|
|
|
|
Mountain Peeks: Vail Valley By Janna L. Graber
Vail Valley. The very words conjure up images of pristine snowy peaks, world-class skiing, and a cozy mountain village. But Vail Valley didn't always have such a glamorous past. During 1942, some 10,000 troops of the Army's 10th Mountain Division used the area as a training ground for war. One of these soldiers, Peter Seibert, saw the mountain's potential. When the war ended, he returned to Colorado and opened the Vail Ski area in 1962. Since then, the Vail Valley has grown into a world-class resort area. Located between the Gore and Sawatch mountain ranges, both Vail and Beaver Creek offer some of the best skiing in the nation. But Vail has a lot to offer, even if you don't ski. The new "Adventure Ridge" is a virtual winter theme park. Visitors can choose from snow mobiling tours, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoe tours, ice skating, or night skiing under the lights. To reach this whirlwind of activity, take the Eagle Bahn gondola. It's free after 4 p.m. Vail Valley keeps an active schedule. During Oktoberfest (the third weekend in September) you can sample German biers and local cuisine while listening to a full repertoire of live music. The US Ski Team trains in Beaver Creek during November. And don't miss the Men's World Cup events (December 5-6), or the Figure Skating Festival (December 31). The year's hottest event in the Valley is the opening of the Vilar Center for the Arts in Beaver Creek. This 528 seat performing arts complex will have a week of gala events and varied programming during its grand opening February 5-10th. The attached May Gallery also opens in February, presenting "The Vail Valley Collects: Selections from Local Collectors." Beaver Creek hosts the American Ski Classic on March 4-8, as well as the 5th annual Snowshoe Shuffle (April 4). Then be sure to visit the Taste of Vail (April 2-4). For more information on Vail activities, contact the activities booth at (970) 476-5601. Sidebar #1: REMEMBER THE PAST Ever wonder how skiing got started? The Colorado Ski Museum (970/476-1876) documents the history of skiing, and houses the Ski Hall of Fame. Located in the Vail Transportation Center, the museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Closed during May and October.) Best of all, admission is free! Sidebar#2 A WINTER SLEIGH RIDE What could be more romantic than a sleigh ride under a star-filled sky? Beano's Cabin offers nightly sleigh rides to an elegant log cabin where a gourmet dinner is served. Open-air sleighs (drawn by snowcat) leave nine times nightly from Rendezvous Cabin, just west of the Centennial Express in Beaver Creek. Warm woolen blankets help keep you warm while the sleigh makes the twenty-minute drive to Beano's Cabin. Once there, you'll find a roaring fire, relaxing music, and a tasty meal. For reservations call (970) 949-9090. Sidebar #3 PLAN AHEAD FOR NEXT SUMMER Summertime in Vail is even more beautiful than the snow-filled winters. Wild flowers are in bloom, the sky is deep blue, and there are fewer tourists! You'll love the variety of outdoor activities in the Valley. Choose from golfing, tennis, cycling, or hiking in White River National Forrest. To see Vail from a unique viewpoint, take a hot-air balloon ride (Camelot Balloons, 970/926-2435), or ride horseback at Steve Jones Stables in Beaver Creek (970/845-7770). The truly adventurous can raft with Timberline Tours (970/476-1414), or Colorado River Runs (970/653-4292). Cultural events continue all summer long. Children delight in watching the release of 1,000 butterflies during the 3rd Annual Butterfly launch in early June (970/476-0103). The Bravo! Colorado Music Festival runs from mid-June to early August, and the Beaver Creek Children's Theater has free performances every Wednesday through Saturday (970/845-9090). The Vail Arts Festival (July 11-12) showcases over 100 national artists, while the Beaver Creek Arts Festival (Aug 8-9) offers live artist demonstrations. The Vail International Summer of Dance also begins in early August. For further information on Vail, contact the Vail Valley Tourism & Convention Bureau at (800) 525-3875, or visit their web-site at vvtcb@vail.net. To reach the Vail Village Visitors Center call (970) 479-1394. Sidebar #4 WHERE THE LOCALS DINE If popularity is any test of fine dining, then Michael's American Bistro (970/476-5353) is a sure-fire local winner. This moderately priced restaurant in the Vail Gateway offers innovative dishes and excellent service. If you love Mexican fare, then The Saloon in Minturn is another good bet. With its rustic old west décor, The Saloon (970/827-5954) is a perfect place to kick-back and relax. If you like tasty contemporary American food, head to Sweet Basil (970/476-0125) in Vail Village. Offering traditional French cuisine, The Left Bank (970/476-3696) has a picturesque view overlooking the Gore Creek. Be sure to note their "cash only" policy. For an elegant night out, try the Grouse Mountain Grill (970/949-0600), located across from the Beaver Creek Village. Although a bit pricey, the service, cuisine, and atmosphere are well worth it. Sidebar #5 WHEN IN VAIL The Valley is full of unique places to stay. The Sonnenalp Resort (970/476-5656) has two distinctive European-style Hauses: the Bavaria and Swiss. Both lodges provide large luxury suites and a fully equipped health spa. Families will enjoy Sonnenalp's summer Kidsventure program. If you prefer the charm of a bed & breakfast, try the Black Bear Inn (970/476-1304) in West Vail. This hand-hewn log home on the banks of the Gore Creek has 12 guestrooms, and serves a hearty mountain breakfast. For a step into the past, try the Minturn Inn (970/827-9647.) Originally built in 1915, the fully restored bed & breakfast is just five miles from Vail in the tiny mining town of Minturn. The luxurious Lodge & Spa at Cordillera (800/877-3529) offers fly-fishing, golf, tennis, hiking, and cross-country skiing. After a day of activity, you can relax and unwind in Cordillera's impressive spa facilities. |