This year (well, technically next year in 2012) will mark Aspen Gay Ski Week’s 35^th anniversary of hosting the event. Running from January 15-22 in beautiful Aspen, Colorado, this GLBT friendly event is expected to be a blast as always. They are pulling out the stops this year for the anniversary, and will be celebrating the best of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s by hosting decade themed parties throughout the week. And remember to bring your best and/or most outlandish outfits because there will be prizes given away at the decade themed parties throughout the week! These parties are not the only thing going on for Aspen Gay Ski Week—there is an opening cocktail reception, a pool party, après ski parties, a Downhill Costume Parade and a comedy show.

Here’s some footage from last year’s Downhill Costume Parade (from PlumTV):

Participants are able to purchase a single pass (the Patron Pass) for $750 that will not only include admission to the aforementioned events and activities, but also VIP access to all of the events, a 1 day lift ticket, and a week long pass to the Aspen Club & Spa. Be sure to take advantage of this pass—unpackaged it costs $1025. Also, the ticket price includes a charitable donation to The Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund (RFGLCF), so you can SAVE BIG while knowing that you also made a donation to charity. There are various other passes available as well, and you can also buy tickets to each individual event at the door. Here is a schedule of events to take place during the week:

Sunday

• Hospitality Suite  – 8 am
• Apres Ski Hot Tub Parties @Limelight Lodge – 3 pm
• Friendship Dinner @Ellina – 6 pm
• Opening Party @Baldwin Gallery – 9 pm
• Late Night @Escobar- 11:58 pm

Monday

• Friendship Dinner @L’Hostaria – 6 pm
• Film “3″ @Wheeler Opera House- 8:15 pm
• Late Night: 70s Glow Party @Hunter Bar – 10 pm

Tuesday

• Friendship Dinner @St. Regis – 6 pm
• Film “Going Down in La-La Land” @Wheeler Opera House – 7:15 pm
• Late Night: 80s Prom @Escobar – 10 pm

Wednesday

• Aspen Club & Spa Day – 8 am
• Friendship Dinner @Elevation – 6 pm
• Boutique Night – 6:30 pm
• Late Night @Caribou Club – 10 pm

Thursday

• Friendship Dinner @Gisella – 6 pm
• Play Reading “Unmarried in America” @Wheeler Opera House – 7 pm
• Comedy Night: Demented Divas @Belly Up – 9 pm
• Late Night @Belly Up – 9 pm

Friday

• Downhill Costume Parade & Contest @ Aspen Mountain – 12 pm
• Friendship Dinner @Cache Cache – 6 pm
• Late Night: Studio 2054 Party @Sundeck – 9 pm

Saturday

• Friendship Dinner @Brexi – 6 pm
• Weekend Pool Party @Aspen Recreation Center – 9 pm

 

The Limelight Lodge is the official sponsor of Aspen Gay Ski Week, so this will definitely be where it’s happening. This stylish lodge is located right in the town of aspen and has a pool and hot-tub, free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and complimentary breakfast, among other things. Also, the lodge is pet friendly! So be sure to bring your dog along for a great week in Aspen. This property is booking fast, however, so be sure to check out some of our other lodging options just in case.

 

Aspen Gay Ski week is the GLBT travel event of the winter, so be sure to come check it out! Find out more about how our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^®  at  Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals can help you book the perfect Aspen Gay Ski Week vacation!

 

Unique hardly describes the stunning Castlewood residence in Telluride.  Castlewood is Telluride’s finest private home marveling 17,300 square feet of indoor living space. And that’s just the beginning…

I challenge you to find anything quite like the estate, which includes

• Amazing hot springs that are built into the residence.  As the story goes, the hot springs were discovered many years ago and were enclosed within the guest house, left mostly in their “natural state” with exposed rock, waterfalls, and two tubs to soak in.
• Exterior hot tub outside of the 2-story master suite.
• History. Constructed to appear nearly 200 years old, you’ll find rich patina on every surface throughout the estate.
• A Murphy bed in the wine cellar tasting room!
• 3 twin beds in the observatory tower (yes there is an observatory tower)
• 4 washers and dryers
• 10 bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms, 6 steam showers and room to sleep 35 people!
• 3 interconnected but separate living quarters
• A theater – you have never seen a home theater like this!

Now imagine your perfect day of skiing…Got it? Castlewood is bound to offer all you can dream of and more. You will wake to sun rising over the San Juan mountain range outside your bedroom window, and be greeted soon after waking by a steam shower. Follow it up with a cup of Joe in the stunning gourmet kitchen (one of 3 full kitchens available to our guests).  Once you’re ready for the slopes, head over to the guest house to warm your boots and gloves prior to hopping on your skis and skiing down Double Cabins Ski Run. Ski. Ski. Ski.

Once you’ve exhausted your muscles covering all of Telluride’s diverse terrain, ski home for lunch, perhaps prepared by a private chef.  After your meal, why not opt for a private in-home massage in the guest house’s Spa room.  It already has massage tables set up, and even includes a incredible mechanical massage table for those impromptu massages! Then get out there and ski some more—you will have plenty of time to relax in luxury when you return home where the Castlewood Hot Springs await your return!

This magnificent room features a main hot spring pool and a separate hydro full-body massage tub, sauna and steam bath. While all of this is very tantalizing, what really tops off this room is the ice cold beer available from one of five taps in the room, filled with your favorite beer.

 

Once your body is rejuvenated, go ahead and challenge someone to a game of billiards in the game room or dance to your favorite tunes on the surround sound speaker system. After having some fun, there is nothing like a big meal in the Great Room where you’re surrounded by antique woods and fine furnishings.

With 23 beds at the property, it will be an adventure just deciding where you want to lay your head! Eight of the bedrooms have their own flat screen TV with access to the house media system.  This means that you can start your night watching a movie in the theater and then finish that same movie in your bedroom.  If you’re feeling in the mood for a good book, make your way to library for an expansive collection of classic reads.

 

The Castlewood estate is the perfect place for family reunions, wedding receptions, or any large group traveling to Telluride.  If you’re bringing a crew of people with you, look no further than the Castlewood estate to accommodate all of your group’s needs.  Call our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® today at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to learn more about the Castlewood estate and book your dream vacation today.

Ski-in/ski-out properties in Breckenridge, Colorado are some of the most desired ski vacation properties in the nation. Breckenridge is a unique town where a property can have great ski-in/ski-out access and still be walking distance or a short gondola ride away from the center of the town.

The town of Breckenridge is fabulous. It has a plenty of restaurants and shops to keep everyone happy while maintaining that unique small mountain town feel. So check out these ski-in/ski-out properties, and don’t hesitate to call us today to check availability and plan your winter ski vacation!

1. Blue Sky Breckenridge (Between Peak 8 and Peak 9)
   Blue Sky Breckenridge is a luxurious property that is a great place to stay for families and couples alike. They have 1-4 bedroom units available, each of which have a private balcony with great views of the Rockies. The property has 3 hot tubs and an outdoor pool, and if you don’t feel like taking the short walk to town, there is a complimentary shuttle that will take you around Breckenridge. The property also has a Charter Sports Shop in it, making it easy to rent and buy equipment for the mountain.
2. Grand Timber Lodge (Between Peak 8 and Peak 9)
   The Grand Timber Lodge has a perfect ski-in/ski-out location sure to make your vacation as convenient as possible. Access to both Peaks 8 and 9 are right outside the door, so you can explore a variety of terrain right from the start. There is an on-site restaurant in the lodge, perfect for stops during the day or for a nice dinner. The lodge has 2 pools and 6 hot-tubs. What more can you ask for?
3. Saddlewood Townhomes (Between Peak 8 and Peak 9)
   The Saddlewood Townhomes are located on the Snowflake run, privately tucked into the pines just off of the run. The secluded townhomes have a garage and private hot tub, along with a full kitchen and fireplace. These townhomes are a great alternative to condos or hotels, giving guests privacy while keeping great ski-in/ski-out access.
4. Crystal Peak Lodge (Peak 7)
   This luxurious property is located at the base of Peak 7, offering a little different ski-in/ski-out terrain than the first 3 properties. Peak 7 can be accessed by the gondola, but there is also a shuttle available to take you down to Main St. Sevens restaurant is located at the base of the lodge, and has great apres. 1 to 4 bedroom units are available, so dont hesitate to travel with a group or bring the whole family.
5. One Ski Hill Place (Peak 8 )
   And of course, I saved my favorite for last. One Ski Hill Place is a new lodge located at the base of Peak 8, 50 feet from Breckenridge’s main lifts. The property has rooms that look straight out onto the mountain, so you can relax on the deck and watch people skiing down or brainstorm about where your next run will be. The spa on the lower level is fantastic, with hot tubs, pools and saunas sure to ease you muscles and mind at the end of the day. It really doesn’t get more convenient than this, as the gondola to town is located on the main deck outside the lodge. There is also a bar and restaurant downstairs, great for apres or a break during the day.

If you are unfamiliar with which peak is which, look no further.

As this year is Breckenridge’s 50th anniversary, there is not a better time to visit. And if you didn’t see a property that appeals to you, search our entire lodging inventory to find the place that is right for you.

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.

Come to Telluride this summer to experience all the festivals, mountains and beautiful scenery. If pairing the beauty of mountains with the indulgence of fine wines interest you then you will be sure to enjoy the 2011 Telluride Wine Festival. This is just one of the unique festivals Telluride has to offer this summer. The wine festival takes place on June 23rd-26th.

This year there will be more chefs, more experts, more wine, and more cocktails than ever! This is an event you cannot miss! New to the festival this year will be Chef and Food Network Star Aaron Sanchez, Chef and Author John Sedlar and Chef Sue Torres, as well as Wine/Spirits experts F. Paul Pacult and Andrea Robinson, MS. Returning favorites Doug Frost MS, MW; Steve Olson, Greg Harrington, MS; and Andy Seymour will also be part of the all star lineup, as well as many others!

The Wine Festival has amazing food, great music, and fabulous wines from across the country. You will not be bored with all the nonstop entertainment! Make sure you don’t miss out on this weekend! Contact your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for your lodging information.

I have always enjoyed the adrenaline and excitement of running half-marathons especially in scenic locations. When I found out about the TransRockies Run I could not have been more excited to get a group of friends together and try to conquer this amazing, challenging, and epic adventure.  The fifth annual TransRockies Run will take place August 21st-26th.

The TransRockies Run is 125 miles of trail running! This is reflective of the TransApline Run in Europe! Both one-of-kind courses this is a run you must add to your bucket list. The run begins in Buena Vista, Colorado and ends six days later in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Teams of two will eat, sleep, and compete together as they cross some of the most spectacular terrain in North America.  There will be support staff for each team that will assist with their food, accommodation, and on course support.

If you are thinking about trying this adventure or you are not sure, you can access a free DVD as a first time participant. The pictures on the DVD are the best way to show the camaraderie and adventure that runners experience during the run.  Start your training today because there are over 44 miles of running at high elevation and a 10,000 feet elevation gain during the last two stages.

There is no better place to end your run and meet your family than at Beaver Creek.  Beaver Creek is a remarkable family resort full of summer activities and relaxation for all.  If you are planning on conquering this epic adventure contact your “Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals ^TM” at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for lodging information at Beaver Creek.

Are you traveling to Telluride for a Colorado ski vacation this winter? Or maybe, you’re just thinking about taking a trip to Telluride this winter.  Either way, I am here to tell you about all of the great adventurous activities there are in and around Telluride, other than skiing and snowboarding at the resort.  Skiing and snowboarding may be your initial draw to the steeps of Telluride, but perhaps there is more that you aren’t even aware of!  The list of fun & extreme things to do in Telluride goes on and on and on.  I will share with you today, my personal favorites.

First and foremost are the San Juan Huts.  The San Juan hut system is composed of five backcountry ski huts (or bike huts in the summer) connecting Telluride, Ridgeway, and Ouray.  Each hut provides advanced terrain above and is completely human powered, lightweight, and low impact on the environment.  You can travel through these huts over a period of time, or trek out to just one for a night.  This is a truly unique and extreme way to indulge in the backcountry.

For a more family-oriented unique experience in Telluride, you may want to consider dog-sledding.  This is an activity for all ages!  Be prepared to get up nice and early, as the sled dogs prefer to run when it is cold and crisp.  It is a thrilling experience being pulled on a sled fueled by a team of powerful sled dogs.  This is a great way to explore snow-covered trails through the San Juan Mountains.

One of the most exhilarating expeditions you can go on in Telluride is heli-skiing.  Heli-skiing allows you to go beyond all resort boundaries with the help of Helitrax, Colorado’s premier helicopter skiing company.  Guides provide safety and guidance, while bringing you on a personalized skiing experience.  When visiting Telluride, you can take a day trip, a multi-day outing, or plan a customized tour!

If you are looking for an extravagant backcountry experience, but heli-skiing is not for you, you can look into taking a cat trip.  The closest cat-skiing to Telluride is in Silverton, Colorado.  Silverton is known to have some of the gnarliest backcountry terrain in all of Colorado, so it is well worth the hour and a half trip!  Silverton Powdercats is a company based out of Silverton that takes skiers and boarders on guided snow-cat tours through the San Juan Mountains.  Get out into the mountains and discover what you are missing out on!

Interested in something a little more slow paced? Nordic Skiing is an enormous workout, plus a great way to spend time with the whole family!  Nordic skiing has recently exploded onto the scene in Telluride.  There are more cross-country skiers and ski areas then ever before in Telluride.  Currently, there are six nordic ski areas in Telluride’s immediate vicinity.  Each ski area has different levels of terrain, varied groomed trail lengths, and of course outrageous views.  Out of the six areas, three of them are pet-friendly! Which means, even the dog can come along on this adventure, talk about a good walk!  The Nordic Center in Telluride located in Town Park offers cross-country equipment rentals, trails maps, and even offer lessons!

Another activity that is great for the whole family is snowshoeing.  Snowshoeing is an incredible card workout, easy to learn, and fun to master.  The best part of snowshoeing, other than the incredible views and unforgettable family time, is that you can choose your  own trek! It can be anything from an intense up mountain endeavor to a leisurely downhill climb.  At the top of lift 10, “TopATen”, at Telluride Ski Resort, you can take a guided nature snowshoe hike.  Many other snowshoe excursions are available in Telluride, from a number of different outfitters.  Dedicated snowshoeing trails can be located easily from both Telluride and Mountain Village.

For those who want to have a little high voltage fun, snowmobiling is always a great activity.  Telluride has an extensive network of groomed snowmobiling trails, just outside of Telluride and Mountain Village.  Many trails are easy to access and of course all offer stunning views of the mountain landscape.  There are a variety of expert guide outfitters in Telluride, so if you are thinking of snowmobiling in Telluride, call up our concierge and we will be happy to set up an expedition for you!

Telluride is world-renowned for ice-climbing.  There are a variety of climbing options in Telluride, and it is highly recommended that you explore them with a highly experienced guide.  The 365 foot tall Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s largest free-falling waterfall, is known to be one of the most classic, extreme, and difficult ice-climbs in the United States.  The falls have recently opened to the public, in the winter of 2008/2009, besides from a few short stints of opening to the public in the past. Access to the waterfall is contingent on the climber’s awareness and compliance with a lengthy list of rules and regulations.

A Telluride ski vacation is grand, beautiful and clearly highly active.  So, if you are looking to vacation to some place adventurous, Telluride is certainly the place for you! Although it may seem like I have covered absolutely everything to do in Telluride during the winter, I have not.  You could spend the day winter fly fishing, ice skating with the family, sledding on one of Tellurides massive hills, go on a sleigh-ride, or even go horseback riding through the snow!

When you think Mardi Gras, you may not think of Aspen. Think again. Snowmass actually celebrates Fat Tuesday with one of the biggest Mardi Gras bashes in the country. The party starts at the crack of dawn with The Mother of All Ascensions – an extremely wacky, costumed, 1,741-foot uphill snowshoe race. The rest of the day is fully packed with outrageous events for all to enjoy. Other events include King Cake Giveaways, a Kids Carnival, Mask Making, a Parade, a Massive Bead Throw, and an After Parade Party.

The snowshoe race is the kick-off of all Mardi-Gras celebrations that leads from the bottom of Fanny Hill and ends at Gwyn’s High Alpine Restaurant. Last year there was a total of $15,000 in prizes awarded! The untraditional categories includes Best Time, Worst Time, and Best Costume, to name a few.

The Massive Beadthrow involves tossing 24,000 beads. Lucky catchers will be able to win a piece of the King Cake as well as a chance to win a Grand Prize. Last year, the prize was a snowboard donated by sponsor, Jagermeister. Other prizes included gear from Camelback, Boleri, Gyro, and many others!

The parade, which is most likely the wackiest parade in the Rocky Mountains, features kings and queens, mountain jesters, jugglers, jokers, and feather-festooned fools riding their floats through Snowmass Village. Of course, no parade would be complete without the bagpipes and dancers, too! The parade is open to floats and all in costume! So suit up and join in on the fun!

As the sun goes down, the party is only starting. Snowmass remains lit up with purple, gold, and green, and the live music, giveaways, drink specials, and partying go on until the wee hours. Many bars and restaurants will be featuring their own parties as well!

Mardi Gras in Snowmass is March 8, 2011! So gather your friends, and reserve the trip of a lifetime!

Since moving out to Colorado last week, I have been looking forward to exploring the state. Vail, Beaver Creek, and Keystone are all beautiful, but I want to take advantage of all Colorado has to offer. This past Sunday, my roommates and I were debating how to spend yet another beautiful day. After a few minutes we all agreed to take a road trip through Independence Pass to Aspen. The foliage throughout Independence Pass was truly amazing; the colors of the leaves were so vivid, the reflection off of Twin Lakes insanely bright, and the rivers exceptionally clear. We had to stop multiple times on the way so we could take pictures of the scenery. We were all in such awe of everything around us, especially since it was the first time any of us had driven through the pass.

The town of Aspen itself couldn’t have been more beautiful. Sitting at the base of the mountains, the town was action packed since Ruggerfest was in full swing. We actually ran into one of our coworkers who was participating in Ruggerfest. It was my first trip to Aspen and it didn’t disappoint. There are a multitude of restaurants and shops along with friendly locals willing to help you out with directions or recommend their favorite Mexican joint. As the sun began to set on our perfect day, we decided to set sail back to Beaver Creek, all of our minds drifting back to the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and Aspen.

To take advantage of Aspen and all of its surrounding beauty (including Independence Pass) call Rocky Mountains Vacation Rentals at 1.888.866.2305 to book your lodging today.

This post was brought to you by Andrew, a member of the Business Development Team, primarily concerned with marketing, the website, and Google Analytics. Having grown up in Long Island and then escaping up to Vermont for college, it’s no surprise that Andrew ventured out to Colorado for the purpose of “getting away.” Andrew spends most of his free time with friends, snowboarding, being outside, and going for runs. He is passionate about making the most of each day, and can most effectively be summed up as “hard-working,” as he values the concept of getting the job done. In addition to playing lacrosse for the University of Vermont, he graduated recently with a degree in both History and Marketing Business Administration.

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

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

[Credit: EPIC Mix]

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you’re unable to make it to Oktoberfest in Beaver Creek next weekend, fear not!  Vail will be continuing the party the two following weekends, the 10^th-12^th and the 17^th-19^th.  Festivities will take place in Lionshead Village the first weekend, and in Vail Village the second weekend.  Both weekends are sure to be jam-packed with activities, with everything from Bavarian music, to bratwurst, to beer, beer & more beer!  The party kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday both weekends, so head on over straight after work (or maybe cut out a little early!) to start your weekend off right.  Saturday’s festivities last from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday’s last from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Start practicing your yodeling now, and bring your old alpine horn out of hiding, because both are sure to be prevalent throughout the Fest.  Possibly the most exciting event of all is sure to be the Beck’s Keg Bowling Contest.  Contestants can sign up Saturday and Sunday of each weekend.  What does the contest entail, you ask?  Two chances to push an empty keg strapped to a dolly into a pyramid of six more empty kegs.  Participants with the highest total of fallen kegs will advance to the finals!  Entry is free, and there’s a reward for the winner of the finals, so there’s no excuse not to give it a whirl!

If you’re not up for Keg Bowling, try a lighter fare, the Brat-Eating Contest.  This event is also free, so join eight-ten participants and eat as many brats as you can in three minutes to achieve a full belly and a prize for the winner!  Sign-ups are available on site Saturday and Sunday.

The Oktoberfest Fun Run is the perfect opportunity to stave away your guilt from eating all those brats! The race will take place on Sunday, the 19^th, and includes a free commemorative t-shirt for the first 150 registered runners, a 10k, 5k run/walk/blade and kids race, an after party, and awards for the top three overall male and female finishers.  Registration is $20 online and $25 on site.  Participants under 18 are $10 both online and on race day!

To schedule lodging for either weekend, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305.  If your phone doesn’t work, just yodel as loud as you can!

The Blues & Brews Festival will be returning to Telluride this September for the 17^th year in a row!  The festival will be held September 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th and is expected to be bigger than ever, with artists including B.B. King, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Derek Trucks & The Susan Tedeschi Band, and so many more! For a complete list of performers, visit the Blues & Brews Festival website here.

The gates are set to open at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, September 17^th, with singer and guitarist Matt Schofield kicking off festivities at 12:00 p.m.  The festival takes place in Telluride Town Park, right off Telluride’s eclectic Main Street, known for superb dining and vintage shopping.  Telluride Town Park is a world-class music venue, and if you’re not impressed with the music, you can at least expect to be impressed by the scenery; like most Colorado venues, Telluride Town Park is surrounded by beautiful alpine views, with music reverberating through the mountains.  Performances at Town Park end around 8:00 p.m. nightly, but the party continues as festival-goers poor into numerous appointed “juke joints” throughout Telluride and Mountain Village for even more performances.

The festival opens at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, winding down with a final performance by B.B. King Sunday night at 6:00 p.m.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is the official beer sponsor, but you can sample almost 150 different beers at the festival’s “Grand Tasting.” Fifty-three microbreweries will be participating in the sampling, which takes place from noon-3:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Three day passes are available for $160, which includes general admission to the festival, admission to the Grand Tasting, and even a souvenir tasting glass!  Juke Joint passes are $25 per night, but make sure you plan which shows you want to attend, as these venues tend to fill up quickly!

Lodging for the festival can be arranged by Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals by calling 1-888-866-2305.  Book your vacation early, so you can sing the blues in a good way!

Great news Denverites! Contrary to what you may have heard, Frontier Airlines WILL be continuing its Denver to Aspen services.  Frontier Airlines had previously announced that it would be discontinuing its Denver to Aspen flights after September 30^th.  However, as of August 17^th, the company has decided to retain this service, and will be using three of its Bombardier Q400 aircrafts for Denver to Aspen flights, as well as Durango, Colorado Springs, and other Colorado routes.

Denver to Aspen flights will include one departure per day October 1^st through November 17^th, two departures per day November 18^th through December 15^th, and just in time for ski season, four departures daily  December 16^th through April 2011.

To plan your next Aspen snow-cation, or any other Rocky Mountain vacation, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305.

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

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

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

Special 2:  Early Season Savings in Breckenridge and Keystone

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

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

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

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

Music will once again be ringing through the mountains.  In less than 24 hours, the Vail Soul Festival will kick off for a jam-packed weekend of gospel, rhythm & blues, alternative rock, and hip-hop.  The festival will include not only live performances at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, but other activities including after parties, cultural seminars, and a youth music and mentoring program.

Fifty children from the Denver Metro and Vail area have been selected to participate in the festival’s first annual day-long “Ultimate Soul Experience for the Younger Souls” this Saturday.  The program lasts from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and participants will have the opportunity to attend performances, participate in music workshops with performers, and learn about the history of implications of soul music.  There will be a family friendly Youth Day Jam Session free to the public from 10:00 a.m. to noon in Lionshead.

This weekend’s line-up will include Grammy-nominated Chrisette Michele, Denver’s Jonathan Bryant, songwriter, producer and musician Dwele, and the winner of the “Show Your Love” contest which invited all local artists to compete for a slot in the festival.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased online or at the amphitheater box office.  Single day tickets range from $35 for general admission to $115 for the Soul Exclusive package, which includes a seat in the first five roads, a special entrance to the concert, access to an exclusive happy hour event with a performer, access to one of the “soul strolling after parties,” and a commemorative 2010 Vail Soul Music Fest T-Shirt.

For more information on the Vail Soul Music Festival, visit their website here.  For last minute lodging deals, please contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305.  If we don’t answer, it means we’re already jamming.

The town of Breckenridge is the most historic town in Colorado, established as a mining town in the summer of 1859 when gold was discovered along the Blue River.  Breckenridge continued to be a mining town until 1942 when World War II efforts required all metal to be melted down; visitors today can view where the development stopped at Maggie Pond, which is located at the base of Peak 9.  The halt of mining almost turned Breckenridge into a ghost town, with a minuscule population of 393 until a company from Wichita, Kansas issued a permit for a new ski area.  In December of 1961, Breckenridge was officially opened as a ski town with a recorded 17,000 visitors during its first season, despite having one chairlift and I-70 not yet being constructed.  Since its first season, Breckenridge has continuously flourished with production for the thousands of tourists who now visit every year.

Today, Breckenridge is one of the largest ski resorts in the country due to the stellar ski terrain, breathtaking views, abundance of outdoor activities, delectable dining, and great places to shop for the whole family.  One great place to find a lot of these amenities is in the center of Breckenridge Main Street.  Find all sorts of dining, from Asian to Steakhouses, as well as great shops, boutiques.  While on Main Street, don’t forget to enjoy a tranquil experience at a day spa!  Main Street is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll or to take advantage of the free transportation offered in Breckenridge and Summit County, which is great during those chilly winter months.

Come enjoy the historic town of Breckenridge in any season!  There is never a lack of activities, with special events, concerts, contests, food and wine festivals, product testing, and much more happening on a daily basis.  Contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305 for more information on activities and events throughout Breckenridge and the Rocky Mountain area.

Move over Sundance, you’re not the only film festival in the Rocky Mountains!  While Vail’s Annual Film Festival has been gaining momentum over the past few years, and Sundance is a staple, Telluride seems to be the sleeper festival in the Rocky Mountain Region. Notable figures in the entertainment industry have been attending and submitting their projects to the festival for the past few years, including Nicholas Cage.

Little known to most cinema patrons, films such as “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, “Capote”, “The Last King of Scotland”, and “Juno” all made their worldwide debuts in this Colorado gem of a town. This year’s festival, the 37^th annual, will feature guest director Michael Ondaatje, author of “The English Patient”. Click here to visit the Telluride Film Festival website.

It has become the common theme that mountain town film festivals happen during the winter season. Obviously, this is where Telluride breaks away from the norm. While Telluride hosts their underrated, over-performing film festival, there are plenty of other activities to take advantage of in this true mountain getaway.

Along with world-class accommodations, dining, and shopping, it would be a mistake to miss out on the hiking, biking, and overall high country serenity that only the Rockies can give you. The air is clean and the people are friendly, so when you’re ready to take a trip to Telluride, call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305 where they can plan your entire stay. They’ll take care of your every request!

Don’t miss this year’s 37th annual Telluride Film Festival from September 3 – 6.

As the sun sets in the beautiful Vail Valley on a perfect summer night, the only place you need to be is at the Gerald R. Ford Ampitheater listening to free music, hanging with your friends, and enjoying some great people watching. Tonight Toad the Wet Sprocket is on stage as part of their summer tour for everybody in The Valley to enjoy. Dancing is encouraged, but not necessary. Food can be brought in, blankets are always a good idea,  and with all these combined, your fun-meter is guaranteed to be overflowing.

If you enjoy any of the following: fun, friends, food, sunshine, mountains, the 90’s, dancing, laughing, music, meeting new people, getting out of your house, or enjoying some local mountain culture, then I should see you at the amphitheater tonight in East Vail. I’ll be there tonight with my friends from here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, and you owe it to yourself to come and enjoy some free music as well.   I see only positives coming from an evening of fun at the Hot Summer Nights concert series this evening.

Toad the Wet Sprocket is one of the most popular alternative rock/folk bands of the early 90’s, with two platinum albums and multiple chart topping hits, and you can see them FREE tonight.

For more information regarding the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, the Vail Valley or on finding lodging in Colorado, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305. See you there. You owe it to yourself.

Last night, my coworkers and I attended a concert by Darius Rucker at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Rucker put the concert on for free, with all proceeds benefiting the Steadman-Philippon Research Institute. As a former patient at Vail’s Steadman Clinic, Rucker was more than happy to give back to the Vail community.

With chronic knee problems taking a toll on his life, Darius Rucker was referred to Dr. Richard Steadman by a friend who resides on the research board. Steadman successfully cured all of Rucker’s problems, using methods resultant of the research of the Steadman-Philippon Research Institute.

As usual, seats on the lawn were free, while seats within the amphitheater were $40 each. Of course, my coworkers and I opted for the free lawn seats, but were presently surprised when a box office member asked us if we would like to move to real seats for free. We immediately consented, and were soon dancing in the aisles to songs like Rucker’s hit country single “Don’t Think About It,” other songs from his first country album “Learn to Live.” Rucker also performed popular country covers, such as Hank William’s “Family Tradition” and Georgia Satellites’ “Keep Your Hands To Yourself.” The highlight of the night, however, was when Rucker performed the Prince classic “Purple Rain.”

The sounds of the music and the crowd rocked the mountains, resulting in another fun-filled night in the Vail Valley.

For more information regarding the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, the Vail Valley or on finding lodging in Colorado, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals at 1-888-866-2305. Keep rockin’, we will!

Jazz Aspen Snowmass’ (JAS) mission is to “present and preserve jazz, American and popular music through world-class festivals, performances and education programs.” And that’s exactly what they’ve been doing since 1991. The organization’s modest beginnings were marked by their first festival in June 1991, which was inspired by one of the world’s finest jazz festivals in the medieval town of Marciac, France. Since then, JAS’s festivals have gained national recognition for their world-class music set in a unique, natural location in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, attracting crowds from all over Colorado and America.

JAS’ 20th season kicks off with the 10-day June Festival on June 25. There will be four days of concerts by world-renowned performers, including Harry Connick Jr., Natalie Cole and Pink Martini. During the rest of the days, band from the JAS Academy will be performing, and some of the events will be free. September 3 to 5 belongs to the Labor Day Festival. So far the only artists to be announced have been Wilco and The Black Crowes. But keep checking the Web site for new updates. In celebration of JAS’ 20th anniversary, three day tickets are on special for $145. But hurry because this deal ends May 31. The most beloved JAS event is Snowmass Villages’ Summer of Free Music series. Every Thursday night, crowds gather at Fanny Hill to watch artists perform all kinds of music, from Latin to blues to reggae. And it’s all free!

Besides its exceptional festivals, JAS also dedicates itself to educating the public about jazz, spreading jazz throughout the community and helping out young talent. They have a multitude of local programs set up that accomplish their mission of preserving the music. The JAS in Schools program places professional jazz musicians and educators in local schools to introduce middle and high school bands and ensembles to jazz. JAS also has set up a private lesson fund called Pays to Play that provides three free private lessons to Roaring Fork Valley youth in any instrumental discipline. Through Stuff for Students, JAS donates instruments to schools that wouldn’t be able to afford them otherwise. Their most prestigious program is the JAS Academy, the nation’s only all-scholarship jazz residency program. Now in its 15th year, JAS collaborated with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, Washington D.C. to make the Academy a dream come true. JAS has another half-a-dozen programs that spread education and love of jazz to young generations.

JAS’ pioneering efforts to the preservation of music in the community have been beyond influential. To come see first-hand what one organization can do to a community, contact Rocky Mountain Group Travel to find lodging in the area that meets your budget and convenience 1-866-348-5129

Why come to Colorado over summer? Why NOT come to Colorado over summer? With so much to do and see, it’s no wonder the local joke is people come for the winter but stay for the summer. From adrenaline junkies to families to those in search of tranquility, there is something for everyone. Kayaking, white-water rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, fishing, paragliding, mountain biking, caving and hiking are just the tip of the iceberg of things to do in the summer. With so many options, you’ll be scrambling to try and do everything!

When the snow melts, the water sports aficionados come out to play. Kayaking and white-water rafting businesses

open their doors once again to welcome a new season of people eager to get out on the water. White-water kayaking requires skill and experience, but rafting is available to all ages and skill levels and it’s great to do with a large group of people. Some companies offer the chance to combine rafting with other activities, such as horseback riding or rock climbing. So if you’re pressed for time, this is a great opportunity! With a handful of rivers to choose from, each with a different level of rapids, you have the option to do mild (class I-II) or wild (class IV-V) trips, depending on your skill level. The Arkansas River, the most popular in Colorado, offers some of the best white-water rafting in the nation. The Colorado River offers a more relaxing alternative for those with small children. Whichever river you choose, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful canyon and mountain scenery. Nothing beats a day on the river surrounded by the Rockies!

For those who prefer a less energetic activity, the area offers hot air balloon rides through the glorious Rockies. Imagine being in the air surrounded by snow-capped giants, getting an aerial view of Colorado’s beauty. Colorado Hot Air Balloon Rides, located in the middle of Colorado in the South Park Valley, boasts the highest altitude hot air ballooning in the country. Their hour-long flights depart at sunrise and guests get views of the Continental Divide, Mt. Elbert, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Pikes Peak and South Park Valley while eating a hot breakfast and sipping champagne as classical music softly plays in the background. It’s no wonder NBC Today ranked hot air ballooning number 18 of 50 things to do in your lifetime.

Maybe being on the water or up in the air isn’t for you. Well, how about going underground? You will have the chance to go caving in Glenwood Caverns, the largest show cave open to the public in Colorado. Glenwood Caverns offers three kinds of tours: walking tour, adventure tour and wild tour. Don’t like tight places? That’s OK. Sign up for a walking tour. You’ll still get to see the beauty of an underground cave but without having to squeeze through any tight spaces. Besides the caves, you will also go to a cliffside balcony where panoramic views of Glenwood Canyon and the Colorado River will surround you. For the daring and non-claustrophobic, the wild tour is the way to go. You will venture to rarely visited parts of the caves, but be prepared to crawl, squeeze and get down and dirty. You will be on your belly and squeezing through crevices as small as 18 inches during the 3-hour tour. It’s not for the faint of heart.

Many companies do group discounts. Contact Rocky Mountain Group Travel for help planning, booking and organizing your next Colorado vacation! 1-866-348-5129