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Starry Nights and Real Raptors program in Vail

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:18:33 -0400

Free famiy program in July & August in Vail, ColoradoTwo new programs are set to debut in Vail in July. "Vail's Starry Nights" and "Real Raptors and Their Stories" are free for everyone and will enable participants to learn something new each week in a fun and exciting environment.

Vail's Starry Nights, featuring the CU Boulder Fiske Planetarium, takes place at the Vail Nature Center <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001v31Q0h6khhg8p5_NdI5c41okoTo-TXERHbIx3D3JN2PCNFjEiDFhtCMFdtla8fNs0V2CmROnA0Tt90A9cAcBHxBuSjCZjtSA8Sgqts8ygUiVsJqNXKQGYxtmugnZVazhXUb22ONpL-8=> each Saturday from July 5 - Aug. 30. As sunset varies, during July the program will take place from 8:45 to 9:45 p.m. During August, it will take place from 8 to 9 p.m. Guests at Vail's Starry Nights will learn the science and tales of the infinite mountain sky from faculty members and graduate students from the Department of Astrophysical Planetary Sciences at the University of Colorado at Boulder, all while indulging in s'mores by the camp fire. Participants will also pinpoint stars and planets via lasers. Call 970-479-2291 for details on the Vail Nature Center <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001v31Q0h6khhg8p5_NdI5c41okoTo-TXERHbIx3D3JN2PCNFjEiDFhtCMFdtla8fNs0V2CmROnA0Tt90A9cAcBHxBuSjCZjtSA8Sgqts8ygUiVsJqNXKQGYxtmugnZVazhXUb22ONpL-8=> .

Starry Nights Schedule Date Presenter Topic
5 July Dr. Suzanne Metlay Celestial Alignments
12 July Julia DeMarines Astrobiology
19 July Adam Ginsburg Star-Forming Regions
26 July Dr. John Bally Birth of Stars and Planets
2 Aug Matt Benjamin Celestial Navigation
9 Aug Dr. John Stocke Native American Star Knowledge
16 Aug Nicholas Nelson Getting to Know Your Galaxy
23 Aug Bonnie Meinke Native American Constellations
30 Aug Gwen Eccles Stories in the Sky

Real Raptors and Their Stories takes place on the Gore Creek Promenade, just east of the International Bridge each Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. July 2 through August 27. Guests will be able to see Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles and Great Horned Owls and hear their stories, courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. This, family-fun evening of learning and exploration will captivate all ages. On Gore Creek's grassy promenade, guests can experience these rare creatures in their natural habitat and have a chance to take photos. In case of inclement weather, the rain location will be noted on signs at the International Bridge. Subjects and birds will change weekly. Please leave dogs at home.

Real Raptors Schedule:
• July 2: Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle
• The Great Bald Eagles of Colorado
• July 9: Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Barn Owl
• Raptor Tools Habitat is Where it's At
• July 16: Owls (Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl, Burrowing Owl)
• Myths, Legends and Folklore
• July 23: Great Horned Owl, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel
• Niche Switch - Day Night Birds Share the Resources
• July 30: Falcons (American Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon)
• Falcons of Colorado - Built for Speed
• Aug. 6: Hawks (Swainson's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk)
• Hawks of Colorado - Soar Above the Rest:
• Aug. 13: Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl, Burrowing Owl
• The Secret World of Owls
• Aug. 20: Rocky Mountain Raptors -Golden Eagle, American Kestrel, Turkey Vulture
• Raptors of the Rocky Mountains
• Aug. 27: Bald Eagle, Merlin, Rough-legged Hawk
• Season of Migration

Vail Rec District summer camps

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:16:45 -0400

Information on summer camps in Vail(Vail)-Registration is filling quickly for the Vail Recreation District's (VRD) youth summer sports camps. July will offer children ages four and up an opportunity to develop new skills and refine existing skills in sports training, soccer and ice hockey. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis with July camps scheduled as follows:

VRD Major League Soccer Camp: July 14-18 or Aug. 4-9, Ages 4 and Older
Ford Park Athletic Fields
Professional coaches from England will teach participants ball skills, passing, shooting and offensive and defensive techniques. Costs are $165 for a full day, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; $130 for a half day, 9 a.m. to noon; or $90 for ages four to five for lessons from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (July only). Children must be eight years or older to attend the full-day session.

Mini-Hawk Sports Training Camp: July 21-25, Ages 4 to 6
Donovan Park Playing Field
An introductory program for young children, the Mini-Hawk camp will teach the basics of soccer, baseball and basketball. The five-day camp also will include unique games and fun activities for children. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to noon and costs $120.

Bob Johnson Hockey School: July 20-28, Ages 7 and Older
Dobson Ice Arena
This week-long class will teach participants of all skill levels fundamentals and team play through lectures and on-ice sessions. There also is a special session for goaltenders, which cost $175. Camp hours vary and costs are $400 for Vail residents, $420 for Eagle County residents and $445 for out-of-county participants.

Registration and additional information is available at www.vailrec.com. For information on the soccer or sports training camp, call the VRD Sports Department at 479-2280. For information on the Bob Johnson Hockey School, call Dobson Ice Arena at 479-2271.

Family Fun night

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:11:41 -0400

Vail Recreation District presents fun night on Wednesdays at the Nature Center(Vail)-The Vail Recreation District (VRD) will kick-off its Family Fun Night program tomorrow (7-2) featuring evenings of discovery with exceptional guest speakers on Wednesdays throughout July. Family Fun Night will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Vail Nature Center and are an affordable evening activity that will be both educational and interactive for children and adults alike. The evenings will begin with an introduction by Nature Center staff and followed by presentations from Colorado experts. All ages are welcome and costs are $5 for children under 12, $10 for adults or $30 for a family of four.

Family Fun Night will feature the following presenters in July:
• July 2- A bee keeper from Montrose, Colo., will bring bees and share how these buzzing creatures create honey and pollinate the local flora.
• July 9- Denver's Butterfly Pavilion will share exotic insects from all around the world- some you can touch.
• July 16- Learn about Native American history, dress and culture from a Ute and an Oglala Sioux.
• July 23- Stream ecology, entomology and what makes our streams, rivers and lakes amazing will be shared by the Leadville fish hatchery.
• July 30- HawkQuest of Denver will bring live birds of prey to Vail and share the importance of these creatures in their natural environment.
According to Nature Center Director Tom Gaylord, the Family Fun Night program is a great opportunity for parents and their children to learn different aspects about Vail's history and its local surroundings. "This is the third year for the Family Fun Night program and each year it gets better and better," said Gaylord. "We're looking forward to bringing unique presenters to Vail and offering evenings that are affordable and perfect for all ages."

Family Fun Night will follow the new "Real Raptors and Their Stories" program taking place at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays throughout July and August at the Gore Creek Promenade. The program will include live raptors and telling of their stories. Gaylord said the Family Fun Night and the raptor program tie in nicely together and will provide and entire evening of fun for the family. "Wednesday evenings are going to be a great way to spend time together this summer," said Gaylord. "With the new raptor program and Family Fun Night, a family can spend an entire evening together learning and discovering what makes Colorado special."

The Nature Center is operated by the VRD and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Labor Day Weekend. It is located adjacent to Ford Park and across the street from the soccer fields. In addition to Family Fun Nights, the Nature Center offers unique, world-class programs including plant and animal exhibits, wildflower and morning bird walks, evening beaver pond tours, a summer speaker series, a hiking club, fly fishing and stream ecology classes and campfire story telling with star gazing.
For more information or a schedule of events, go to www.vailrec.com or call the Nature Center at 479-2291.

VAIL RECREATION DISTRICT'S 32ND RUNNING OF THE VAIL HILLCLIMB TRAIL RUNNING RACE

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:04:18 -0400

SUNDAY, JULY 6

VAIL RECREATION DISTRICT'S 32ND RUNNING OF THE VAIL HILLCLIMB TRAIL RUNNING RACE SUNDAY, JULY 6

(Vail)-The Vail Recreation District (VRD) will celebrate the 32nd running of the La Sportiva Vail HillClimb on Sunday, July 6 on Vail Mountain. Named best trail race by Colorado Runner in 2006, the HillClimb will test local, regional and national runners with a 7.5 mile climb from Vail Village to Vail Mountain's summit, a gain of 2,500 vertical feet. The race begins at 8 a.m. in Vail Village on Meadow Drive adjacent to Vail's Mountain Haus and ascends on a gravel trail taking runners to the finish line at Eagle's Nest. The Eagle Bahn Gondola in LionsHead will operate from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. for race-day spectators. The HillClimb is presented by the Vail Mountain Haus and is the second race of the 2008 La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series.

Registration is available online at www.active.com, www.vailrec.com or from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 5 at the VRD Administrative Office, 700 South Frontage Road East. Racers should park in the Vail Village parking structure where parking is free for the summer. Day of registration will occur until 7:45 a.m. at the race starting area.

Three-time champion Andy Ames who won the HillClimb in 1995, 1998 and 2007 says a first-time racer of the Vail HillClimb should find a rhythm and gain speed on the flatter sections during the race. Ames' race-day strategy is to go out with the leaders through town and then hang on the best he can after that. "I try to keep my energy going with the grade," said Ames. "There are a lot of parts that ease up (in terms of grade) and you can run pretty fast on those parts. It's one of those courses that are considered a strength course." If Ames makes the trip to Vail this Sunday, he will be among 300 to 400 participants at the starting line.

The five-race series runs June through September and includes distances ranging from a 5k (3.2 miles) to a half marathon (13.2 miles). The race series will continue July 20 when runners will choose to race either a 6.5 mile uphill route with the La Sportiva Berry Picker or the La Sportiva Half Marathon, which is actually longer than a half marathon at just over 14 miles. The Berry Picker also serves as a selection race for the Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team where the top male finisher, the top two female finishers and the top junior male will all earn spots on this year's team. Both events will start at Golden Peak Children's Center. The fourth event, the La Sportiva 10k at 10,000 Feet will be held on Aug. 10 featuring a running race above 9,000 feet with high points above 10,000 feet. Runners will ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola to the race start area. The final race of the series, the La Sportiva Evergold 10k on Sept. 7, will traverse Vail Mountain with and will start at the Golden Peak Children's Center.

Prizes from La Sportiva will be presented to overall and age group winners of each event with series prizes awarded after the final event to runners who compete in at least four events. Last year's series boasted more than 1,100 participants with 25 runners completing at least four races in the series. Raffle prize drawings also will be held at each race awards ceremony featuring products from area merchants and national companies.

Joining series title sponsor La Sportiva, are FirstBank of Vail, Vail's Mountain Haus, SmartWool, Tiga Advertising, Howard Head Sports Medicine Centers, Steadman Hawkins, Joint Juice and Gatorade.

To register or for more information on the La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series, including results and course maps, call 479-2280.

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Fly in Vail

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:24:03 -0400

Balloon Rides in the valley.

Summer is now in full swing and the flying has been fabulous. This morning we put up 2 balloons, it’s always fun to be in the sky with another balloon. We got up over 1,500 feet, the views are great. We flew up into the BLM wilderness south of our launch site.

Today we got close to a red tail hawk nest with 3 chicks, saw a couple of badgers and a coyote. We also got on one of the lakes nearby and did a “splash and dash” and did not fly over one single building. In fact from where we landed you could not see a building. It’s just been wonderful.

Call our Concierge to Book 970-477-4023

A Winemaker Dinner To Remember!

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:33:52 -0400

Restaurant Kelly Liken and Tom Kenefick representing Rex Hill and Seven Hills Wineries

A Winemaker Dinner To Remember!
Restaurant Kelly Liken and Tom Kenefick representing
Rex Hill and Seven Hills Wineries
Present an UNFORGETTABLE evening of Food and Wine.

Please join us on Thursday July 10th at 7pm

The dinner will include Five delectable Courses featuring Chef Kelly's Seasonal American Cuisine paired with the Northwest's best wines.

This is an opportunity to taste some of the greatest Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs and some of the oldest Cabernet Vines in the country!

Dinner is priced at ONLY $120 per person (excluding Tax and gratuity)

Space is extremely limited and we expect to sell out for this outstanding experience.

Please call the restaurant today to reserve your table. (970) 479-0175
See Also
Book A Room
Dont Drive Home Stay in Vail

2008 Patriotic Concert

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:26:47 -0400

Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra

2008 Patriotic Concert
Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra

2008 Patriotic Concert: Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra

The Vail Valley Foundation will once again strike up the band for the entire Vail Valley Friday afternoon, July 4, as the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra presents the annual Patriotic Concert at 2 p.m. at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. The performance is presented in conjunction with the 2008 Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival.

Reserved pavilion seats for the concert are priced at $10 and will go on sale at the amphitheater box office on Tuesday, July 1, at 11 a.m., to walk up patrons only, with a limit of four per person. No telephone orders will be taken and no tickets will be sold online or through the Vilar Performing Arts Center box office. Ticket purchasers must be 16 years of age or older. General admission lawn seating is free, with the gates to the Ford Amphitheater opening at 12:30 p.m. in anticipation of the 2 p.m. show.

All proceeds from the Patriotic Concert ticket sales support the Vail Veterans Program. Learn more about the afternoon's repetoire.

Beneficial Tracks: A fundraiser for Eagle County educational initiatives

A concert to benefit the educational programs of the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum and the Vail Valley Foundation

This special Vilar Center event features Jim Salestrom and Friends with special guest Suzy Bogguss and members of John Denver’s Band for a tribute set.

CMA and Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Bogguss is climbing the charts with her country and folk sound. Emmy Award-winning songwriter Jim Salestrom has been performing music from the mountains for 35. This all-star lineup promises an unforgettable evening of American’s most beloved music.

Buy tickets now!

Summer Free Concert Series Underway

Walker Williams. Performing at Hot Summer Nights on 7/1

The Vail Valley Foundation's Bud Light Hot Summer Nights series is underway, with free live music each Tuesday at the Ford Amphitheater continuing through August 19 (excluding July 29).

2008 Bud Light Hot Summer Nights Schedule
July 1 - Walker Williams
July 8 - Lee Boys
July 15 - Hot Buttered Rum
July 22 - Boom Box
August 5 - Bud Light Hot Summer Nights of Dance - Buckets & Tap Shoes
August 12 - Ryan Shaw
August 19 - Dirty Dozen Brass Band

The American National Bank ShowDown Town series takes place each Thursday at Eagle Town Park in downtown Eagle through July 24.

2008 American National Bank ShowDown Town Schedule:
July 3 - Devon Allman's Honeytribe
July 10 - Big Daddy Lee & the Kingbees
July 17 - The Laughing Bones
July 24 - LipBone Redding & The LipBone Redding Orchestra

VPAC Summer 2008 Lineup

Richard Marx & Matt Scannell
Sun. June 29 8pm

Beneficial Tracks
Fri. July 11 8pm
With Suzy Bogguss and the John Denver Tribute Band
All proceeds benefit Eagle County educational initiatives.

Clint Black
Sat. July 12 8pm

Todd Rundgren
Sun. July 13 8pm

Emmylou Harris
Thur. July 17 7:30pm

Side by Side by Sondheim
July 19 & 20 7:30pm

Serena Ryder
Mon. July 21 8pm

“The Music of Abba”
With Arrival
Wed. July 23 8pm

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo
Mon. Aug. 11 8pm

“Willy Wonka, Jr.”
Fri. Aug. 15 at 6:30pm & Sat. Aug. 16 at 2pm/6:30pm
Vail Performing Arts Academy

Creedence Clearwater Revisited
Sun. Aug. 17 8pm

Little River Band
Thur. Aug. 21 8pm

"It Was Forty Years Ago Today"
Wed. Aug. 27 8pm
All-star tribute to the Beatles' epic album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Al Green
Mon. Sept. 1 8pm

John Hiatt & the Ageless Beauties with Special Guest Joan Osborne & Band
Fri. Sept. 5 7:30pm

VVF
Quick Links

VVF Homepage
Education Initiatives
Birds of Prey Homepage
Vilar Center Homepage
VIDF Homepage
Session Homepage
Online Giving
VVF YouTube Channel
VVF Volunteer Blog

If you would like to become more involved with the Vail Valley Foundation, please visit the volunteers or support the Foundation pages on our website.

Vail Golf Club

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:07:07 -0400

Play with the ProThursday Evenings. Limited to 3 players. $50 each. You will go on the golf course with a golf professional from the VGC Staff and they will work with you on your game plan, management, club selection, and focus. Meet at 6:15 at the Driving Range. Sign up in golf shop. Credit Card Required for reservation

Tee times and course information please call ~ 970-479-2260

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:03:40 -0400

Summer tours of Vail alpine gardens"More than just a pretty garden . . ."

Stroll the gardens with a volunteer docent to learn about our wonderful mountain plants and the mountain life zones in which they live. Our tours offer guests the opportunity to not only view the plants in bloom with a knowledgable guide, but also to gain information about the history of the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and of the Vail Valley, mountain ecology, mountain gardening and unique & special plants.

Public tours are offerered at 10:30 am Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Tours range from 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

*Private tours may also be scheduled*
Please feel free to call our office at 970-476-0103 with any questions

This weeek in Beaver Creek

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:58:32 -0400

Events for the entire family

Independence Day festivities will start in Beaver Creek on the 2nd of July next week with a concert on the back lawn next to the Centennial Lift with the legendary group "America" from 6-7:30pm. For additional information on Beaver Creek's summer concert series, please click on the following link http://beavercreek.snow.com/info/summer/evt.concerts.asp

Please note that The Beaver Creek Rodeo at Traer Creek on July 3rd only will take place one hour early. Gates will open at 4pm and the rodeo itself is scheduled from 5-7pm. For more information on the rodeo, please click on the following link:

http://beavercreek.snow.com/info/summer/evt.rodeo.asp

Beaver Creek will celebrate July 4th with music, fireworks, Beano's Cabin's Annual Clambake and The Park Hyatt Resort & Spa's "Fridays at the Park". For information on the entire fun-filled day, please click on:

http://beavercreek.snow.com/info/summer/evt.july4.asp.

Please also note that Session I of the Beaver Creek Children’s’ Theatre workshops begins on July 7^th. It’s very important for children to be pre-registered. For more information, call Blue Creek Productions at 926-5855 or see the attached file.

Fly In Ski Free Promotion at Vail & Beaver Creek

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:39:16 -0400

Innovative program in Vail gives skiers a free day on the slopes!The only thing better than flying non-stop to Vail or Beaver Creek is FREE skiing or riding the day you arrive. It's that simple, fly in and bring your boarding pass and Vail Valley lodging confirmation to any Vail or Beaver Creek ticket window and ski out with a complimentary same-day lift ticket.

Conveniently located just 25 minutes west of Vail and Beaver Creek, Vail/Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) offers daily non-stop service from major US cities via American Airlines, Continential Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways. Passengers on arriving flights from Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas/Ft Worth and Denver will be able to take advantage of this program. For information on this offer, please call 800-503-8748.

Valid November 21, 2008 thorugh April 19, 2009. Terms and restictions apply - click below for details.

Vail Nature Center information

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:05:04 -0400

One of Vail's best kept secretsConsidered one of Vail's best kept secrets, the Nature Center offers unique, world-class programs including plant and animal exhibits, wildflower and morning bird walks, evening beaver pond tours, a summer speaker series, a hiking club, fly-fishing and stream ecology classes and campfire story telling with star gazing. The Nature Center also offers information on the benefits and dangers of useful plants and herbs through its Nature's Medicine Chest and Pantry class. The Nature Center, which is operated by the Vail Recreation District, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Labor Day Weekend and is located adjacent to Ford Park and across the street from the soccer fields. Read on for more information, or click here for the 2008 summer schedule.

ADULT, FAMILY & CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS
Wildflower Walk, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Join Nature Center staff on a leisurely one hour walk through the woods and meadows and learn about the flowers that carpet the mountains and the conditions they need to thrive.

Evening Beaver Pond Tour, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays
Beavers are one of the animals that define the Rocky Mountains and Vail is lucky to have a healthy beaver population right in town. The evening begins at the Nature Center with a brief presentation about beavers, followed by a drive to a beaver pond where there is an active lodge. Bring warm clothes and a flashlight.

Morning Bird Walk, 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
Join Nature Center staff for a morning walk through the meadows and woods along the Gore Creek to learn about a great variety of birds, what they need and how you can attract birds to your own backyard.

Starry Nights, Saturdays, 8:45 to 9:45 p.m. (July) and 8 to 9 p.m. (August)
From endless constellations, cascading shooting stars and full moons almost as bright as the sun, these are realities in the mountains of Vail that should be experienced by all. Vail will host a splendid evening with the stars at the Vail Nature Center! You will learn the science and tales of the infinite mountain sky above from Fiske Planetarium astronomers, all while indulging in smores by the camp fire. Even pinpoint a planet via GPS and zoom in on pure amazement.

Fly Fishing and Stream Ecology
These affordable two-day classes have something for beginning and experienced anglers of all ages. Local guide John Hansen will focus on stream ecology, entomology and casting techniques. Children, adult and a one-day family classes are a great opportunity to learn fly-fishing techniques and stewardship principles from a knowledgeable and experienced instructor.

Family Fun Night, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays
An evening of discovery as the Nature Center hosts exceptional guest speakers from around the state. Family Fun Night takes place Wednesdays throughout the month of July and will include raptor experts, bee keepers, Native American history speakers and more. Perfect for all ages.

Camp Eco Fun
The Nature Center joins Vail Youth Services for a unique day-camp, which familiarizes children ages 4 through 12 with the beautiful alpine environment surrounding Vail. The adventure awaits just steps from your front door. Call 970-479-2292 for more information or to register your child.

Adventure Wednesdays
Ever wanted to take in beautiful scenery while soaring above in a paraglider, tame the rapids of the Colorado River, or try your hand at spelunking? The Nature Center offers occasional guided adventures throughout the valley with varying "wildness" factors to satisfy all your adrenaline needs. Call 970-479-2291 for details about upcoming Adventure Wednesdays and reservations. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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HIKING PROGRAMS

Vail Nature Center Hiking Club
Are you here for the summer and love to hike and explore the mountains around Vail? Join the Nature Center Hiking Club and spend the summer venturing into the high country in search of great views, wildflowers and pristine wilderness. Each hike takes club members to a different destination and hikes are educational, informative and fun. If you plan on participating in more than four hikes with the Nature Center, then join the Hiking Club. Membership means you can go on all hikes (full and half-day) and have priority placing on the Nature Center's Hiking Club Eco-Tour Hut Trips. Hiking fills on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are encouraged.

Adult Backcountry Hikes, Meet at 7 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
Every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the summer naturalist guides from the Nature Center lead participants on all-day hikes throughout the Holy Cross and Eagles Nest Wilderness. Hikes are at a pace that allows participants to enjoy the flora and fauna along the trail. Participants should be in healthy condition and accustomed to the altitude.

Adult Half-Day Hikes, Meet at 8:30 a.m. Mondays and Fridays
Nature Center naturalists guide participants on half-day hikes that are educational and fun. Half-day hikes are easier than full-day and trails are located close to Vail.

Please Note: Participants should bring extra clothing, rain gear, lunch, trail snacks, water and a camera. Participants should wear sturdy footwear that are broken in and comfortable. Transportation is provided from the Nature Center. Dogs are not allowed.

Hiking Club Eco-Tour Hut Trips
Each summer the Vail Nature Center Hiking Club embarks on a three-day, two-night trip into the backcountry, staying at one of the 10th Mountain Hut Association huts. These are wonderful adventures providing lots of hiking, fishing, mountain climbing, socializing and relaxing. Huts are a great place to spend a couple of nights miles from civilization, and to do so comfortably. Each Eco-Tour Hut Trip is designed around a theme. The cost is $200 per person, which covers the hut, food and transportation. Nature Center naturalists attend the trip to provide guidance on everything from wildflowers and marmots to fishing and photography. Hiking Club members have priority.

Tiger Woods rumored to be returning to Vail area, this time for surgery, not skiing

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:13:37 -0400

RealVail.com blog report from David O. WillliamsIs Tiger Woods coming to Vail for knee surgery? Check out the report by David O. Williams at RealVail.com by using the link below.

Vail Mountain opens for summer on June 20!

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:59:34 -0400

Vail Mountain summer schedule and informationVAIL MOUNTAIN OPENS FOR SUMMER SEASON FRIDAY, JUNE 20 FEATURING FREE LIFT RIDES FOR CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER
-New FREE Scenic Lift Rides and Bike Haul for Children 12 and Under
-New Ride and Lunch Packages valid at Eagle’s Nest
-New Adventure Ridge Climbing Wall

Vail, Colo.- June 16, 2008- Summertime activity on Vail Mountain gets underway on Friday, June 20 with three new offerings featuring free lift rides and bike hauls for children 12 and under when accompanied by an adult, a new climbing wall at Adventure Ridge that will debut later this summer and new “Ride and Lunch” Packages at Eagle’s Nest all designed to take advantage of the spectacular mountain setting.

New this summer, children aged 12 and under ride the lifts for free when accompanied by a paying adult (up to three kids ride free per adult). Coupons featuring the free children’s lift tickets will be available at local businesses throughout town or inquire at the summer ticket offices in LionsHead and Vail Village. With a large variety of hiking and biking trails on the mountain, the free kids offer provides a great reason to get out and see the slopes during the summer.

Also new, the Ride and Lunch Packages include a one-day unlimited scenic ride lift ticket and lunch voucher valid at Eagle’s Nest at either Talon’s Deck or Blue Moon Restaurant for $25 for adults and seniors. The Ride and Lunch Package with a one-day bike haul ticket is $30.

Vail’s full lineup of activities includes scenic lift rides on the Eagle Bahn Gondola and Vista Bahn Chairlift, hiking and biking, Adventure Ridge, FAC bands and mountaintop dining at Blue Moon Restaurant, Talon’s Deck and Game Creek Restaurant. Due to the record snowfall from this past winter, some trails may remain closed until the snowmelt is complete.

Eagle Bahn Gondola Hours:
Friday, June 20-22: Friday, Saturday, Sunday only, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, June 27- Monday, Sept. 1: Day time operations, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Friday, June 27- Saturday, Aug. 30: Night operations, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4-9 p.m.
FREE Twilight Scenic Rides Thursday, Friday and Saturday only, 4-9 p.m.

Vista Bahn Hours:
Friday, June 27- Monday, Sept. 1: Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

September Weekend Hours:
Sept. 5-7 & 12-14, 2008: Friday, Saturday, Sunday only, Eagle Bahn Gondola and Vista Bahn, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2008 Vail Summer Lift Ticket Pricing:
Adult Daily Scenic Ride                                            $20
Senior Daily Scenic Ride                                           $13
Adult Ride and Bike Haul                                         $25
Senior Ride and Bike Haul                                        $18
Adult Ride, Bike Haul and Bike Rental                      $53
Senior Ride, Bike Haul and Bike Rental                     $37
Child (12 and under) Daily Scenic Ride & Bike Haul FREE
Child Ride, Bike Haul and Bike Rental                      $15

Free twilight scenic rides are offered on the Eagle Bahn Gondola Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings after 4 p.m. from June 27 to Aug. 30. Winter season pass holders with a valid 2007-2008 pass can take advantage of free summer scenic lift rides. Summer lift tickets and passes may be purchased at the Lionshead Kids Snowsports School Ticket Office or the Mountain Plaza Ticket Office in Vail Village.

Adventure Ridge

Adventure Ridge features a variety of outdoor activities for the whole family including lawn sports, rebound trampolines, mountain biking, guided nature hikes, the Dino Dig, and disc golf. Later this summer the new Adventure Ridge climbing wall will be located at Eagle’s Nest and offer three climbs for $10. For more information about all of the activities at Adventure Ridge visit vail.com.

Mountaintop Dining and Game Creek Restaurant
Three mountaintop venues feature the best in summertime dining. Choose from barbecue sandwiches and burgers enjoyed outside on Talon’s Deck, casual upscale lunches and dinners at Blue Moon, or distinctive American cuisine, a sprawling wine list and superior service at Game Creek Restaurant. Each meal comes with unrivaled views or gorgeous sunsets. Talon’s Deck, located at Eagle’s Nest, will be open daily for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Blue Moon opens for the summer season June 27 and will be serving lunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 5-9 p.m. through Sept. 1. Game Creek Restaurant will begin dinner service on June 27 Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with reservations from 5:30-8:30 p.m. through Aug. 30. Sunday Brunch begins June 29 and will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through Aug. 31. Game Creek reservations are available by calling 970-754-4275.

Friday Afternoon Club (FAC)

Kick off the weekends with Vail’s only mountaintop Friday Afternoon Club at Adventure Ridge. FAC begins at 5 p.m. on Talon’s Deck and features dazzling views and sunsets as well as food and drink specials. All performances are free and the Eagle Bahn Gondola offers free scenic rides after 4 p.m. The 2008 band lineup includes:

July 4              Laughing Bones "All American Extravaganza"
July 11            Hustle
July 18            Flux 5
July 25            All Strung Out
August 1          Laughing Bones
August 8          Hustle
August 15        The Bill McKay Band (Formerly of Leftover Salmon)
August 22        All Strung Out
August 29        Laughing Bones

For more information on all Vail Mountain summer activities call the Resort Information Center at (970) 476-9090 or visit vail.com

Taking the Vail Valley to Another Level-with Vail Valley Paragliding!

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:59:05 -0400

A chance to view the breath-taking scenery of the Vail Valley from the air

Many mountain resorts offer scenic hiking, biking, or jeep tours to show off the beautiful surroundings. But have you ever wondered what it would be like to be out of the valleys and soaring among the peaks?

Vail Valley Paragliding is a new way to explore the Valley and add adventure to your vacation. During the summer, you can choose to drift over the sweeping scenery by taking either a morning or a sunrise flight.

Vail Valley Paragliding provides a great way to capture the full beauty and scerenity of the Valley.

For more information or to schedule your flight, you can visit www.vailvalleyparagliding.com or call 970-845-7321.