Guess what!? This Sunday Ozomatli will be in Breckenridge playing for FREE! It’s spring time here in the valley and that means a lot of free concerts. We just finished a series of Bud Light concerts in Vail but wait it’s not completely over. Now the Bud Light concert series has moved on to Breck and they have a great line up: Wailers, Devotchka, and Ozomatli to name a few.
Being a huge Ozo fan I’m super excited about them performing here in Colorado and for FREE. This band is high energy all the time, I don’t remember ever going to one of their concerts (yes I’ve been to several) and not danced the whole time they’re on stage. People that get to see them for the first time get hooked and become Ozo fans instantly. At least that’s been my experience with the people I’ve taken to the concert with me.
A little about the band (some info from their website): Ozomatli is an LA-based group with a great live presence, brewing a vital concoction of Latin salsa, urban hip-hop, and jazz-funk. Notorious urban-Latino-and-beyond collision of hip hop and salsa, dancehall and cumbia, samba and funk, merengue and comparsa, East LA and New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga and Indian raga— has long followed a key mantra: it will take you around the world by taking you around L.A. They were invited by the U.S. State Department to serve as official Cultural Ambassadors on a series of government-sponsored international tours to Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East, tours that linked Ozomatli to a tradition of cultural diplomacy that also includes the esteemed likes of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Louis Armstrong.
Ozomatli has spent 15 years working diligently to spread its message of peace, communication and understanding through music, with a long standing tradition of performing for children all over the world, from the schools of North St. Louis to the orphanages of Southeast Asia. 2011 has the band focused on “oZoKidZ”, a special family friendly set geared towards performing for children and adults alike. The band are currently in the studio with acclaimed producer Tony Berg, recording a children’s album for release in 2011, followed by a book, DVD and tour
Concert Info: Sunday, April 10 from 3 – 5pm
Where: Get to the base area at Peak
For more info on the concerts in the area click here: Concerts
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!
Come to Breckenridge to watch and see how snow sculptures are created! 2011 will mark the 21st annual Budweiser Snow Sculpture Championship in Breckenridge. Sculpting begins at 11:00 am on Tuesday January 25th, 2011 with a gunshot to start and sculpting ends on Saturday January 29th, 2011 at 10:00 am. Artists begin their sculpting around the River Walk Center grounds at 150 West Adams Avenue, Breckenridge, CO.
Friday January 28th is supposed to be the best day to attend this free event. Artists are preparing to stay up all night to detail their work. This year there are 15 teams from eight countries including Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United States.
The snow for the sculptures is made by the Breckenridge Ski Resort and dumped into trucks to be taken down to the site. Once the snow is on site it is blown into blocks and volunteers called “snow stompers” climb on the piles and stomp the snow and then more snow is blown on top. The snow sculptures are approximately 20 tons and each team’s sculpture is 10 feet wide, 10 feet long, by 12 feet high. To create these amazing sculptures the artists are only allowed to use hand tools and power tools are not allowed.
Judging beings at 10:00 am on Saturday January 29th, 2011 and the award ceremony is at 3:30 pm on Sunday January 30th, at this time there will be an award for People’s Choice, Kid’s Choice, and the judges will pick their top three choices.
Why not spend the entire weekend witnessing how the sculptures evolve? Come check out this awesome free event in Breckenridge. For your lodging conveniences contact your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals atRocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.
Your Vail vacation doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are plenty of fun, free things to do in the area that will keep you and the kids entertained for days.
Hot Summer Night Concert Series every Tuesday
Betty Ford Alpine Botanical Gardens – and select scheduled events
Hiking atop Vail Mountain
The Nature Discovery Center
Farmer’s Markets
Outdoor Films
No nightclub cover
Free shuttle throughout Vail
Sports fields
Lionshead Skate Park
Select events from the Vail International Dance Festival
Dog parks
Free summer parking at Vail Village and Lionshead garages
Adventure Ridge Park activities
Lionshead Family Afternoon Club on Saturdays, July 10 -Aug 14
A couple weeks ago, my coworkers and I paid a visit to Zip Adventures for some fun in the Colorado Rockies. We went zip lining through the Alkali Canyon, soaring 200 feet above the floor at 30 mph. It was a rush, to say the least.
The day started off great. We had perfect weather, perfect temperatures and a perfect crew. We arrived at 4 Eagle Ranch and were outfitted with harnesses, helmets and a few carabiners. Then we hopped on the back of what looked like an old army truck and the guides drove us to the area we would be zip lining at. When we arrived at the top, we saw wires crisscrossing through the canyons walls, outlining what we would soon be whizzing across.
After introductions and a brief history of the canyon, it was time to take the stand. One by one, we walked onto the wooden ramp as the guide hooked our carabiners to the wire. I was one of the last to go, and waiting for my turn was nerve wracking. When it finally was my turn, I ignored my fear, took a deep breath and went for it. As soon as I was in the air whizzing across the canyon, all my nerves disappeared. Everyone else felt the same way. After leaping on that first zip line, we were all completely comfortable doing the rest. Once we knew what zip lining across a canyon held by a harness was like, all doubts and fears were replaced by excitement and rushes of adrenaline. It was amazing!
The cost to do six zip lines is $125 per person, and it includes all safety equipment, water and snacks. Tours can take up to 12 people in each group and usually last between 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
This past weekend I went to the Teva Mountain Games, my first one ever. After being in Vail for two weeks, this was definitely the highlight of my stay. The events, the crowds and the atmosphere were mind blowing. Friday I was able to take a couple hours off work to head down to the Village for a sneak peak of what was going on. I had enough time to catch the freestyle female kayakers and the men’s world cup bouldering qualifiers. I was amazed. The strength and stamina of the athletes blew my mind!
I had never seen live competitions of either of these sports so my eyes were glued. The kayakers did crazy flips and turns and jumps that I didn’t believe were possible in a kayak. There was even a 16-year-old girl competing! These women were amazing at what they did. But what truly blew my mind was the bouldering. The strength of these competitors and the resilience was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. And as a fan of rock climbing, I know all too well how hard it is to go up a wall. But these guys made it look so easy! It was incredible and definitely my favorite event of the weekend.
Friday was a nice introduction to what was to come, but the real festivities happened on Saturday. The streets were teeming with people, white tents were set up everywhere and the smell of BBQ and beer was intoxicating. Everyone was happy and carefree, and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. It was a perfect day to be outside with friends. This time I got to see the dogs jumping events and some more of the bouldering. Most of my time was spent just lying on a field munching on a pulled pork sandwich while enjoying the summer sun and the awesome atmosphere. After all, that’s what weekends are for.
People have been enjoying fly fishing for centuries. The first recorded use of an artificial fly to catch fish was in the 2nd Century. Since then, the sport and its equipment have been refined to an art. But people today continue to enjoy the quiet thrill and tranquility that comes from fly fishing like they have for hundreds of years.
Fly fishing involves using artificial flies, usually created out of natural or artificial feathers and fur, as bait for the fish. The flies are cast using a flexible fly rod and a heavy fly line. The casting method is unlike that of any other form of fishing. It’s a true skill that takes a lot of practice and time to master. With fly fishing, if you don’t know how to cast properly, you won’t catch anything. In her book Fly Casting Techniques, Joan Wulff writes, “If you don’t know where the fish lie but can cast well enough to cover all of the water with finesse, you are likely to solve the mystery and catch fish. If you know where they lie but can neither reach them nor present the fly naturally, you are not even in the game.”
Colorado’s bountiful rivers are the perfect place to learn how to fly fish or perfect old techniques. Dozens of fly fishing companies cater to every need of the novice or expert. The rivers are teeming with trout and some even have salmon. With good luck and good training, you will have tight lines. Contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals’ concierge service for help finding a company that’s perfect for you 1-888-866-2305
The Arrabelle Square, location of the Vail Arts Festival
The three-day visual arts festival in Lionshead is fast approaching and I couldn’t be more excited. This festival attracts 70 artists from all over the country to showcase their work on beautiful Arrabelle Square. A fan of various art mediums, this festival will be like being in a candy store for me. All kinds of arwork will be on display, including watercolor, acrylic, oil, woodworking, glass, sculptures, furniture, mosaics, ceramics, metalworks, photography and jewelry. To make it even more amazing, there will be live entertainment and great food throughout the day. June 26 can’t come soon enough!
If you’re still in the process of planning your stay in Vail and need some help, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals will take the stress out of your vacation. The high season is fast approaching so book today! Call 1-866-348-5129
The Teva Mountain Games bring more than 2,000 professional and amateur athletes to Vail to compete in kayaking, bouldering, climbing, fly fishing, mountain biking, stand up paddling, road cycling, running and rafting events. But people won’t be the only contenders at the event. Dogs will also have the opportunity to showcase their talents and win notoriety at the Games.
Dogs will have the chance to compete in three events: Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical, Big Air Wave and Doggy Dash. The events measure speed, height and length. The Speed Retrieve, the newest of the competitions, is a game of speed. A toy duck is placed at one end of the pool and the dog must jump in from the dock and fetch it. The judges measure the time it takes the dog to reach the duck. The Extreme Vertical measures the height of a dog’s jump. This is accomplished by positioning the dog on a 10-foot-high platform above the water and making him jump to get his toy. The Big Air Wave is all about distance. The dog runs down the dock and jumps into the water after his toy. The distance is measured up to where the dog hit the water. The final event, the Doggy Dash, involves owner and dog running through an obstacle course as fast as they can.
For the first time in the history of the Teva Mountain Games, the Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical and Big Air Wave will be Zone Qualifiers for the 2010 DockDogs World Championships. The winners of each event will automatically be invited to the championship for that particular discipline. This goes to prove the intense competition at the Games, for people and dogs.
The dog events will take place throughout the weekend. A complete schedule of events is available. Online registration is $20 to $25, depending on the event. It is open until 5 p.m. Friday, June 4.
If you need help finding pet-friendly lodging or planning other activities to do with your dog while you’re here, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals by calling 1-866-348-5129. They will help you plan your entire Vail weekend.
Today we will tell you more about the IFSC Bouldering World Cup which is scheduled as of today for Friday June 4th with the women and men qualifiers, and then with the semifinals and finals scheduled for Saturday June 5th. The IFSC Bouldering World Cup will be presented by Pyramide and will take place at the Mtn. Plaza at the Vista Bahn Lawn.
Bouldering is a kind of rock climbing. But in contrast to rock climbing, bouldering is usually without a rope, not very high up, rarely higher than 3-5 meters, more vertically along the rock or boulder. Bouldering is practiced on large natural boulders, rock faces, and artificial boulders, in gyms or even on buildings or public architectures. Unlike traditional climbing that requires a lot of endurance and longer stretches, bouldering focuses on short term power, strength and dynamics. There are three main disciplines in bouldering- lead, boulder and speed.
IFSC stands for “International Federation of Sport Climbing”. The IFSC World Cup Serious 2010 consists of about 16 competitions all around the world. The world cup started off at the last weekend of April in Trento- Italy. The next bouldering world cup competition will be next weekend, May 14th in Greifensee- Switzerland. The third IFSC World Cup will take place in Wien- Austria. After three weekends in Europe, the bouldering competitors will come to the US- to Vail where they will compete during the Teve Mountain Games from June 3rd till June 4th. After that they will go to Moscow, Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Sheffield- Great Britain, Chaarmonix- France, Daone- Italy, Munich- Germany, and then in August in Xining- China, Chuncheon- Korea, in September back to Europe to Imst- Austria, Puurs- Belgian, at the end of October to Huaiji- China and then for the last bouldering competition one more time to Europe to Kranj in Slovenia.
The Teva Mountain Games are the nation’s largest mountain sport event. Celebrating mountain lifestyle, outdoor competitions and events and music concerts- the 2010 Teva Mountain Games hosted form June 3 to June 6 in the Vail Valley are gone be an incredible event you should not miss.
Top professional and also amateur athletes from all around the world will compete in eight different sports in overall 24 different disciplines for over $ 100,000 in prize money. The eight sports are biking, climbing, dogs competing, running, fishing, kayaking, rafting and stand up paddling.
As of today, the 2010 Teva Mountain Games will start off on Thursday June 3 at 10am with the Bud Light Lime Steep Creek Championship which will be presented by Thule at the Homestake Creek, Red Cliff. Homestake Creek is dropping 480 feet per mile which makes this competition one of the most popular and interesting not only to race but also to watch. If you want to compete in the quarter mile creek race register fast- there is only a limited number of starter places for the first round- so make sure you get in there! The ten fastest female and the ten fastest male will then compete in a second round and the fastest time will determine the winners.
Registration for the race on race day opens at 8am at the Homestake Creek – Red Cliff. At 8.30am there will be the possibility to practice in the Steep Creek. At 9.30am the time trail will start. So if you are only there to watch the challenging race- try to make it there by 9.30am to see all competitors. And then at 10am the Steep Creek Championship will kick off. Check regularly the Teva Mountain Games website to see if there were any changes in the schedule!
The Steep Creek Championship is gone be a popular and promising competition since there will be professional athletes from all around the world to win the $ 2000 Price money for the first man and for the first woman. The second man and woman can each win $ 1000 and the third will get $ 500. The 2009 winners of the Steep Creek championship are Mike Dawson from New Zealand and Nikki Kelly.
To round the first day and the first competition of the 2010 Teva mountain games up- there will be a free concert in the heart of Vail Village. Starting at 7pm at Checkpoint Charlie there is gone be the first half of the Bud Light Mountains of Music show where DJs and Band will rock the village.
Try to make it to Vail to the first great day of the 2010 Teva Mountain Games. If you need some great lodging deal to stay for the whole games check this out!
With summer just behind some April clouds, I am excited to be outside as much as possible, including for eating! When I am not backpacking or hiking, I take a work break refuge by eating outside- almost any patio will do, but if you are looking for the best where you can still enjoy the Teva Mountain Games atmosphere, then don’t fret, I did an office poll of where the best places to snag a snack where sunglasses are required, and why. Here’s what we came up with:
Enjoy margaritas, fresh food, and outdoor dining at Los Amigos
Vendetta’s. Not only is this the best place to grab a late night snack, but Vendetta’s back patio catches some great late afternoon sun. Try a “Ray Jay’s Wave” pizza (Canadian bacon, green peppers, and pineapple) for a full summer effect.
Red Lion. Located in the heart of everything that is happening in Vail, get here early because the Red Lion always has a full patio. I recommend trying their dry, smoked ribs with a local Colorado brew… 1554 by New Belgium goes great with a burger, too! La Bottega. Enjoy the northern Italian casual restaurant, and take a look at their lunch menu. Watch out! The sandwiches are very large, and make for a great split meal, and I haven’t found a better Meatball sub in all of Colorado! La Bottega’s patio is in Vail Village, and is one of the best spots for people watching. The Marketplace. Across from La Bottega is the Marketplace that also includes the Tavern. Don’t want to stay for lunch? No problem, the Marketplace has a steady supply of fresh, organic meats, cheeses, and produce for you to create a personalized and healthy meal.
Early Morning Coffee
Big Bear Bistro. Located at the top of Bridge Street, Big Bear Bistro is the place to stop for breakfast! Featuring fresh, and locally roasted Vail Mountain Coffee, they make getting your travel group ready for a day of kayak, raft, climbing, and even canine competition viewing easy. My top recommendation: try their breakfast burrito, complete with Mike’s Finest Green Chile. Stop by in the afternoon, or call in- they do pickup as well as delivery in Vail Village.
Looking for a place to stay? Our office offers condos, private homes, and pet-friendly lodging!
Like every year, Vail will pull of one of its biggest and most fun events at the very end of the season- SPRING BACK TO VAIL from April 12 to April 18 in Vail and on the mountain at Vail. SPRING BACK TO VAIL is Vail’s huge end-of-the-season bash with free concerts from national headliners, on-snow events and crazy fun street parties. The most famous event is the well known greatest spectacle of all – the World Pond Skimming Championships.
You have never heard of pond skimming- then the best thing is to come up to Vail and check it out- you will have a blast….Here a short explanation: Pond Skimming is a competition anyone can enter, sometimes in a costume or even in a bathing suit. The goal is to get enough speed going down the mountain so you can skim the pond which is set up at the bottom of the mountain and get to the other side without ending up in the pond. The faster you ski, the better chance you’ll have of making it to the other side of the pond
Friday, April 16 Free Movie and Concert
Sierra Leone’s Refugee All-stars documentary
Sierra Leone’s Refugee All-stars concert Location: Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village
Time: 6pm-10pm
Saturday, April 17 Free Concert with Wyclef Jean presented by Bud Light Opening: Very Special Guest Robert Earl Keen Location: Ford Park
Time: Robert Earl Keen at 5pm; Wyclef Jean at 7pm
Sunday, April 18 Rockstar World Pond Skimming Championships Location: Golden Peak on Vail Mountain
Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm ****Free BBQ**** Guster
Free Concert Location: Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village
Time: 4:30pm immediately following Pond Skimming
Most people stay Thursday till late Sunday or even early Monday –
This year’s end of season “Spring Back to Vail” celebration is sure to be the best yet! The town of Vail has planned a FREE three day free concert series that will feature Wyclef Jean, Guster, Robert Earl Keen, and Sierra Leon’s Refugee All Stars. Other on-mountain events and in-town parties including the World Pond Skimming Championships will also be taking place April 12th through the 18th. The concert series begins the night of April 16th with Sierra Leon’s Refugee All Stars. Their reggae sound and celebratory vibes are sure to get this party off on the right foot! Rober Earl Keen, one of my personal favorite country musicians, is scheduled to perform the following night. I’m not kidding, his song “Feeling Good Again” ranks into my top 20 songs of all time and will surely get the crowd swaying to his unique and alternative sound.
Wyclef Jean is scheduled to take the stage after Keen. He has recently been featured in the media for his participation in the Haiti relief efforts. He has numerous hit songs and has been a staple in the music scene for years. Jean broke through the musical scene in the mid-‘90s as a member of The Refugee Camp (The Fugees), a three-member group that included Lauryn Hill and Prakazrel “Pras” Michel. Blending hip-hop, reggae, R&B and folk, Jean broke off on his own in 1997. His show at Spring Back will be the first concert to debut songs from his new album “Wyclef Jean,” which was released in February 2010. To close out Spring Back’s three-day concert series, American alternative rock band Guster will perform on Sunday. With 12 albums and 13 singles, Guster’s sound includes bongos, cymbals and other drums.
All of these artists are extremely talented so don’t miss their performances! If your wanting to stay in Vail for that weekend, you can take advantage of Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals great spring break lodging deals! You can book lodging that is literally in the village so that getting to and from the concert will be as easy as walking across the street! This is truly a once in a life time experience complete with all the parties, events, and music that you can imagine!
A new addition to the last year program is jazz pianist/vocalist Harry Connick, Jr.
Making his first ever JAS appearance jazz pianist and vocalist Harry Connick, Jr. and his Orchestra have been new to the June Festival lineup being o stage in Aspen Snowmass at the Benedict Music Tent on Friday, June 25.
On Saturday, June 26 at the Benedict Tent JAS will present JAS @ 20!, a special evening of performances in a Grammy-like format of multiple guests artists backed by a crack Big Band. Directed by JAS Distinguished Artist in Residence Christian McBride, the show will also feature jazz legends Dianne Reeves, Patti Austin, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Terence Blanchard, John Clayton and more.
On Sunday, June 27, Pink Martini will perform at the Benedict Music Tent. Having twelve musicians, Pink Martini’s repertoire is wildly diverse. Says bandleader and pianist Thomas Lauderdale, “at one moment you feel like you’re in the middle of a samba parade in Rio de Janeiro, and in the next moment, you’re in a French music hall of the 1930s or palazzo in Napoli. It’s a bit like an urban musical travelogue.”
The closing night of the JAS 20th June Festival on Saturday, July 3, will take place featuring Natalie Cole with Big Band and Musicians from the AMFS. Cole, who had to cancel an appearance with JAS last July due to a kidney transplant last May, is already back on stage feeling “healthy, whole, fit and 100% back again.” Her last release called the Still Unforgettable, earned her two Grammy Awards in 2009, including Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Cole was also the recipient of the NAACP Award for Best Jazz Artist in 2009.
During the whole event starting on June 24 and lasting till July 3, the JAS Academy Summer Sessions withChristian McBride, will be in residence. JAS’ flagship music education program, the Academy is the nation’s only all-scholarship jazz residency program, uniting the finest young jazz artists with the world’s “jazz legends.” JAS has contributed $5 million dollars to music education since 1996.
Additional special concerts and events will take place throughout the June 24-July 3 Festival including free performances at the Cooper Mall Stage, Jazz performances downstairs at the Little Nell, special events featuring students from the JAS Academy and JAS After Dark shows.
July 4th 2010- from the early morning till the very late night!!!
Every city, town and village has their own unique celebrations for the 4th of July, but in the past years, Vail America Days exceeded them all. Celebrate the birth of American in one of the finest and highest mountain location in the United States- up in VAIL- Valley!!!
As in the past years, the celebration starts with a red, white, and blue parade that winds its way through the downtown area of Vail Village. That is followed by an All-American picnic, entertainment in Vail Village and Lionshead, a concert at 2pm at the Ford Amphitheater and free music at the Ford Park all afternoon and into the evening. As alternative you can also go to the Fourth of July Clambake in Beaver Creek where you can enjoy free live entertainment, barbeque, seafood and other food, plus outdoor fun for everyone regardless of their age- fun for very little to older generations is guaranteed. And the very end, finish an amazing 4th of July day off with viewing the fabulous Vail America Days fireworks which take place at approximately 9:45pm Pat Golden Peak.
4th of July in Breckenridge includes: free concerts at the River walk Center, Mountain bike races, kids activities on Main Street, art festival, the amazing 4th of July in Breckenridge fireworks display, and our Fourth of July parade down historic Main Street. 4th of July in Breckenridge is one of our most attended events because it is during our beautiful summer season. If you like mountains and nature, but not snow and below zero temperatures, a summer vacation during 4th of July in Breckenridge is perfect for you. The temperature is usually between 60-75 during the day, no humidity, and full sun. Please be sure to bring plenty of sun block, you will need it.
Here the Breckenridge Schedule:
8:30AM, 10k Firecracker trail run- Mountain bike trail race around Breckenridge.
10AM is the garden party Brunch at the Barney Ford House
10-6 is the July art festival- this is the 25th annual art festival of Breckenridge, held at Main street station, free admission.
11AM Parade
The firecracker 50 mountain bike race will kick off just before the parade starts- this is the 5th annual 50 mile mountain bike race, which starts from Main Street in Breckenridge and ascends 12,000 feet up into the Rockies.
All day long Kids activities, on the fourth- Includes the classic water fight put on my our own red, white, & blue fire department, as well as inflatable bouncing madness in our town square.
2PM Royal Crown big band concert- This event is held at the river walk, bring your dancing shoes.
8:30PM National Repertory Orchestra- The NRO puts on the annual concert celebrating independence day. This event is held at the River walk center in Breckenridge and is free of charge.
9PM Fireworks!!- Right after the free concert put on by the NRO, tilt you head up and witness the annual fireworks display.
Feel safe with your children in Vail, where it is walking-only in the Village
So you want to come out to the Mountains for vacation but are unsure of what to do with the kids? Bring them along of course! There is a great assortment of activities that children can do around here besides just putting them in ski school all day or finding a sitter.
I’m so excited for my younger sister, who is 8, and mom to get here at the end of the month; even living here I’m having a hard time narrowing down exactly what I want us all to do together because there is so much offered for all ages!
To give you some suggestions, I will list a few of the things I am planning to do as well as some other activities you should try:
Dog Sledding ride (because my sister aspires to be a musher someday )
Ice Skating in the middle of either Beaver Creek or Lionshead Village
Snowshoeing or Nordic (cross-country) skiing, which is a bit quicker to pick up for the kids than alpine skiing
When you call www.RockyMountainVacationRentals.com to book your vacation make sure to inquire about a place with a hot tub or heated outdoor pool, which the kids would love!
An Igloo Castle built at the top of Vail Resorts' Mountain in Keystone
As summer approaches, there are these additional activities you can do with your family:
Kids ride the gondola for free!
Go to the top of the mountain in Lionshead to enjoy all kinds of free activities such as volleyball, horseshoes, and bocce ball at Adventure Ridge
While you are at the top of the mountain, visit the Discovery Center for free and opt in for a guided nature hike!
Skateboard at the Vail Skatepark
Activities near water such as whitewater rafting, fishing, and canoeing
Bike trails, hiking, rock climbing, and public parks
Indoor open-ice public Ice Skating
And if you want a quick break, you can drop your child off at Imagination Station in Lionshead for up to three hours where the staff guides your child through activities based on their interests!
If you are looking for more info on a specific activity, visit Vail Recreation District’s website at http://www.vailrec.com/.
After four days of exciting Olympic races and performances, Germany is leading with a total of nine medals- three gold medals, four silver medals and two bronze medals, followed by the US in second with a total of eight medals, and France which is third in the medal count with seven medals. The two gold medals for the US are from Snowboard Cross racer Seth Wescott and Freestyle Moguls skier Hannah Kearney. The two silver medals come from the Colorado Nordic Combined racer Johnny Spillane who grew up in Steamboat Springs, and Short Track Speed racer Apolo Anton Ohno. The four bronze medals the US has so far are from Bode Miller who got third in the Men Alpine Downhill, Bryon Wilson a Freestyle Moguls skier, Shannon Bahrke who placed after Hannah Kearney as well as J.R. Celski who got another medal for the US in the men 1500m Short Track Speed Skating.
For today Wednesday February 17, 2010, there are more very interesting Olympic competitions on the program. First there is the Ladies Downhill skiing where Linsey Vonn from Vail is a potential medal candidate. The Ladies’ Downhill will start at noon our time. During the whole day, the Cross Country skiing sprint heats are going on where Kikkan Randall from Alaska is hoping to make the final. One of the most spectacular competitions today will be the men’s Snowboard Halfpipe event. Starting with the qualification at two mountain time and ending with the finals at eight o’clock everybody is excited what Shaun White practiced at his secret private half pipe somewhere in Colorado as well as his competitors. Hopefully there is going to be some better weather up in Whistler Mountains so that the alpine races can have a fair competition…
So get ready for more very intense and exciting Olympic days!!!
P.S. Congratulations to one of the most amazing athletes – Tatjana Huefner, who was my roommate in some army camps back home in Germany and who won the gold medal in women’s luge!!!
The festivities haven’t stopped in New Orleans since the Saints took Super Bowl XLIV. Now it’s Vail’s turn to do some celebrating. CarniVail, February 14-19, brings the best of Bourbon Street to Vail Village for days of music, parades, greasy foods and partying. The Fat Tuesday celebration kicks off tomorrow afternoon at 3 pm with the Bud Light Parade and Street Party, featuring a performance from a local favorite, the Frogs Gone Fishin’. That is as long as the Frogs make it back from the real Mardi Gras celebration in NOLA where they also preformed. The parade will conclude with the official crowning of the CarniVail King and Queen. Only in Vail do we find a way to incorporate Homecoming with Fat Tuesday… The party continues at Samana Lounge with EOTO, “Elephants Only Talk Occasionally”. EOTO consists of Jason Hann and Michael Travis, of the String Cheese Incident. So prepare yourself for lots of hippies and if we’re lucky hula hoops, at this funky fresh show. Make it a good Fat Tuesday!
One of the best things I’ve come to realize from the time I’ve spent in Vail is that a person doesn’t have to be “rich” to experience the magic of this destination. In fact, the local music scene has brought this place to life for me. Every day I’ll check out Vailpm.com to see what’s good for my evening festivities. I know that regardless of what day of the week it is, a local bar/lounge will have amazing talent performing, often free of charge.
I’m stoked because tonight Samana Lounge will host the Vail Rocks for Haiti Benefit. Nearly 20 local musicians have volunteered to perform tonight to raise crucial funds for Haiti relief efforts. The show will feature performances from members of Frogs Gone Fishin, Bonfire Dub, The Laughing Bones, DJ Logic, Boxcar Dazies, Little Hercules, Velcro Sneakers, M.T.H.D.S and Shakedown Street. That’s a lot of talented artists in one room, performing for a good cause. I know I’ll be there showing my support and moving my feet to some sweet jams. Suggested donation is $15, show kicks off at 8 pm. Keep on rocking on!
)
ill, 
s. Hopefully there is going to be some better weather up in Whistler Mountains so that the alpine races can have a fair competition…
The festivities haven’t stopped in New Orleans since the Saints took Super Bowl XLIV. Now it’s Vail’s turn to do some celebrating. CarniVail, February 14-19, brings the best of Bourbon Street to Vail Village for days of music, parades, greasy foods and partying. The Fat Tuesday celebration kicks off tomorrow afternoon at 3 pm with the Bud Light Parade and Street Party, featuring a performance from a local favorite, the Frogs Gone Fishin’. That is as long as the Frogs make it back from the real Mardi Gras celebration in NOLA where they also preformed. The parade will conclude with the official crowning of the CarniVail King and Queen. Only in Vail do we find a way to incorporate Homecoming with Fat Tuesday… The party continues at Samana Lounge with EOTO, “Elephants Only Talk Occasionally”. EOTO consists of Jason Hann and Michael Travis, of the String Cheese Incident. So prepare yourself for lots of hippies and if we’re lucky hula hoops, at this funky fresh show. Make it a good Fat Tuesday!
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