I decided to try hot-air ballooning last weekend.  I have lived in Vail, Colorado for years and I have heard rave reviews about it, but I have never tried it myself.  I called Camelot to make a reservation and spoke with Merlin, a self-proclaimed “sorcerer of the morning skies”.  He told me that we were looking at clear skies for the weekend, so we set up a reservation for Sunday morning.

Sunday rolled around and I really had no idea what to expect.  Hot air ballooning was completely new to me and it made me nervous.  When I got to the takeoff spot I watched Merlin and his crew unfurl a beast of a balloon.  Taller than any building in Vail or Beaver Creek and bigger than the Goodyear Blimp…that was the Sorcerer’s claim.

The feeling of stillness was amazing.  Within only a few minutes we had climbed to 1300 ft, but it hardly felt like we were moving at all.  You can’t feel a breeze because you are moving with the wind, so you really have no sense of motion…it’s a pretty unusual feeling, but awesome!  Merlin told me that, in Winter, you can descend at the same rate as the falling snow.  That must be a spectacular sight!  I can’t wait to check it out next season.

At 1300 ft. you really appreciate how beautiful this area is.  You get a new perspective on the same mountains you’ve seen a million times.  It is an absolute thrill!

After we landed Merlin popped the cork on a bottle of champagne to celebrate another successful journey, as is tradition.  We lounged in the sun, sipping bubbly, enjoying another beautiful day in the Rockies.  Merlin whipped my butt at horseshoes, but it was still a ton of fun.

You should definitely call Camelot to book your own Colorado hot air balloon ride adventure with Merlin.  He is truly a master of his craft, not to mention a really interesting guy.

It’s that time of the year again! The Breckenridge Fun Park at Peak 8 is opened up on June 17th, and will continue running until September 4th. But the fun doesn’t stop there! The Fun Park will open up on the weekends between September 9th and 18th.

Visiting the Breckenridge Fun Park is a great way to spend a day during your summer vacation. The fun park has tons of different attractions, offering something for everybody! My personal favorite activity at the Fun Park is the Alpine SuperSlide. Even from the beginning, the Alpine SuperSlide is incredible! To start, a chairlift takes you up the mountain. During the ride, you’re able to view the mountains beauty, and let me tell you, when summer comes around the mountains change from snowy white to a gorgeous green in an instant. After the ride up, you’re ready to begin your adrenaline rush! Riding down the mountain on a 2,600 foot long concrete track is absolutely exhilarating!

This year, Breckenridge has outdone itself with the opening of the Gold Runner Coaster! This attraction is breathtaking! As much as I love the Alpine SuperSlide, I’m incredibly excited for the Gold Runner Coaster. The ride features 2,500 feet of roller coaster tracks through the forest on the mountain. You control your own speed when you go down the tracks. So whether if you like it fast or slow, the Gold Runner Coaster is definitely a place to go!

The Fun Park isn’t just made for us Colorado adrenaline junkies, though! There are so many other options for entertainment on Peak 8 this summer! You’re welcome to sit back, relax, and enjoy a free scenic gondola ride up the mountain! If you think that the mountain is beautiful when it’s covered with snow, just wait until you see it during the summer! And if you want to be even closer to the beauty, try tackling a hiking tour with BreckTreks! Maybe hiking isn’t your thing, but you still want to see the land. Well, Breckenridge now offers 4×4 tours! Ride in a 4×4 big enough for up to 7 people across Peaks 7 and 8 and enjoy all that the Ten Mile Range has to offer!

There really is so much to see at the Fun Park. I haven’t even begun to tell you about the awesome mountain bike trails, the fun-filled mini-golf course, or the RockPile climbing wall! I’m about to head back out to the Alpine SuperSlide, I hope to see you out there too!

Discover More Colorado Summer Activities

Vail Colorado Vacation Activities

 

Yesterday a few of us had the opportunity to try out ski biking in Vail with Adventure Ridge. It was by far the coolest thing I’ve done here in Vail since I moved out here. The first run was fun, as we went through some greens, some blues and then we went through some moguls. Next run was even better because this time we got to go through trees…YEAH TREES…totally sick!!!! Not to mention that we had so much pow from all the snow we’ve been getting lately. I got some air on a few of the tree runs! You HAVE to try this out.

The second run was probably the best because all the way we just went through trees and it was dark so the head lamp came in handy. For those of you that haven’t tried this or are considering ski biking I say DO IT!!! Contact Adventure Ridge for details and have an awesome time.

Some tips:
-If you have ski boots bring those, the ski blade attachments won’t work on snowboard boots (if you don’t have ski boots Adventure Ridge has them)
-Bring a helmet (it’ll be easier to attach the head lamp then if you’re just wearing a beanie and also for safety and Adventure Ridge does not provide you with those)
- wear appropriate ski gear, it is a late afternoon/evening thing so it will be chilly
- Go through the trees…don’t miss out and definitely do the moguls.

For more tips and help with all your lodging needs when you’re in Vail contact one of our Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

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


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


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


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


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


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

The Town of Vail will be exhibiting wooden sleds decorated by local artists and will be on view in various locations throughout Vail Village. The first ever Invitational Art Sled Exhibition will promote sustainability, creativity, recreation and community. Want to buy one of the sleds on exhibit? Well you’re in luck! At the end of the exhibit the sleds will be sold in a silent auction and a portion of the proceeds will help fund art programs in Vail.


Exhibit opens this President’s Day weekend. They will be on exhibit in: Claggett Rey Gallery, Cogswell Gallery, Masters Gallery, Pismo Gallery, Vail Fine Art Gallery, Vail International Gallery, Vail Village Arts, Worth Interiors, The Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum and the Vail Public Library. For details on the visit Art in Vail.


Want to go sledding now huh? Well check out Ellefson Park in Vail. It’s Vail’s most popular sledding hill (from what I’ve heard). The park is not crowded at all, there are table settings for you to eat or take a break. Here are some easy directions: Take the West Vail exit from I-70. (If traveling on I-70 E, cross under the I-70 on Chamonix Road). In the round-about, take the Chamonix Road. Left on Chamonix Lane. Left on Arosa Drive. Right on Garmisch Drive.


Want to do even MORE stuff around Vail? Ask one of our friendly, knowledgeable, locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for suggestions on even more things to do and all your lodging needs while you’re out here.

Having been a server at various restaurants over the past four years, I am an avid consumer of quality food paired with well-crafted drinks. In spirit of the off-season this year in colorful Vail, several local chefs and establishments are hosting events September 20^th – October 17^th, during what’s being called “Restaurant Month.”

This idea was crafted over the past few years by frequent Vail visitor and owner of I Openers, Ilene Rapkin. This year, the series of events will kick off its debut September 20^th, and will be featuring “Market to Table Week,” “Health, Wellness, & Outdoors Week,” “Vail LoveFest,” and “Family Week.” Each themed week will provide gourmet food by star chefs, wine and beer tastings, health, wellness, and spa packages, chef demos, and author readings and book signings. Eighteen participating restaurants will put on the show.  Here is a rundown of the first Restaurant Month week, “Market to Table Week”:

Every night at Sapphire Restaurant and Oyster Bar, there will be Grand Marnier cocktail specials to accompany colorful fall creations by Executive chef and Partner, Peter Milette. Appetizers, contests, and promotions will be featured during the cocktail tastings, and a Fall dinner tasting menu will be offered nightly, from 6 to close. On the topic of drinks, Alpine Wine and Spirits will put on “Tasting Tuesdays,” where there will be special themed tastings of wine, champagne, and spirits. Quench your thirst at their specialized location inside City Market at 2109 N. Frontage Rd.

Restaurants that will feature market to table concepts include La Tour, Vail Chophouse, and Vail Blue Moose. Chef Paul Ferzacca of La Tour will create a three-course dinner, using fresh produce from the restaurant’s organic garden and Colorado’s Grant Family Organic Farms. These dinners will take place from 6-10:00 pm on September 20^th and September 26^th, so come enjoy a culinary delight for $39. The Vail Chophouse and Vail Blue Moose will also be highlighting healthy foods on the menu and healthy choices, both on September 21^st and September 26^th.

Larkspur Bar will kick off their Wednesday Guest Bartender Series, a program designed to invite local nonprofit organizations to support fundraising for the community. A guest bartender will donate their time, socialize with guests, endorse the event, and perhaps pour a few brews to help create tips.  They will also create proceeds from a silent auction consisting of donated items. This will take place each Wednesday, from 5:30-7:30 pm.

Other events throughout the weekend will include “Vail Chophouse and Stella, the Perfect Combination,” “Celebrate the Bounty of Colorado’s Harvest Dinner,” “Where Does My Food Come From?,” “Tea on the Meadow,” and a chef’s cooking demo catered by Amuse Bouche. More details are posted on the Vail Restaurant Month website.

To indulge in this savory series throughout the beginning of Fall, book your lodging with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, and plan a colorful stay in the Valley. Stay posted for more updates on Restaurant Month, and call us at 1-888-866-2305 for more advice on where to dig into a delicious meal!

Snowmass Rodeo

When: Every Wednesday from June 16- August 18, 2010 at 7:00pm. Grounds open at 5:00pm

Where: Rodeo Grounds in Snowmass Village

Details: Every year the Snowmass Rodeo excites and delights attendants with classic rodeo events including barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, bronco riding and ribbon roping. Kids are also invited to participate in events like the calf scramble and mutton bustin,’ in which children between the ages of 5 and 7 try to hang onto a crazed wooly sheep the longest.  General Admission is only $18 for adults, $10 for youth (ages 11-15), and is FREE for anyone under the age of 10. VIP seating is $25 for adults, $15 for youth (ages 6-15), and free for anyone under the age of 5. Bring the whole family out and don’t forget to wear your boots and spurs!!

If you are staying in Aspen, the easiest way to get to the rodeo is to take highway 82 east out of town to the Brush Creek turnoff (to Snowmass Village). Take Brush Creek about 4 miles, past the roundabout and then turn right into the rodeo grounds.

Food and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the Rodeo but don’t forget to check out all of the specials offered by surrounding restaurants on Wednesday nights. Sandwich tickets are available for purchase at the rodeo gates but you can also make advanced reservations by calling 970-923-8898.

For more information about the Snowmass Rodeo, please call 970-923-8898 or visit the Snowmass Rodeo website!

Snowmass Rodeo

When: Every Wednesday from June 16- August 18, 2010 at 7:00pm. Grounds open at 5:00pm

Where: Rodeo Grounds in Snowmass Village

Details: Every year the Snowmass Rodeo excites and delights attendants with classic rodeo events including barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, bronco riding and ribbon roping. Kids are also invited to participate in events like the calf scramble and mutton bustin,’ in which children between the ages of 5 and 7 try to hang onto a crazed wooly sheep the longest.  General Admission is only $18 for adults, $10 for youth (ages 11-15), and is FREE for anyone under the age of 10. VIP seating is $25 for adults, $15 for youth (ages 6-15), and free for anyone under the age of 5. Bring the whole family out and don’t forget to wear your boots and spurs!!

If you are staying in Aspen, the easiest way to get to the rodeo is to take highway 82 east out of town to the Brush Creek turnoff (to Snowmass Village). Take Brush Creek about 4 miles, past the roundabout and then turn right into the rodeo grounds.

Food and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the Rodeo but don’t forget to check out all of the specials offered by surrounding restaurants on Wednesday nights. Sandwich tickets are available for purchase at the rodeo gates but you can also make advanced reservations by calling 970-923-8898.

For more information about the Snowmass Rodeo, please call 970-923-8898 or visit the Snowmass Rodeo website!

Snowmass Rodeo

When: Every Wednesday from June 16- August 18, 2010 at 7:00pm. Grounds open at 5:00pm

Where: Rodeo Grounds in Snowmass Village

Details: Every year the Snowmass Rodeo excites and delights attendants with classic rodeo events including barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, bronco riding and ribbon roping. Kids are also invited to participate in events like the calf scramble and mutton bustin,’ in which children between the ages of 5 and 7 try to hang onto a crazed wooly sheep the longest.  General Admission is only $18 for adults, $10 for youth (ages 11-15), and is FREE for anyone under the age of 10. VIP seating is $25 for adults, $15 for youth (ages 6-15), and free for anyone under the age of 5. Bring the whole family out and don’t forget to wear your boots and spurs!!

If you are staying in Aspen, the easiest way to get to the rodeo is to take highway 82 east out of town to the Brush Creek turnoff (to Snowmass Village). Take Brush Creek about 4 miles, past the roundabout and then turn right into the rodeo grounds.

Food and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the Rodeo but don’t forget to check out all of the specials offered by surrounding restaurants on Wednesday nights. Sandwich tickets are available for purchase at the rodeo gates but you can also make advanced reservations by calling 970-923-8898.

For more information about the Snowmass Rodeo, please call 970-923-8898 or visit the Snowmass Rodeo website!

Snowmass Rodeo

When: Every Wednesday from June 16- August 18, 2010 at 7:00pm. Grounds open at 5:00pm

Where: Rodeo Grounds in Snowmass Village

Details: Every year the Snowmass Rodeo excites and delights attendants with classic rodeo events including barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, bronco riding and ribbon roping. Kids are also invited to participate in events like the calf scramble and mutton bustin,’ in which children between the ages of 5 and 7 try to hang onto a crazed wooly sheep the longest.  General Admission is only $18 for adults, $10 for youth (ages 11-15), and is FREE for anyone under the age of 10. VIP seating is $25 for adults, $15 for youth (ages 6-15), and free for anyone under the age of 5. Bring the whole family out and don’t forget to wear your boots and spurs!!

If you are staying in Aspen, the easiest way to get to the rodeo is to take highway 82 east out of town to the Brush Creek turnoff (to Snowmass Village). Take Brush Creek about 4 miles, past the roundabout and then turn right into the rodeo grounds.

Food and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the Rodeo but don’t forget to check out all of the specials offered by surrounding restaurants on Wednesday nights. Sandwich tickets are available for purchase at the rodeo gates but you can also make advanced reservations by calling 970-923-8898.

For more information about the Snowmass Rodeo, please call 970-923-8898 or visit the Snowmass Rodeo website!

Snowmass Rodeo

When: Every Wednesday from June 16- August 18, 2010 at 7:00pm. Grounds open at 5:00pm

Where: Rodeo Grounds in Snowmass Village

Details: Every year the Snowmass Rodeo excites and delights attendants with classic rodeo events including barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, bronco riding and ribbon roping. Kids are also invited to participate in events like the calf scramble and mutton bustin,’ in which children between the ages of 5 and 7 try to hang onto a crazed woolly sheep the longest.  General Admission is only $18 for adults, $10 for youth (ages 11-15), and is FREE for anyone under the age of 10. VIP seating is $25 for adults, $15 for youth (ages 6-15), and free for anyone under the age of 5. Bring the whole family out and don’t forget to wear your boots and spurs!!

If you are staying in Aspen, the easiest way to get to the rodeo is to take highway 82 east out of town to the Brush Creek turnoff (to Snowmass Village). Take Brush Creek about 4 miles, past the roundabout and then turn right into the rodeo grounds.

Food and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the Rodeo but don’t forget to check out all of the specials offered by surrounding restaurants on Wednesday nights. Sandwich tickets are available for purchase at the rodeo gates but you can also make advanced reservations by calling 970-923-8898.

For more information about the Snowmass Rodeo, please call 970-923-8898 or visit the Snowmass Rodeo website!

Snowmass Rodeo

When: Every Wednesday from June 16- August 18, 2010 at 7:00pm. Grounds open at 5:00pm

Where: Rodeo Grounds in Snowmass Village

Details: Every year the Snowmass Rodeo excites and delights attendants with classic rodeo events including barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, bronco riding and ribbon roping. Kids are also invited to participate in events like the calf scramble and mutton bustin,’ in which children between the ages of 5 and 7 try to hang onto a crazed woolly sheep the longest.  General Admission is only $18 for adults, $10 for youth (ages 11-15), and is FREE for anyone under the age of 10. VIP seating is $25 for adults, $15 for youth (ages 6-15), and free for anyone under the age of 5. Bring the whole family out and don’t forget to wear your boots and spurs!!

If you are staying in Aspen, the easiest way to get to the rodeo is to take highway 82 east out of town to the Brush Creek turnoff (to Snowmass Village). Take Brush Creek about 4 miles, past the roundabout and then turn right into the rodeo grounds.

Food and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the Rodeo but don’t forget to check out all of the specials offered by surrounding restaurants on Wednesday nights. Sandwich tickets are available for purchase at the rodeo gates but you can also make advanced reservations by calling 970-923-8898.

For more information about the Snowmass Rodeo, please call 970-923-8898 or visit the Snowmass Rodeo website!

Snowmass Rodeo

When: Every Wednesday from June 16- August 18, 2010 at 7:00pm. Grounds open at 5:00pm

Where: Rodeo Grounds in Snowmass Village

Details: Every year the Snowmass Rodeo excites and delights attendants with classic rodeo events including barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, bronco riding and ribbon roping. Kids are also invited to participate in events like the calf scramble and mutton bustin,’ in which children between the ages of 5 and 7 try to hang onto a crazed woolly sheep the longest.  General Admission is only $18 for adults, $10 for youth (ages 11-15), and is FREE for anyone under the age of 10. VIP seating is $25 for adults, $15 for youth (ages 6-15), and free for anyone under the age of 5. Bring the whole family out and don’t forget to wear your boots and spurs!!

If you are staying in Aspen, the easiest way to get to the rodeo is to take highway 82 east out of town to the Brush Creek turnoff (to Snowmass Village). Take Brush Creek about 4 miles, past the roundabout and then turn right into the rodeo grounds.

Food and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the Rodeo but don’t forget to check out all of the specials offered by surrounding restaurants on Wednesday nights. Sandwich tickets are available for purchase at the rodeo gates but you can also make advanced reservations by calling 970-923-8898.

For more information about the Snowmass Rodeo, please call 970-923-8898 or visit the Snowmass Rodeo website!

Snowmass Rodeo

When: Every Wednesday from June 16- August 18, 2010 at 7:00pm. Grounds open at 5:00pm

Where: Rodeo Grounds in Snowmass Village

Details: Every year the Snowmass Rodeo excites and delights attendants with classic rodeo events including barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, bronco riding and ribbon roping. Kids are also invited to participate in events like the calf scramble and mutton bustin,’ in which children between the ages of 5 and 7 try to hang onto a crazed woolly sheep the longest.  General Admission is only $18 for adults, $10 for youth (ages 11-15), and is FREE for anyone under the age of 10. VIP seating is $25 for adults, $15 for youth (ages 6-15), and free for anyone under the age of 5. Bring the whole family out and don’t forget to wear your boots and spurs!!

If you are staying in Aspen, the easiest way to get to the rodeo is to take highway 82 east out of town to the Brush Creek turnoff (to Snowmass Village). Take Brush Creek about 4 miles, past the roundabout and then turn right into the rodeo grounds.

Food and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the Rodeo but don’t forget to check out all of the specials offered by surrounding restaurants on Wednesday nights. Sandwich tickets are available for purchase at the rodeo gates but you can also make advanced reservations by calling 970-923-8898.

For more information about the Snowmass Rodeo, please call 970-923-8898 or visit the Snowmass Rodeo website!

Snowmass Rodeo

When: Every Wednesday from June 16- August 18, 2010 at 7:00pm. Grounds open at 5:00pm

Where: Rodeo Grounds in Snowmass Village

Details: Every year the Snowmass Rodeo excites and delights attendants with classic rodeo events including barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, bronco riding and ribbon roping. Kids are also invited to participate in events like the calf scramble and mutton bustin,’ in which children between the ages of 5 and 7 try to hang onto a crazed woolly sheep the longest.  General Admission is only $18 for adults, $10 for youth (ages 11-15), and is FREE for anyone under the age of 10. VIP seating is $25 for adults, $15 for youth (ages 6-15), and free for anyone under the age of 5. Bring the whole family out and don’t forget to wear your boots and spurs!!

If you are staying in Aspen, the easiest way to get to the rodeo is to take highway 82 east out of town to the Brush Creek turnoff (to Snowmass Village). Take Brush Creek about 4 miles, past the roundabout and then turn right into the rodeo grounds.

Food and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the Rodeo but don’t forget to check out all of the specials offered by surrounding restaurants on Wednesday nights. Sandwich tickets are available for purchase at the rodeo gates but you can also make advanced reservations by calling 970-923-8898.

For more information about the Snowmass Rodeo, please call 970-923-8898 or visit the Snowmass Rodeo website!

Snowmass Rodeo

When: Every Wednesday from June 16- August 18, 2010 at 7:00pm. Grounds open at 5:00pm

Where: Rodeo Grounds in Snowmass Village

Details: Every year the Snowmass Rodeo excites and delights attendants with classic rodeo events including barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, bronco riding and ribbon roping. Kids are also invited to participate in events like the calf scramble and mutton bustin,’ in which children between the ages of 5 and 7 try to hang onto a crazed woolly sheep the longest.  General Admission is only $18 for adults, $10 for youth (ages 11-15), and is FREE for anyone under the age of 10. VIP seating is $25 for adults, $15 for youth (ages 6-15), and free for anyone under the age of 5. Bring the whole family out and don’t forget to wear your boots and spurs!!

If you are staying in Aspen, the easiest way to get to the rodeo is to take highway 82 east out of town to the Brush Creek turnoff (to Snowmass Village). Take Brush Creek about 4 miles, past the roundabout and then turn right into the rodeo grounds.

Food and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the Rodeo but don’t forget to check out all of the specials offered by surrounding restaurants on Wednesday nights. Sandwich tickets are available for purchase at the rodeo gates but you can also make advanced reservations by calling 970-923-8898.

For more information about the Snowmass Rodeo, please call 970-923-8898 or visit the Snowmass Rodeo website!

Snowmass Rodeo

When: Every Wednesday from June 16- August 18, 2010 at 7:00pm. Grounds open at 5:00pm

Where: Rodeo Grounds in Snowmass Village

Details: Every year the Snowmass Rodeo excites and delights attendants with classic rodeo events including barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, bronco riding and ribbon roping. Kids are also invited to participate in events like the calf scramble and mutton bustin,’ in which children between the ages of 5 and 7 try to hang onto a crazed woolly sheep the longest.  General Admission is only $18 for adults, $10 for youth (ages 11-15), and is FREE for anyone under the age of 10. VIP seating is $25 for adults, $15 for youth (ages 6-15), and free for anyone under the age of 5. Bring the whole family out and don’t forget to wear your boots and spurs!!

If you are staying in Aspen, the easiest way to get to the rodeo is to take highway 82 east out of town to the Brush Creek turnoff (to Snowmass Village). Take Brush Creek about 4 miles, past the roundabout and then turn right into the rodeo grounds.

Food and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the Rodeo but don’t forget to check out all of the specials offered by surrounding restaurants on Wednesday nights. Sandwich tickets are available for purchase at the rodeo gates but you can also make advanced reservations by calling 970-923-8898.

For more information about the Snowmass Rodeo, please call 970-923-8898 or visit the Snowmass Rodeo website!

The Vail International Dance Festival continues tonight with a performance by the Paul Taylor Dance Company.  This will be the company’s second appearance in Vail showcasing the unmatched talent of famed choreographer Paul Taylor. For the past 60 years, Taylor has been revolutionizing the world of modern dance with his genius and bold choreography. His company has performed in more than 520 cities in 62 countries and earned numerous prestigious awards in the United States and France. Paul Taylor is undoubtedly one of the best modern dance choreographers in the country and his company’s performances are breathtaking.

Tonight’s performance at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater will be “Promethean Fire,” “Company B” and “Piazzolla Caldera.” “Promethean Fire” includes dramatic choreography and vivid imagery. The piece, set to the music of Bach, is about people recovering from a disaster. Taylor’s inspiration for “Company B” comes from WWII. The piece is about men going off to fight in the war. “Piazzolla Caldera” is an explosion of Argentine tango and Taylor’s signature style. With the  music of Argentinean tango master Astor Piazzolla playing in the background, this dance is sure to be seductive and sultry.

If you are a lover of modern dance and appreciate raw talent, tonight’s show will be an inspiration. Don’t miss your chance to witness the legendary skills of Paul Taylor and his dancers. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.

When: 11:00am-6:00pm

Where: Base of the Aspen Mountain

Details:  Have you ever heard of the NY city festival called the barbecue extravaganza?? Maybe you have, and if so, your mouth is most likely already salivating. If not, imagine an extraordinary array of BBQ delights from all of the best BBQ joints in the area, showing off their various sauces, secret recipes, and slow cooked recipes.  Danny Meyer’s Union Square Events and Blue Smoke have teamed up to provide you with the most mouth-watering spread of BBQ delights here in Aspen Colorado. The festival will feature some of the best BBQ masters from across the country in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Locals and visitors alike come to participate in the fantastic festival  that includes samples of BBQ delights, free music, seminars, demonstrations, and more!

Admission is free to this saucy event, so make sure to bring the whole family! You can indulge in the best BBQ around for only $8 per plate. Come out and enjoy the mountain sunshine and fantastic food at this extraordinary event!

Snowmass Balloon Festival

Where: Aspen, CO

When: Dawn until Dusk (see complete schedule below)

Details: When the beautiful illuminated hot air balloons take to the skies, it is truly a breathtaking and unforgettable spectacle. The event is one of the highest altitude balloon launching and races in the nation. The balloon festival provides plenty of fun for everyone including a kid’s zone, free concert, Saturday evening glow event, BBQ, and more.

The balloon event isn’t what you would expect in that everyone is invited to help inflate and then ride the balloons. Balloon riders are treated to a one in a lifetime 360 degree view of the Town of Aspen and the surrounding mountain range. The Snowmass Balloon Festival features several events that occur during different times of the day.

Schedule:

Friday, September 17

• 6:30am Balloons Inflate
  • Sunrise launching
  • 6:50am Rat Race Event
    • The Downtown Distance Race
    • 6:30pm Winemakers Dinner

Saturday, September 18

• 7:00-9:00am Brother’s Grille
  • Light breakfast is available for purchase
  • 7:30-8:00am Balloons Inflate
  • 8:00-9:30am Dawn Quixote Event
    • Kid’s Elevation Station
    • 12:00-12:30pm Champaign Tasting in the Snowmass Village Mall
    • 12:30-4:30pm Snowmass Wine Festival in the Snowmass Village Mall
      • 70 wineries
      • Silent auction
      • Free food and live music
      • 6:00pm Brothers Grille BBQ, Concert, Balloon Night Glows

Sunday, September 19

• 7:00-9:00am Brothers Grille
  • Light Breakfast: available for purchase
  • 7:30-8:00am Balloons Inflate
  • 8:00-9:30 Target Tubing Event
    • Kids elevation stations
    • 10:00am 34^th Awards Ceremony