One of the greatest things about living in Colorado is the shared excitement in watching the snow fall report.  When I was a student at The University of Kansas, snow meant torn up streets, messy sidewalks, and bone chilling winds that shook you to the core. Here in Vail, its a totally different story. We got 32 inches of fresh powder this week, making the valley sparkle and the mountain gleam. Conditions have not been this great all year. Snowboarders and skiers unite with delight at the fresh powder which has increased the base to a whopping 55 inches! What’s more, the dedicated city of Vail makes sure that the village roads and highway are always clear and safe for travel. The Vail/Beaver Creek area is a virtual paradise, attracting visitors from all over the world to come ride, shred, annihilate, take no prisoners, and hot-rod on the mountain! Maybe it has something to do with the Olympics, but I have seen more people just tearing it up and having a blast than ever before. Sure beats that old dreaded Kansas cold!

Speaking of Kansas, March Madness is quickly approaching. Being a die-hard Jayhawk fan myself, I was delighted to find a vast array of local game watching spots. Can you imagine anything better…After a long day of skiing, you unwind and relax with your buddies, drinking beer, watching the game, and laughing about the head-first plunge you took on the mountain! If this sounds in any way appealing, I’m telling you, now is the time to get out here and make it happen!  And when you’re looking for a great place to watch the big game, I recommend the Tap Room or Garfinkles (Both boasting a plethora of TV’s for the sports connoisseur who likes variety). However, if you prefer staying in the comfort of your own home, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals can definitely set you up in something spectacular. You can watch the shot clock wind-down from the couch without any distractions!

Girls love wearing fancy masks!

February 14-19 is Carnivail! I’ve noticed signs around town and can’t be more excited! After their Super Bowl win- I think all of America is pumped for Mardi Gras, and this is Vail’s own version! If you can’t make it to New Orleans, then what better way to spend it than in the mountains? Our stars alone are better than the fireworks, and the people know here know how to celebrate!

After finishing our own great event- Vail Gay Ski Week- we are rested and ready to participate in this once a year event in Vail! Come see our friends, the Frogs Gone Fishin’, at the Fat Tuesday Parade (free!)! We love these guys, and they are local favorites!

Missing that dirty south great cookin? Not a problem- join us in becoming fat kids again with the “World’s Highest Low Country Crawfish Boil” at Eagle’s Nest. Go skiing or riding afterward to burn those calories! Here’s the menu Vail has planned:

1 lb. Crawfish, Andouille Sausage, Corn, New Potatoes, Garlic Bread – $14.95

Bowl of Gumbo – $7.95

Crawfish Etouffee- $8.95

King Cake – $3.50

I will also be hitting up my favorite places in Vail- Sweet Basil, Samana, the Tap Room, and more. Email me if you want to plan meeting up!

janyce.brandon@vailgayskiweek.com

It is no secret that the Pine Beetle has officially declared war on the pines of the Colorado Rockies and all bets are on the tiny beetle for the win. The pine beetle has killed 1.5 million acres of lodge pole pine in Colorado since 1996, and in 2007 we lost about 3.9 million acres in just the Rocky Mountain region.

While beetle outbreaks are relatively common in lodge pole, they are rare in the higher elevation pine forests due to the cold temperatures. And, unlike lodge pole forests which have adapted to the beetles, the slow-growing white pines only have the cold temperatures at high elevations to help them fend off the beetles. However, warming temperatures in the West have taken away even that defense.

Warmer temperatures are allowing the adult beetles to reproduce over the summer and survive through the winter which is greatly increasing their population size. There is no answer for how long the pine beetle will continue to run its course but it is clear that it depends on the climate if the warming continues it is likely the outbreak will continue until their food source is gone.

The question no longer seems to be how we can stop the spread of the outbreak but how will the local communities will deal with the devastation and keep our mountainsides safe. At Vail Resorts areas including Summit County the main concern is hazardous trees near trails and lifts that pose numerous threats to equipment and people on the mountain.

Vail Resorts has announced that it will partner with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation to begin a restoration project for the safety of ensure the safety of the mountains.

Vail resorts focused on cutting down hazardous dead trees that could fall on ski trails or lifts this summer. It is a routine part of summer operations at the resort, but increasing numbers of dead trees require more focus and time.

The goal is not only to determine what to do with beetle-killed trees, but how to plan for reforestation and encourage regrowth. That includes trying to figure out how to manage north-facing slopes, where stands of mature spruce trees are threatened by a new insect invasion, Campbell said.

Recently, Keystone completed a management plan that will break down the ski area terrain and illuminate the status of the timber and younger trees and study them carefully and track their health. The improvements listed are for a projected 10-year span. Resort officials said implementation would depend on market conditions and other factors.

Keystone plans

As described by resort officials last October, the new master plan could include

• A new lift from the Ski Tip area up the east side of the mountain;
• New lifts in Bergman Bowl and Independence Bowl replacing current cat-skiing operations;
• A replacement of the Wayback chair;
• New trails on the front side, as well as on North Peak and the Outback.

The improvements listed are for a projected 10-year span. Resort officials said implementation would depend on market conditions and other factors.

Of all the resorts Breckenridge has absolved most of the impact due its higher elevation and the fact that the lodge poles are mixed with other pines thorough the forest. Pat Campbell said the resort will begin working with the Forest Service next week on a similar plan for that ski area, updating the 2002 version of plan.

Breckenridge plans

• add lift-served skiing on Peak 6
• add a new lift
• add several hundred acres of terrain to meet what it says is a demand for more intermediate trails.

In areas where there is no skier access the Vail Resorts and the National Forest Services have opted to let nature run its course and they are looking into areas where regeneration is happening steadily with the intent to not interfere with the natural course as much as possible.

In areas where there is no skier access, the resort and the agency could choose to let nature run its course, but other areas could require intensive treatment.

While out on the mountain this year it is important to not underestimate the danger of the dead pines and remain in accessible areas and as always, respect the mountain.

The recent news of The Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado being scheduled for foreclosure and auction on January 27 of 2010 does have some silver lining, it gives us a chance to be reminded of how special this property is and what a vital part of Aspen’s history it has left.

The Hotel Jerome is currently run by Rock Resorts, the same company that runs The Arrabelle in Vail and the Lodge at Vail, which is a wholly- owned subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. The current unpaid balance on the Hotel Jerome is up to $36,292,781 and on Thursday of last week The Pitkin County Treasurer’s Office filed a “notice of election and demand for sale” on the property because of the debt.

“The covenants of said deed of trust have been violated due to the failure to make the final payment due at the maturity date,” the notice said. (Aspen Times)

For those of you who are not familiar with The Jerome Hotel it is a must see in Aspen, Colorado and a valuable portrayal of the rare and elegant history of Aspen.

Built in 1889, the 92-bedrooom hotel is known worldwide for its impeccable guest services, luxurious accommodations, delicate ambiance, and historical relevance. Located off the main street in downtown Aspen it is at the base of Aspen Mountain surrounded by boutiques, art galleries, Aspen dining and nightlife. Originally owned by Jerome Wheeler, the owner of New York City’s Macy’s department store there is no detail left untouched in The Jerome.

Each room is spacious, each bed is laid with down comforters and feather pillows, and the hand carved armoires in every room are complimented by touches of beautiful light fixtures and old world charm. The lavish bathrooms are complete with oversized bathtubs, walk in showers, marble vanity’s and fluffy robes. Also, included in your stay is complimentary airport service from Aspen Airport and transportation to anywhere you may want to go in Aspen including the mountain, a wonderfully intimate outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi, two fine dining restaurants and two bars to enjoy your après ski activities in.

The Hotel Jerome is a Landmark in the mountain history of Colorado and took part in setting the standard of poise in Aspen Colorado. While the future is unknown the past is clear and our hats are off to the property itself for keeping its integrity and representing that humble elegance Aspen will always be known for.

To Book Your Stay Call Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals Today at 970.477.1777