Destination Guides: Vail, United States - Events & Entertainment

Annual Events

Spring

March:

American Ski Classic (970) 949-1999 Highlights the Legends of Skiing Competition, honoring past national and world ski champions.

April:

A Taste Of Vail 970/926-1494 showcases the area's superlative restaurants.

Summer

In July

From late June- early August Vail sponsors the Bravo! Colorado Music Festival, with visiting symphony and chamber orchestras and performers. Music ranges from classical orchestra and chamber music to vocal and pops, baroque to modern jazz, ethnic performances, to youth concerts. 970/476-0206. Fax: (970) 479-0559.

Hot Summer Nights (970) 479-1999. Vail’s Ford Amphitheater hosts these concerts of contemporary rock and jazz Friday evenings in July and August.

August:

Vail International Festival Of Dance 970/949-1999hosts ballet and modern dance performers from around the world in the alpine splendor of the Ford Outdoor Amphitheater.

Winter

December

Vail Festival Of Lights 970/479-2100 has brilliant lighting displays, world cup ski competitions, and Christmas ice skating demonstrations.

Lessons and Programs

The ski schools at Vail and Beaver Creek are well known throughout the country with several specialty classes and children's programs. For more information, call the Vail and Beaver Creek Ski School tel. 970/476-3229.

Lift Tickets

Multiday tickets for up to seven days are available, although per-day savings are minimal. Tickets are good at both Vail and Beaver Creek, as well as at Breckenridge and Keystone.

Rentals

Breeze Ski Rentals, with four locations in the Vail/Beaver Creek area, offers full rental packages for single or for multi-day rentals. Call tel. 800/525-0314 for advance reservations.

Backcountry Skiing

The 10th Mountain Hut and Trail System reaches far into Vail's backcountry; one route continues to Aspen. Maps, equipment, and other information are available and hut reservations should be made at least a month in advance by calling tel. 970/925-5775. If you aren't familiar with the trail system, hiring a guide is highly recommended.

Track Skiing

To reach Beaver Creek's cross-country trail network, McCoy Park tel. 970/845-5313, you must ride the Strawberry Park chair lift. Trail fee charged. Lessons, rentals, and snowshoe tours are available through the Vail ski school tel. 970/476-3229.

Other Activities

The Activities Desk of Vail tel. 970/476-9090 or the Beaver Creek Resort Concierge tel. 970/949-9090 can arrange a variety of activities, including dog sledding, hot-air ballooning, and Sno-Cat skiing.

Bobsledding

Vail's on-mountain bobsled run, a 2,900-ft course, begins below Mid-Vail the large restaurant about halfway up the mountain. are still possible. The sleds hold up to four people.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobile tours are conducted at Piney River Ranch 970/476-9090, just north of Vail. Rates include helmets, snowmobile suits, and boots, and sometimes meals.