During your next visit to Telluride, there is no better place to stay than the Lumiere!  The Lumiere in Telluride is the premiere place to be for luxury during your next vacation.  With every amenity and service imaginable, you will feel right at home in this luxury lodge.  The staff here is highly attentive to your every whim and desire, yet remarkably unobtrusive during your stay, offering you the privacy you want with all of the services you need to feel right at home.  The Lumiere is the perfect combination of a ski in/ski out stay, while the concierge services here make it their priority to ensure you enjoy your stay here.  After a day of skiing,the complimentary concierge services even provide

you with wine and cheese upon your arrival back to your residence.

If spending time on the slopes isn’t quite your thing, the Lumiere offers a host of options and services to help you enjoy your stay in other ways.  The spa here is incredible and offers many different choices designed to cater to your heart’s desire.  A sauna and hot tubs with sweeping mountain views also offer ways to relax during your stay in Telluride.  The Lumiere has a fitness facility as well, allowing you to exercise at your convenience during your stay.  And, if doing nothing at all during your vacation is the perfect way to relax, the Lumiere is here to help you do that as well.  Relax by the fire place at the specialty bar, featuring sushi prepared by the Lumiere’s own private chef or your choice of a selection of cocktails.

After enjoying a delicious meal at the Lumiere, head back up to your room to enjoy the sweeping views from your balcony.  The views here are worth the trip alone, showing off Colorado’s beautiful San Juan Mountains and many of Colorado’s own 14,000 foot peaks.  You can relax on the balcony, many of which include a hot tub, or, relax in the den area of your room.  Each room is designed to feature the most luxurious amenities with hardwood floors, delicate hand blown glass fixtures, and original artwork.  The bedrooms feature beds built for kings and queens, with seven layer beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, and plush pillows, designed to make your stay, well, heavenly.

The Lumiere is limited in size to ensure that your every need is met during your stay here in Telluride, so only a handful of rooms are available.  If you are looking for that pampered, plush, and highest quality in luxury vacation, look no further.  This is the place for you.  The Lumiere will make sure that your stay is everything you wanted and more, repeatedly exceeding expectations during your stay.  Call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals today and let one of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. ^® help you book your next vacation to Telluride at the Lumiere.  And for a limited time, get a $100 gift certificate for dinner in Telluride when you book today.  We will make sure you have a vacation you’ll never forget, and one that you will want to tell all your friends about, because this is surely a one of a kind place.

When traveling to Aspen, Colorado, the lodging options are simply overwhelming. Lodging accommodations in Aspen such as posh 5-star penthouses may be great options for some travelers; but let’s be honest- some of our pocketbooks can’t quite handle that.

For those looking to have a top-notch experience in Aspen and take advantage of all that the majestic city has to offer, the Limelight Lodge is your hub. Though this property features a rich history in the famous ski town of Aspen, Colorado; this classic ski lodge has been reborn.

Limelight Lodge features spacious rooms, luxurious marble finishes, private terraces, oversized penthouses, and more. Some of the impressive amenities include fine dining, outdoor pool and hot tubs, a fitness room, underground parking, ski valet and lockers, and a full bar for all of your Apres Ski needs!

Not only does this hotel feature state-of-the-art amenities and services, but it is also one of the few accommodations which uses eco-friendly cleaning products, organic fair-trade coffee, and stays committed to sustainable housekeeping practices.

Limelight Lodge also features a program called “Inside Tracks” where guests can spend the day with ski school professionals at all four mountains for the day and ride some of the best powder around. This amazing experience will make you feel like a local and provide you with an entirely different perspective on all that the resorts have to offer.

Limelight Lodge’s downtown location makes it the perfect destination in Aspen, Colorado to enjoy the entire city. The lodge is just one block away from the center of town and less than ten minutes away from the lifts. Wherever your Aspen adventure may take you, the Limelight lodge is sure to have you covered.

The most impressive attribute of this hotel however, is the service. The world-class staff at Limelight Lodge is eager and prepared for your every need. It is evident that the staff truly cares about their clients and will go above and beyond to make their experience unforgettable.

Find out more about how our team of Friendly.Knowledgeable.Locals.® can help you plan your custom summer or winter vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

Check it out!

Vail Valley Bizwatch: Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals

A Message to the American People: Don’t Stress

My fellow vacationers: you work hard year round. You provide for your family or work enough hours to make sure you are living the life you want. I know the economy is tough right now and the country seems like it’s bad and getting worse. But if we are all going to make it through the next few years, we need to make sure that we are pacing ourselves and not getting burnt out. We need to make this work ethic last. What we need to do now is get excited. We have a unique opportunity to work together as a country and pull ourselves back to the standards that we know Americans can achieve.

If it makes it any easier, healthcare reform has begun to kick-in to save you money (Just so we’re clear, healthcare reform will not cost the American public a dime until 2014 when more advanced regulation takes effect, and will actually save our economy money over the next decade).  We’re stressed, but equity markets are trending upwards. Jobs are being created by public programs and private sector companies alike. Those jobs are going to create a better, more technologically advanced infrastructure than we have ever seen if we do things right. So take comfort in that and don’t get too stressed out. And I know our political environment is as “interesting” as it has ever been, but remember that people elect politicians. Don’t ever forget that you, the people, are in control of this country.

Moreover, you are in control of your own life. You have the power to mitigate stress and to make yourself happy. Don’t get burnt out heading into the holiday season. Your country needs you now more than ever. I encourage each and every one of you to take some time to relax, take some time to feel again, take some time to enjoy your lives that you work so hard for. Take some time off, and come to the mountains and enjoy the fall and winter seasons that are upon us. These are the most beautiful times of the year for the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Telluride is in full swing with events from film festivals to concerts to outdoor markets. Breckenridge and Keystone are proudly displaying their eclectic spirit with that home town feel. Aspen and Snowmass are as interesting as they ever were, with the potential to spot Hollywood’s A-List at any moment and experience some of the most high end luxuries of mountain life. And, of course, Vail and Beaver Creek are constantly recognized for their world renowned beauty and splendor as some of the globe’s top resorts.

The leaves are falling, the sun shining, the air is crisp, and the people are friendly. No matter what happens today, that will still be true tomorrow. There is no reason to not treat yourselves to a little happiness, a little fun every now and then. It is your duty to your country to be happy and not stress about what you can’t control. So call up Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals today at 1-888-866-2305 and start planning your escape today. They’ll even take some of the excess stress away by setting you up with complimentary ski rentals and a concierge to care of all your needs.

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

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 Vacation Rentals for help planning, booking and organizing your next Colorado vacation! 1-866-348-5129

The Teva Mountain Games are the nation’s largest mountain sport event. Celebrating mountain lifestyle, outdoor competitions and events and music concerts- the 2010 Teva Mountain Games hosted form June 3 to June 6 in the Vail Valley are gone be an incredible event you should not miss.

Top professional and also amateur athletes from all around the world will compete in eight different sports in overall 24 different disciplines for over $ 100,000 in prize money. The eight sports are biking, climbing, dogs competing, running, fishing, kayaking, rafting and stand up paddling.

As of today, the 2010 Teva Mountain Games will start off on Thursday June 3 at 10am with the Bud Light Lime Steep Creek Championship which will be presented by Thule at the Homestake Creek, Red Cliff. Homestake Creek is dropping 480 feet per mile which makes this competition one of the most popular and interesting not only to race but also to watch. If you want to compete in the quarter mile creek race register fast- there is only a limited number of starter places for the first round- so make sure you get in there! The ten fastest female and the ten fastest male will then compete in a second round and the fastest time will determine the winners.

Registration for the race on race day opens at 8am at the Homestake Creek – Red Cliff. At 8.30am there will be the possibility to practice in the Steep Creek. At 9.30am the time trail will start. So if you are only there to watch the challenging race- try to make it there by 9.30am to see all competitors. And then at 10am the Steep Creek Championship will kick off. Check regularly the Teva Mountain Games website to see if there were any changes in the schedule!

The Steep Creek Championship is gone be a popular and promising competition since there will be professional athletes from all around the world to win the $ 2000 Price money for the first man and for the first woman. The second man and woman can each win $ 1000 and the third will get $ 500. The 2009 winners of the Steep Creek championship are Mike Dawson from New Zealand and Nikki Kelly.

To round the first day and the first competition of the 2010 Teva mountain games up- there will be a free concert in the heart of Vail Village. Starting at 7pm at Checkpoint Charlie there is gone be the first half of the Bud Light Mountains of Music show where DJs and Band will rock the village.

Try to make it to Vail to the first great day of the 2010 Teva Mountain Games. If you need some great lodging deal to stay for the whole games check this out!

Tubing has always been one of my favorite past times for summer (along with a cold beer, a foot- long brat, and a Rockies’ team win at Coors Field), but a shiny new gem has caught my eye: kayaking. One of the most popular competitions at the Teva Mountain Games (June 3-6 this year), I know it is harder than it looks but I think I can do it. Having never even sat inside of a kayak, I thought it would be a smart move to learn a few things, and I couldn’t have picked a better place than Vail to do it!

After some web browsing, I’ve made a plan of action that I intend to take over the next few weeks, just in time for the Teva Mountain Games! I’ll let you know how it goes!

Step 1: Learn about kayaks. Did you know that there are over 7 types of kayaks?

Some are made for quiet, fishing trips, while others are made to navigate whitewater rivers! I think I will start out easy on a recreational kayak- until I find my sea legs! While researching, I found that there is a serious lack of safety education when it comes to recreational kayaks. This will be my next step because I value my ability to enjoy the great outdoors, especially in the Vail Valley area! With companies such as

Step 2: Attend a kayak safety course. Knowing what safety gear I need could help me avoid sticky situations! There are many procedures that I need to know and be able to execute such as we exiting, t-rescues, and self-rescues that will all be covered through the right training courses. The internet may be useful, but it doesn’t quite match the feeling of getting water up your nose while you are locked into a floating boat! Use this website for teaching children about boat and kayak safety.

Step 3: Take a class. At first, I wanted to jump in, but after plenty of reading and realization that I can’t tackle white water on my first day, I’ve decided that a class with certified professionals is my best option. They provide the equipment, knowledge, and training I need to be on my way. It may not be tomorrow, but I will start out my kayaking adventure right! In most cases, safety is the main focus of beginner classes, followed by skill and then actual water time. As demonstrated in this video, anything can happen while you kayak! Watch this shocking video of what happened to some ocean kayakers! Kayakers are terrifyingly surprised during their trip…

Step 4: Get on the water! After I become confident in my skills, it’s time to play! I can’t wait to explore the area’s natural playground where river meets adventure! Hopefully, if I love it enough, then someday I, too, will be competing in the Teva Mountain Games!

Step 5: Watch and admire the pros! I appreciate every athletic competition more, whether it’s basketball, softball, or even tennis, after not only learning about how difficult it is, but by trying it out! My admiration grew after realizing that navigating a thin, light weight craft through raging waters doesn’t happen overnight. Hopefully, while attending the Teva Mountain Games I will be able to pull aside some pro’s and learn what their experiences were to get here! Good luck to all of the Kayaking athletes who are competing in the 2010 Teva Mountain Games!

For some people traveling is something that happens year round, while others wait all year for that one special vacation. My personal philosophy is that the key to happiness is always having something to look forward to; for me that being a vacation. I thought I’d share of my personal travel tips- they are easy and will help you plan the perfect escape!

1. When booking airfare domestically I always hop to Kayak.com first. It compares the prices airlines have listed, as well as prices being offered on 3rd party travel provider sites such as orbitz, so you know you’re getting the best deal around. Or, save some hassle and let a complimentary concierge take care of your flights for you!
2. If your travel dates are flexible, use Bing when searching so that you can compare historical prices for the flight you’re looking for to help you know when a good time to buy is.
3. Research special events happening in your destination before booking travel. I’ve found that the best way to save money while on vacation is to take advantage of local free events and activities.
4. Plan ahead, but don’t plan too much. An itinerary can help keep the vacation flowing, but can also take away from the travel experience. Sometimes the best memories of a vacation are those experiences that come to you.
5. Make an educated lodging decision. Are you looking to eat all or your meals out, or trying to save money by cooking at home during your stay? Most travelers automatically assume a hotel is the cheapest way to go, without considering the money they could be saving by booking a vacation rental fully equipped with a kitchen.
6. Ask a local. Locals will always be a better informer than a guide book or review you read on the internet. Ask around when trying to find the best pizza, or most happening nightlife. Locals are in the know with events and specials and are usually happy to help lost tourists have a good time.

Happy travels!

It’s actually not that hard- here’s a list of all the FREE things to do during Spring Back to Vail April 12-18, 2010.
1. Free concerts! The Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars are performing on April 16th at Checkpoint Charlie, from 6-10 pm in Vail Village. They will also be showing their documentary which tells the story of the bands’ long journey from the Sierra Leone and their experiences in various refugee camps.
2. Attend Après and “After Dark Parties” where you can snipe some freebies from Bud Light and Captain Morgan at bars throughout Vail Village and Lionshead. My favorites include the Red Lion, the George, and Samana Lounge.
3. Stop by the Men’s Journal Lounge and Reverb Eco Village with sponsors such as Bear Naked Granola and attendance by Stonyfield Farm and Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance. 8:30-3:30 at the base of the Vista Bahn lift near Vail Village.

4. FREE concert! Don’t miss Wyclef Jean on Saturday, April 17 and guest Robert Earl Keen. This concert, located at Ford Park is THE concert not to miss this Spring in Vail! This will be an unforgettable combination and night to remember! Get there early- this will be one packed show! Robert Earl Keen starts at 5 pm, followed by Wyclef at 7 pm. No floor space left at my place- too many friends are coming, but you can find some great lodging deals and catch some spring runs!
5. Free lunch and entertainment continues on Sunday with the Rockstar World Pond Skimming Championships. Located at Golden Peak on Vail Mountain, watch as crazy skiers glide across a somewhat (sarcasm) chilly pool of water. Many wear costumes, some land smoothly, but most crash epically into the water! They should find a hot chocolate and heater sponsor for this one! Or perhaps an arctic dive suit maker….

Free BBQ will be provided, and then to wrap up Spring Back to Vail 2010….

6. Another free concert! Located again at Checkpoint Charlie in the Vail Village, Guster, an “acoustic-pop threesome” that throws humor into their alternative rock show.

One thing is for certain- this is one heck of a way to finish the winter here in Vail- and I won’t forget to take as many late season runs as I can humanely accomplish while also soaking in some spring weather, great music, friends, food, and fun! Hopefully the family will visit and join too- each of these events would be great for my young cousins, aunts, and more!

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 –

Check out special lodging deal here !!!!!

Aspen Snowmass will kick off their 20th Anniversary season of June Jazz Festival with some of the biggest names in jazz, pop and world music.

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 with Christian 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.

Program Overview:

06/25/2010      HARRY CONNICK, JR. = Benedict Music Tent= 8:30pm

06/26/2010      JAS @ 20! FEATURING CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE, PATTI AUSTIN, DIANNE REEVES, FRED WESLEY & MORE = Benedict Music Tent = 8:30pm

06/27/2010      PINK MARTINI = Benedict Music Tent = 8:30pm

07/03/2010      NATALIE COLE & ORCHESTRA W/AMFS MUSICIANS = Benedict Music Tent =  8:30pm

Tickets for this amazing event are already on sale since February!!! (For Tickets Click here)

Vail America Days

July 4^th 2010- from the early morning till the very late night!!!

Every city, town and village has their own unique celebrations for the 4^th 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 4^th of July day off with viewing the fabulous Vail America Days fireworks which take place at approximately 9:45pm Pat Golden Peak.

If not Vail than 4^th of July in Breckenridge:

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.

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!

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/.

Olympia Update

6 more days to GO- 6 MORE DAYS OF EXCITING GAMES!!!

As of today, Monday February 22, 2010 the United States are in the lead of the Olympic Medal count with 7 Gold Medals, 7 Silver Medals and 10 Bronze Medals followed by Germany who moved closer by winning 3 medals today – 2 in cross country skiing team sprint and in ski jumping team competition.

Lindsey Vonn from Vail won one of the gold medals in the women’s downhill as well as a Bronze Medal in the women’s super ski. Evan Lysacek one another gold medal for the US in one of the most exciting and tight men’s figure skating events in history. Evan Lysacek was fighting against Evgeni Plushenko who won the Olympic Gold Medal four years ago in Turin/ Italy. One of the best performances in the 2010 Olympic Games so far was from the legendary men’s Half Pipe snowboard competitor Shaun White. Shaun White already won Olympic Gold four years ago and everybody was excited what he will present in this Olympics- and he outperformed all expectations. He already had the gold Medal after his first run, but instead of showing some simple jumps in his second run- he did jumps nobody had seen before cleaner anyone can show them. Even if the ice hockey team has still a long way to go- the final will be Sunday at noon, one of the most important games for the US was yesterday- US against Canada. The US won with 5 to 3 goals and moved a big step closer to the final.

For tonight everybody is excited to see the battle between the Canadian and US team in the final round of the Figure Skating Ice Dance performance. Tomorrow Bode Miller will race again in the Men’s Giant Slalom and try to add one more medal to his Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal he already won in this Olympics. We will also see the first round of the women’s figure skating program, the short program which will start Tuesday 23,2010 at 5.30 PM mountain time.

So even if we already saw amazing events- there will be more…!!!

Contact:

Janyce Brandon

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals

janyce.brandon@rmvrvail.com

1000 Lionsridge Loop, Suite 3A

Vail, CO, 81657

970-790-6167

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release:  February 22, 2010

Online Chat Option Battles Uncertainties for Travelers

Vacation rental questions answered quickly and easily online through Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

VAIL, Colo. – Last minute travelers can save money by staying in a vacation rental, but face many uncertainties such as “Where will the property be?”, “How much will it cost?”, and “How does renting a vacation property work?” Now, questions can be answered quickly, easily, and from the travelers’ own homes or anywhere they have internet access. Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals, a vacation rental provider for the high country of Colorado, offers an online chat program where new and returning vacation renters can ask all of these questions before ever speaking with a booking agent.

“Our online chat feature allows both curious and experienced vacation renters to learn everything they need to know from our local agents who know Vail and the properties we offer,” stated Tommy Z. Hoffman, owner and founder. “The online chat can provide vacation information as well as tips on how to save money. Costs can be reduced by hundreds of dollars, simply by having a few meals at their vacation rental; most vacation rentals come with fully equipped kitchens.”

The online chat feature allows vacationers to save time by directly asking a “real person”, who lives in the Vail Valley their questions. When planning their vacation, travelers can find exactly what they need from a Rocky Mountain Vacation Rental professional every day of the week.

The Rocky Mountain Vacation Rental online chat program also allows consumers to learn more about the vacation rental process such as why Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals work with property management companies for quality assurance; travel to and within Vail; as well as all the concierge services offered such as booking ski rentals and grocery shopping; as well as advice on the best family or singles restaurants and bars.

The online chat feature can be found by visiting www.RockyMountainVacationRentals.com, and clicking on the purple “live chat” button. Inquiries will be answered directly by a Rocky Mountain Vacation Rental team member.

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About Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals (RMVR):

Formerly Vail Ski Vacations, RMVR was founded by owner Tommy Z. Hoffman in 1998. RMVR is a vacation rental provider that offers local, friendly, knowledgeable service in the Rocky Mountain Region. RMVR stands out among its competitors by working only with property management companies to ensure the highest quality and cost effective vacations. In addition, RMVR utilizes a local staff whose love for the region, skiing, snowboarding, the great outdoors, and the high country life allow them to share their excitement and knowledge with their customers. To learn more, please visit www.Rocky MountainVacationRentals.com or call 970-477-1777.

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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!

CSA

Even though it’s nice to have warmer, sunnier days here in the mountains, fingers were crossed and hopes were high for the next big snow to hit. And our prayers were answered, as I’m looking outside the snow is flying in the valley, dumping another 3-4 inches with more expected for the weekend. An insider tip for anyone planning to come in the month of February, it should be our best month for snow (according to the Farmers Almanac), so we have plenty to look forward to! Tomorrow morning will be another great day of riding so come out or miss out!

- Nick

Hey Twitterfriends!

Or are you?

Being an avid facebooker (come on, I know you are too), when I first heard about twitter, I thought it was the most senseless social media site on the web. I mean, really, who cares what I’m doing at 6:30 in the morning in <140 characters? And just status updates? What about actual information! But secretly, I gave in; then, after a while, I noticed some of my friends joining in too. And what I came to realize with Twitter is that the cliche saying is true: less is more.

Some of you are still thinking to yourselves that you couldn’t care less what random people are doing throughout the day, but I’m here to teach you about a different aspect of Twitter. How to use it as an informational tool; okay, that doesn’t sound any more exciting, let me just explain…

Many companies use Twitter accounts to network and I have noticed this to be an awesome tool to connect with people as well as other companies, not to mention a great way of fun, easy, and free advertising!

Let’s start with our twitter here: rkymtnvacrental [http://twitter.com/rkymtnvacrental]

On ours, we update to let you know when fresh powder hits vail, sweet events that we are hosting, and awesome deals that we are currently offering on housing. It’s an great “home base” for surfing the web because we also add links in a lot of our status updates so that you can easily connect to exactly what we are discussing. From here, you can jump to other people we are “following”.  So let’s jump to VailinfoCenter [http://twitter.com/Vailinfocenter] Like the name implies, this twitter gives out inside info about all the specials going on each day in Vail; apres ski specials, rental deals, where to go to check out the best events, as well as some Valentine’s Day specials:). I make sure to check this site daily; I mean, I wouldn’t want to forget about unlimited wing night at the Tap Room! After that, you’ve got to check out the twitter from my side of the company: rmvrMedia [http://twitter.com/rmvrMedia]. A new tweeter, with many website geniuses behind it, I’m excited to see all the info that we will be sharing with you through this site!

So now that you have Vail insider information, I want to share 5 Tweeters outside of the High Rockies that you must start out with when you get your account!!

Who loves cupcakes? Um everyone. FOLLOW SprinklesBakery [http://twitter.com/sprinkles]. They give away usually 50 free cupcakes daily if you know the secret twitter word to whisper!

Want some free gogs or shades? FOLLOW Electric Visual [http://twitter.com/electricvisual]. Each week, usually monday, they have a trivia question open to everyone for an awesome prize! I’ve already won a pair of their sunglasses, so yes it is possible!

We’re from Vail and we love Winter Sports! FOLLOW the upcoming Winter Olympics [http://twitter.com/van2010games]. There’s even a link on theirs to win tickets to the Closing Ceremonies. Yup, I already entered.

For anyone into creating on the computer, it’s always good to have a place to find some vectors or ideas in general. FOLLOW Chris Spooner [http://twitter.com/chrisspooner] I’m not really down with following random people, but someone giving out awesome free tutorials and tips is hard to pass up!

And last, if you really want to up your friend count, FOLLOW Me [http://twitter.com/heyheyyhaley]. Check out my adventures around the mountains, living in Avon and working in Vail! I also like to retweet good deals that I find, so it’s a good idea to check my links!

Alright! Now it’s time for you to get a twitter account and add us! (But we might make you want to move to Vail when you see all the fun we have all day!)

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

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

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