowmass has been getting more snow that other Colorado ski areas this winter, so expect them to be opening more of their advanced terrain in the coming weeks.

Beaver Creek- 24hr: 9 in  72hr: 9 in

Beaver Creek has seen spurts of snow this year, providing about 80% of their terrain available to skiers and snowboarders. If the storm continues to drop snow, expect the 80% to increase to upwards of 90% in the next week or so.

Breckenridge- 24hr: 5 in  72hr: 5in

Breckenridge and all of Summit County have been struggling with a lack of snow this season, but they got hit in the storm too! With only 51% of their terrain open, Breckenridge has much room for expansion. In the next couple weeks, guests should start to see Breckenridge’s more advanced and hike-able terrain open.

Copper Mountain- 24hr: 4 in  72hr: 4 in

Copper Mountain is a unique mountain in that sometimes it catches the storm, and sometimes it misses it…and sometimes it gets snow when no one else does. Copper got a little snow yesterday, but they also have had more in the past couple weeks than other resorts in the area. Again, in the next few weeks look for the advanced terrain and upper bowls to start opening up.

Crested Butte- 24hr: 12 in  72hr: 15 in

Crested Butte got tons of snow last night and in the last 3 days! While there isn’t a desired base in Crested Butte yet, this new snow should be ski-able and hopefully help pack the base needed for the season.

Keystone- 24hr: 4 in  72hr: 4 in

Keystone, another Summit County mountain, hasn’t seen the snowfall it would like this year. However, the new snow is sure to help develop some dry areas, and hopefully cat runs and hike-able terrain will be open by the end of the month.

Telluride- 24hr: 8 in  72hr: 10 in

Telluride also got plenty of snow last night, and they have done a great job keeping trails open throughout the season. This new snow should help put a base down for the chutes, which could open in the coming weeks.

Vail- 24hr: 10 in  72hr: 10 in

Vail got hit big last night, which is much needed for the large mountain. Its back bowls, along with Blue Sky Basin, have been yearning for snow all season, and now it is coming. By next week we should start to see Chair 17 or Chair 5 open up.

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! (970) 477-1777

Good decisions make for good memories!

See the bottom of the page for the full lineup!

1)  After Parties - Trust me, you want to purchase tickets to the late night events (if you’re 21+).  The Town of Avon requires that the music stops sometime around 10pm (can’t recall the exact time) and by the time the festival ends, the party is just getting started..  The official after parties are being held at Samana and Vendetta’s (both in Vail Village) and at Agave and Loaded Joe’s (both in Avon) and they will SELL OUT Fast!  Purchase tickets in advance, and even if you decide not to go, you’ll be able to sell them easily.  I recommend trying to see a show at Agave, because you can walk there from the Festival and in my opinion, it is Vail’s best indoor concert venue.  The best thing about the after parties is they allow you to see and hang out with some of your favorite SnowBall artists in an intimate, warm setting.

My good friends and I at SnowBall Music Festival 2011

2)  Don’t dress to impress; dress to stay warm! – Last year I couldn’t believe that some people thought lack of clothing was a good idea.  The SnowBall not only takes place at 7,400 feet, but it’s also outside in the middle of winter, so dress for it!  I wouldn’t consider going to Snowball without my snow pants, a jacket, beanie, thick socks, warm boots and a good pair of gloves.  There isn’t anywhere you can go to warm up while the show is going on, so come prepared so you can enjoy yourself and dance, dance, dance.

3)  Wondering where to sleep? Your car is NOT the answer -  You’ll freeze.  If you’re looking to save money I recommend checking out hotels in Eagle. Eagle is only a 30 minute drive from Avon and offers very affordable lodging.  I recommend the Silverleaf Suites for a great stay at an awesome price.  Better yet the Eco bus runs a regular service from Eagle to Vail and is only $4 each way.  Learn more about the Vail Valley Transit system.

4)  Don’t Drive -  If there is a way to get to the Snowball that doesn’t require your car, go for it.  Traffic is a nightmare, as is parking.  Do yourself a favor and hop on the Turtle Bus Bar, or have a friend drop you off at the show.  The less traffic, cars and drunk driving, the better the experience will be for all.

5)  Explore!  Check out Beaver Creek and Vail while you’re in town.   From the festival you can hop one of Beaver Creek’s free buses to take you up into BC Village.  Both Beaver Creek and Vail are world class resorts for a reason!  Once you see, or even better, once you ski these resorts you will want to plan a trip to come back for them.

6)  Most importantly – Show RESPECT and have fun!  We’re so fortunate to have this event in the Vail Valley and it takes all of us working together to keep it here.  Respect all those around you, the Town of Avon and the people bringing you the music.  Amen.

The Snowball Music Festival will be one of the most memorable things you do this winter, so do it right.  Call one of our local Destination Specialists today [(970)477-1777] to learn more about lodging options in Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek and Eagle.

The full lineup of bands and DJs that will be at the 2012 Snowball Music Festival in Avon, Colorado (schedule here)

• A. Tom Collins
• Afroman
• At Dawn We Rage
• Bag Raiders
• Bassnectar
• Beats Antique
• Big Boi
• Big Freedia
• Boneless
• Boombox
• boyhollow
• Break Science ft. Chali 2na (of Jurassic 5)
• Cassian
• Cherub
• Crushendo (formerly Slim Thugz)
• Dada Life
• Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
• DallasK
• Deer Tick
• Digital Connection
• Dillon Francis
• DJ Skywalkerr
• DubSkin
• Elephant Revival
• Eminence Ensemble
• Figure
• Flashlights
• Gardens & Villa
• Gauntlet Hair
• Ghostland Observatory
• Gosteffects
• Gramatik
• GRiZ
• Helicopter Showdown
• Hollagramz
• Kinetix
• Los Amigos Invisibles
• Major Lazer
• ManCub
• MartyParty
• MiMOSA
• My Goodness
• Nathaniel Rateliff
• NiT GriT
• Paul Basic
• Pierce Fulton
• Plastic Plates
• Rusko
• Sauna
• Small Black
• Snoop Dogg
• Soul Clap
• Stephan Jacobs
• Sub.mission Dubstep
• SunSquabi
• SuperVision
• The Acidophiles
• The Drunken Hearts
• The Head and the Heart
• The Kooks
• The Lumineers
• The Magic Beans
• The Motet
• THiCK CHiCK [LiVE]
• Thundercat
• Tommy Michael
• Trampled by Turtles
• Tribes
• TV on the Radio
• Two Fresh
• Unknown Mortal Orchestra
• Wolf + Lamb

So come out and visit the Vail Valley from March 2-4, and enjoy a great weekend in the mountains!

Lovely, Modern Bedroom at Lionshead Centre in Vail

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!

A spacious Lionshead Centre living room looking over Vail

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!?

Lionshead Centre viewed from

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

1)  Cabin on the Ridge

Ski in and ski out of the luxurious Cabin on the Ridge in Telluride

Cabin on the Ridge is a ski in ski out home in Telluride, Colorado that is located just off the slopes of Milk Run at the top of the Free Gondola. This luxurious property is one of the most remarkable properties in Telluride, and can only be accessed by the Gondola (runs 7am-12am). The home is right by San Sophia Gondola Station and Allred’s Restaurant, giving guests access to both the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village. Enjoy relaxing on the private deck, in the spacious living area or in 1 of 4 oxygenated bedrooms. The exclusive Ridge Club is a few steps away, providing access to workout facilities, pools and hot tubs. As this is one of the best properties in Telluride, I may have come on to strong by listing it 1^st, so let’s look at some other options….

2)  Mountain Lodge

Ski in Ski out to the pool and hot tub at the Mountain Lodge in Telluride

The ski in ski out Mountain Lodge in Telluride is located right on the slopes and just next to the Free Gondola, providing transport to the Town of Telluride and Station Village Parking. The Lodge has units from 1 to 6 bedrooms, with private decks, grills, fireplaces, full kitchens and daily housekeeping. The Lodge has a hot tub, pool and fitness center, making your ski vacation as convenient as can be. While having a car is opportune and the Lodge has underground parking, you can get around completely by Gondola, taking scenic rides through the mountains on the way to/from the Town of Telluride. The variety of lodging and great location of the Mountain Lodge in Telluride makes for an ideal ski in ski out vacation.
3)  The Lumiere

Great views of the mountains at the ski in ski out Lumiere Hotel

Now that we have listed a ski in ski out home and lodge, it is fitting to throw a ski in ski out hotel in the Top 3: The Lumiere. The Lumiere Hotel is located just off Mountain Village Boulevard in Mountain Village, Telluride. The Hotel has 1 – 3 bedroom residences and 2 – 4 bedroom penthouse suites. The Lumiere has a long list of “reasons to stay,” including a pool, hot tub, outdoor patio with fireplaces,  sauna, fitness center, free wi-fi, ski valet and ski storage, massage services, a ski and snowboard rental shop on site, a bar with fresh sushi and specialty cocktails, and the list goes on….

The rooms are all wonderfully decorated and offer great views of Mountain Village and the San Sophia Mountains. Telluride is truly a beautiful destination, and the region is highlighted in its entirety by the ski in ski out Lumiere Hotel.

If you are unfamiliar with Telluride, check out the map.

So there is a House, a Hotel and some Condominiums to choose from when searching for ski in ski out lodging in Telluride, and if you couldn’t find something that tickles your fancy, check out our Comprehensive List of ski in ski out lodging in Telluride. Or, 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) 399-0152

We went ahead and selected 3 of the best ski in ski out properties in Snowmass, so check them out and let us know what you think! If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, check out our full list of Snowmass ski in ski outs, or call a Friendly, Knowledgable Local today (888) 818-9815.

1. Woodrun Place

Ski in ski out from Woodrun Place

The Woodrun Place condos and residences have ski in ski out access to Fanny Hill in Snowmass. These luxurious condos and residences do a great job combining luxury, comfort and convenience all into one fabulous vacation. The 1 to 4 bedroom units have access to the sauna, heated pool and fitness center. There is also a ski and snowboard repair shop on site, so if your equipment malfunctions you don’t have to go far! The units have spacious living areas warmed by a fireplace and full kitchens, great for singles, couples and families alike.

2. Shadowbrook Condos

Ski in to the pool and hot tub at the end of the day!

Enjoy maximum relaxation and comfort at the ski in ski out Shadowbrook Condos. Right next to the slope, this property has a pool and hot tub that you can ski right up to! The property also has a ski locker room, covered parking and gas grills. The 2 to 4 bedroom units have private decks, fireplaces, free internet and daily housekeeping. These stylish and comfortable condos are great for families, and are in close proximity to Snowmass Base Village, keeping endless dining, shopping and activities minutes away.

3. Chamonix

The Chamonix in Snowmass

These ski in ski out Chamonix Condos are just off Assay Hill in Snowmass and provide great access to the mountain and the Snowmass Village. Guests are invited to take a dip in the pool or hot tub, or relax on the private balconies overlooking Snowmass. These spacious 2 to 3 bedroom condos are warmed by a fireplace and have full kitchens, internet access and covered parking. Come check out the Chamonix condos for a great vacation in a great location!

I hope this Top 3 list was helpful for those looking to “ski in ski out” in Snowmass. If ski in ski out is lower on the priority list, view our complete selection of homes, condos and hotels in Snowmass. Find out more about how our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals can help you book your dream ski vacation today!

When you’re from out of town and up on the mountain, you may hear some terms get thrown around that sound a bit foreign. This ski term dictionary will help you get familiar with the terms before you visit. Keep in mind that these definitions were crafted based on the opinion of one, slightly biased person and are meant to be taken with a grain of sarcasm. Enjoy!

• Gaper day— A group ski day noted by skiers sporting unique, tightly fitted neon styles from head to toe.  The most popular style is a onesie, brought together by fanny packs and boom boxes bumping hits from the 80′s, which is often times very distracting to others on the mountain.

• Ducking the rope— Frowned upon at ski resorts, ducking the rope is often referred to a risk skiers take to find untracked terrain and powder stashes when going outside of ski resort area boundaries.  Ducking the rope can cause one to lose their skiing privileges by getting their pass clipped, getting lost, or even gettin caught in an avalanche. My advice is to stay inside the ropes, because once you’ve crossed over, you are no longer in the safe zone…
• Getting Your Pass “Clipped”— This refers to getting your pass removed by ski patrol and possibly resulting in fines and penalties. This happens when you duck the ropes or hesitate to follow all rules laid out by the ski resort.

• Après ski— Meaning “after ski” in French, après ski is typically a time between 3-6 pm when skiers enjoy drinks, food and live music at local bars and restaurants. Après ski is like a little reward for your body’s hard work on the mountain that day (or at least that’s what I like to tell myself).

•  The Beav’ — Also known as Beaver Creek, locals call it The Beav’ because it mainly just sounds cooler.

• Breckenfridge— The term Breckenfridge or “The Fridge” refers to Breckenridge, which is often cold and windy, so be sure to dress warm!

• Ski-in/ski-out—A property advertised as ski-in/ski-out means that somewhere on your property you can ski into the ski run, down to the chair-lift, and ski back into your property at the end of the day without having to hassle with taking a shuttle or walking to the runs. Ski-in/ski-out gives one “baller status”.

• Ski-in/Ski-out Access— Often confused with ski-in/ski-out, ski-in/ski-out access means that you have to WALK to the run, strap in and then you can ski.  It is likely that you’ll have to ski to the same place where you strapped in at the beginning of the day, unstrap, and then walk back to your rental property.  Ski-in/ski-out access means you will be WALKING, however it is typically a 100 yards or less; which most people can handle.

• Shredding the Gnar— Although loosely used, shredding the gnar simply means- own it.  The word “gnar” is used to make something gnarly or cool.  It could be the terrain, the powder, the surf; but whatever, “Just shred the gnar, dude!”

• Pow Day – The BEST mornings are Pow Mornings. This is when you wake up to tons of fresh snow (8+ inches) and get out of bed super fast so that you can get first chair up the mountain! On a Pow Day, everyone is getting fresh tracks, surfing through the snow, and loving every minute of it. There’s nothing like an epic Pow Day. Nothing.

• First Chair— Getting first chair is a highly held honor on the mountain. This means you are the first one in line at the lift, the first one up the mountain, and the first one down. Everyone will look in envy as you cruise down the mountain below them for the first run of the day. This typically takes getting to the lift 30-45 minutes before the lift opens, and is highly valued on Pow Days.

• Dust on crust – This is a day when people get overly excited about a few fresh inches of snow (less than 5 inches).  They rush to get to the mountain, but are quickly disappointed when they realize that the new snow only provides a dusty cover to the ice crunching beneath them. Dust on crust is not a favorable condition, and often gets tracked out fast.

• Liftie – The friendly person making sure you get on and off the chair lift, and the one who stops the lift when you are less than successful…  Liftie’s often have the reputation of being uneducated ski bums, but in reality they just LOVE to ski and make that a priority in their life.

1. Northwoods Condominiums

The Family Room at Northwoods

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

The Full Kitchen and Dining Area

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

The Arrabelle in Lionshead

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!