Vail Closes with 434″ of Snow for the Season

I was one of the lucky ones to ski on Sunday, 4/20/09, the last day of the 2008/2009 ski season at Vail. It was a beautiful day with ample sun, high thin clouds and snow conditions reminiscent of January. The “World Pond Skimming Championships” (sponsored by Tuaca) scheduled for Saturday were postponed until Sunday due to the heavy snowfall on Saturday and the road closure.

For those outside of Colorado, Interstate 70 (the main thoroughfare the the mountains was closed from the western suburbs of Denver to Vail for 17+ hours from Friday afternoon until Saturday late morning due to the abundant snow and subsequent accidents. Warming shelters and Red Cross assistance was available along the corridor.

Sunday was a blast. after the mountain closed for the season, there was a bar-b-que at Gold Peak, very well attended. That evening, O.A.R performed live in Vail Village. Cars were parked on the Frontage Road throughout the day as the garages reached capacity early. It was a great season, I skied enough to justify the cost of the Epic Pass and I may still head to Arapahoe Basin in the coming weeks.

In the coming weeks I will be focusing on the many activities available in the Vail Valley during the summer months when the valley is at its finest. With many fine golf courses, tennis courts, mountain/road biking, rafting, fly-fishing and other outdoor pursuits, you will never be bored. For those looking to relax, our spas are some of the finest in the world, Bravo Colorado is always a cultural hit (I suggest a picnic dinner at the Ford Amphitheater), and of course, just relaxing with a good book in a lounge chair is always enjoyable. BTW: If you are between 21 and 49 years of age, check out Bach on the Rocks.

Since my business is slow at the present time, I plan to spend as much time in the mountains as possible. The long warm days, cool nights and many friends make summer a most pleasent season. If you may be in Vail or just passing through, be sure to give me a “shout out”. Drinks are on me at a creekside table at Up the Creek.

StreetBeat Concert

StreetBeat is the Vail concert series held in the core of Vail close to Checkpoint Charlie on Gore Creek Drive (north of the Lodge Promenade and south of Sweet Basil). From a local’s perspective, the concerts are a blast, a great time to get together with friends and locals no matter if you are a local or visitor.

On Wednesday, 4/15, it is the last concert of the ski season (the season ends on Sunday). Starting at 6:00PM, Chadzilla & The Asteroids an 80’s cover band will take the stage. However, the main attraction is the “awarding of prizes”. The grand prize (open to Vail Valley residents) is a 2009 Volvo C30, a great car respecting the lines and design of the Volvo 1800 which Roger Moore’s character, Simon Templer drove in The Saint television series.  Note to Volvo, consider an AWD option for us here in the mountains. FWD is nice, but AWD, esp. in East Vail would be a welcome addition.

Also, be sure to wear your best 80’ outfits. For me, unfortunately it will be quite easy. I have already pulled out the Girbaud pants (remember, beyond baggy with the tag on the fly). Still debating on the shirt, I have a few options of brightly colored Polos from the “Preppy Handbook” a la Lily Pulitzer. For a jacket, depends on the weather, if its cold, I have a fluorescent toned Nevica ski jacket (hey, it was $400 + tax in 1989 from Gorsuch). Otherwise, I have a somewhat vintage Armani leather jacket in olive green with a diagonal zipper, very vintage 80’s right down to the shoulder pads. Sperry top-siders will complete the outfit.

Have you ever gone through your closet and seen clothes that you wonder “was I inebriated when I bought this?

Hope to see you at StreetBeat on during the last weekend of skiing and boarding, the conditions are EXCELLENT!

Well, off to the lifts, taking the day off to get some runs in with the ample sun.

Epic Pass for 2009-2010

The Epic Pass, the ultimate accessory for those contemplating a getaway to the resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone/Arapahoe Basin and Heavenly. Introduced during the 2008-09 ski season, the Epic Pass was an instant success.

For $579, the pass allows unlimited and unrestricted skiing and boarding at the 5 of the finest resorts in the Rocky Mountain West. No blackout dates and most cost-effective, by using 5 or more days, the pass pays for itself. Consider the pass whether you are planning one or multiple visits to the Rocky Mountain West. What a great excuse to ski/board the five resorts and have Colorado Concierge Services book your lodging.

For the Vail Resorts Epic Pass, prices are guaranteed until April 9, 2009 just a deposit now, balance later.

Vail: The “granddaddy” of them all. With the legendary back bowls, charming Tyrolean town, gourmet food and lodging options other resorts envy, Vail has it all in one package. Fly into Eagle or Denver, stay in one of Colorado Concierge Services hand-picked flats of chalets, from mountainside opulence to hidden gems throughout the Vail Valley.

Beaver Creek: Not exactly roughing it is the motto for those visiting The Beav. Once past the security gates, the resort of Beaver Creek is an enchanted wonderland. A base area literally carved mountainside dominated by a village square with charming shops, restaurants and a year-round ice-skating rink. Consider a village condominium or a luxury ski-in/out home in Bachelor Gulch. For the ultimate Beaver Creek retreat, the former home of President and Mrs. Gerald R. Ford should be considered.

Breckenridge: From rough and tumble mining town to a multi-mountain ski resort, Breckenridge is one of Colorado’s most popular resorts. Main Street charms and delights with quaint shops, restaurants and clubs. The skiing and Boarding, some of the best in Colorado spans multiple peaks ensuring a diverse experience daily. Lodging options from the economical to luxury is available, all within steps to the slopes.

Keystone/A-Basin: The “family” resort of Colorado, Keystone has been a getaway for families for generations. With its “resort-style” design, families appreciate the diversity of lodging, shops and restaurants all focused on the family-oriented client. Be sure to check out the gondola at River Run, dining at The Keystone Ranch and for the adrenaline oriented, the above timberline sk iing/boarding at neighboring Arapahoe Basin. Kids have energy at the end of the day, hit the slopes at night, Colorado’s only night skiing.

Heavenly: The jewel of the Lake Tahoe area. As you are skiing down the slopes of Heavenly, the majestic blue of Lake Tahoe cannot be missed. With a wide choice of terrain, a week in Heavenly will seem like an introduction. For nightlife, consider the fine dining in California or the excitement of the casinos in Nevada, its all at your disposal.

Breckenridge in April

With the major snowfall we have been receiving here in the mountains of Colorado, April skiing/boarding should be phenomenal. While Vail is closing on Easter Sunday, Breckenridge is staying open one extra week. Us locals know, April is a “party-month” in the mountains, the following are some events in Breckenridge not to be missed:

• 1st – 19th: Bite of Breckenridge
• 4th: Breck150 Kickoff Party at Main Street Station
• 11th: Breckenridge Beer Festival at Main Street Station
• 11th – 12th: Kids Easter Party Weekend
• 18th: 13th Annual Imperial Challenge and FREE music with Keller Williams
• 19th: 30th Annual Bump Buffet

Spring Dining in Vail

It is literally a “Right of Spring” when local restaurants roll out their dining discounts before the end of the ski season. I always suggest to my clients, check the Vail Daily (newspaper) and look at the ads, most restaurants will be offering discounts including:

25% to 50% off the bill

Discount w/ bottle of wine purchase

Early-bird dining discount

Please note, even the finest restaurants in Vail and Beaver Creek participate. You will find better deals in the resort areas versus “down-valley” where locals sustain the economy year-round. Thus, good-eating and have a glass of wine for me.

17″ Inches of New Snow and Counting

After a few weeks of a snow drought the Vail Valley has been blessed with an early spring snow storm and more snow is expected during the next few days. A few tips for Spring Skiing-

1) Groomed Trails Front Side will be the best option if you do not enjoy variable conditions. With the new snow, the groomed runs should be very enjoyable.

2) Back Bowsl: Having skied “WOW” on Saturday, the variable conditions were a challenge! From hard-packed to slush to wet cement. When the sign say “variable conditions/ experts only”, this is to be taken seriously.

3) Downloading: With the new snow, not a major issue, however, during the afternoons with the ample sun, the lower front trails were showing brown spots and some slush. You may wish to consider “downloading”via the gondola, Vista Bahn or into Gold Peak. Trust me, you will not be the only one.

4) Helmet: I am a new convert and purchased a helmet. Unfortunately it took the tragedy of Natasha Richardson to be the catalyst. I tried on many helmets and spent the extra money to insure comfort and less weight. Once you are used to the helmet, it is not an issue. I implore all readers of the blog, consider a helmet, its not inexpensive, however, the life you may save is your own.

Additional Spring Skiing Tips

Historically the month of March is the snowiest of the season. Here we are, mid-March 2009 and snow has been scarce during the last two weeks. While we had a 2 feet dump a few weeks back, we are in “Spring Conditions” a few weeks early. What does this mean?

The cycle begins at night as temperatures drop below freezing. The snow on the mountain literally freezes in a solid mass very much like an ice-cube. While not the northeastern United States, by the following morning, we locals call the conditions “bullet-proof”.  Those heading onto the first lift may be in for a rude awakening as their first run may have much in common with an Olympic course.

By mid-day, with the high altitude and ample sun the hard packed snow literally loosens up and the top layers melt down leading to a soft-snow pack. At higher elevation, this is a joy at the base areas, intense sun can lead to 3:00 PM slush.

What is a skier/boarder to do?

1) Start later in the AM: Consider hitting the slopes after 10AM when the sun has been able to soften the hard-packed frozen layer.

2) Groomed Trails: If skiing/boarding early in the morning, stay on the groomed trails (fliers available in Town, ticker on TV8, indicated at lifts) which have been “groomed” overnight and this have the consistency of “corn snow”.

3) Stay on the East Side: Take advantage of the morning sun. Thus, consider heading up the mountain from Gold Peak towards China Bowl and head over to Blue Sky Basin which usually has the best early and late season snow. If heading up from Vail Village or Lionshead, consider “Sun-Up Bowl”, just remember it is NOT groomed, thus be careful with the morning conditions.

4) Stay on Upper Mountain: As midday temperatures increase it is best to stay at the higher elevations, snow will soften yet stay firm.

5) End of Day: Note, when skiing/boarding down for the end of the day, the lower slopes and base area (assuming warm weather) may be “slushy” which can literally stop you in your tracks. During very late Spring skiing when the base area may be more brown than white from melting, consider “downloading” to the base area, your ski bases will love you for it.

Epic Summer by Vail Resorts

Vail Resorts, Inc. has announced a new all-inclusive summer family vacation experience in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, “Epic Summer, A Colorado Family Adventure.”

Vail Resorts is combining the best of its Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail and Beaver Creek mountain resorts in Colorado with classic Rocky Mountain summer adventures for locally guided, all-inclusive family vacation experiences in four- and seven-day itineraries. Vail Resorts will begin taking reservations for the Epic Summer trips beginning April 1.

Activities are carefully selected and feature experienced local guides who will lead guests through the entire itinerary from the moment they arrive until it’s time to say farewell.
The Epic Summer guides have been hand-picked because of their knowledge of and passion for Colorado and the mountains. They are experts in the history, culture and ecology of the areas that families will visit and have already taken care of all of the logistical planning so families can relax and make the most of their vacation experience.

Among the experiences: the top of the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park, horseback riding through groves of aspens, pines and fields dotted by wildflowers on Beaver Creek Mountain, whitewater rafting down a scenic Colorado river, a gondola ride to the summits of Vail and Keystone mountains, followed by family-friendly naturalist hikes and mountaintop picnics and similar experiences. For more information, visit www.vailresorts.com.

Epic Pass for 2009/10 Season

Vail Resorts (VR) just announced the opportunity to secure an Epic Pass for the 2009/2010 season at the same price as this past season. While VR is not generally known for deals, the Epic Pass is one of the best bargains in the ski industry. The pass allows UNLIMITED ACCESS to Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin and Heavenly for $569.00. Please note, just a deposit at present, balance is collected in September.

Trust me, as a past employer in the Vail Valley, the old Merchant Passes (which were restricted during the Christmas and President’s Holidays) was close to $900, an unrestricted season pass was $1,600. Thus, an unrestricted pass for $569 is a bargain. More information below:

For about the cost of a six-day lift ticket, you can own an Epic Season Pass which provides unlimited, unrestricted skiing and riding at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly and Arapahoe Basin for the 2009/2010 ski season.

Visit where you want, when you want.

BUY NOW — the Epic Pass is only guaranteed at last season’s price of $579/adult and $279/child (ages 5-12) through Thursday, April 9th, 2009. And, if you buy now you can lock in the original price for only $49 down! Visit EpicPass.com to learn more.

 

Rucksack: RIP, Welcome Loro Piana

For many of us locals, we remember The Rucksack Building at 288 Bridge Street, just down from The Red Lion. The small store had a large inventory catering to the many tourists who walked by daily. However, beyond the truly visually challenging Vail blankets and embossed coffee mugs was a store which also catered to locals like me who may drop in for a candy bar, lip balm or aspirin while walking to the lifts after a night of partying.

Last Spring (2008) we all knew change was coming, the Rucksack closed up shop and the front of the building was literally torn off for redevelopment. The old, somewhat tacky commercial/residential building on Bridge Street would receive a face lift. While the olf building was no architectural gem, it was a reminder of Vail from a past generation, 2×4 construction, small windows, wooden stairs, not a stone facade in sight

Waking along Bridge Street this past weekend, I was introduced to the new Loro Piana store, taking the place of the old Rucksack, literally looking down on those walking along the heated walkway. The old polyester Vail blankets have given way to “cashmere throws” with prices that would pay for 3 months rent in East Vail. Above Loro Piana is the Ritz-Carlton Club. Of note, Joe’s Deli on the lower-level and Shirt Off My Back have re-opened.

Disclosure, I do own a few items from Loro Piana. Their “Storm System” coats are worth the expense. Their clothing and accessories are well designed, constructed of some of the finest wools and there is a mix of old-world design and craftsmanship with new technology.

I guess I just need to “come to terms” with the new Vail looking to Aspen for inspiration. I still remember when Burger King (which was on the east-side of the former Crossroads Mall, now Solaris) and Baskin-Robbins (west-side of Crossroads Mall before Haagan-Dazs) were the only two national chains in Vail Village.

This was an era when pioneers such as the Gorsuchfamily took a gamble and opened a clothing store and The Gramshammers could open an “Gastoff” and adjacent restaurant catering to locals and tourists. OK, a friend reminded me, Polo did have a small store on the 2nd level of the Vail Village Inn on Meadow Drive, now a private residence.

The transformation of The Rucksack to Loro Piana is just another example of Vail’s renewal into a luxury ski resort. Only time will tell if locals and visitors will support the national/international retailers coming to the marketplace. Many have done well in Aspen, while others have closed their doors. Luxury can be a most fickle market.

To Loro Piana, welcome to Vail. May your cashmere sweaters keep us warm in the winters, your storm coats keep us dry during the spring, your pull-overs keep away the night chill during summer evenings at the Ford Ampitheater and your blankets to keep us comfortable when the leaves change in the Fall.