What's New

The Latest Postings for Visit Vail Valley Blog

August 27, 2008
Excerpt from:  Vail Valley Lodging

Trade In Your Old Carpet Now!

Help Ruggs Benedict Give Back to the Community
                                        

August 26, 2008
Excerpt from:  Do Business in Vail!

Connolly Makes a Move to Gore Range Natural Science School

Gore Range Natural Science School (GRNSS) welcomes Carolyn Connolly as Director of Marketing & Communications. Connolly relocated to the Vail Valley in 1998 when she started as Marketing Director for Ron Byrne & Associates Real Estate followed by heading up the rebranding of the Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa, Terra Bistro and the Vail Athletic Club.  
Connolly was previously employed by the National Geographic Society in Washington, DC then transferred to Exlpore International, a London-based joint venture between National Geographic Television and Canal+ (Europe’s largest pay TV operator.) Connolly pursued both commercial and residential real estate in St. Louis and as a broker with Ron Byrne & Associates locally.
Connolly is married to Michael Connolly, owner of Peak Properties in Eagle-Vail and they have two children, their son Finn age 7 and daughter Payton age 6 both of whom attend Vail Mountain School.  
In 2008 GRNSS celebrates 10 years of connecting people to the natural world through engaging, hands-on science and environmental education programs.  GRNSS offers the highest quality programming available by continuing their mission to awaken the sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship through natural science education. “We are thrilled with Carolyn’s background, experience and her community knowledge and connections she is bringing to this position. It is a very exciting time at the Science School and we are pleased that she will be a part of our team as we significantly grow the participation of school children and the entire community in our field science programs,” said Executive Director, Markian Feduschak.
The Science School recently announced the public phase of their capital campaign to raise funds for their Buck Creek Environmental Learning Center Campus located in Avon. The Capital Campaign Director, Doug Dusenberry said, "Our school is fortunate to have been able to lure Carolyn away from the "for profit" sector. As nonprofit organizations have become increasingly accountable for reaching their stated goals in a timely and efficient manner, our strategies and methods continue to intersect with the best practices of the "for profit" sector. Carolyn brings knowledge of these proven practices in addition to a clear understanding of our valley and our nonprofit sector's opportunities to positively impact our community's youth."
Connolly will be responsible for developing, managing and implementing strategic marketing and communications initiatives to increase program participation, raise community awareness and position the Science School as Eagle County’s premier natural science and environmental education provider. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Carolyn Connolly
Gore Range Natural Science School
(p) 970-827-9725 ext13
(f) 970-827-9730
carolync@gorerange.org
www.gorerange.org


August 25, 2008
Excerpt from:  Vail Valley Vacation Planning Advice

Vail Valley Partnership Guest Services

Call to action for Vail & Beaver Creek Information and Activities

The Vail Valley Partnership has a dedicated Guest Services Team available to answer any of your Vail & Beaver Creek questions.  The team is also able to book ALL of your Vail hotel reservations, including: Airfare, Beaver Creek & Vail Lodging, Ski Lift Tickets, Private and Group Ski Lessons, Dinner Reservations, Ski Rentals, Grocery Delivery and much much more.

Our Team of Long Time Vail Valley locals are here to make suggestions based on your needs.  Looking for a hole in the wall steak spot or a fine dinning snow cat driven sleigh ride to dinner, then look no further.

Please call the Guest Services Team to book all of your reservations for your stay.

You can also send your Guest Services Request via the website belowE


August 25, 2008
Excerpt from:  Vail Valley Lodging

2008 Vail Mountain School Home Tour on September 21st,

Featuring spectacular Beaver Creek & Bachelor Gulch homes

September 21, 2008 
10 A.M. - 4 P.M.
Featuring spectacular Beaver Creek & Bachelor Gulch homes

Luncheon included at SaddleRidge Restaurant
Complimentary parking & vans to homes
The Gourmet Pantry features fine homebaked casseroles, baked goods and much more

Tickets $45 in advance, $50 day of tour at Tour Headquarters
Call for tickets and special senior citizen and student discount information

970-477-7177  

Also available beginning September 1 at
Gorsuch Ltd. in Vail & Beaver Creek, The Bag & Pack in Avon,
Slifer Designs in Edwards


DIRECTIONS & PARKING
Headquarters and ticket sales for the 2008 Home Tour at Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch are located at the Beaver Creek Reception Center in Avon, CO. Directions: Take I-70 to the Avon exit #167. Enter the roundabout and head south. Continue straight on this road to the final roundabout just past the Westin Hotel entrance. Bear right onto Highway 6 heading west. Park in the Elk Lot and follow the signs to Home Tour Headquarters. Private transportation is not permitted on the Home Tour.


August 25, 2008
Excerpt from:  Vail Valley Vacation Planning Advice

Beaver Creek Oktoberfest

Oom-pah-pah


August 30-31, 2008
11:00am - 6:00pm

Beaver Creek's annual Oktoberfest returns with foot stompin' oom-pah-pah music, unbeatable beer, and wunderbar wurst! Enjoy live entertainment featuring Helmut Fricker and "Trachtenkappelle," a visiting band from Beaver Creek's Sister Resort--Lech Zurs, Austria. Also, don't miss the LA Allstars.

Don't forget to participate in the 2nd annual Oktoberfest Shuffle on August 30th. Walk, hike, or run over a 5 km or 10 km scenic trail on Beaver Creek Mountain. All proceeds of the race will go to benefit the Vail Breast Cancer Awareness Group.

Saturday, August 30

Entertainment
Beer Garden and Food Booths: 11am-6pm
Kids Fun Zone: 11am-4pm
Trachtenkapelle: 11-12:15pm, 1:45pm-2:45pm
Helmut Fricker Band: 12:30-1:30pm, 3pm-4pm
Live Auction for trip to Lech, Austria: 4pm
Bavarian Costume Contest Judging: 4:10pm
The LA Allstars: 4:30-6pm

Complimentary Culinary Demonstrations
Gunter Schmidt (Alpenrose): 12pm
Joe Ritchie (Grouse Mountain Grill): 1:30pm
Riley Romanin (Foxnut): 3pm

Sunday, August 31

Entertainment
Beer Garden and Food Booths: 11am-6pm
Kids Fun Zone: 11am-4pm
Trachtenkapelle: 11-12:15pm, 1:45pm-2:45pm
Helmut Fricker Band: 12:30-1:30pm, 3pm-4pm
The LA Allstars: 4:30-6pm

Complimentary Culinary Demonstrations
Marshall Blanchard (Golden Eagle): 12pm
Geordy Ogden (Personal Chef): 1:30pm
Paula Turner (Zacca Za!): 3pm
For more information call (970) 845-9090.

Guests are politely reminded that no dogs are allowed in Beaver Creek per resort regulations.


August 22, 2008
Excerpt from:  Do Business in Vail!

Economic conditions in the Mountain Region of Colorado

Experts share thoughts on Colorado's economy
Mountain Region economic forecast excerpts

Go to http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/lcsstaff/lcs/chronicle/2008/August08/0808Chronicle.pdf  for the full report.

By Todd Herreid

Compared with the rest of the state, the mountain region appears to be performing slightly better. The region's job growth was stronger than the statewide average and construction activity in some areas was positive. Consumer spending advanced at the same pace as the rest of the state.

Employment in the region increased 2.3 percent through June 2008, slowing from 3.0 percent growth in 2007. Summit, Eagle, Lake, and Routt counties had job growth of 3.3 percent or greater in the first half of the year, while Chaffee and Jackson counties experienced job losses. Corresponding with the region's slower employment growth, the unemployment rate increased to 4.4 percent in June. In all of 2007, the unemployment rate averaged 3.1 percent.

While residential construction has been weak throughout most of the state, the mountain region has seen mixed results. Housing permits in Routt County increased 40.0 percent in 2007 and were up 29.3 percent through June 2008. However, the growth in Routt County is from multi-family housing, not single-family housing. In contrast, housing permits in Eagle, Pitkin, and Summit counties decreased 55.9 percent through June, with both single-family and multi-family housing permits declining.

Nonresidential construction was also somewhat mixed. The value of nonresidential construction permits in Eagle, Pitkin, and Summit counties was relatively flat, while permits declined 40.9 percent in Routt County. On a positive note, the drop in Routt County can be attributed to several large capital projects that were permitted in 2007.

Consumer spending, measured by retail trade sales, is slowing like other areas of the state. In the first five months of the year, retail trade sales were up 3.8 percent compared with the same period last year. This matches the statewide average. Although several smaller counties experienced double-digit growth rates, some of the larger counties experienced sluggish growth. Retail trade sales in Eagle and Pitkin counties increased 5.0 percent and 2.5 percent respectively, while sales in Summit and Routt counties were relatively flat.

August 22, 2008
Excerpt from:  Vail Valley Vacation Planning Advice

American Airlines fare sale to/from Vail, Colorado

Book now and save on direct flights to Vail/EGE
Fly nonstop on American Airlines from Dallas/Fort Worth to Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado this fall for an enchanting alpine escape. No matter what kind of vacation you're looking for, the Vail and Beaver Creek areas offer something for everyone - from the adventure seeker to the food and wine connoisseur. With fares as low as $159*, each way based on round-trip purchase, from now until December 5, 2008, it's the perfect time to fly!

Plus, save on hotel package with low rates for Vail and Beaver Creek when you book at Visit Vail Valley or Vail on Sale!

So hurry, and book your fight today at AA.com.

August 21, 2008
Excerpt from:  Do Business in Vail!

Teva Mountain Games nominated for top sporting event!

SportsTravel Magazine honors local Vail summer event
2008 Teva Mountain Games Is Nominated for a SportsTravel Award

SportsTravel magazine has announced that the 2008 Teva Mountain Games has been nominated for a 2008 SportsTravel Award. Events are nominated and then voted upon by readers of SportsTravel, the sports world's event magazine. Criteria for nomination and voting include superior organization of and attendance at the event, a superior experience for the competitors and/or spectators at the event, and how the site or venue served to enhance the event. Final balloting is open through September 15, 2008. Winners will be announced at the TEAMS 2008 Conference & Expo, October 21-25, 2008, in Pittsburgh.

"Since the location of the event is a major part of the criteria for being nominated, the people of should take great pride in knowing that an event held in their city is being recognized for its excellence," said Timothy Schneider, publisher of SportsTravel magazine, which organizes the TEAMS Conference & Expo. "SportsTravel readers are the leaders of the sports-event industry and they really know what it takes to execute a high-quality athletic event," said Schneider. "The SportsTravel Awards program is an opportunity for them to honor their peers and the cities that host sporting events for a job well done."

Official ballots are available in the August and September issues of SportsTravel magazine. Readers may also find more information and vote online at http://www.SportsTravelMagazine.com.  The ballot includes nominees in amateur, collegiate and professional categories. Awards in those three categories will be given for best single-sport event, best multi-sport or multi-discipline event, and best sports event series or circuit. Voters will also pick best new sports event and an overall Sports Event of the Year from among the nominated events.


August 20, 2008
Excerpt from:  Do Business in Vail!

Active Communications

Vail area special offers for phones and mobile devices
Active Communication is AT&T's largest Authorized Retailer in the high country with six location to serve your communications needs.
Active's newest location is in the Vail Daily Building across from Paddy's. Active's Eagle-Vail store offers an "Upscale Wireless Retail Experience" and was awarded Vail Valley Partnership's Platinum Service Award for Excellence in Customer Service.
Register to win an EPIC pass.
Registration is only available at the Eagle-Vail store location so come in today!


Smart Phones, Smart Savings! Back to School Promotions. Get organized in style!!
We have the largest selection of PDA phones. Blackberries, Palm Treo's & Samsung Blackjack II's in varies colors are now only 99.99*. We have Palm Centro PDA phones in four colors for only $49.99* The AT&T Tilt and Pantech Duo's with slide out keyboards are only $199.99*

Want to see if your phone eligible for an upgrade?
Come in or call 748-9800. Our friendly, helpful, & knowledgeable staff is available to assist you find the phone that fits your needs and style.

*Promotional pricing is after mail-in rebate on 2-yr service agreement. Active Communications is your local AT&T Authorized Retailer.
Visit us online at www.visitactive.com <http://www.visitactive.com> 

August 20, 2008
Excerpt from:  Do Business in Vail!

Valleywide vanpool opportunities detailed at informational meetings

Town of Vail & Vail Resorts bringing vanpool info to Vail
(Vail)—Representatives from the nation’s largest vanpool provider will be in Vail on Aug. 28 to provide information on the benefits of vanpooling. Logistical details as well as information on how to initiate a vanpool will be presented during the meetings. The company, VPSI (www.vpsiinc.com), with it’s headquarter in Troy, MI and coordinates vanpools in more than 40 cities throughout the U.S. with a fleet of over 5,000 vehicles.
 
At the invitation of the Town of Vail, VPSI representative, Alice Lee-Cook will be available to meet with employers, contractors and commuters from throughout the valley during her visit. Two informational sessions have been scheduled and additional meetings could be added, if needed. 
 
The first meeting is co-sponsored by the Vail Chamber & Business Association and the Vail Valley Partnership and will be held from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Aug. 28 in the Vail Town Council Chambers, 75 S. Frontage Rd.
 
Representatives from the construction community have been invited to a second meeting sponsored by the Town of Vail which will take place from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 28 in the Vail Library Community Room.
 
A vanpool is a better way to travel to and from work. A vanpool is a group of 5 to 15 people who commute together on a regular basis in a van. One person volunteers to be the Primary Driver and the riders share in the monthly cost. The group determines their daily schedule, route and pick up locations. Vanpooling will help to save money, reduce wear and tear on personal vehicle while improving the quality of life for participants. Together, we are also, contributing to cleaner air.
 
VPSI provides a month-to-month vanpool program which includes a commuter van, insurance, maintenance, road-side assistance and customer support services. Fuel may be included in VPSI’s optional fuel card program. Actual cost is based on the distance of the group’s commute, number of working days, van type and number of riders sharing the monthly vanpool cost.
 
To find out more about the vanpool program or to request additional presentations, contact Alice Lee-Cook at (281) 463-9866 or email her at alice.leecook@vpsiinc.com <mailto:alice.leecook@vpsiinc.com> 

August 20, 2008
Excerpt from:  Vail Valley Vacation Planning Advice

Airfare Watchdog for Vail/Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE)

Fly direct to Vail and save!
Cheap Airfares to Vail by Airfarewatchdog.com


And be sure to check out the Fly in-Ski Free Program for Vail & Beaver Creek this season! 

August 19, 2008
Excerpt from:  Vail Valley Vacation Planning Advice

August SNOW in COLORADO

Ski season starts in less then 2 months.
The snow has started in Vail, Colorado!  Plan your winter vacation to Vail and Beaver Creek now and save with a variety of special offers and free night specials.

Photo: Paul Abling VVF

August 18, 2008
Excerpt from:  Do Business in Vail!

Vail summer activities and events

Vail & Beaver Creek offer a variety of activities during the summer months
Teva Mountain Games

Visit Vail or Beaver Creek during the summer months for an ideal family vacation.  From white water rafting to mountain biking to Camp Vail - the Vail area has a number of family friendly activities for all ages.  View the video from the Teva Mountain Games - our annual summer kickoff event!


August 15, 2008
Excerpt from:  Vail Valley Vacation Planning Advice

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Unlimted Rides in Glenwood Springs
New from Glenwood Caverns Adventure: Dinner Pass with Unlimited Rides for $37!
Enjoy dinner and an evening of fun for a great price. The Dinner Pass includes a ride on the Iron Mountain Tramway, dinner, and unlimited rides on the alpine coaster, giant swing, bungee trampoline, maze, mechanical bull and adventure wagon for just $37 per person. The Dinner Pass is available from 5-9 p.m. daily, August 15 – September 1, 2008.
 
The last tram up is at 8 p.m. Dinner includes one menu item and one soft drink. Pass does not include gemstone mining or Olde Tyme Photos. Not valid with any other offer. Call 800-530-1635, ext. 111, for more information.

August 15, 2008
Excerpt from:  Do Business in Vail!

British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia SA plan transatlantic alliance

American flies daily to Eagle County/Vail Regional Airport
British Airways PLC, American Airlines and Spain's Iberia SA on Thursday announced a plan to team up and share pricing plans and flight loads, a move rival airlines say will limit competition and raise prices for consumers.

The plan, which must first be approved by U.S. and European regulatory authorities, would affect flights to and from the U.S., Mexico, the European Union, Canada, Norway and Switzerland.

BA chief executive Willie Walsh said the revenue-sharing plan if accepted would help the airlines as they struggle to cope with record-high oil prices.

"I believe this is also good news for the industry," he said. "It's another small step towards consolidation."

Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic president Richard Branson acknowledged the airlines are enduring difficult economic pressures but he said approval of the plan would ultimately hurt the consumer.

"Make no mistake, if this monster monopoly is approved it will be third time unlucky for consumers," said Branson. "It will still be bad for passengers, bad for competition, and bad for the U.K. and U.S. aviation industry."

"The job of the regulators is to assess the long-term impact of the alliance on competition, not to provide special protection from the immediate challenges of the economic cycle, with which every other airline has to deal," he said.

But Walsh argued the deal would allow them to compete with other transatlantic airline alliances already in operation, including the Star, oneworld and SkyTeam alliances.

 

Syndication OptionsRSS (Rich Site Summary) Feed Atom Feed OPML (Outline Processor Language) Feed MYST-ML (MyST Markup Language) Content Feed MS-Office Smart Tag Subscription