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Courtesy Vail Valley Foundation bcworldcup.com
Headline RSS Feed2009 Birds of Prey World Cup race weekend under way
December 3, 2009 —
It’s winter … how do I know? Not because of calendar dates, almanac predictions or astronomical positioning (technically the winter solstice is still 18 days away), but because today marks the first day of the 2009 Beaver Creek Birds of Prey World Cup weekend. The significance of this now-traditional weekend does not escape notice here in Vail, and it annually marks the beginning of the true winter season. The eyes of Europe are upon us as the world’s best male skiers come to town to race one of the most challenging courses of the World Cup circuit.
At Beaver Creek, such a heralded weekend does not go without its accompanying accoutrements. Tonight’s bib presentation ceremony at 5 p.m. can be considered the first official event on the schedule, but the ceremony will also be accompanied by some serious fanfare.
The US Air Force Drum & Bugle Corps will be on site tonight as well as members of the US Ski Team who will be signing autographs for all their fans. There will be free ice skating on the Black Family Ice Rink along with hot chocolate and cookies, provided by Beaver Creek Resort. Beaver Creek has become known world-wide as a resort that knows how to throw a World Cup party.
It’s also an Olympic year, when even American eyes focus on World Cup skiing, as they do every four years. The United States could fair well in Vancouver this February, not only from Vail’s own Lindsey Vonn, but also from stars like Ted Ligety and Bode Miller.
Perhaps more than any other reason, this event marks the beginning of winter because, for the past three years, the event has coincided with several big snowstorms. By the time these races are complete, I predict winter will be in full swing and the ski season will begin in earnest.
There’s a whole lot going on during this seminal weekend so be sure to visit the Audi Birds of Prey World Cup
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Courtesy snow.com www.snow.com
Everything you need to know about Vail Snow Daze 2009
November 20, 2009 —
It’s almost more than we can fit into one post:
Snow Daze 2009 is coming: FREE CONCERTS including Eve 6, Robert Randolph and the Family Band Barenaked Ladies, and Yukon Kornelius starring members of the Dave Mathews Band, Barenaked Ladies, Guster and N.E.R.D.; PLUS a dummy demolition derby, a photo competition, a Snuggie Pub Crawl, and a bunch of lodging deals and all kinds of happy hours and drink specials. Yes, the 2009 incarnation of Vail Snow Daze may be the most event-packed early-season celebration of all time.
Click the play button below for a video preview of the event:
All the information you need about the event is here on this page and/or linked below. Look through the calendar of events for links and descriptions, and scroll to the bottom for more info on lodging deals.
Monday, Dec. 7 – Tuesday Dec. 8
Online camera phone photo contest begins...
Wednesday, Dec. 9
Online camera phone photo contest continues…
Snuggie Pub Crawl: We here at realvail.com admit that this seems like a really weird idea at first, if not downright geeky, if not absurd. Either way you slice it, this event is ripe with possibilities for embarrassing YouTube videos. Therefore we highly recommend assuming a disposition heavily laden with irony before engaging in the public wearing of a Snuggie … in which case the whole idea becomes kinda fun.
If you don’t know what a Snuggie is (or if you’ve been living in a cave for the past year or so), a Snuggie is a fuzzy blanket with arms in the front, like a backward cape, made famous through the magic of infomercials. Apparently someone thought it would be a laugh to start hosting Snuggie Pub Crawls throughout the land, and now one is landing in Vail for Snow Daze.
Sponsored by Bud Light, the event includes some Snuggie give-a-ways, but arrive early (around 7 p.m.) if you want to win a free version of the appropriate outerwear for this one-of-a-kind event.
Thursday, Dec. 10
Online camera phone photo contest continues…
Dummy Demolition Derby – We’ve long endorsed the idea of events under the lights in Vail, so we’re happy to announce that this year’s Dummy Demolition Derby will be held in the evenin' time (along with the Chili Chowdown from 5 – 6 p.m.). The basic concept behind the DDD is to build a ridiculous contraption, strap it to some skis, and hurl it down the mountain toward a large jump at high speeds. After a few glorious moments of flight, the Dummies typically destroy themselves upon landing (see photos for examples and inspiration).
Judged on Creativity, Quality of Air, Quality of Blowout, and Crowd Response, the winners pick up $5,000, Second place $1,500, and third place $750.
The DDD begins at Golden Peak at 5 p.m. with FREE food, a DJ, soaring fire flame, and other forms of excellent entertainment.
To register for the Dummy Demolition Derby click HERE.
FREE Eve 6 concert at Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village at 7 p.m.: Eve 6 is a rock band from Southern California who is most well known for their hits “Inside Out,” “Leech,” and the slow anthem “Here's to the Night.” They disbanded in 2004 and reunited with two of the three original members in October 2007. The current band members include Max Collins on bass and vocals, Tony Fagenson on drums and Matt Blair on guitar and back vocals.
Friday, Dec. 11
Online camera phone photo contest continues…
Epic Lounge: The Epic Lounge, located at the base of the gondola is open 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. It's a great place to find Vail Snow Daze and Vail Mountain information. The tent will be complete with couches, tables, Wii ski and ride gaming, giveaways and home base for a variety of Twitter giveaways through Vail Mountain.
Yukon Kornelius at Dobson Ice Arena – The star-studded band Yukon Kornelius is probably one of the greatest “supergroups” of recent rock history. The group will perform at Vail’s Dobson Ice Arena with opening act Pete Kilpatrick Band, starting at 7 p.m.
Anchored by Stefan Lessard, bass guitarist from Dave Matthews Band, and joined by Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies, Adam Gardner of Guster and Eric Fawcett from N*E*R*D, Yukon Kornelius ought to be the top show of 2009 in Vail’s always-illustrious musical lineup.
The show will also be supported by REVERB, a non-profit which is helping reduce the carbon footprint of the music industry.
Tickets for Vail’s awareness concert will be distributed through various music fan clubs, Bud Light and Vail Resorts’ media outlets. Tickets will not be available for sale.
Saturday, Dec. 12
Online camera phone photo contest continues…
“Gifts that Give Back” holiday event at Roxy in Vail: Visit Roxy in the Village from 1-5 p.m. to check out this event, which will highlight vendors that give a portion of their proceeds back to various charities. Attendees can enjoy refreshments while shopping and will receive 20 percent off all purchases.
Demo Daze & Reverb Expo Village: The Expo village is unlike any other expo village you’ve probably seen before. First off, it’s on the mountain, open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Eagle's Nest. Secondly, it’s meant to echo the theme of the IZSTYLE Winter Tour, so there is an ecological-awareness element to the whole shebang.
Barenaked Ladies – This FREE concert starts with opening band Pete Kilpatrick Band, and if its anything like year’s past, the venue is enough to make it worth attending … add the multi-platinum Barenaked Ladies to the mix and we’re talking about a seriously amazing show.
Realvail.com was there to witness The Fray, live in concert, last year, and even though we don’t really like The Fray, we still had an amazing, amazing time (even the best ever). We’re hoping the snow sculptures, ice sculptures, booths and Bud Light are as plentiful and ice cold as last year – this could be one of the all-time great shows in Vail history … unless you HATE the Barenaked Ladies, in which case it's possible you are deficient in your ability to relax and have fun and it's also possible you are severely lacking in the "musical soul" category.
The concert starts at 6 p.m. at Ford Park.
Sunday, Dec. 13
Online camera phone photo contest continues…
Demo Daze & Reverb Expo Village: Open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Eagle's Nest.
Robert Randolph & the Family Band - FREE apres concert with opening act Bonfire Dub at Checkpoint Charlie at 3 p.m. in the center of Vail Village.
Our advice is this: even if you’re exhausted from a weekend of skiing and going to free concerts and hucking dummies off jumps and wearing a Snuggie and drinking beverages which the sponsors are hoping is Bud Light, you MUST attend Robert Randolph shows anytime, anywhere, you possibly can. Listening to his recorded stuff is one thing, but seeing it live is an entirely different experience. We find it impossible to listen without two things happening: One, we begin to dance. Two, we begin to believe that music really can save the world. And even if it ain’t true, it’s a great feeling to have.
Lodging Deals:
Vail is offering a Snow Daze deal with Stay Free, Ski Free packages as low as $336 per person. Purchase three nights of lodging and three days of skiing or snowboarding at Vail and get the fourth night and day free. Check out www.vail.com or for last-minute lodging deals check out www.vailonsale.com.
Snow Daze Sponsors
Sponsorship makes the world go round. Keep these folks in mind as you enjoy the weekend:
Vail Resorts, Bud Light, Town of Vail, SoBe Lifewater, Zacapa and Skiing and brought to you in part by Neve Designs, Smith Optics, Liberty Skis, Reverb, US Army, Vail Daily and KZYR The Zephyr.
The Reverb Eco Village is brought to you by IZSTYLE, Reverb, Stonyfield Farms, Bear Naked, Clif Bar, Honest Tea, Nordica and Burton. For more information about Vail Mountain or Vail Snow Daze, visit www.vail.com.
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Ski industry swag that avoids the trash heap
November 17, 2009 —
Marketing people long ago mastered the art of allowing little logo-bearing gifts to slip in and out people’s life. Here on my desk, for example, I have a pen from USBank, a matchbox from The Old Ebbitt Grill in Washington D.C., and a removable zip drive from Copper Mountain.
These items wont’ last long. After they leave my presence they’ll take on secondary work. The matchbook will probably soak itself into oblivion in a sidewalk puddle. The pen will leak and languish in a landfill. The zip drive will become as outdated as a floppy disc.
This will not be the case, however, with an inspirational little gift which came my way the other day: a coffee mug. It has a sleek black design and is fit for hot and cold beverages alike (I’ve so far tried hot coffee and an iced cocktail with equal success). It’s lid is secure and spill-proof. It’s insulating abilities rank high among its peers. It slides easily into any and all automobile drink holders. It’s girth is appropriate for comfortable hand-holding … but these multiple beneficences are not the reason this item merits a special place in my sphere of attention, nor is it the reason I’m putting down its qualities for posterity here. It’s not my style to ruminate too long a mere coffee cup, no matter it’s functionality, no matter the elevated level of my addiction to caffeine.
No, the reason this mug is special is because of what is printed on its back in small, friendly letters: “Compost me. I’m biodegradable.”
I read these words at the Denver REI, at a little shindig being held by Vail Resorts. The room was full of congenial, good looking representatives of the company. They were happy to see everyone. We exchanged multiple pleasantries. Free coffee was lavished upon the guests, and it was served in these sleek, black little conveyances. As a coffee aficionado, I was already pretty heavily taken in by the whole scene, but when I read those little words it was love at first sight.
How, I wondered, can a plastic cup be biodegradable? Is it really possible that I can put this cup in a pile of dirt, banana peels and coffee grounds, then use it for soil in my garden?
The answer is yes … yes I can. Well, kind of. Believe it or not, the cup is made from a corn-based form of plastic. If you’ve ever been to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, or a CU football game, or an environmentally-friendly coffee shop, you’ve already seen versions of this coffee cup. To the naked eye, they are indistinguishable from the normal plastic beer or coffee cups.
This mug, however, is taking it to a new level. Thicker, longer lasting, and insulating, this mug is indistinguishable from its non-recyclable, non-biodegradable brethren. It is sturdy and reliable, a spill-free model of fidelity in a world full of potholes. It can be composted at a commercial facility (not exactly in my backyard, though).
Vail Resorts was not always the most environmentally aware company known to mankind. In some of its past incarnations VR has alternated between green-washing and grudging acceptance of imposed environmental standards.
This is no longer the case. Under Rob Katz, the company has become aggressively eco-friendly, doing its best to do everything better, large and small … from partnering with the Forest Service to help restore the ecosystem devastated by the Hayman fire, to seeking LEED certification on the EverVail project, to increasing the ease of recycling on the mountains, to delivering their company swag on compostable plastic.
There is more they can do. Abandoning the wind-credits trade-off was puzzling. The company could boast, for a few years, that all its electrical needs were offset by wind credits. That policy was abandoned in favor of helping restore the land devastated by the Hayman fire.
I also think the company should throw more weight into finding a more environmentally-friendly way of transporting its Front Range guests to its ski mountains. Interstate 70 is still the very blight of the Rockies – and a large portion of its weekend traffic is due to tourism. With friends in the Denver Capital and Washington D.C., no one is in a better position to make a light rail (or heavy rail, for that matter), happen in Colorado.
In coffee mugs, at least, VR is doing it right, and that’s something. Take a closer look at your coffee mug today. Imagine where it will end up when it cracks, or you lose the cap, or (as so often happens) it simply disappears from your life. Where will it go? What will it accomplish in its next life?
Mine, I’m happy to say, will likely become a bed for next year’s radishes.
Learn more about compostable coffee mugs by clicking here.
1 Comment on "Ski industry swag that avoids the trash heap"
Reid — November 17, 2009
Great article Tom, don't forget to thank VR's environmental guru Luke Cartin, the guy who never gets mentioned for great ideas involving the environment.
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www.brandonandkristine.org/index.html
Vail couple attempts to be youngest to reach Mount Everest, climb Seven Summits
November 11, 2009 —
The experienced mountain climber is not intimidated by a mountain - he is inspired by it. The persistent winner is not discouraged by a problem - he is challenged by it. Adversities are designed to be defeated; problems are sent to be solved. It is better to master one mountain than a thousand foothills.
William Arthur Ward - Journalist
A Vail Valley couple is attempting to become the youngest American married couple to summit Everest as part of their larger effort to climb the Seven Summits. Inspired by the William Arthur Ward quote above, the duo is seeking to accomplish the extraordinary, overcome the many difficulties and obstacles of a monumental endeavor, and to do it together.
The following is their description of their campaign:
Mount Everest, located on the border of Nepal and China, is the highest mountain in the world at 8,850m (29,035ft) above sea level. It is the most difficult of the Seven Summits to climb with its extreme cold, high altitude, duration of climb, glacier and icefall travel, expense, and logistics.
Although Everest has become commercialized over the past two decades, it remains a revered mountain in our eyes and a great mountaineering feat. We aim to climb Everest unguided via the South Col Route, the same route originally climbed by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.
See a photo gallery of some of Brandon and Kristine's climbing exploits by clicking When we began climbing together, five years ago, it became the basis of our friendship. We were recently married on October 3, 2009 and our relationship has grown far beyond that of climbing partners.
However, the level of trust and understanding of one another gained through climbing together is at the core of our relationship. So often it seems a passion for climbing can draw people away from their loved ones, but in our case it has brought us together. Climbing Mt. Everest has been a lifelong aspiration for us; if we are able to summit we will become the youngest American husband and wife to do so. Having already summited two of the Seven Summits together, Mt. McKinley in Alaska and Mt. Elbrus in Russia, we would like to continue on and become the youngest married couple to complete the Seven Summits together.
Goals:
Departing in late March 2010, we will be climbing the mountain from the southern (Nepalese) side via the South Col Route. While our main goal is to summit Everest in our quest to summit the highest peak on each continent, we also hope to experience Nepalese culture and give back to the local community. Our secondary goal is to set an example of a strong work ethic and respect for the mountain and mountain communities. Much of the publicity surrounding Everest highlights tragic stories of summit lust and high paying inexperienced climbers. We have worked hard to gain the experience and knowledge to prepare for Everest. We hope to show that, through hard work and fundraising, we can achieve our goal of climbing unguided. After our climb we will be volunteering for Taksindu Social Welfare (TSW), a non-profit organization dedicated to developing Himalayan communities without compromising social harmony.
The Team:
Kristine Chalk – Fifth grade teacher in Vail, Colorado, Kristine first discovered a love of climbing upon moving to Colorado in 2001. Since then, Kristine has climbed Mt. Rainier twice, Mt. Baker, the Grand Teton, over 40 of Colorado’s 54 14,000’ peaks, Denali, Mt. Elbrus, & Mont Blanc. She shares her passion for the mountains with her class and knows that this extraordinary expedition will be an unforgettable lesson for herself and her students.
Brandon Chalk – Mechanical engineer in Vail, Colorado, Brandon has always had a passion for climbing since his family vacationed in the Tetons in the early 1990s. Brandon has climbed Mt. Rainier twice, several of the Tetons including the Grand Teton twice, Mt. Hood, Mt. Baker, Mt. Adams, all of Colorado’s 54 14,000’ peaks, El Pico de Orizaba, Aconcagua, Denali, Mt. Elbrus, & Mont Blanc.
Dr. Rob Casserley – Family practitioner in Bathe, England, Rob has had a passion for climbing since his climb of Mt. Kenya in 1995 while on a 3 month tour of duty in Kenya with the British Army. Since then, Rob’s passion for high altitude climbing, medical knowledge, and skills with the camera have taken him to great heights. He has climbed Denali twice, Kilimanjaro, Mt. Elbrus, Cho Oyu twice, Ama Dablam, Manasalu, and has summited Everest five times with a double summit of Everest in 2007.
Jason Weingast – Jason is vice president of Active Energies, a solar PV/energy consulting business, in Vail, Colorado. Jason’s passion for climbing began when he moved to Colorado to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1997. Since then, Jason has climbed Mt. Rainier, Mt. Shasta, Mt. Hood, the Grand Teton, over 40 of Colorado’s 54 14,000’ peaks, Kilimanjaro, & Denali.
Approximate 2 month Itinerary:
March 28: Depart U.S. for Kathmandu
March 29 - April 1: Preparation in Kathmandu, travel to Lukla to begin trek
April 2 - April 7: Trek into Everest base camp
April 8 - Middle of May: Climb of Mt. Everest
End of May: Trek from Everest base camp back to Lukla and fly back to Kathmandu
Beginning of June: Volunteer work for Taksindu Social Welfare
Middle of June: Fly back to the U.S.
Expense per Person:
Airfare -------------------------------- $2,000
Sherpa Support --------------------- $4,500
Food & Fuel ------------------------- $3,500
Oxygen -------------------------------- $2,500
Permit --------------------------------- $10,000
Kathmandu & travel to Lukla ---- $1,500
Basecamp support* ----------------- $4,000
Miscellaneous ----------------------- $500
Contribution to TSW --------------- $1,500
Price per person --------------------- $30,000
Total Expedition Expense --------- $60,000
*Basecamp support provided by Henry Todd Outfitters and includes tent sites, emergency helicopter services, medical services, weather forecasts, satellite phone access, and miscellaneous other safety and logistical support services.
Logistics:
Support - We will be using Henry Todd Outfitters to arrange some of the bureaucratic and logistical responsibilities needed to launch our Everest expedition. Henry Todd Outfitters is an international outfitting service that provides logistical support for climbers. Of utmost importance to us was to go with an outfitter for experienced climbers, and not a guide service. This logistical support includes obtaining permits, organizing porters, providing bottled oxygen, food, & fuel, and basecamp support. This support will allow us to focus on setting our own itinerary, making our own decisions, and do what we do best – climb.
Equipment – We will be using all of our own equipment, clothing, and climbing gear.
Documentation – We will be posting updates on our website during the climb in addition to photo documentation of the expedition. Upon request, we will be presenting a slideshow and talk of our expedition upon returning to the U.S. We are currently seeking publications that would be interested in our story.
Community Outreach – We will be volunteering with Taksindu Social Welfare (www.tswnepal.org) after our climb. TSW is a non-profit organization devoted to developing and improving a quality of life for the Nepalese communities of the Khumbu Valley. Projects range from rebuilding/renovating schools to professional development and training for teachers. This will be an extraordinary opportunity for us to give back to the community in Nepal from whom we will have been given so much help and support during our expedition to climb Everest. A portion of our money raised will be donated to TSW.
To contribute or learn more visit: www.brandonandkristine.org
2 Comments on "Vail couple attempts to be youngest to reach Mount Everest, climb Seven Summits"
Dellann Jewell — December 15, 2009
Good Luck to all and may the Lord walk with you...may your journey be safe and beautiful..
Morgan — December 18, 2009
I have always wanted to go one place my whole life and that is to New York. I thought I would hold a “fundraiser” to make this possible. This would only take around $10,000 for me and my husband to spend about a month in the islands. Of course, there may be a silent auction if people will cooperate and not spend their money on worthy causes such as giving food and clothing to the American people that need it. Think about it, I'm only asking for one-fifth of the amount a newlywed couple want to go climb a mountain for a couple of months. I would have included pictures, but I have never been. Dellann How in the world can you wish such a selfish endevore well this is disgusting!!
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