AdventureVail

USA Pro Cycling Challenge

USA Pro Cycling Challenge starts today! We  have an incredible week of cycling ahead of us here in Colorado. This is one of the most exciting events to come to Colorado and to Vail! Enjoy the world class racing this week.

Vail will be the host of Stage 3, the Vail Pass Time Trial on Thursday. The course is going to start in the middle of Vail Village in front of Solaris. There will be plenty of great viewing place along the course all the up to the finish on Vail Pass. 

Here are some helpful links:

USA Pro Cycling Challenge Fact Sheet: Vail Pass Time Trial

Spectator Guide Stage 3

Activities and Events- Thursday

Thursday, August 18

Adult Full-Day Nature Hikes, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
7 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, ongoing until Sept. 22
The Vail Nature Center’s naturalists guide participants on a full-day hike to enjoy the flora and fauna of Vail’s spectacular wilderness. The cost is $45 for Vail residents, $50 for all others. Reservations are required. For more information and to make a reservation, call 970-479-2291 or visit www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm.

Morning Bird Walks, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, ongoing through Aug. 18
Join the Nature Center staff for a morning stroll through the meadows and woods along Gore Creek to learn about a great variety of local birds, plus what you can do to attract birds to your own backyard. The cost is $2 for Vail residents, $3 for all others. For more information, call 970-479-2291 or visit www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm.

Guided Garden Tour of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Ford Park
10:30 a.m., Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays through Sept. 5
Take part in a summer season of guided tours of the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the world’s highest botanic garden at 8,200 feet. A $5 donation is suggested. Participants should meet at the Schoolhouse gift shop in the Alpine Gardens. Call 970-476-0103 or visit www.bettyfordalpinegardens.org to learn more.

Wildflower Walks, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
2 p.m., Thursdays, ongoing through Aug. 18
Join the Nature Center’s expert staff on a leisurely one-hour walk through the woods and meadows to learn about the flowers that carpet the Rocky Mountains. The cost is $2 for Vail residents, $3 for all others. For more information call 970-479-2291 or visit www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm. 

Guided Ski Museum Tours, Meet at Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum, Vail Village
2 p.m., Free ($5 tour donation suggested)
A ski and snowboard historian guides guests through the museum, imparting nuggets of information and answering questions. Join us to learn more about our Hall of Fame, Colorado ski history, the Winter Olympics, the Town of Vail’s history and the 10th Mountain Division. 970-476-1876 or www.skimuseum.net.

Vail Strides Running Club, Base of Vista Bahn in Vail Village
5:30 p.m., Free
Residents and visitors are encouraged to join the Vail Recreation District for this free, weekly running club that will lead participants around Vail’s scenic recreation paths and mountain trails. The club is led by local runner Greg Decent and meets on Thursdays at the base of the Vista Bahn in Vail Village, located in the Mountain Plaza area. Most runs will be between five and eight miles long. Runners of all ages, experience and abilities are welcome, though all should be comfortable running at altitude. The club is a great way to meet new training partners, learn training tips, or just enjoy the sights while running the roads and paths of Vail. Following the run, participants can enjoy a free beverage at Pazzo’s Pizza in Vail with the group. For details, e-mail jgunion@vailrec.com.

Vail Jazz presents Jazz at Vail Square featuring “Tony Monaco Quartet,” Arrabelle Square, LionsHead
6 to 8 p.m., Free
Jazz at Vail Square returns with another in its series of nine free shows outside the Arrabelle Hotel in LionsHead. Presented in a tented venue seating 300+ this dynamic concert series features national jazz artists with styles ranging from Swing to straight ahead and Latin Jazz to the American Songbook. Whether enjoying the show from a seat in a nearby restaurant, or from the front row with a cocktail, listeners will be treated to an intimate, unforgettable jazz experience. Seating is first come, first served, and the concerts go on rain or shine. “Tony Monaco, whose organ playing is similar to that of Jimmy Smith in the late ‘50s…has an enthusiastic and spirited style, one that is a constant joy to hear.” Even with the program having nine straight blues, there is a surprising amount of variety due to the many tempos, moods and changes in instrumentation.  www.vailjazz.org.

Evening Beaver Pond Tours, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, ongoing through Aug 25
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 to view the lodge of an active colony. Participants should bring warm clothes and a flashlight. The costs are $5 per child, $10 per adult, or $30 for a family of five. Call 970-479-2291 or visit www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm to find out more.

Activities and Events- Thursday

Thursday, July 21

Adult Full-Day Nature Hikes, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
7 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, ongoing until Sept. 22
The Vail Nature Center’s naturalists guide participants on a full-day hike to enjoy the flora and fauna of Vail’s spectacular wilderness. The cost is $45 for Vail residents, $50 for all others. Reservations are required. For more information and to make a reservation, call 970-479-2291 or visit www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm.

Morning Bird Walks, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, ongoing until mid-August
Join the Nature Center staff for a morning stroll through the meadows and woods along Gore Creek to learn about a great variety of local birds, plus what you can do to attract birds to your own backyard. The cost is $2 for Vail residents, $3 for all others. For more information, call 970-479-2291 or visit www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm.

Guided Garden Tour of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Ford Park
10:30 a.m., Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays through Sept. 5
Take part in a summer season of guided tours of the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the world’s highest botanic garden at 8,200 feet. A $5 donation is suggested. Participants should meet at the Schoolhouse gift shop in the Alpine Gardens. Call 970-476-0103 or visit www.bettyfordalpinegardens.org to learn more.

Alpine Treasures Trunk Show: Featuring Elaine Kuntz, Alpine Treasures Gift Shop, Vail Village
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Free
Elaine displays her art for sale at the Alpine Treasures Gift Shop in Vail Village. Elaine’s art has a realistic approach to location and a feeling of atmosphere for subjects of mountain and beach scenes and botanical studies. To learn more about her art visit ElaineKuntz.com.  Call 970-476-0103 or visit www.bettyfordalpinegardens.org to learn more.

Chefs in the Gardens: Chef Paul Anders of Vail’s Sweet Basil Restaurant, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Ford Park
12 noon; $5 per person
Live cooking demonstration by Chef Paul Anders of Sweet Basil, featuring Colorado cuisine showcasing locally grown and produced ingredients. Sweet Bail is a creative, modern American restaurant located in the heart of the Vail Village, voted Colorado’s Most Popular Restaurant by the Zagat survey. The menu offers imaginative cuisine with an innovative array of diverse influences. www.SweetBasil-Vail.com.

Free & Easy II – Let Music Swell The Breeze: Sounds of America, Calder String Quartet and the Mana Saxophone Quartet, Vail Interfaith Chapel, Vail Village
12 Noon – Free concert
Vail’s 2011 Young Professionals-in-Residence put their unique stamp on music born in the USA with works by the influential Philip Glass, the award-winning Eric Moe and cutting edge Fred Frith. These young artists are the vital voices of today’s music scene. “Those that call classical music boring or archaic clearly do not follow ensembles like the Calder Quartet…they are among a handful of groups redefining what a classical ensemble can be” expresses Monk Turner on blogdowntown. Ellen Taafe Zwilich, Pulitzer Prize winning composer says, “the Mana Quartet is a new bright light in the world of chamber music.” For additional information visit www.vailmusic.org or call 970-827-5700.

Gabriel Kahane, Piano, The Lodge at Vail, Vail Village
2 p.m., Free adult concert
Free concerts introduce new audiences and entertain seasoned veterans to a variety of instrumental performances and informative talks. For further information call 970-827-5700 or visit www.vailmusic.org.
 
Wildflower Walks, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
2 p.m., Thursdays, ongoing until mid-August
Join the Nature Center’s expert staff on a leisurely one-hour walk through the woods and meadows to learn about the flowers that carpet the Rocky Mountains. The cost is $2 for Vail residents, $3 for all others. For more information call 970-479-2291 or visit www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm. 

Vail Strides Running Club, Base of Vista Bahn in Vail Village
5:30 p.m., Free
Residents and visitors are encouraged to join the Vail Recreation District for this free, weekly running club that will lead participants around Vail’s scenic recreation paths and mountain trails. The club is led by local runner Greg Decent and meets on Thursdays at the base of the Vista Bahn in Vail Village, located in the Mountain Plaza area. Most runs will be between five and eight miles long. Runners of all ages, experience and abilities are welcome, though all should be comfortable running at altitude. The club is a great way to meet new training partners, learn training tips, or just enjoy the sights while running the roads and paths of Vail. For details, e-mail jgunion@vailrec.com. 

Jazz at Vail Square: “Magos Herrera Quartet,” Arrabelle Square, LionsHead
6 to 8 p.m., Free
Jazz at Vail Square returns with another in its series of nine free shows outside the Arrabelle Hotel in LionsHead. Presented in a tented venue seating 300+ this dynamic concert series features national jazz artists with styles ranging from Swing to straight ahead and Latin Jazz to the American Songbook. Whether enjoying the show from a seat in a nearby restaurant, or from the front row with a cocktail, listeners will experience an intimate, unforgettable jazz experience. Seating is first come, first served, and the concerts go on rain or shine. This Mexico City vocalist blends her classic jazz styling with Latin American melodies and rhythms. The Miami Herald says, “Magos manages to create a new style of Latin scat. It is innovative but clearly jazz and when she does her improvisations of the composed melodies, it is a mind-blowing experience.” www.vailjazz.org.

Evening Beaver Pond Tours, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, ongoing until mid-August
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 to view the lodge of an active colony. Participants should bring warm clothes and a flashlight. The costs are $5 per child, $10 per adult, or $30 for a family of five. Call 970-479-2291 or visit www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm to find out more.

Activities and Events- Wednesday

Wednesday, July 27

Art in the Gardens: Plein Air Watercolor Workshop Featuring Cheryl St. John
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with a noon break for lunch.) $50
This one-day workshop is for artists who have previously done some plein air painting.  Beginners to advanced students are welcome. This class is also offered on Aug. 18.  To register please call Cheryl at 303-425-8820 or email her at Cheryl@cherylstjohn.com.

Children’s Story Hour: “Let’s move it!” Town of Vail Public Library
10 a.m. – Toddler Story Time (18 to 30 months), Free
11 a.m. – Preschoolers (2 ½ to 5 years), Free
Enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, children and caregivers join Cricket as she leads listeners in rhymes, songs, stories and more. Each story time also features an age appropriate art activity. Active participation is encouraged from everybody as children enjoy these pre-reading activities designed to be the building blocks for strong readers and students. This free event is interactive and educational. Call 970-479-2179 or visit www.vaillibrary.com for details.

Street Entertainment featuring Mana Saxophone Quartet, Arrabelle Square, LionsHead
11 a.m., Free
Hailed as “a new bright light in the world of chamber music”, since its inception in 2004, the Mana Quartet has exposed listeners throughout the United States, Canada and Europe to thoughtful presentations of music ranging from Bach to the contemporary American composer, Charles Wuorinen, to the Argentinean tango master, Astor Piazzolla. Visit www.ManaQuartet.com to learn more.

Wednesday Art Walks, Vail Village
11 a.m., Free
Meet at the Vail Village Visitor Information Center on the top level of the parking structure for a free guided walking tour of Vail Village and the public art collection. After an introduction to the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum, the tour winds its way through the Village with discussions of the history of the Vail valley, the founding of Vail Mountain, the master planning of the Village and the importance of site specific commissioned art. The Town’s public art collection includes nearly 40 works ranging from sculptures, murals, playground components, and site-integrated art. Visit www.artinvail.com or call 970-479-2344 for more information.

New York Philharmonic Musicians, featuring music by Bravo! Young Composers, Town of Vail Public Library
1 p.m. Free
Children ages 3 through 7 and the young-at-heart will enjoy informative musical performances in an atmosphere of learning. Bravo’s renowned musicians introduce audiences to stories, history, and the importance of music in our world.
www.vailmusic.org or 970-827-5700.

Bravo! Performance Prelude – A Pre-Concert Lecture by Marc Shugold, Author and Music Critic, New York Philharmonic, Betty Ford Gardens, Ford Park
5 p.m.
www.vailmusic.org or call 970-748-6646

Bravo! Presents New York Philharmonic Orchestra: “Mardi Gras, A Beloved & A Friend” with Conductor Ludovic Morlot and Violinist Gil Shaham, Ford Amphitheater
6 p.m., Tickets: Lawn Seating $24; Reserved $65; Premium Seating $85
Roman Carnival Overture by Berlioz, Violin Concerto by Walton and Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky. www.vailmusic.org or call  970-748-6646

For information on close in paid parking, plus express and extended bus routes, visit www.vaileventparking.com.

Activities and Events- Sunday

Sunday, July 24

La Sportiva Vail Half Marathon, Vail Mountain
8 a.m., $28 pre-registration, $38 day-of registration
Runners of the La Sportiva Vail Half Marathon will test themselves on a course that’s just over the half marathon distance with an average grade of 7 percent.  The half marathon boasts a 4,020 feet climb up roads on Vail Mountain with a high point on the course at 11,653 feet. The gondola will be open for free for race spectators from 8:30-9:30 a.m. For additional information you can log on to www.vailrec.com/sports.

Vail Farmers’ Market and Art Show, Meadow Drive, Vail Village
10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Free
This terrific weekly market is a festival not to be missed. The Vail Farmers’ Market and Art show features fresh Colorado produce and gourmet food products, live entertainment, delicious snacks, Colorado wines, flowers and a variety of one-of-a-kind products made by local artisans. Go to www.vailfarmersmarket.com for details.

For information on close-in paid parking, plus express and extended bus routes, visit www.vaileventparking.com.

Street Entertainment: “Calder String Quartet,” Gore Creek Promenade
11 a.m.; Free
Free concerts this summer provide an introduction for new audiences and entertainment for seasoned veterans with a variety of instrumental performances and informative talks. Call 970-827-5700 or visit www.vailmusic.org to find out more.

Creekside Nature Tours, Departs from the Vail Farmers’ Market, Meadow Drive, Vail Village
11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Free 
These free creekside tours will meander along the Gold Medal fishing waters of Gore Creek. Meet at the Nature Center booth at the Farmers’ Market in Vail Village. Check out www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm for more information.

Jazz at the Vail Farmers’ Market: Justin AllisonTrio, Solaris, Vail Village
Noon to 3 p.m.; Free
Jazz at the Farmers’ Market continues its tradition of cool jazz on Sunday afternoons in Vail Village – performing from a new tented venue at Vail’s newest neighborhood, Solaris at Vail. Justin Allison’s vocal and guitar styling appeals to the most passionate jazz fan and to the casual listener. His repertoire is drawn from the great American songbook: Cole Porter, Ira and George Gershwin, and Rogers and Hart. Expect tunes from Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Horace Silver, Miles Davis, Nat King Cole, and Dave Brubeck. Brazilian bossa nova and sambas of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Dori Caymmi, Joao Bosco, and Ivan Lins complete his play list. Justin Allison leads the trio, which also includes drummer Allan Finney and Mark Simon on bass. If you’re interested in the Jazz at the Vail Farmers’ Market series, go to www.vailjazz.org.
 
Bravo! Presents the New York Philharmonic Orchestra: “Russian Bravura and Dances of Fairytales” with Conductor Alan Gilbert and Pianist Alexander Romanovsky, Ford Amphitheater, Vail
6 p.m., Tickets: Lawn Seating $24; Reserved $63; Premium Reserved $85
Program consists of Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini for Piano and Orchestra by Rachmaninoff and Act II from The Nutcracker. Call 970-827-5700 or visit www.vailmusic.org  for information.

For information on close in paid parking, plus express and  extended bus routes, visit www.vaileventparking.com. 

Activities and Events- Saturday

Saturday, July 23

NEW! Nature’s Bounty Native Plants Workshop, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, ongoing until mid-August
In the Rockies, we are fortunate to be surrounded by an abundance of beauty and biodiversity. You may have taken hundreds of pictures of that pretty little purple flower, but what is it called, and how do you tell the difference between that and the other purple flower? Learn the basic skills you need to identify local plants, as well as fascinating information about their historic and modern uses. What berries are edible? What plants might save your life if you were stranded in the backcountry? The Nature Center’s expert naturalists will teach you. The program is for adults age 16 and older and costs $35 per class. Reservations are required. Call to reserve a spot 970-479-2291. www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm.      

Guided Garden Tour of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Ford Park
10:30 a.m., Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays through Sept. 5
Take part in a summer season of guided tours of the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the world’s highest botanic garden at 8,200 feet.  A $5 donation is suggested. Participants should meet at the Schoolhouse gift shop in the Alpine Gardens. Call 970-476-0103 or visit www.bettyfordalpinegardens.org to learn more.

Wild Kid Nature Hikes, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
Noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays, ongoing until mid-August
Wild Kids Nature hikes are for families with children ages seven and older. The Nature Center’s expert naturalists take participants on hikes throughout Vail to enjoy the scenic vistas and beautiful biology of the area, while learning about the local flora and fauna.  Parents are encouraged to join the hikes. The cost is $25 per person. Call 970-479-2291 or visit www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm for details.

Learn to Think Like a Trout, Fly Fishing for Children, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays, ongoing until Aug. 13
Children ages 6 to 12 learn about stream ecology, study insects and receive instruction and practice time for basic techniques of fly fishing. The cost is $45 and includes equipment. Call 970-479-2291 or visit www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm for details.

Family Saturday Afternoon Club, LionsHead
3 to 6 p.m., Saturdays, July 9 through Aug. 13, Free
The Family Saturday Afternoon Club includes a variety of activities including a “Kids’ Fun Zone & Crafts Center.” It features an incredible array of special activities including face-painting, a Hula Hoop Zone, a 60-foot inflatable obstacle course, the awesome Blue Moose Pizza Dough Tossing Contest, and a family “Water Balloon Toss of Death” Contest. The Kids’ Discovery Zone focuses on a specific theme each week with visits by experts from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Butterfly Pavilion. It also includes a special Green Planet Kids Expo, presented in partnership with the Town of Vail Environmental Sustainability Department. For more information, call 970-926-5855 or visit www.lionsheadsummer.com.

Bravo! Presents the New York Philharmonic Orchestra: “Luminous Magic & a Raging Sea Of Sound,” with Conductor Alan Gilbert and Violinist Augustin Hadelich, Ford Amphitheater, Vail
6 p.m., Tickets: Lawn Seating $24; Reserved $63; Premium Reserved $85.
Violin Concerto in A Major, K..219, Turkish by Mozart and Symphony No. 5 in C-sharp Minor by Mahler. Call 970-827-5700 or visit www.vailmusic.org for ticket information.

For information on close in paid parking, plus express and extended bus routes, visit www.vaileventparking.com.

Fireside Program, Gore Creek Campground Amphitheater, East Vail
7 p.m. Saturdays, Free
The Fireside Program at Gore Creek Campground is a stimulating one-hour program for the whole family. Varying from week to week, all topics relate to natural and ecologic features of the Eagle River watershed. Presented in partnership with the US Forest Service by the staff of Walking Mountains Science Center, these free programs are both educational and entertaining. For more information, contact Lara Carlson at larac@walkingmountains.org or (970) 827 9725 x 29.

Related articles

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Activities and Events- Tuesday

Tuesday, July 19

Adult Full-Day Nature Hikes, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
7 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, ongoing until Sept. 22
The Vail Nature Center’s naturalists guide participants on a full-day hike to enjoy the flora and fauna of Vail’s spectacular wilderness. The cost is $45 for Vail residents, $50 for all others. Reservations are required. For more information and to make a reservation, call 970-479-2291 or visit www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm.

Morning Bird Walks, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, ongoing until mid-August
Join the Nature Center staff for a morning stroll through the meadows and woods along Gore Creek to learn about a great variety of local birds, plus what you can do to attract birds to your own backyard. The cost is $2 for Vail residents, $3 for all others. For more information, call 970-479-2291 or visit www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm.

Children’s Story Hour: “Elmer the Patchwork Elephant,” Town of Vail Public Library
10 a.m. - Baby Play Time (birth to 18 months), Free
11 a.m. - Preschoolers (2 ½ to 5 years), Free
Enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, children and caregivers join Cricket as she leads listeners in rhymes, songs, stories and more.  Each story time also features an age appropriate art activity.  Active participation is encouraged from everybody as children enjoy these pre-reading activities designed to be the building blocks for strong readers and students.  This free event is interactive and educational. Call 970-479-2179 or visit www.vaillibrary.com for details.

Museum Docent-Led Guided Tour, Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum, Vail Village
1 p.m., $5 tour donation suggested
Take a guided tour with a museum docent through the exhibits of this uniquely Colorado museum. Explore the mountains’ rich sports history and culture, see the technological changes in ski and snowboard equipment over the years, and learn about the legacy of the famed World War II ski troopers. Now enjoy a brand new exhibit on the rise and evolution of snowboarding. Call 970-476-1876 or visit www.skimuseum.net for information. 
 
Summer Reading Program: One World, Many Stories: Abbie the Clown Presents a Face Painting Workshop; Venue TBD
1 to 3 p.m., Free
Due to the recent flooding in the Vail Public Library, the Community Room cannot be used. We are striving to change the venue for each weekly program to a convenient location. Please check with the updated phone message at the number below as the venue is not yet determined at this writing. This week’s program will be delightful in whatever location! Each week this fun reading program includes exciting entertainers, musicians, stories, games and art for children in grades one through five. The children’s team at the library is resolute in providing uninterrupted weekly programs for the summer readers, though the flood has presented some adversity in scheduling the location. Bear with us as we await repairs to the Community Room and while we find great places to meet in the meantime. Registration for this free event is on-site every Tuesday, and parents are always welcome. Children receive prizes for reading.  For venue information, call 970-479-2179 or visit www.vaillibrary.com.

Mana Saxophone Quartet, Children’s Program, Town of Vail Public Library’s Fireside Lounge
2 p.m., Free; Presented by Bravo!
Children ages 3 through 7 and the young-at-heart will enjoy informative musical performances in an atmosphere of learning.  Bravo’s renowned musicians introduce stories, history, and the importance of music in our world. For more information, call 970-479-2179 or visit www.vaillibrary.com. Hailed as “a new bright light in the world of chamber music,” since its inception in 2004, this week’s guest, the Mana Quartet, has exposed listeners throughout the United States, Canada and Europe to thoughtful presentations of music ranging from Bach to the contemporary American composer, Charles Wuorinen, to the Argentinean tango master, Astor Piazzolla. Visit www.ManaQuartet.com to learn more.

Vail Village Historic Walking Tour, Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum, Vail Village
2 p.m., $5 tour donation suggested
This comfortably-paced walking tour allows locals and tourists alike the opportunity to experience some of Vail’s historic sites. At the final stop, you’ll have time to enjoy a drink as your guide recounts the rich history of the location. Call 970-476-1876 for information or visit www.skimuseum.net.

Christo Live in Vail, Lodge at Vail
Reception 5 p.m., Lecture 5:30 p.m.; Tickets $10.,
Internationally celebrated artist Christo, along with his late wife/artistic partner Jeanne-Claude, is best known for surrounding large items (islands, buildings) with fabric and creating extremely large scale public works of a temporary nature; including renowned works such as wrapping of the Reichstag in Berlin and the Pont-Neuf bridge in Paris, the 24- mile-long artwork called Running Fence in Sonoma and Marin counties in California, and The Gates in New York City’s Central Park. Christo is currently working to obtain the necessary permits so that his team can begin the installation process on one of his last projects, “Over The River,” here in Colorado. The project involves suspending 5.9 miles of silvery, luminous fabric panels high above the Arkansas River along a 42-mile stretch of the river between Salida and Canon City. He is hoping to exhibit “Over The River” for two consecutive weeks in August 2014. Christo’s art is designed to be viewed from the ground, and concentrates on using fabrics, cloth, and textiles.  All expenses associated with the artworks, including planning, construction and taking down, are derived from the sale of preliminary drawings, early works from the 1950’s and 1960’s, and lithographs.  He accepts no contributions, grants or other financial assistance, preferring to make the aesthetic decisions apart from what any influence financial backing might involve.  Christo is donating this lecture presentation as a gift to the Vail Symposium.  Call 970-476-0954 or visit www.vailsymposium.org  for further information.

Hot Summer Nights Concert, “Kyle Hollingsworth Band,” Ford Amphitheater, Vail
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Performance is at 6:30 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. Free
 Kyle Hollingsworth is a formidable and versatile music talent.  As a member of The String Cheese Incident (SCI), Hollingsworth is revered by both peers and fans for his ability to write and perform in a mosaic of styles, from rock to classical, ragtime to be-bop.  When SCI is on hiatus, Hollingsworth emerges as an intoxicating solo artist.  His resume is decorated with diverse projects including collaborations with speech and DJ Logic, a tour with alt-rockers, Fiery Furnaces and a contribution to the soundtrack of Warren Miller’s film, Higher Ground. www.vvf.org or 970-777-2015.

For information on close in paid parking, plus express and extended bus routes, visit www.vaileventparking.com.

Stories in the Sky Stargazing, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
8:45 to 10 p.m., Tuesdays, June & July; 8:15 – 9:30 Tuesdays, August
From endless constellations to cascading shooting stars and full moons almost as bright as the sun, these seemingly-magical sights are realities in the mountains of Vail that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The costs are $5 per child, $10 per adult or $30 for a family of five. For details call 970-479-2291 or check out www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm.  

Activities and Events- Friday

Friday, July 8

Adult Half Day Nature Hikes, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
8:30 a.m., Fridays, ongoing until Sept. 2
Nature Center naturalists guide participants on a half-day hike to enjoy the flora and fauna of Vail’s wilderness. Costs are $30 for Vail residents, $35 for all others. 970-479-2291. www.vailrec.com

Yoga in the Gardens, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Ford Park
9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.; Cost $12 per session
All ability levels welcome, held in the Alpine Plaza at the base of the waterfall. Bring a yoga mat or large towel. Instructor is Maria DeSimone. If you have questions or to sign up, e-mail muck2lotus@yahoo.com.

New! Gore Creek Mini Golf Golf Season Opening, LionsHead
Situated at the base of the Born Free Express Lift (#8) across from the LionsHead ticket office, Gore Creek Mini Golf opens Friday at Vail Mountain and is perfect for the whole family. The course provides putting fun for all ages on nine, par three holes and each hole will feature an interpretive animal theme that spotlights local Vail Valley animal species and provides educational background and information. Gore Creek Mini Golf will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is $10 per person.10 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily; $10 per round, all ages and all levels welcome.

Art in Nature for Kids, “Candle-Making & Batik Flags,” Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fridays, ongoing until Aug. 19
Students, ages 5 and older, of all skill levels learn how to blend art with nature including sketching, acrylics, printmaking, paper making and more. Reservations required. Cost is $45 and includes materials. This program is a collaboration with the Art Center of Gypsum and Town of Vail Art in Public Places. 970-479-2291. www.vailrec.com/nature.cfm

Learn to Think Like a Trout, Fly Fishing for Adults, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fridays, July 15 to August 19
A non-guided stream ecology and fly fishing class that includes the study of the local watershed and entomology, followed by basic techniques of fly fishing. Cost is $90 and includes equipment. Reservations are encouraged. 970-479-2291.
www.vailrec.com

Music in the Gardens:  Don Liuzzi, Percussionist, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Ford Park
1 p.m., Free; Presented by Bravo Vail Valley Music Festival
Currently a percussionist with the Philadelphia Orchestra since 1989, Don Liuzzi was a member of the Pittsburgh Symphony percussion section from 1982 to 1989. While in Pittsburgh, he taught percussion and conducted the percussion ensemble at Duquesne University, was assistant conductor of the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra and appeared on PBS’ nationally syndicated Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, performing marimba and percussion solos. For more information, email info@BettyFordAlpineGardens.org  

Friday Afternoon Club (FAC), Vail Mountain, featuring Boneless
5 p.m. Fridays, June 24 through Sept. 2
Guests and locals alike kick off the weekend with Vail’s Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) at Adventure Ridge, high atop Vail Mountain. FAC on the Talon’s Deck features the best views in the valley and amazing sunsets, free live music and activities, food and drink specials, and more. The featured band this week is “Boneless.” Boneless is known for keeping the party rocking with styles ranging from Americana, to bluegrass, to jam band.  Their one of a kind sound will please any and every audience. www.vail.com

S’mores and More: Family Campfire Program, Vail Nature Center, Ford Park
7 to 8:30 p.m., Fridays, ongoing until mid-August
A warm campfire, exciting stories of woodland adventures and the sweet smell of burning marshmallows define this family program at the Vail Nature Center.  Costs are $5 per child, $10 per adult or $30 for a family of five. www.vailrec.com

Philadelphia Orchestra, Fiery Ivories and Arabian Nights, Ford Amphitheater
6 p.m.; Tickets: $85 (premium reserved), $63 (regular reserved), $24 (general admission)
Rossen Milanov and Hugh Wolff, Conductors; Yuja Wang, Piano.  Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 30 by Rachmaninoff; Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov.
www.vailmusic.org or 1-877-812-5700.

Big Closing Day

It’s been dumping all day on Vail Mountain. By early afternoon the snow had gotten fairly deep in the back bowls. With snow in the forecast tonight and tomorrow, it looks like we’re in for an incredible closing day.

A powder day is great way to end our incredible season!

NOAA Forecast

500?

With only two weeks to go until our season ends, Vail has reported 477” inches of snow. Will we get to 500”?  It’s been a great year with lots of powder days. Making that 500 mark would make this season just a little more special. The forecast looks promising. Although we all welcome the sunshine and spring skiing, there will be no complaining if we end this thing with a few more powder days and make it to 500.

NOAA Forecast

Vail Snow Report

It’s a Powder Day!

Eleven inches of new snow reported in the the last 24 hours. Another April powder day.

Vail Snow Report

Spring Skiing

Another fun day in the sun is in store for us today. Spring skiing is a local favorite. Although we love the powder days of mid-winter, we also can’t wait for these warm sunny days to come along. It’s definitely a different atmosphere and takes a little different approach to the day. In the spring, there is no hurry to get on the slopes. Unlike a powder day when you want to be in line for first chair, in the spring, there’s no hurry to get out of bed. When you do get up there, head for the groomers. Take advantage of some fast, smooth cord. Once things warm up, the back bowls start to get good. Let the sun hit them so the snow softens up. That’s when spring skiing is at it’s best. Don’t forget to stop and enjoy some sunbathing on one of the many decks throughout the mountain.  

Nine Inches of New Snow

Vail Mountain reported 9” of new snow this morning. Powder Day!