You’re invited to a Pink Vail Launch Party

Come learn about the world’s largest ski/ride event, après party and concert

benefitting breast cancer programs and patient care.

Club Room at The Arrabelle

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to be served

RSVP pinkvail@vvmc.com

Proceeds from Pink Vail benefit Shaw Regional Cancer Center

The Vail Valley Partnership is celebrating the success of the Vail Valley business community with our 9^th Annual Success Awards on Friday, February 10 at the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort.

The Success Awards honor local businesses in seven categories including Non-Profit of the Year, to which a portion of the evening's silent auction proceeds are donated. The Success Awards are the main feature of the night with video clips and recognition of all finalists. Success Award categories and finalists include:

Business of the Year

· Organic Housekeepers

· R.A. Nelson & Associates

· Vail Dermatology

Small Business of the Year

· Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum Hall of Fame

· Turtle Tubing

· Vail Valley Dental Care

Entrepreneur of the Year

· Ana Carolina Forsat-Moss of Caro Creative

· Kevin Selvy of Crazy Mountain Brewing Company

· Liz Rackoff of Batter Cupcakes

Spirit of the Valley Award (formally known as Corporate Citizenship Award)

· Holli Snyder of NRC365 Mountain Broadcasting

· Rob LeVine of Antlers at Vail Condominiums and Conference Center

· Vail Police Department

Non-Profit of the Year

· Bright Future Foundation

· Steadman Philippon Research Institute

· Vail Valley Charitable Fund

New to this year’s Success Awards were the Young Professional of the Year and New Business of the Year award. The Young Professional of the Year award was open to applicants who are permanent residents under the age of 35 years old. Only businesses that have been open for 12 months or less qualified for the New Business of the Year category.

Young Professional of the Year

· Sarah Franke of Group 970

· Megan Gilman of Active Energies, Inc.

· Jamie Gunion of Vail Recreation District

New Business of the Year

· Four Seasons Resort Vail

· Matsuhisa Vail

· SneakPEAK Vail

Last but certainly not least, the Partnership will recognize Jorge Umana from Steammaster as our first ever “Member of the Year” for his efforts to promote the Partnership in the community and to be an advocate for our chamber programing, destination sales efforts and Steammaster’s participation in various Partnership events.

The Partnership would like to extend an invitation to all members of the community to attend the Success Awards on February 10 to help celebrate and recognize the business community. We are also actively soliciting donations for our silent auction to support the Bright Future Foundation, our Non-Profit of the Year winner. Proceeds of the silent auction help to benefit this important non-profit organization. If you have not yet done so, please consider an auction donation to help us raise funds for this important non-profit.

For more information on the Vail Valley Partnership’s Success Awards or to RSVP to the event, please visit www.VailValleyPartnership.com or contact Jennifer Weintraub at (970) 477-4001.

As always, I encourage all member businesses to get engaged with the Partnership and to contact us with any suggestions you may have to help us better serve you. Call us at (970) 476-1000 or stop by our offices in Avon at Traer Creek Plaza to share your feedback.

The Athletic Club at The Westin is pleased to announce that it will celebrate the completion of its $1 million expansion with a Fitness Round Robin on Monday, Feb. 6^th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This free event will allow people to explore the Athletic Club’s three new studio spaces with 20 minute sample classes starting every half hour, including:

• Pilates Reformer

• Pilates Barre

• Anusara Yoga

• Anjali Restorative Yoga

• TRX and Stroops: Train for Life

The Athletic Club’s Fitness Round Robin is open to the public and will also feature a reception with snacks, wine and beer and demonstrations in the Computrainer studio.

The Athletic Club at The Westin now offers more than 27,000 square feet of wellness space, including:

• A new Pilates Studio with 4 Reformers for group and private training classes

• A new Cycling Studio with an 10 person multi-rider Computrainer program and the current CycleOps stationary bike programs

• Studio Anjali with an extensive schedule of class times and styles, including Vinyasa Flow, Hot Flow, Foundations, Anusara, Anjali Restorative, Kundalini and Meditation

• Redesigned Movement Studio with TRX Total Body Workout, Stroops Performance training, Pilates Barre, Pilates Mat, Kickboxing and Zumba.

To view a complete schedule of the Athletic Club’s group exercise classes - please visit www.athleticclubwestin.com.

The Athletic Club is also pleased to announce that it has hired two new coordinators to help guide the expanded class offerings. Elizabeth Sullivan is the Pilates Coordinator, bringing more than 30 years of fitness industry experience to the Club, including time spent as a professional dancer and choreographer. The founder of Zenergy in Denver, Sullivan is Polestar Pilates Certified and an RYI Certified Yoga Instructor. Suzanne Oliver is now serving as Studio Anjali’s Yoga Coordinator. An Anusara-inspired yoga instructor, Oliver previously owned The Sanctuary Yoga Studio in Edwards and has also taught at Vail Valley’s Dogma Athletica, the Homestead Court Club and Om Zone Yoga. They join Cycling Coordinator Brett Donelson, who created the Athletic Club’s popular cycling program. A former National Level Race Coach and Fully Certified Ski Instructor who has coached all over the world, Donelson is also USA Triathlon and USA Cycling certified and enjoys ultra-endurance Mountain Bike races.

The Athletic Club at The Westin is currently accepting new members, with monthly fees starting at $110 for individuals and $160 for families, plus a one-time initiation fee. For more information, please call 970-790-2051 or visit www.athleticclubwestin.com

For more information on The Westin Riverfront, please visit www.westinriverfrontbeavercreek.com or call 1-866-949-1616.

Did you know SteamMaster does hard surfaces?

• Scratches, etches, dirt on showers, floors, countertops, vanities?

• We do diamond grinding, re-honing, clean and seal on Marble, Travertine, and Limestone.

• Clean fireplaces; moss rock

• Clean floors: flagstone, sandstone, slate

• Walls: exterior and interior

• Concrete cleaning and sealing

Give Jorge a call to learn more at 970-904-5781 or via e mail: Jorge@steammaster.com

Check out the list of upcoming classes at Colorado Mountain College in Edwards to help you be a better employee or working professional! Click here to register for the non-credit classes. 

1/28 CPR Instructor Course

1/30  TIPS Alcohol Training + Exam – certifies you to serve alcohol for 3 years

2/1  Energy Efficiency for Property Managers

2/6  Social Media for Business Certificate

2/6 Implementing Green Workplaces

The Vail Valley Foundation, in conjunction with Stanford University's Precourt Institute for Energy (PIE) and Precourt Energy Efficiency Center, (PEEC), will host the Vail Global Energy Forum (VGEF), March 3 and 4, 2012, at the Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC). 

“While we are still six weeks out from this important inaugural event, the agenda is set and tickets are on sale as speakers and panelists, including government policymakers, leading energy industry executives, world renowned research scientists and journalists continue to confirm their participation,” said Carl Colby, Executive Director of VGEF.

“The Vail Global Energy Forum is dedicated to the search for sustainable solutions to one of the most pressing issues of our times – how to produce enough clean, cost-efficient energy from reliable sources to power our global economy while we bridge the transition to breakthrough renewable energy solutions of the future,” said Vail resident, Jay Precourt, who endowed the Precourt Institute for Energy at Stanford University.

The VGEF will examine the combined challenges of energy supply, energy security and the impacts of energy use that will shape the energy transitions underway now and in the decades to come.

Confirmed participants include George P. Shultz, former U.S. Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury and Secretary of Labor and now Distinguished Fellow of Stanford's Hoover Institution; U.S. Senator Mark Udall of Colorado, Member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. 

The most recent confirmation includes among others Dr. Dan Arvizu, Director of National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for the U.S. Department of Energy —the primary laboratory for the study of energy efficiencies and renewable energy technologies in Golden, CO.

Other confirmed speakers include Jeffrey Ball, former Environment Editor of The Wall Street Journal; Tom Petrie, Vice Chairman, Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Dr. Ernest Moniz, Director of the Energy Initiative at MIT; Dr. Burton Richter, Nobel Laureate in Physics, Senior Fellow at Stanford; and Dr. Nathan Lewis, Director, Lewis Research Group at Caltech.

Additional speakers and panelists include Gregory Ebel, President and CEO of Spectra Energy; Tom Siebel, Founder of Siebel Systems; Bert Valdman, Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning, Edison International; Dr. Franklin M. Orr, Director, Precourt Institute for Energy at Stanford; Dr. James Sweeney, Director, Precourt Energy Efficiency Center at Stanford; Dr. Sally Benson, Director, Global Climate and Energy Project, at Stanford. 

“The transition to energy systems with much lower greenhouse gas emissions is one of the grand challenges we humans must face in this century. We need to demonstrate in this century that we can live on this planet in a way that protects the systems that sustain us. There is no single solution to this challenge. We need to work on a broad portfolio of approaches, with a spectrum of primary energy resources, time scales, and sources of support,” said Dr. Orr.

The event will be open to the public, with ticket sales now underway.  Tickets are $100 for General Admission and $175 for a "Signature Package," which includes reserved seating, a pre-event light lunch on Saturday as well as continental breakfast on Sunday.

Vail Global Energy Forum tickets are available by phone at (888) 920-ARTS(2787) or in person at the Vilar Center box office in Beaver Creek and the Marketplace box office in Vail Village. Tickets are available online 24 hours a day at www.vilarpac.org

For additional information on the inaugural Vail Global Energy Forum, contact the Vilar Performing Arts Center at (970) 845-TIXS (8497) or visit www.vailglobalenergyforum.comThe Vail Global Energy Forum is a project of the Vail Valley Foundation.  For more information on the Foundation, visit www.vvf.org.

The full agenda may be found on the website: www.vailglobalenergyforum.com

It may be cold outside, but it will be hot inside the Sonnenalp Saturday, January 28^th.

Join the Sonnenalp Resort of Vail in conjunction with Community-Minded Dance and the Vail International Dance Festival, a project of the Vail Valley Foundation, as they present Tango-Blues Fusion dance lessons at Ludwig's.

“What better way to spend a Saturday night than dancing in our romantic setting,” said Johannes Faessler, owner of the Sonnenalp. “Between the dance lessons, Argentine-inspired meal and drink specials this is sure to be a special night.”

Guests have three packages to choose from. The first is $25 per person for a two hour dance lesson starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by free dancing from 8:30-11 p.m. $75 per person includes dance lessons plus a romantic Argentine inspired 3-course pre fixed dinner at Ludwig’s, starting at 5:30 p.m. $450 includes all of the above and allows you to continue the romance into the next day by staying in a luxurious Sonnenalp junior suite and enjoying breakfast the following morning, based on double occupancy.

The three-course meal is prepared by Executive Chef Steve Topple and includes Manchego Cheese with Quince Purree, a Trio of Ceviche, Shrimp, Scallop and Tuna and a choice of Herb Crusted Lamb Rack or Salmon, Shrimp and Mussel Stew. Dessert is Dolce De Leche Marquis, Guava Sorbet and Red Currant Coulis.

Attire for guests is mountain casual and dance classes can be the full two-hour class or two one-hour sessions. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Sarah Brent at 970-479-5420 or by emailing sbrent@sonnenalp.com.

About Ludwig’s:

Ludwig's is open for the 2011/12 season with new Executive Chef, Steve Topple. Steve specializes in fresh seafood and wild game, bringing a new and exciting twist to Ludwig's menu. The catch-of-the-day from Hawaii to Maine will be served at Ludwig's the following day in a light and delicious cuisine. Steve will highlight his experience by preparing Colorado venison and elk with a uniquely tender consistency not typically found in wild game cuisine. Fresh ingredients, light and healthy, artfully prepared - the new Ludwig's theme. Still present at Ludwig's is the award-winning selection of wine, refined European service and attention to detail. Treat yourself to an updated Vail tradition.

One of the most distinctive voices in popular music and Grammy award-winner Boz Scaggs, was just added to the winter concert series at the Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC).  Scaggs will bring his catalogue of hit songs to Beaver Creek on Monday, March 5 at 7:30pm.  Tickets are on sale now.

After first finding acclaim as a member of the Steve Miller Band, singer/songwriter Boz Scaggs went on to enjoy considerable solo success in the ‘70s.  The rock troubadour will perform hits, "Lido Shuffle," "Lowdown," “Slow Dancer,” “Jo Jo” and others on the VPAC stage.

Born in Texas and raised with an abiding respect for a wide spectrum of American roots music, Scaggs has combined rock, jazz, R&B and blues to create a trademark sound. With an extensive and distinctive career that has spanned 30 years and many accolades, Scaggs continues to prove himself as one of music's most creative and original artists.

Boz Scaggs most recently appeared in the PBS special “Buddy Holly: 75 and Timeless,” which aired in December.  The all-star tribute concert, featured performances by some of rock ‘n’ roll’s legends, in celebration of the life and times of Buddy Holly.

The Boz Scaggs show is a part of the VPAC’s winter concert season, which includes Emmitt-Nershi Band on January 25, Randy Travis on February 19, Leftover Salmon on March 8; Chris Isaak on March 13; Bruce Hornsby on March 24 and Béla Fleck & The Flecktones on April 6.

Tickets for Boz Scaggs at the VPAC are $115/$135 and are on sale now.  Purchase tickets online at vilarpac.org, by phone at 888.920.ARTS(2787) or in person at the VPAC Box Office in Beaver Creek and Marketplace Box Office in Vail Village. 
         

The Vilar Performing Arts Center is a project of the Vail Valley Foundation. For more information on the Vail Valley Foundation, visit www.vvf.org.


IF YOU GO:

What: Boz Scaggs live in concert

When: Monday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Vilar Performing Arts Center

Cost: $115/$135; based on seating

More information: 888-920-2787 or www.vilarpac.org

The Vail Recreation District (VRD) will open a new community programming space in the Town of Vail's new LionsHead Transit Welcome Center in early February. The new space will include a multi-purpose room that will serve as a fitness and art studio. The VRD is seeking professionals who are interested in teaching in the space, which can hold 12 to 20 participants per class. According to the VRD's Community Programming Director Chad Young, the space is perfect for fitness such as yoga, dance, Pilates (mat) and for a variety of art classes, including ceramics.

Already scheduling the space, the VRD will offer a TRX suspension training class and yoga, as well as ceramics and drop-in paint-your-own pottery. Many other classes are in the planning stages including African Drumming, for ages 12 and older and an after school Art Sampler for ages five through 12. "We have been speaking with many local professionals who have expertise they are ready to share with the community," said Young. "This space will allow us to offer much needed art programming and offer fitness in a format not otherwise available in Vail."

In addition to the new multi-use room, the Imagination Station will reopen in early February and offer exciting new exhibits for children ages two to 12 and their families. Schedules for both the Imagination Station and new community room will be announced soon at www.vailrec.com.

For more information or for those interested in teaching in the new community programming space, contact Chad Young at cyoung@vailrec.com or call 970-479-2292.

You're Invited!

EagleVail Pavilion Vendor Mix and Mingle

• Host: EagleVail Metropolitan District

• Please RSVP: Email: debbiebarnes@eaglevail.org or Phone: 970-790-1218

• When: Wednesday, January 25 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

• Where: EagleVail Pavilion538 Eagle Road EagleVail, CO 81620

The Town of Vail Community Development Department issued 686 building permits with a total valuation of $59.9 million in 2011. This is about half the number of permits issued during the highest year in Vail's history, 2007. While 2004 to 2008 saw peak activity, Vail has been trending toward more typical averages in building permits and valuation over the past three years.

Current project valuations are also being impacted by a nationwide reduction in the cost of construction. Building fee collections totaled $1.9 million in 2011, compared with $2.1 million in 2010, a decrease of 11 percent. The Town of Vail has not adjusted its building permit fees since 2002.

While there is a return to more typical building activity, the Community Development has used the opportunity to improve its customer service. Internal process improvements and a streamlined review process have reduced permit review times by as much as 33 percent when compared to the review process in place as recently as a year ago. The most notable change has been a reduction in plan review times from three weeks to less than two weeks and the introduction of an over the counter permit for certain types of construction work. The reduction in permit review times is something customers have been asking for, says Community Development Director George Ruther. “We’re being responsive to the input and based on the improvements we’ve made internally we believe we will be able to provide this same level of customer service when an increase in activity occurs."

Over the past four years development projects in Vail have been smaller in scope and size, according to Ruther. He notes the boom years of 2004 to 2008 were not anticipated to last forever. Consequently the Community Development Department added contract positions to respond to the boom and to react quickly when the time came. The surge was driven by large projects such as The Arrabelle at Vail Square, Solaris, Ritz-Carlton Residences, Four Seasons and The Sebastian. The next project of such magnitude is likely to be the Ever Vail development which is currently being reviewed by the Town Council and is proposed to be built in phases.

Building activity in 2012 is anticipated to include several town-initiated projects including a remodel of the Vail Library, improvements to the Lionshead streetscape entries and renovations at Ford Park.

The town has adjusted to the current growth pattern by reducing the Community Development Department staffing from a high of 20 full-time equivalent positions in 2007 to the current 13 full-time equivalent positions. As such, the department is continuing to streamline its procedures to increase efficiencies and improve customer services.

For more information, contact Ruther at 479-2145.

The Vail Valley Partnership- the Chamber & Tourism Bureau today revealed its first annual recipient of the “Member of the Year” award, the newest category for the Success Awards. Jorge Umana from SteamMaster Restoration and Cleaning LLC was chosen as this year’s winner. The new award was added to the annual event in an effort to recognize an individual member of the Partnership who routinely participates in Chamber events and programs, works as a promoter of the Partnership in the community and helps to connect businesses and individuals to the Chamber.

To say Umana is an active member would be an understatement. Between regularly attending the Partnership’s After-Hours Business Mixers, educational seminars, Breakfast Scramblers and other events, Jorge works diligently as a Vail Valley Partnership (VVP) Ambassador, a position which helps to advocate for the Partnership. In addition, VVP ambassadors assist staff at events and programs and serve as a steward in recruiting and welcoming new partners.

“It is beautiful to see so many positive and talented people working in one direction for the well-being of the Vail Valley – these are the reasons why I recommend and support the Vail Valley Partnership,” explained Jorge Umana.

Additionally, Umana also volunteers on the board for VVP member, Eagle Valley Home Builders Association. In his position at SteamMaster, Umana works in the Business Development and Marketing department, helping the local restoration and specialty cleaning company to attract new clients and enter new markets.

“I am personally excited and proud for Jorge to be named "Member of the Year" by the Vail Valley Partnership and thank the VVP for acknowledging Jorge's contribution and continued efforts.  He is incredibly functional as an ambassador and demonstrates a staff-like quality as a volunteer. SteamMaster celebrates with Jorge as well all other finalists, said CEO of SteamMaster, Rajkumar Manickam.

The Partnership looks forward to recognizing Jorge for all of his Partnership and community involvement and efforts at the February 10^th event at the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa.

“Jorge Umana exemplifies all that we could ask for in our first-ever Member of the Year recognition – he's an enthusiastic community ambassador and advocate for the Vail Valley Partnership and our various programs, said Chris Romer, executive director of the Partnership.

For more information on the Vail Valley Partnership’s Success Awards, please visit http://www.vailvalleypartnership.com/general.asp?id=28 or call Jennifer Weintraub at 970.477.4001 or by email jweintraub@visitvailvalley.com to RSVP today.

Roundup River Ranch, an organization which provides camp experiences to children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses completely free of charge to the child, was welcomed as a full member of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps. The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps is a growing global network of innovative camps and programs that provide life-changing experiences to children with serious medical conditions, always free of charge. Founded by Paul Newman, the Association’s goal is to extend these experiences to as many children as possible around the world.

Roundup River Ranch began the process to achieve full member status in 2006; Camp Founder Alison Knapp, the Founding Board of Directors, staff and many others committed their efforts to ensure the camp received this designation. The organization followed a rigorous set of guidelines during the planning, fundraising, construction, and implementation phases; Roundup River Ranch was a required to meet various criteria and demonstrate the highest level of safety, programming, and financial sustainability. A thorough review onsite of the execution of camp programs was completed in July 2011 following camp opening, and an extensive application which highlighted demonstrated areas of success and completion of requirements in multiple areas, including camp programs, medical policies and procedures, finance, and fundraising, was submitted to the Association in October 2011. The camp received unanimous approval as a full member following a vote by the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps Board on January 12, 2012. Prior to obtaining full member status, Roundup River Ranch was first recognized as a threshold member and then obtained provisional member status in 2008, per procedures defined by the Association.

“We are very proud to welcome Roundup River Ranch as a full member of our global family,” said John C. Read, President and CEO of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps. “Over the past several years, they have exemplified the Hole in the Wall philosophy and the vision of our founder, Paul Newman.  We look forward to working together in the future in the service of the children and their families. ”

Hole in the Wall Camps began as the dream of the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, who started the first camp in Ashford, Connecticut in 1988. Since then, the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps has expanded to include 28 initiatives worldwide, including 14 Hole in the Wall Camps and 10 Global Partnership Initiatives. To date, these programs have served over 337,500 people, including over 152,000 children with serious illnesses from 50 countries.

As a full member, Roundup River Ranch will benefit from the organizational strength and resources provided by the Association and the 13 other Hole in the Wall Camps located around the world. Viewed as the standard for camps for children with serious illnesses, all camps provide opportunities for children to build independence, gain self-confidence and enhance coping and resilience through participation in positive recreational experiences with appropriate medical support. Utilizing the established programming philosophy, Roundup River Ranch will expand its programs to serve thousands of children from an extended Rocky Mountain region.

“Roundup River Ranch is proud to be a full member of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps. From the beginning, one of our primary goals has to been reach this status as it recognizes our commitment to establishing a sustainable organization that provides quality camp programs to children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. We are excited to continue the legacy established by Paul Newman and the other Hole in the Wall Camps for many years to come,” said Ruth B. Johnson, chief executive officer of Roundup River Ranch.

About Roundup River Ranch

Roundup River Ranch is a full member of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, the world’s largest family of medical specialty camps for children with serious illnesses founded by Paul Newman in 1988. Roundup River Ranch enriches the lives of children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses by providing camp experiences, with appropriate medical, that are fun, safe, and empowering, always free of charge to the child and their family. Annually, hundreds of children coping with cancer, blood disorders, organ transplants, and other serious conditions will benefit from Roundup River Ranch’s intentional and empowering camp programs. Roundup River Ranch is located 2 and a half hours west of Denver near Gypsum, Colorado along the Colorado River. For more information on the camp, visit www.RoundupRiverRanch.org or call 970.748.9983.

About The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps

Founded by Paul Newman, the Association is a growing global network of innovative camps and programs that provide life-changing support for children with serious illnesses and their families. Currently, the Association consists of 28 initiatives worldwide, including 14 camps, 10 Global Partnerships, and 4 camps in development. In 2010, more than 47,800 people were served by these programs. Since 1988, over 337,500 people have been served, including more than 152,000 children from 50 countries. The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps is an independent not-for-profit organization dependent upon private funding to serve all children free of charge. Learn more at www.holeinthewallcamps.org.

2012 Group Hot Rates The Pines Lodge, A RockResort Lodge Rooms Nightly Rates March 17 - 24 $249 April 8 - 15 $105 The Osprey at Beaver Creek, A RockResort Lodge Rooms Nightly Rates March 17 - 24 $339 St. James Place 2-Bedrooms Nightly Rates March 17 - 24 $579 April 8 - 15 $459 Arrowhead Village 2-Bedrooms Nightly Rates March 17 - 24 $289 April 8 - 15 $209 Groups must complete travel within the period listed to qualify for the rate. Rates are subject to availability. Snake River Lodge & Spa, A RockResort Nightly Rates starting at January 16 - 27 $130 February 12 - 16 $130 February 20 - 22 $130 March 11 - 25 $159 March 26 - April 8 $99   Hot Dates & rates subject to inventory availability and based on double occupancy for groups of 10 or more rooms per night in a run of hotel rooms. Other rates dates and unit types available. Lodge at Vail, A RockResort Nightly Rates February 12 - 16 & 26 - 28 $259 March 17 - 24 $259 Arrabelle at Vail Square, A RockResort Nightly Rates February 3 - 4 $399 March 5 - 8 & 21 - 22 $399 Austria Haus Hotel Nightly Rates February 12 - 16 & 26 - 28 $259 March 17 - 24 $259 Legendary Lodging at the Ritz-Residence, Vail Starting from $400 per bedroom based on availability. Groups must complete travel within the period listed to qualify for the rate. Rates are subject to availability. MountainCollection@VailResorts.com • 877-633-7625

RockResorts.com/MountainCollection • 877-633-7625 • 390 Interlocken Crescent, Suite 1000 • Broomfield, CO 80021

Looking for a fun event this weekend? Check out the Expeditionary Learning Mountain Film Festival for an evening of great films. Please join us Saturday, January 21st, 2012 from 5:00-9:00 for our 3rd annual Film Festival at Homestake Peak School in Eagle-Vail.

Films are direct from Telluride's Mountain film and include Kid Friendly Films, Previous Favorites, Teen Films, and Adult Adventure. Tickets are $10 for the early showing, $15 for the late, or $20 for both. http://ELFilmFest.org/

You are cordially invited to the Beaver Creek Food and Wine Festival on Friday, January 27th at Splendido at the Chateau at 6:30PM for a gourmet dinner and wine pairings to benefit the Non-Profit of the Year, Bright Future Foundation.

This exclusive three-course dinner will feature dishes designed and prepared by Celebrity Chef Marc Murphy- judge on The Food Network’s newest weekly hit, CHOPPED as well as appearances on IRON CHEF AMERICA, HOT CHEFS, THE MARTHA STEWART SHOW, MAKE MY DAY, UNIQUE EATS, THE BEST THING I EVER ATE and THE TODAY SHOW.

Tickets are $200 per person, and a portion of this ticket price will directly benefit Bright Future Foundation. Book your tickets today at Beaver Creek Food and Wine Festival. 

Check out new branded and customizable products from SayNoMore! Promotions! 

The Town of Vail’s Art in Public Places is pleased to present a photography exhibition by Roxanne Granzow in conjunction with the Fifth Annual Triumph Winterfest. The exhibition will be on view in the Community Room at the Town of Vail Public Library through February 15, with a presentation by the artist on February 2 at 5:00 p.m.

The exhibition is comprised of a multitude of images captured by Granzow during her journeys to both the Arctic and Antarctic. She has traveled on four occasions to the Arctic between 1996 to 2001 and to Antarctica for extended 5 week stays during 2006-07 and 2009. The diversity of these worlds is represented through the work currently on display. “As you will see through these images the only similarity in these distinctive environments is the cold,” explains Granzow. Her voyages to these far reaching destinations are portrayed through her poetic images of wildlife in their natural environment.

Roxanne Granzow grew up on Long Island, New York. She has always had a passion for animals and photography. She first attended school for Marine Biology, but decided photography would allow her to observe animals of the entire world, rather than restrict her to the shores alone. In the mid 70's, Granzow moved to Vail and since then she has been all over the word photographing wildlife. She photographs outdoors in the wild, so she can experience animals in their natural environments.

Granzow’s passion for photography transcends to educating young people about her travel experiences. She hopes by viewing her photographs, people will have a better appreciation for animals, and the part they play here on earth.

Please join Art in Public Places at a slide presentation by Granzow on February 2 at 5:00 p.m. in the community room of Vail’s Public Library to learn of her adventures to the Arctic and Antarctic. There will be a reception with the artist immediately following the presentation. This event is free and open to the public.

January 26 & 27, 2012 

Prepare for a ping-pong tournament of epic proportions when SPiN Galactic comes to Vail for two days this winter for a fundraiser benefiting the Symposium. SPiN is a galaxy of ping-pong social clubs created by owners Franck Raharinosy, Andrew Gordon, Jonathan Bricklin and Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon. Get in on the game, or just come to hang out and check out the action when SPiN co-owners Susan Sarandon and Jonathan Bricklin come to Vail, armed with ping-pong instructors and their particular flair for mixing sophisticated night-life style with serious competition. Proceeds benefit programs of the Vail Symposium 501(c)3 non-profit.

Cash prizes for tournament winners!

Fundraising incentives include VIP passes and parking, passes to SPiN Galactic around the country and more!

Learn more online here! 

CSU Extension and the 4-H County Council will host a 4-H recruitment night from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 23. The event will take place at the Eagle County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. Each Eagle County 4-H Club will host a booth to showcase their club’s activities, projects and members. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit booths, experience different club opportunities and sign up for 4-H.  All kids age 5 to 18 years old are invited to attend the 4-H recruitment night.  The event is free and no registration is required. For more information, contact 4-H/Youth Development Agent Jenny Wood atjenny.wood@eaglecounty.us or 970-328-8631.

The towns of Vail and Avon, in partnership with Public Access TV 5, will begin live web streaming of their respective council meetings this month. The new technology will debut Tuesday, Jan. 17 during the afternoon and evening sessions of the Vail Town Council and on Tuesday, Jan. 24 when the Avon Town Council convenes for its regular meetings.

The web streaming initiative follows installation of a new, multi-camera system that provides improved production capabilities within the council chambers in both communities. In addition to four mounted overhead cameras in each facility, the system includes enhanced graphics and improved documentation of digital presentations making it easier for viewers to hear council discussion and see staff presentations. The system can also be used in the TV 5 studios or at a remote location to record special events.

The two municipalities entered into an intergovernmental agreement to purchase and share the multi-camera production system while the Vail Town Council agreed to purchase and share the equipment necessary to stream meetings live in both communities. Public Access TV 5 will manage both systems.

To watch the council meetings live, visit www.publicaccess5.org. Click on Video Library and then select Live TV Steam. The Vail Town Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month with meeting agendas available at agenda.vailgov.com. The Avon Town Council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Agendas are posted at www.avon.org/councilagenda.  

In addition to the web streaming, council meetings from both communities will continue to be replayed on TV 5.  Vail’s council meetings are aired at 8 a.m. Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday and 6 p.m. on Friday. Avon’s council meetings are aired at 8 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Visit www.publicaccess5.org for a complete schedule.  

The Snowball Music Festival is returning to Avon's Nottingham Lake in early March, 2012. Vail on Sale has the best lodging deals for concert-goers:

Silverleaf Suites in Eagle, from $85 per night

Eagle Lodge & Suites in Eagle, from $115 per night

Green Bridge Inn in Red Cliff, from $129 per night

Simba Run Condominiums (2 bedroom) in Vail, from $199 per night

Inn & Suites at Riverwalk in Edwards, from $210 per night

Vail Racquet Club in Vail, from $256 per night

Seasons Lodge at Arrowhead, from $264 per night

Christiania Lodge in Vail, from $265 per night

Sitzmark Lodge in Vail, from $295 per night

Brookeside Lodge (2 bedroom) in Avon, from $300 per night

Canyon Run (2 bedroom) in Avon, from $315 per night

Rates & availability subject to change without notice; check www.vailonsale.com  for all Vail Valley lodging deals.