The Summer Teva Mountain Games held in Vail, Colorado is pretty much one of the coolest events held all summer.  The Games combine athletes, art, and music, all in the beautiful mountain setting of Vail, Colorado.  This year’s event will kick off May 31 and conclude June 3, 2012.  So I’d like to let you know why the Teva Mountain Games are at the top of my summer hit list.

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

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

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

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

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

Well everyone, the ski season is winding down here in the Colorado Rockies. There hasn’t been much snow in the last few weeks, mountains are showing their dirty and rocky base, and spring skiing is in full effect. While I would love some more snow in the forecast, springtime is here and this means it’s time to Spring Back to Vail!

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Sunday, April 15 – Iration – At the Solaris

- Venue opens and music starts at 4 pm

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

Colorado is unofficially the most amazing state there is – one that is generally known for its epic winters.  With 26 ski and snowboard areas in the state it’s no wonder people flock here to vacation during the winter months.  The mountains are huge, temperatures are mild and not to mention, Colorado people are downright awesome. But, winter is not all that Colorado has to offer.

 

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

 

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

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

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

It has been snowing up in the Colorado Rockies the past few days, providing skiers with fresh snow and new terrain. Vail, Copper, Keystone and Telluride have are all opening new terrain as we speak, opening up more and more of the mountain for adventure. So here’s a quick update on whats going on:

 

Vail: 24 hr: 4in.  72 hr: 6in.

With 6 inches in the last few days, Vail has now opened up Chair 10 (Highline Express Lift), Chair 26 (Pride Express Lift) and Chair 14 (Sourdough Express Lift). These lifts have opened up runs from the far west side all the way to the far east side of the mountain.

 

Copper: 24 hr: 2in. 72 hr: 2in.

The new Union Creek High Speed Quad chairlift opened today in Copper, giving riders access to new terrain on the western side of the front of the mountain.

 

Keystone: 24 hr: 2in. 72 hr: 2in.

This Friday, December 16, 2011, Keystone will open up night skiing every night until January 1st. This is a great opportunity to extend your day and have runs all to yourself (but dress warm, because when the sun goes down it gets chilly). Night skiing is great because your ticket to Breckenridge or Keystone is valid for night skiing! Spend your day skiing in Breckenridge, then swing over to Keystone around 3 or 4 in the afternoon and ski for a few more hours.

 

Breckenridge: 24 hr: 3in. 72 hr: 3in.

Even with the Dew Tour and official celebration of Breckenridge’s 50th birthday, they are still continuing to open more parts of the mountain. Tomorrow (Friday, Dec 16) Breckenridge will open its C Chair, providing access to Gold King, Sundown, and Lower Peerless runs. The lift is in between Peak 8 and Peak 9, so be sure to get over there early and get some fresh snow.

 

Telluride: 24 hr: 2in. 72 hr: 8in.

Telluride has been getting some good snow over the last week, resulting in the opening of Chair 6 (Apex Lift), Chair 12 (Prospect Bowl Express), Chair 14 (Gold Hill Express) and lastly Chair 15 (Revelation Lift) providing access to Revelation Bowl. This opens up more advanced slopes further up the mountain, giving skiers some great new terrain.

 

It looks as if things are starting to pick up for the season, and more snow is on the way. So  get up to the Colorado Rockies and find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized winter ski vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

 

Col•o•ra•do (kah-luh-RA-doe) – a state in the west central united states that serves as the ultimate year-round playground due to its undeniable beauty, natural terrain, and perfect seasons. Colorado natives see no reason to leave, and non-natives get here as fast as they can because some just want to play.

This past summer I was introduced to various events that come through Colorado like the Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash and Spartan Challenge.  All of these circuit events are obstacle adventure races that require participants to get down and dirty on a course that tests one’s endurance, strength, stamina, and mental grit. These people don’t mess around…

Footage from last years Warrior Dash

These events are gaining popularity each year as more and more events of this nature continue to spring up. I’m going to let you in on a little secret about THE next event in the world of obstacle adventure racing – The Innagural Mojo Man Adventure Race will take place in Vail, Colorado over the 2012 Memorial Day weekend. Produced by Highline Sports and Entertainment, Mojo Man will occur right before the Teva Mountain Games and give Vail a surge of visitors over Memorial Day Weekend.

Mojo Man will feature Vail Mountain as the backdrop for the event, with participants racing between Vail and Lionshead Villages. The races will be designed to cater to racers of different ages and athletic abilities.  This is perfect for me, because as much fun as something like the Tough Mudder looks, I could never compete amongst those athletes!  Also, Mojo Man could potentially get the summer season started a week early in Vail—who doesn’t like that?  I look forward to seeing how plans for the race will develop over the next few months, and I will be sure to update you along the way.

Mojo Man will be one of the many great events going on in Colorado this summer, so call our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® to start planning your vacation to Colorado today.

Mountains’ terrain is constantly changing, especially at the beginning of the season. So here’s a quick look at whats going on in the Colorado Rockies this weekend.

Aspen/Snowmass

This weekend, Aspen Highlands will open parts of Highland Bowl, Steeplechase and Temerity. Buttermilk will start its season by opening its Tiehack Express lift on Saturday. This now means that top-to-bottom skiing will be available at the 4 Aspen/Snowmass mountains. This is great news for the area, as the year has gotten off to a slow start. Also, the remodeled Merry-Go-Round on-mountain restaurant will open today at Aspen Highlands **show up from 1-3 for an opening day party!

Breckenridge

Peak 7 opened today at Breckenridge, expanding their terrain to 420 acres out of the available 2,358. While there is still much to be opened at Breckenridge, the opening of Peak 7 is great improvement to the mountain.

Vail

Parts of Game Creek Bowl are set to open today, giving skiers even more access to Vail. While the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin are still some time away from opening, expanding access to Game Creek Bowl with the Game Creek Express Lift marks the start of a great winter.

Keystone

Keystone’s Main Street Jump Line is set to open this weekend, which often deemed as some of the best jumps in the nation. Pro ski and snowboard teams come to Keystone every year to film and train on these jumps.

Beaver Creek

There are big things going on in Beaver Creek this weekend with the opening of 4 new lifts. Rose Bowl is opening up with a new high speed quad, Upper and Lower Beaver Creek Express will be running. and finally the Riverfront Gondola will be opening. These changes will all take place on Saturday, just in time for a great weekend in the mountains.

 

So come visit the Colorado Rockies this winter and be sure to find out more about how our team of Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals.^® can help you plan your customized ski vacation in any of our fun-filled destinations.

Christmas in Vail, Colorado is an enormous annual celebration with nonstop activities and events for the whole family from Thanksgiving weekend to New Year’s day.

Start your day in the comfort of your vacation home, where you can prepare a home cooked Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, or visit one of the delicious restaurantsin the Village.

During the evening on November 25^th, head over to Beaver Creek to attend the 31^st annual Christmas Tree Lightning and 7^th annual Gingerbread Competition.

During Christmas season many towns slow down and close businesses. Not Vail. The town is decorated with colorful glowing lights and evergreens, while nature provides stunning mountains covered in sparkling snow by day and glittering stars in the sky by night. One picture perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the area is with a horse-drawn carriage ride. During the scenic ride you can crawl under a warm blanket or enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.

 

During the winter there are plenty of events and activities to keep guests busy. Guests can visit the spa for a relaxing day, hit the slopes for great skiing, build a snowman, go on a scenic snowshoe hike, go ice skating or go ski biking. If you visit from December 5th-11th, be sure to attend Snow Daze and if you visit from December 18th-25th, you can take part in Vail Holidaze.

 

There are no other holidays that gather the family together like Thanksgiving and Christmas, so why not visit Vail for a holiday to be remembered? Start or continue your family tradition today by booking your holiday vacation.

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

If you are looking for things to do in Vail, Colorado this summer, look no further. On Tuesday, June 14^th, the free Bud Light Hot Summer Nights concert series began at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater with a performance by Grupo Fantasma. They started off the concert series strong, providing attendees with an energetic mambo-funk that was sure to make legs and hips move. The amphitheater is a great place to see a show, offering seating to 2,500+ guests and great sunsets silhouetted by the Rockies. I look forward to the remaining free concerts, which occur every Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM until August 30^th. Featured acts include the Kyle Hollingsworth Band (July 19^th), Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band (August 16^th), and Carolyn Wonderland (August 23^rd). As you attend the concerts throughout the summer, don’t forget to explore the surrounding restaurants, attractions and all the other things to do in Vail, Colorado.

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

A great way to kick off your vail summer vacation! The country’s largest celebration of adventure sports, art and music, the Teva Mountain Games, are returning to Vail June 2- 5, 2011. The Teva Mountain Games attract professional and amateur athletes from all around the world to compete on the mountains and rivers of Vail in eight sports and 24 disciplines for more than $100,000 in prize money! This year’s events include kayaking, rafting mountain biking, road cycling, World Cup Bouldering, amateur climbing, fly fishing, stand up paddling, trail running and a half marathon.

In addition to the exciting sporting events, the Teva Mountain Games also offer many lifestyle components including: the Mountain Click Photo Competition, the Outside Adventure Film School, Outdoor Reels Film Festival, Mountains of Music free concerts and the Teva Mountain Ball. There will also be expos by the Gear Town and Green Light District as well as the interactive family zone, Adventure Village.

The best part of the Teva Games… spectating is totally FREE! There are also free activities such as the Bear Naked Adventure Village, the Eddie Bauer Zip Line, the Thule Stash and Dash competition, the Bud Light Mountains of Music concerts, the Outdoor Reels Film Series and MORE! All of our Friendly. Knowledgeable. Locals. ® here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals are looking forward to the Teva Mountain Games and would love to help you book your dream vacation rental!

Find More Vail Colorado Events

Vail Colorado Ski Vacation Activities: Adventure Ridge’s closing day was this past Saturday and I made it there just in time to enjoy some tubing and trampoline jumping before the season ended. Both were quite thrilling but I think the coolest part of adventure ridge is ski-biking, which some of us over here at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals were able to try out. As you can see in our video below, we thoroughly enjoyed it! Adventure Ridge is Vail’s Mountaintop Adventure Center that allows your on the slopes fun to continue into the evening! If you didn’t make it to Adventure Ridge this winter don’t you worry, there are lots of great activities to enjoy there during the summer!

Horseback Tours & Pony Rides

Take a scenic horseback tour from Eagle’s Nest through Game Creek Bowl and back, overlooking the Vail Valley. Suitable for adults and children 7 years and up. With or without lunch- $35- $85. Children ages 2–6 years can enjoy pony rides around our mountaintop corral. $6.

Vail Mountain Guided Hikes – NEW!

Guided hikes on Vail Mountain are offered Wednesday to Saturday during summer operations.  Private hikes are available Sunday to Tuesday and are customizable to your hiking preference!  All guided hikes will meet at the Lionshead Ticket Office.

Top of the Mountain Tours – NEW!

Explore Vail Mountain in an adventurous, open air vehicle.  Tours leave from Adventure Ridge at Eagle’s Nest and head to the top of China Bowl and back. With or without lunch- $20- $40

Climbing Wall
Reach new heights with our NEW climbing wall equipped with a safety harness. $10 per session.

Rebound Trampoline
Catch some air at 10,000 ft. on a modified trampoline with a waist harness attached to bungee cords. You may think this is for kids, but once you see the sheer joy it brings a child- you will want to try it! $10 per session.

Disc Golf
Tee up for this spectacular, self-guided 18-hole Disc Golf Course at the top of the mountain. Front nine is beginner/intermediate and the back nine is intermediate/advanced. Allow 1–2 hours per nine holes. $8 disc rental.

Lawn Sports
Bocce Ball, Horseshoes, Dino Dig, and a new Slack Line Park. Enjoy an afternoon of fun in the sand and sun with your friends. All lawn sports are FREE.

Guided Nature Hikes
Explore Vail Mountain on a free one-hour guided hike with the Gore Range Natural Science School and learn about the area’s flora and fauna departing at 11am and 2pm.

Discovery Center
Learn about the environment through fun, interactive displays or join a guided hike. The center is a cooperative arrangement between Vail Resorts, Walking Mountains Science School and the U.S. Forest Service.

After 4pm, use your $10 evening lift ticket voucher toward purchase of any Adventure Ridge activity.

There are plenty of exciting activities to enjoy at Adventure Ridge and Vail this summer! Contact a Friendly. Knowledgeable. Local. at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to book your summer lodging!

Colorado Festivals and Events: In its 21st year, the Taste of Vail is the nation’s premier spring food and wine festival, held at the largest ski resort in the US. Over 5,000 people are able to “taste the Vail Valley lifestyle” which showcases Vail’s world-famous resort village set against dramatic mountain vistas during this annual 3-day event. Participants will experience the Vail Valley’s world-class restaurants, fine wine poured by winemakers and winery owners from top wineries around the world, interactive seminars, auction and dance, the Colorado Lamb Cook Off, apres ski tasting and the popular mountaintop picnic sensory extravaganza at the top of Vail Mountain.

The exciting events are held at some of Vail’s greatest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Each morning, guests have the opportunity to take a 3 hour guided ski with a Vail Resorts ski instructor and a Taste of Vail Chef, winemaker, or sommelier. Top Chef contestant Kelly Liken will be cooking with Colorado Lamb and Belvedere Vodka on Thursday, prior to the 6th Annual Colorado Lamb Cook-Off and Apres Ski Tasting where you can sample and array of lamb dishes courtesy of Vail Valley’s finest chefs and the Colorado Lamb Board. Many more exciting seminars and events will occur throughout the festival, where guests are guaranteed to leave with a great Taste Of Vail! Contact us at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals and let us take care of all your lodging needs so you can come visit for A Taste Of Vail!

Taste of Vail Mission Statement:

The Taste of Vail’s goal is to enhance Vail’s image, positioning and reputation as a world class international resort with serious commitment to fine food and to promote recognition of the Vail life style.

The event offers a variety of experiences on the mountain, in restaurants and classrooms to increase the attendee’s knowledge and enjoyment of food and wine.

Visiting Vail? Check out the RMVR Vail Vacation Planner

Last weekend thousands of excited ragers flooded to Avon, Colorado for the first (and hopefully annual) Snowball Music Festival. Although the ice, mud, and puddles made it somewhat hard to move from stage to stage, I don’t think that stopped anyone from having a great time! The festival certainly held true to its tagline- Music. Adventure. Party. The masses came out decked in onesies, glitter, animal suits, glowsticks, Charlie Sheen masks, hoolahoops and basically anything else you can imagine. Pretty Lights threw down an amazing set to headline the first night and got everyone pumped up for an amazing weekend!


Saturday was filled with high energy performances that made everyone forget it was less than 20 degrees outside, starting off with Colorado’s own, Big Gigantic. Paper Diamond played in the groove tent which was overflowing with people trying get down with Alex B. In my opinion, he probably should have been given the main stage where Local Natives were playing a very mellow, but enjoyable show. From there Classix, Lotus, and Savoy (with the coolest laser show I have ever seen) all rocked it out and Bassnectar closed down the show with an epic performance, as usual! The only bad part about Snowball was that it had to end at 10 pm, but that did not mean the party was over! Practically every bar in town had after parties with different musical guests. It was hard to choose which ones to go to, but I definitely had an amazing time seeing Big G late night at Agave!

Sunday was another great day of music. I had to get to the festival pretty early to represent MPLS when Brother Ali took the main stage at 2pm. It was nice to hear some hip hop after a really electric Saturday night and Brother Ali put on a great show complete with a long freestyle rap after forgetting some of his lyrics. Afro Man took the groove tent stage with a forty in hand and also forgot a few of his lyrics… (I wonder why…) but still busted out a great show with some of the classics we haven’t heard in years! After that I saw a little bit of Miami Horror then headed back to the groove tent to warm-up my toes and secure a spot for my favorite band to dance to, EOTO. Flaming Lips closed the night with a somewhat lackluster performance. I think the lasers shining off the disco ball and the giant balloons were better received than the music. It could have been due to everyone being danced out for the weekend or the fact that front man Wayne Coyne was clearly not on his ‘A’ game. Regardless, it was nice to hear Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots while snow was dumping over the mud and ice fields which is now Nottingham Park. Lucky for me, the night wasn’t over until Alex B. (Paper Diamond) and Dominic Lalli (Saxaphonist of Big Gigantic) were done throwing down an amazing collaboration at Agave!


All in all, The Snowball Music Festival was a great success! They should probably use some bigger tents next year but aside from that, everything seemed to have worked out really well. It was exciting to be a part of the first year and I hope it continues on for many more to come! If you were there this year, I’m sure you’ll be back and if not, it’s definitely worth checking out! Visit RockyMountainVacationRentals.com to have a Friendly.Knowledgeable.Local (who was most likely at Snowball) find the perfect lodging for you!

Just like that Spring is fast approaching. What are you doing for your Spring Break? …I’m not thinking sun and beach… I’m going more for free concerts, last chance to get some skiing/boarding before the season is over, street parties, pond skimming championships. Doesn’t all that sound so much better than just sun and beach?  How do you get to do all this? Easy just come to Spring Back at Vail 2011!

Starting April 15 there will be tons of activities and concerts to celebrate the end of this great ski season we’ve had at Vail. Come early for an all-mountain film competition open to pros and amateurs. Best of all concerts are FREE and lift ticket deals and great lodging packages will be available and who better to help you get this party started and get your lodging needs in order than your Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals!

Curious about who will be playing at the concerts? Here are a few of the bands that will be playing:

• • Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
  • Train
  • The Greyboy Allstars
  • Shpongle presents the Shpongletron Experience
  • Stephen Marley
  • Chris Velan
  • Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars

Alright I’m stoked about all this …I know if you read this blog you probably are too. What next…book your lodging with one Vail’s own Friendly, Knowledgeable, Locals!

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.

As a broke grad school graduate with Sallie Mae constantly pounding on my door, FREE is a word I like to hear.  When I found myself in Vail for the winter, I figured I’d probably be scraping by on teeth and nails.  With awesome events like the Snow Ball Music Festival and the X Games coming to the area, I’ve been pinching pennies wherever I can to afford going to them.  As a supporter of Bud Light for many years now, I was elated when I learned of the Bud Light Street Beat FREE concert series!  It’s just what I need to hold me over until the Snow Ball Music Festival in March.

There’s just something about live music that makes me feel more alive.  The Vail Valley Foundation presents free music in the streets of Vail on a Thursday once a month.  Last night, I got to see Lyrics Born at Checkpoint Charlie in the Vail Village.  After a long day of work, his energy was explosive and contagious.  I could hear the bass before I even saw the stage, and it immediately got my heart pumping.  As soon as I reached the crowd, it was impossible to not start dancing to the beat.  I had never really heard of him before, but was definitely impressed with the originality of his sound.  With a unique ensemble for support, I couldn’t take my eyes off the stage not wanting to miss a second of their set.  Ending his performance with an encore, featuring an amazing freestyle portion, I was left wanting more.

The next concert in the series will feature Earl Wear & Haywire on February 24, again at Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village.  Be sure not to miss these special intimate events where the crowd is small enough to really feel a connection with the artists who are performing.  Make sure you contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to help plan a great little getaway and experience everything Vail has to offer.

The Snow Ball Music Festival has the powers of impressing me every day.  It must be some magic wizard.  Announcing artists daily keeps me intrigued, as if Bassnectar and Pretty Lights weren’t enough.  The way the acts are being announced I think its genius and accidental, but all good things happen for a reason.  I keep going to the website and social networks everyday to check on updates waiting for my mind to be blown, and they are doing a great job.  As acts are still being signed, it is exciting to watch this wonderful idea grow daily.

On January 13, I was impressed again with the announcement of Brother Ali to the concert poster along with a few other announcements and the growth of free spaces on the poster!  I saw Brother Ali opening for Bassnectar earlier this year, so it’s great to see them together again at the same festival.  Brother Ali must enjoy the dance music.  More spaces mean more acts and I thought 29 was a large amount, but now there are 44 spots on the line-up.  With the addition of Brother Ali to the Snow Ball, I expect to see another act added to the line-up – Mimosa. He opened for Pretty Lights at Red Rocks this summer, and I recently saw him play a great show at Agave in Avon.  I would love to see him again especially in a festival atmosphere.

I only have one problem with this: the third headliner.  Who will it be? I have been waiting eagerly and I don’t want to wait anymore.  I have heard rumors that DeadMau5 might be playing at the Snow Ball, but would he be the third headliner?  I for one wouldn’t want that, but seems to be a good fit.  I think the third headliner shouldn’t be electronic – a lot of genres are coming to the Snow Ball, and it would be healthy to have some diversity.  I’d like to see a hip-hop act, like Atmosphere  or maybe something old school.  Whoever it may be, I’m sure everyone will be stoked regardless of who it is.  I can’t wait to see.

If you are planning on attending the Snow Ball Music Festival contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for your lodging needs.

My other Snow Ball Blogs:

The Snow Ball Music Festival Continues to Excite!

The Snow Ball Is Coming

The first annual SnowBall Music Festival has been filling their line-up quickly throughout the holiday season and continues to do so.  As of now there has been 14 spots filled with great talent, and there are a total of 29 spots according to the festival’s poster that seems to be updated daily.  The poster started with only two acts, Bassnectar and Pretty Lights, which created so much excitement throughout the music community they started to nickname this festival Snowchella comparing it to the number one ranked festival in the world, Coachella. Being associated with Coachella is a huge praise especially when only two acts have been revealed at the time.

Today the poster lists 16 acts which are; Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zero’s, Local Natives, Diplo, Big Gigantic, Portugal The Man, Classixx, 12^th Planet, Miami Horror, Mansions on the Moon, Baths, Superhumanoids, Bonfire Dub, Twin Shadow, and Portor Robinson.  I am sure there will be an addition tomorrow.  I enjoy how this is being done; it is a lot of fun to follow and exciting when you see a personal favorite band on the poster.  I have experienced this multiple times already and again this week when I saw Portugal the Man.

Portugal The Man was rumored to play at The SnowBall in the beginning but was not official until January 4th when they were added to the SnowBall poster.  This band consists of four members; John Gourley, Jason Sechrist, Ryan Neighbors, and Zachary Carothers.  Portugal the Man started as a side project for lead vocalist John Gourley with Carothers playing bass using drum machines for their supporting beat.  The band has grown in many directions, one move was signing with Atlantic Records in 2010 after being with multiple labels previous to Atlantic.  I missed Portugal The Man last time they came to Colorado in November, but I sure won’t miss them at the SnowBall Music Festival that can’t come soon enough.

For those planning on coming to The SnowBall in March make sure to purchase your tickets and lodging before it is too late.  Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals have many great lodging options for this epic music festival.  Give your Friendly Knowledgeable Locals a call at 1-877-422-0449.  Hint: Ask to be near Nottingham Lake.

Vail Snow Daze. Never heard of it? Well you better listen up and continue reading, or you will be missing out. The party kicks off today with après ski deals all over Vail Village. The best way to find out about these deals is to just head out to Bridge Street and see for yourself all that Vail has to offer. Come Thursday, the party kicks it up a notch with more après deals, the Dummy Demolition Derby, and free chili. The night will finish with Mix Master Mike performing for free in Vail Village. Friday’s festivities continue with, of course, more après deals and Dwight Yoakam playing for your benefit at Ford Park.

If you can’t make it to Vail during the work week because you unfortunately have to work, then make sure to be there Saturday and Sunday. Saturday night after you have hit the mountain hard all day, be sure to head to Ford Park to enjoy the sounds of O.A.R., and did I mention that this concert is free as well? If you are lucky enough to be around Sunday night, then I am sure you will be able to enjoy one more free concert. How about Weezer for free at Ford Park? That sounds nice doesn’t it? Well lucky for you, I am not lying.

So if you are still reading this blog, clear up your weekend, head up to Vail, and enjoy one incredible weekend full of free concerts, après ski parties, and lots of great early season snow.

For any lodging needs this weekend, make sure to call us at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals and we can get you the best deal in town. Maybe we will even see you out in the town. If you’re lucky.

Today is opening day at Vail and that means there is a lot going on.  There is so much happening I am upset that it is physically impossible for me to enjoy everything the Valley has to offer this weekend.  No matter what your entertainment preferences are there is something for everyone.

If you find yourself on the slopes of snow you will notice how many lifts are open for opening day; that is right a lot compared to a normal opening day.  Last year Vail only had the Born Free run open, and this year 1,150 acres are open to shred.  When the mountain closes today don’t go home quite yet there is plenty of fun to still be had.

Garfinkel’s, a bar and restaurant in Lionshead Village, is hosting the opening day bash that is free to join.  The party will begin at 1pm and will go till 4pm.  Plenty will be going on with DJ P-Rock spinning, raffle giveaways, and drink specials this is a good place to start off the long day of events.

If you decide to stay on the slopes till they kick you off, what I will be doing, make sure to check out the free concert performed by Big Gigantic outside of Lionshead Village.  Big Gigantic is a Front Range electronica duo that has been on the rise in the music scene.  If you are in Vail this is a must see show in my opinion.  Big Gigantic will be performing from 3:30 to 5:30 so make sure to check them out.

If any of you remember The Samples, ex-drummer Jeep MacNichol will be performing at Samana tonight as his solo stage name Mr. Anonymous.  Jeep went solo in 2005 with his debut album Mr. Anonymous in Jamaica.  With different music styling compared to the Samples, Mr. Anonymous has a dub-reggae style with a little dance feeling.  Doors open at 8pm the first DJ will start at 9.  There is no cover if you get there before 11pm, and only $5 afterwards.

Is music not your thing? Rather share a laugh with some friends and family? Well you’re in luck thanks to the sand bar located in West Vail; a lineup of hilarious local comedians will be cracking you up tonight.  Headliner is Denver local, Elliot Woolsey.  If you haven’t heard of Elliot’s stand up do yourself a favor and go see him tonight at the Sand Bar.  The show starts at 8pm with no cover.

For the more local scene Paddy’s Restaurant, located in Eagle-Vail, will be putting on a night of DubStep with a free keg to boot.  Dubstep is a rising genre, especially in Colorado, that has a lot of people talking and is changing the music scene as we know it.  If you never got a taste of Dubstep come by paddy’s enjoy a free beer and dance the night away.

Tyler Boyd Posing at the Top of Chair 3 for the Opening Day in Vail 2010

Mid Vail Scenic View From Opening Day in Vail 2010

Today’s Vail Mountain Cams!

Two Elk	Terrain Park	Clock Tower
Vail, CO	Vail, CO	Vail, CO
View Cam	View Cam	View Cam

Wildwood	Vail village
Vail, CO	Vail, CO
View Cam	View Cam

There will be many more events in Vail this ski season, so when skiing the powder packed mountain don’t forget about the great events happening all around town.  To book your stay, contact a Friendly Knowledgeable Local at Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals.

The word “preservation” can truly be defined by the authenticity of delightful NOLA jazz, especially presented by the traditional performances of New Orleans’ own Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Preservation Hall, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band, gracefully embody the traditional sound and sprit of a city with the broken beauty of New Orleans.

Who doesn’t immediately feel that impulse to throw up your hands, knock your hips back and forth, and joyously dance to the bright sounds of brass, percussion, bass, and sax? Lucky for Vail/Beaver Creek this year, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band is hitting the road for their 2^nd Creole Christmas tour, making a stop at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek this December. The show will highlight holiday favorites with a sassy flair, including “Blue Christmas,” “Swinging in a Winter Wonderland,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and “The Dreidel Song.”

One of the top priority activities on my Grandparents’ list while visiting me at Tulane was checking out Preservation Hall. The building itself hasn’t been touched, renovated, or modernized over the years. Without air conditioning or drink service, and its use of dim lighting, the venue stands true to representing its original purpose: being a host for authentic jam sessions. Originally a tavern during the war of 1812, the weathered building in the heart of the quarter later became a photo studio and art gallery. Eventually, the owner of the gallery initiated jam sessions in the building with close friends.  By 1961, the building was founded as a music venue by Allan and Sandra Jaffe, open to public, offering nothing but the simplicity (and complexity) of soul.

The band that came out of Preservation Hall started touring in 1963, and has continued to pass the traditions of the past down to new charter members that have joined the roster over the years. Original chapter members of Preservation Hall Jazz Band performed with gurus like Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, and Bunk Johnson.  This year, several talented musicians have joined the band, making dynamic contributions with brass, woodwind, and percussion to reflect that high spirited New Orleans flavor.

Now you can make the holiday season a “Creole Christmas” while vacationing in the Rockies.  Tickets for the show on December 21^st are on sale now, go for $58 – and I promise you, it’s worth every penny to experience this kind of jazz, “preserved” in its original form. Purchase tickets here, from the VPCA website.

For all your lodging and additional concierge needs, book with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals. Immerse yourself into mountains and music this winter, and let the good times roll!