City Guide
Actions
Skiing and Snowboarding
During the winter months there is no comparison to the dry powder that the Ski gods bestow upon the Vail mountaintops. And for those months when the weather is frosty, there is no skier-friendly place you'd rather be than the Vail Valley.
Normally towards the end of November and beginning of December, you'll start to see the lift lines forming as the mountains of the Vail Valley come alive with skiers and snowboarders carving down the slopes. The numerous ski resorts that surround the mountain town, such as the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort, begin to fill up during the snow season, and for good reason. Along with the fantastic slope conditions comes the ski contests and mountain competitions.
The American Ski Classic takes place every March and turns the Vail mountains into celebrity slopes. Don't be surprised if you see such skiing legends as Billy Kid and Franz Klamer, or if you bump into some ski-enthused stars like Kelsey Grammer and Gloria Estefan.
If you're a snowboarder who isn't really excited by "two-planking" festivities, then you should check out The Session, a snowboard competition and party on the mountain. Today's top riders busting out high-flying tricks mixed among live music and good times make this one of those must-see Vail mountain events.
Music & Film Festivals on the Mountain
One of the ways that the Vail Valley kicks off its winter ski season is to throw a party that gives everyone an idea of what kind of town Vail is. This pre-season get-down is known as Snow Daze, and has been bringing headlining musicians, street parties, on-snow events, great food, good times and a festive atmosphere to the mountain.
Despite Vail being synonymous with skiing and snow, it also has a cultured art side to it as well. Each year, visitors and locals alike take part in the many festivals that celebrate music, dance and film. After hitting the world-class slopes, warm up with some sizzling tunes at the Vail Jazz Festival. Classical music lovers will also have their musical heart strings plucked when the Bravo! Music Festival rolls into Vail for six weeks of open-air concerts.
What's music without dancing? Every year the Vail International Dance Festival twirls its way into the area for several weeks of classic and contemporary performances by well-known dance ensembles, such as the Paris Opera Ballet and Dance Cuba!
Need to give your ears and legs a rest after all that skiing, live music and dancing? Well, sit back and relax at the Vail Film Festival. This four-day event incorporates feature films, shorts, documentaries, and student films. Don't worry about missing any slope-time either. The screenings are planned for the late afternoon and evenings so that you won't miss a second of the snow.
If you planned your trip to Vail around the month of October, you'll be there for the right month to drink, sing and be merry, as Vail hosts their own Oktoberfest extravaganza.
Art Galleries & Museums
The Vail Village has some great little galleries and museums to entertain its visitors when they are not on the ski slopes. The Cogswell Gallery offers artwork that truly reflects the nature of Colorado, with wildlife sculptures and rustic antique furnishings. You'll find nature inspired hand-made jewelry at the J. Cotter Gallery where just about every piece of jewelry will remind you of Vail's beauty.
Vail is a ski town, and therefore what better place to find the Colorado Ski Museum. Take a walk through the hallways of this museum and see how the Vail Valley transformed from its mere beginnings as a sheep farm to the ski Mecca it is today.
Other Outdoor Activities
Don't think that because this region of Colorado was blessed with perfect ski conditions that there is only wintertime fun in Vail. Even when the snow melts in Vail, the smiles don't, and the warm sunny days bring out some of the best, with activities ranging from river-rafting to golf. There are plenty of things to see and do around Vail, as it is truly a four-season town.
There are a number of skilled tour guides in Vail that can show you the true meaning of the great outdoors. No matter what your skill level or experience, Lakota River Guides will take you on a river rafting trip that will meet your desired level of adrenaline pumping excitement. If you're looking for more than just a rafting adventure, make a stop at Nova Guides. The guides at Nova will take you on some unforgettable excursions that can include dog sledding, snowmobiling, river fishing, Jeeping or tearing up some terrain on an ATV.
Vail is also home to world-class golf links that include the Cotton Ranch Golf Club, and the Eagle Ranch Golf Club.
When the snow starts to melt in the spring, the rivers around Vail begin to rise in water height and the fly-fishing is at its best. Pack your waders and head out to the many local streams and rivers that are full of those elusive trout that you "almost caught".
Photograph provided by Jack Affleck
Copyright © 1999-2008 wcities.com All rights Reserved - Contact Wcities
Site information
About Us | Company Blog | TravelMusings | Photo Blog | Editorial | Contact Us
Site Publishers: Link to Us | Put the TravelMuse "Add to Trip Plan" widget on your Web site and let users plan trips!
Jobs | Internships | Privacy Policy | Price Guarantee | Terms of Use | Site Map | Copyright © 2008 TravelMuse, Inc. All rights reserved.
