Visitor's Guide to the Colorado Rockies

What the locals know, (and the visitors ought to).

Truly the best source of information on an area is usually from those who live there. Visitor's Guide to the Colorado Rockies will tell you where to find the good powder, the best deals, the most fun, the best bars and restaurants, and more. Everything you need to know to make your vacation in Colorado's Ski Country an unforgettable experience.


May 06, 2008

Vail Velo presents The 7th Annual Beaver Creek Colorado-Eagle River Ride on July 26, 2008

A one-day, 100 mile, 100 Km and 42-mile bike ride for a great cause! It's time to start training.
This Eagle River Ride will take cyclists through the Eagle River Valley up the rural setting of Highway 131 and along the Colorado River.  The ride will loop from Beaver Creek to Wolcott up CO Highway 131 to Colorado River Road down to Dotsero and back to Beaver Creek.  

2008 Registration Fees - Colorado-Eagle River Ride on Saturday, July 26, 2008
By June 27: $85
By July 25: $95
Ride Day: $115

Register online here 

The Beaver Creek Colorado-Eagle River Ride is an important fund-raiser for the nonprofit organization, SOS Outreach, or SOS.  This year's ambassador is Mike Kloser, three time EcoChallenge winner and former World Cup Mountain Bike champion.

Your registration fee includes a Jersey, Optic Nerve Sunglasses to the first 200 Registrants, Specialized Water Bottle, Pancake Breakfast, First Class Aid & Support, Post Party in Beaver Creek!

For your Safety…
Riders are required to wear ANSI or SNELL approved helmets, ride in accordance with State of Colorado traffic laws, ride single file, and stay to the right side of the road. Colorado State Patrol and local officials will issue citations for failure to do so.  Participants must wear rider identification.

For more information visit www.vailvelo.com/riverride.cfm or call 970-926-9292.

May 06, 2008

2008 Vail Golf Club Rates

The Vail Recreation District will begin selling season golf passes starting Wednesday, May 7th at the Vail Golf Club.

Here is a look at the 2008 season pass details and rates for the four season passes that will be available.  These include a VRD Taxpayer Pass, a Merchant Pass for Vail-based businesses, an Eagle County Pass, and a Summit County Pass.                               

                               Before     After

                              June 1      June 1

VRD Taxpayer Pass 
Gold Pass               $1,750      $1,950 Includes cart, balls, club storage/locker; play shoulder season and restricted peak season
Silver Pass              $925        $975 Play shoulder season, restricted peak season
10 Round Pass       $400         $450 Transferable, restricted peak season
20 Round Pass       $450         $500 Transferable, restricted peak season
Junior Gold Pass    $300         $300 Must pass skills and etiquette test, restricted
Junior Silver Pass   $150         $150 Play shoulder season and after 3 p.m.
Parent-Junior Pass $225         $225 Play allowed after 3:30 p.m.- 1 adult and 1 junior
Range Card            $125         $125 Transferable

Eagle County Pass 
Silver Pass             $1,325      $1,325 Play shoulder season, restricted peak season
10 Round Pass       $500        $509 Transferable, restricted peak season
20 Round Pass       $550        $600 Transferable, restricted peak season
Junior Gold Pass    $300        $300 Must pass skills and etiquette test, restricted
Junior Silver Pass   $150        $150 Play shoulder season and after 3 p.m.
Parent-Junior Pass $225        $225 Play allowed after 3:30 p.m.- 1 adult and 1 junior
Range Card            $125        $125 Transferable

Summit County Pass 
Silver Pass     $1,425            $1,425 Play shoulder season, restricted peak season
Range Card    $125               $125 Transferable

Merchant Pass 
The Merchant Pass is for Vail-based businesses and their employees and operates similar to the merchant ski pass program. The non-transferable 2008 Merchant Pass is available for $925 through June 1 and then will cost $975. In order to purchase the Merchant Pass, business owners will be asked to provide proof of Vail-based operations via tax receipts or by showing an active membership in a business organization such as the Vail Chamber and Business Association. Vail-based business employees will be asked to provide a current paycheck stub or employment verification letter. 

For more information about the Vail Golf Season Passes visit www.vailrec.com


May 06, 2008

The Breckenridge Fun Park will be open for business starting in May

The Fun Park will be located in the gondola parking lot this summer in Breck. Check out all the fun and crazy activities.

This year’s Breckenridge Fun Park will include…

Amaze'n BreckenridgeTM - Colorado's largest human maze.

Climbing Wall - Three different routes of difficulty in a safe and user-friendly environment.
Minimum weight 30 lbs, Maximum weight 250 lbs.

Sky Fly Power Trampoline – A modified trampoline and bungee cord system.
Minimum weight 30 lbs, Maximum weight 190 lbs.

Spin Cycle - The ride of a lifetime!
Minimum height requirement is 4 feet, Maximum total weight of 300 lbs for two people.

Bounce House – A fun jumping castle. Available for children 12 and under.

Gem Stone Panning - Pan for precious stones.

Open: May 24-26, May 31- June 1, June 7- 8, June 13- September 1, September 6-7, September 13-14.

Daily Operations: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (weather permitting).

Children under the age of 18 need a parent or guardian's signature on the release form.  Rides may be subject to closure at any time.  Age and size restrictions may apply. All prices, dates and activities are subject to change.

Peak 8 Children’s Center

Drop off your children (2 months – 36 months) for fun activities, snacks and lunch weekdays 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, reservations required.

Trail maps and bike rentals are also available at Breckenridge Sports in the Village - (970) 453-3000.  Rental includes helmet; deposit required.

For Fun Park pricing information click here or call (970) 453-5000.


May 05, 2008

Vail Recreation District Hosts Rocky Mountain Volleyball Camp

Colorado State University (CSU) Head Volleyball Coach Tom Hilbert and his staff will lead girls in a three-day training camp.

The Vail Recreation District’s (VRD) Rocky Mountain Volleyball Camp will take place May 9-11.

Prices and Schedules…
Grades 2nd – 7th will meet at 8:30 to 10 a.m. May 10-11 and cost is $35.
Grades 8th - 12th will meet from 5 to 9 p.m. May 9 and from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 10-11 and cost is $175.

The camp will take place at Battle Mountain High School, located just off Highway 6 in Eagle Vail. Registration and additional information is available at www.vailrec.com or by calling the VRD Sports Department at (970) 479-2280.


April 30, 2008

Vail Recreation District’s Summer Sports and Activities are about to Start

This summer get involved with trail running, mountain biking, sports camps, nature programs, adult hiking programs, golf, indoor ice skating, a number of children’s programs and more.
Here are some great summer events you should look foward too…

Trail Running Series
Named Colorado’s “Best Race Series” by Colorado Runner Magazine, the VRD’s annual trail running series begins June 7-8 with the 10k Spring Run Off and 5k Mud Run as part of the Teva Mountain Games at Vail. New this year, La Sportiva Summer Solstice Twilight 5k and 10k trail run and a kid's run will take place June 21 in Beaver Creek and include an after party with music and food and drink. The Summer Solstice will be followed by the La Sportiva Vail HillClimb on July 6, La Sportiva Vail Half Marathon and Berry Picker trail run on July 20, La Sportiva 10k at 10,000 Feet on Aug. 10, Beaver Creek Vertical Ascent on Aug. 23 and La Sportiva Mountain Cup Vail Trophy Challenge on Aug. 31. The series ends with the La Sportiva Evergold 10k on Sept. 7. Course maps, start times and registration are available at http://www.vailrec.com or call 970-479-2280 for information.

Mountain Bike Series
The VRD is proud to offer mountain bike racing for all ages and abilities this summer with the Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek Challenge Bike Series. The mountain bike series will kick off May 28 with the Eagle Classic in Eagle Ranch followed by the Berry Creek Bash on June 18. The series will then return to Vail for the 25th Anniversary Davos Dash on June 25. On July 9, the series then heads up towards Red Cliff for Camp Hale race and then back to Vail where on July 23 racers will head up Vail Mountain for the challenging Vail Mountain Grind. Rounding out the season, the final race of the series will head to Beaver Creek for the Beaver Creek Blast on Aug. 6. Course maps, start times and registration are available at http://www.vailrec.com.

Don't miss the Adult Sports Leagues
The VRD will organize softball, soccer, golf, sand volleyball and kickball leagues during the summer as follows:

The adult 8v8 Summer Soccer League will take place May 19 through Sept. 1 at Battle Mountain High School in Eagle-Vail.

Women’s, men’s and co-ed Slow Pitch Softball Leagues offering 10 weeks of action,  June 2 through Sept. 1 at the Ford Park softball fields.

Summer Sand Volleyball League will offer two divisions, 2’s and 4’s co-ed, June 2 through Sept. 1 at the Vail athletic fields.

New this year, an adult F.A.C Kickball League will take place on Fridays June 6 through Aug. 29.

For more information on VRD activities and events, call 970-479-2279 or go to http://www.vailrec.com


April 28, 2008

Colorado Mountain Express Receives "Top Brass Award"

Glenwood Springs Chamber recognizes Colorado Mountain Express for business achievements and milestones
On April 23rd, 2008, Colorado Mountain Express was the proud recipient of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Top Brass Award which recognizes business achievemnts and milestones. 
Colorado Mountain Express was recognized for receiving the Colonel's Award of Excellence from the Colorado State Patrol because of  CME's significant contributions (including the recent donation of $5000) to promoting safety and for making a difference to safety. 

In addition, CME's very own Jay Ufer, CEO and Tom Ball, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing were recognized for their business leadership qualities.


April 16, 2008

Copper gears up for a Spectacular Summer

Copper Mountain’s summer schedule begins Saturday, June 13 and is filled with hiking, cycling, running, golf, live performances and family activities.
http://www.ridecme.com/images/Copperlogo.jpg
above logo provided by Copper Mountain
Summer Schedule…
July 4 – 6 is Copper’s 3 Ring Weekend – This weekend is a free family event celebrating nature and the mountain. On July 5 listen to live music from Rusted Root and visit a sustainable “eco-village” including recycled art installations and interactive activities designed to educate and entertain. Activities include Primp My Ride, a kid-powered parade with bikes, trikes and skateboards decorated with reused and recycled crafts, to Recycled Rags, plus a DJ dance party that features favorite thrift store fashions. http://www.3ringweekend.com or call 970-968-2318 x40903. 
July 25-28 is Copper’s Courage Classic – The 19th annual Courage Classic is a three-day, 157-mile bike tour benefiting The Children’s Hospital Foundation in Denver. Route leads from Leadville to Summit County and back with quiet backcountry roads, competitive climbs and great views. http://couragetours.com 720-777-7499.

August 1 – 3 is Copper’s Triangle Bicycle Tour – The Copper Triangle benefits the Davis Phinney Foundation which is aimed at understanding, preventing and treating Parkinson's disease. The Road Tour is 78 miles of breathtaking scenery, gorgeous roads and three challenging climbs. http://www.coppertriangle.com   303-282-9020.

August 9 is The Copper US Race Series Half Marathon - The series returns for a second year of competition.  In addition to the half marathon through the scenic Rocky Mountains, runners can choose their race with a family style 12k run or a 5k walk. The course will start and finish in the heart of the Village at Copper. 

August 9 – 10 is Copper’s Guitar Town – The world’s best guitarists join together for the 4th annual Guitar Town festival.  Guitar sales and expos, workshops and jam sessions make this weekend special for guitar and music enthusiasts. Past performers include Dickey Betts, Buddy Guy, John Jorgenson, David Lindley, Tim Reynolds and Joe Satriani.  www.copperguitartown.com or call 970-968-2318 x40903

August 29 – 31 is Copper Country - A Labor Day festival tradition at Copper, Copper Country celebrates the best of the American spirit.  Includes live music of the country’s top fine artists and even nationally ranked rodeo competitors come together.  www.coppercountryfest.com 

Visit www.coppercolorado.com for more information on upcoming summer events.


April 16, 2008

Skiing Still Open in Summit County

Breckenridge Ski Resort and Arapahoe Basin are still open for spring skiing, while most resorts have shut down for the season.
Breckenridge is OPEN
Don’t miss the Ridge Street Massive Music Weekend in Breckenridge on April 18 and 19.  Finish off the ski season with Breckenridge's end of season concerts featuring Grace Potter & the Nocturnals on Friday and Robert Randolph & the Family Band on Saturday. Get a tan on the slopes and then make your way down to Ridge Street for the party.
Make a note:  CLOSED FOR THE SEASON - Peak 9 - A Chair, C Chair, Beaver Run Carpet, #4 Carpet.  CLOSED APRIL 14-18:  Peak 8 - 6 Chair, Rocky Mountain SuperChair.

April 18 - Friday: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals with opening band starts at 5 pm.

April 19 - Saturday: Robert Randolph with opening band starts at 3 pm.

April 20 - Breckenridge Ski Resort Closing Day

Click below for tickets and more details.
http://breckenridge.snow.com/info/winter/ea.springmassive.closingweekend.asp 

A-Basin is OPEN
Closing Day - TBD (weather and snow conditions permitting).  

In the past, A-Basin has stayed open until June 3rd or July 4th, so don’t retire your boards or skis just yet!  Arapahoe Basin has the longest ski season in Colorado and one of the longest in North America. While other ski areas have shut down for the season, A-Basin remains open for riders and skiers to experience the best spring skiing Colorado offers.

Visit http://www.arapahoebasin.com for more details.


April 11, 2008

Vail Resorts season passes will utilize a new state-of-the-art “easy scan” for next season.

Now skiers and riders won’t have to scuffle through their pockets to find their pass at the lift lines.

The Epic, Colorado, Summit and Heavenly season passes – will utilize a new radio frequency technology that’ll offer a simple scan process, so skiers and snowboarders will have the option to keep their pass zipped inside their jacket in the lift lines at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado and Heavenly in Lake Tahoe, Calif./Nev.

Don’t miss out on Vail Resorts Spring pricing, which is the lowest pricing of the year.

$399 - The Summit Pass™ that gives Colorado skiers unlimited, unrestricted access to Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin next season and

$439 - The Colorado Pass™ that offers unlimited, unrestricted skiing at Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin with an additional 10 days* at Vail and Beaver Creek for the 2008-2009 season.

$579 - The Epic Season Pass™ offers unlimited, unrestricted skiing and snowboarding at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado and Heavenly in Lake Tahoe, The Epic Season Pass is $279 for children (5-12).

For more information visit www.snow.com


April 03, 2008

Fiesta Latina...at the Bergenhof Restaurant in Breckenridge this weekend

When: Saturday April 5, from 12-3pm

Latin dance performances and “ski boot salsa lessons” will be offered on the deck of the Bergenhof Restaurant with world renowned salsa dancers Roberta Farley and Eric Freeman. Stop in to watch them perform, or try out some dancing yourself with free lessons every half hour.  Don’t worry no experience is necessary.  Refuel your dancing throughout the night with yummy ethnic foods that will be available as well. Grab your friends, family, dancing shoes and journey on over to Peak 8 for an afternoon fiesta you will not want to miss. Music and Dancing will start at 12 (noon) and end at 3:00p.m.  It’s time to boogie!

About the Dancers…
Roberta Farley of Shut Up & Dance Productions specializes in Argentine Tango, Salsa, & Swing. Roberta's specialty is working with beginners.Roberta has been seen on the cover of Westword, RMN Spotlight, and taught salsa on the TV show Extreme makeovers. 

Eric “El Cubanito” Freeman is an internationally recognized salsa instructor and videographer. He has taught salsa in the U.S., all over Europe, Latin America, and at the Puerto Rican Salsa Congress. Eric's 11 salsa videos have sold over 17,000 copies in 75 countries. Eric specializes in teaching students how to integrate different salsa styles into their dance repertoire.

For information visit www.breckenridge.com


April 03, 2008

Fiesta Latina...at the Bergenhof Restaurant in Breckenridge this weekend

When: Saturday April 5, from 12-3pm

Latin dance performances and “ski boot salsa lessons” will be offered on the deck of the Bergenhof Restaurant with world renowned salsa dancers Roberta Farley and Eric Freeman. Stop in to watch them perform, or try out some dancing yourself with free lessons every half hour.  Don’t worry no experience is necessary.  Refuel your dancing throughout the night with yummy ethnic foods that will be available as well. Grab your friends, family, dancing shoes and journey on over to Peak 8 for an afternoon fiesta you will not want to miss. Music and Dancing will start at 12 (noon) and end at 3:00p.m.  It’s time to boogie!

About the Dancers…
Roberta Farley of Shut Up & Dance Productions specializes in Argentine Tango, Salsa, & Swing. Roberta's specialty is working with beginners.Roberta has been seen on the cover of Westword, RMN Spotlight, and taught salsa on the TV show Extreme makeovers. 

Eric “El Cubanito” Freeman is an internationally recognized salsa instructor and videographer. He has taught salsa in the U.S., all over Europe, Latin America, and at the Puerto Rican Salsa Congress. Eric's 11 salsa videos have sold over 17,000 copies in 75 countries. Eric specializes in teaching students how to integrate different salsa styles into their dance repertoire.

For information visit www.breckenridge.com


April 01, 2008

Copper Announces New Musical Guests for The Sunsation Sessions

Sunsation Sessions is Copper’s exclusive evening performances highlighting great musical talent.

Copper’s end-of-season celebration, Sunsation, is launching its 8th year, bringing back the ever-popular Sunsation Sessions.  Kick off Saturday, April 5 with Rahzel and continue on Saturday, April 12 with MURS.  George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, Matisyahu, Susan Tedeschi, Pato Banton and Eek-A-Mouse headline the free daytime shows at Copper April 4-6 and 11-13.

About Copper’s new musical guests…
Rahzel, best known as a member of The Roots, has re-defined the beat box.  Using just his lips, cheeks, gums and Adam’ss apple to recreate with amazing accuracy and detail tracks from many of todays most popular artists.  MURS is a West Coast underground rapper, who describes his music as sitcom rap taking elements from everyday life and making them entertaining.    

Sunsation Music Schedule:

Saturday, April 5
Noon                  deSoL
2 p.m.                Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk
4 p.m.                Susan Tedeschi
8:30 p.m.           Sunsation Sessions - Doors open ($10 ticket at the door) 
9:30 p.m.           Sunsation Sessions - Opening act - TBD            
11 p.m.              Sunsation Sessions - Rahzel                  

Sunday, April 6                                   
Noon              Topaz
2 p.m.             Eek-A-Mouse
4 p.m.             Pato Banton

Saturday, April 12                  
11 a.m.           Band of Heathens                                
Noon              Perpetual Groove
2 p.m.            George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic
8:30 p.m.       Sunsation Sessions - Doors open ($10 ticket at the door)

9:30 p.m.       Sunsation Sessions - Opening act - TBD            
11 p.m.          Sunsation Sessions - MURS      

Sunday, April 13                     
Noon               Trevor Hall
2 p.m.              Lotus
4 p.m.              Matisyahu

Tickets are on sale now for $10 and are available at the Copper Adventure Desk in the Mountain Adventure Center or at the door the night of the show.  For more information, call the Adventure Desk at 970.968.2318 ext. 45678.  Lodging packages start at $128 per night, based on double occupancy in a silver level hotel room. 

To book, visit www.coppercolorado.com or call 888-760-4342


April 01, 2008

Dining listings for Vail Valley, Summit County and Roaring Fork Valley

Listings for restaurants for Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breckenridge, Snowmass
We have just added dining options to our cmedestinations.com website. Included are listings with descriptions as well as links to the restaurants websites for Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen, Snowmass, Keystone, Breckenridge, Silverthorne and more.

Click links below.

Vail Valley (Vail, Beaver Creek, Minturn
Summit County (Breckenridge, Keystone, Silverthorne, Frisco)
Roaring Fork Valley (Aspen, Snowmass, Glenwood Springs)


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