Become a chef for a day at the Lodge at Vail

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Culinarily inept? Well, if you are, you’re not alone (and you’re in good company … with me). The Lodge at Vail, a RockResort, has exactly the solution for those of us who believe cooking dinner involves a phone call. The Colorado Cookin’ package will make you a chef for a day, as Executive Chef Rahm Fama takes you through the local farmers’ market and into the Cucina Rustica restaurant’s kitchen for the insights you’ll need to become a pro.

This deal is on through September 21, 2009 and comes with two nights (Saturday stay is required) and some great Sunday activities – from a tour of the Vail Farmers’ Market to a four-course brunch at The Wildflower and a cooking class led by the top chef himself. It starts at $274 a night, and extra days can be tacked on at $149 each.

Hell, it’s enough to make me consider stepping into the kitchen.

Teva Mountain Games begin tomorrow

by Kraig Becker on

The Teva Mountain Games, an annual event that blends athletic competition, outdoor adventure, and cultural pursuits, gets underway tomorrow, and runs through the weekend, in Vail, Colorado.

Top outdoor athletes from around the world will descend on Vail to take part in seven different sports and 21 unique disciplines that include trail running, mountain biking, road cycling, kayaking and more. The best of the best will battle it out in the GNC Ultimate Mountain Challenge, which consists of a 10k run, a technical mountain biking leg, a road cycling competition through the mountains, and a kayaking stage over Class II rapids.

The Mountain Games also host the International Federation of Sport Climbing Bouldering World Cup, which will pit some of the best sport climbers in the world against one another. Competitors will attempt to scale a climbing wall with five preset “problems” designed to challenge their skills and nerves. The athletes will score points based on the number of problems they overcome and the speed at which they complete them, with some bonus points availble to be earned as well. The winner will be declared the IFSC bouldering champion.

The weekend isn’t just about athletic competition however, as there will also be a mountain photography contest, an adventure film school and festival, and plenty of live music too. In fact, the Teva Mountain Games are known as much for their active nightlife as the intense athletic events. And when not racing or partying, attendees can stroll by Gear Town to check out the latest and greatest outdoor equipment.

So, if you’re looking for something to do this weekend, head to Vail, to watch some great athletes, take in some good music, and enjoy the atmosphere of the Mountain Games.

The Arrabelle has a built-in solution for golfers’ wives

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Golf addict? Instead of hoping for a 6 AM tee time at your local 18, get on a plane (flights are cheap, we may have mentioned a few times on Gadling), and take off for Vail, Colorado. The Arrabelle at Vail Square has put together a cool package – “Drive and Revive” – for golfers … with a little something for non-duffers who may be traveling with you.

Drop $399 a night to stay at this RockResort, and you’ll get more than just an upscale roof over your head. The personal concierge service will generally make your life easier when you’re on the road (wish I could dig this up at home …). Also, you’ll get a round of golf at the Red Sky Ranch Golf Club for every night you stay. In Vail for four nights – that’s four rounds of golf. You can get out there daily with no worries.

Well, there is one concern. If you have your wife or girlfriend with you, disappearing to the links for the better part of every day won’t go over well. The Arrabelle has built in a solution for you. Each night comes with a $150 spa credit. With massages and facials in play, you won’t get too much resistance when you pack up to go chase a little white ball for a few hours.

You won’t be missed.

Give a little to get a little at RockResorts

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Is it really goodwill if you’re getting something in return? Well, maybe we’ll call it a fair trade, then. This summer, RockResorts is offering a “Give & Getaway” package across all nine of its resorts. In exchange for an incredibly low room rate, you just have to chip in some time to help the environment. Projects include trail restoration, working with sustainable local farmers, and supporting local stream an driver ecosystems. Depending on your appetite for saving the world, you can work for a half-day, full day or even several days: there are plenty of projects available.

“The Give & Getaway package has been a successful initiative to promote conservation of the spectacular environments of our Colorado resorts and help our guests find even more value in their vacations,” said Stan Brown, President of RockResorts. “It is just one valuable extension of our company’s commitment to the environment and philosophy to preserve it in a rewarding and interactive way. We know that especially in today’s economy, guests want to feel good about the vacations they take, and this program guarantees an exceptional hotel experience with a unique opportunity to positively impact the environment. This way they can make a contribution that they can enjoy on a return visit to the destination.”

Interested in participating? The “Give & Getaway package” is available on the following dates:

The Arrabelle at Vail Square: July 11, August 15, September 12
The Lodge at Vail: July 11, August 15, September 12
The Pines Lodge: August 15
Hotel Jerome: May 30
Snake River Lodge & Spa: May 31-June 6; September 20-26
La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa: May 26
The Osprey at Beaver Creek: August 15
The Pines Lodge: August 15
The Landings St Lucia: Ongoing beginning May 1
Keystone Hospitality: May 16, June 6, August 15

Rates start at an absurd $99 per person per night (for a two-night stay). Several resorts are extending the rate to before and after projects, as well.

Vail Resorts and RockResorts have raised more than $1.2 million (including matching funds) for non-profit conservation organizations in the White River National Forest in Colorado and the Lake Tahoe Basin in California and Nevada. Guests have the option to pay an extra $1 on ski season passes, lift tickets and room nights, with the National Forest Foundation kicking in an additional 50 cents per dollar.

Go back to a simpler day at Beaver Creek Resort Summer Camp

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Once upon a time, you’d take off in the summer with a sleeping bag, a fishing pole and a pocket knife. Summer camp offered all the soft challenges you could imagine (such as stomaching awful food), but you always had a blast. No responsibilities weighed you down. Today, though, those days are gone. You worry about paying the mortgage, getting to work on time and keeping your kids entertained.

If only you could go back … if only for a little while.

Vail Beaver Creek Resort Properties has the answer: “Camp Not Exactly Roughing It.” Blend the excitement and freedom of summer camp from your childhood with cocktails and cuisine that is far from revolting, and you have the perfect adult getaway (especially if you get some mile-high action en route).

Oh, and you’ll stay in one of Beaver Creek’s resorts or condos instead of a dumpy cabin or (blech) tent.

This program runs from June 13 to September 7, 2009. So, be ready to do all the hiking your legs will handle. Play a little frisbee golf or learn to fly fish. You’ll also get two lift tickets up Beaver Creek mountain (enjoy the view) and breakfast for two ever day. Horseback riding, ziplining, bungee trampoline, mountain bike rentals and hot air balloon trips are also available. You can get in on this action for $262 a night, for a minimum of three nights.