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INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL
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Vail Farmers Market
w
hy Go?
For the outdoor pursuits. Eagle and Summit counties are home to some of the world’s best ski resorts,
including Vail, Beaver Creek, Copper Mountain, and Breckenridge. Of course, with 58 mountain peaks topping out
above 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) in elevation, Colorado’s warm-weather hiking scene is just as grand. Fishing, moun-
tain biking, river rafting, and golf also are popular, but don’t think the state’s only treasures are found outside. Denver,
a capital city with rich cultural offerings, top-flight restaurants, and numerous shopping options, isn’t far from all the
alfresco activity.
Colorado
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Once spring arrives, the high country starts
warming up. By May, the average high can hit
60°F (16°C). But don’t forsake your ski plans:
Most mountains stay open until at least mid-April,
and in addition to fantastic sun and snow, fun-
loving festivals — such as Breckenridge’s Spring
Fever and Spring Back to Vail — pack the sea-
son’s last few weekends with live music and other
events.
Fly-fishing
is great this time of year, too;
stop in at Avon’s Gore Creek Fly Fisherman for
the latest on insect hatches, or to line up a guide.
Then, tell fish stories over dinner at Elway’s steak-
house in Vail.
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About 350 inches (889 centimeters) of snow fall
at Vail and Breckenridge each year. Beaver Creek
gets 325 (825). So there is no question:
Skiing
and snowboarding are the pastimes du (every)
jour. Those three resorts, plus nearby Copper
Mountain, Keystone, and (old-school local’s
favorite) Arapahoe Basin, offer terrain that
ranges from the most mellow ski school space
to corduroy cruisers to expert-level territory in
Vail’s Back Bowls and runs at Breckenridge such
as Hades and Purgatory (both double black-
diamonds). Spend après time at Garfinkel’s in
Lionshead or CBAR at the base of Beaver Creek.
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Weather can be unpredictable this time of year,
but there’s no question that a morning trek will
lead to splendid panoramic views. Check out the
Spruce Creek
trail south of Breckenridge. It
leads to seasonal waterfalls, mining ruins, and
lower and upper Mohawk lakes. Or venture into
the Holy Cross Wilderness, south of Avon on the
Missouri Lakes path. If the weather does turn
nasty, seek shelter in some of the area’s historic
establishments. The Colorado Ski & Snowboard
Museum in Vail has displays dedicated to World
War II’s 10th Mountain Division, the U.S. Ski
Team, and more.
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Most locals will explain they came to Colorado
for the snow, but stayed for the sun. With daily
average highs ranging from 65°F (18°C) to
74°F (23°C), it’s easy to understand why. Spend
an afternoon strolling the 200 or so shops along
Breckenridge’s Main Street, wander around the
Vail Farmers’ Market
on Sundays, and
definitely plan to play 18 holes at the Vail Golf
Club. Yes, the views are stunning. More
importantly — thanks to the altitude — you’ll
be able to hit your driver 10 percent farther than
normal.
1.
MARY’S MOUNTAIN COOKIES:
Go to Main Street in Breckenridge. Buy a dozen cookies. Eat them. Repeat.
2.
COUNTRY BOY MINE:
In Breckenridge, tour this historic hotbed of gold and silver that dates to 1887.
3.
THE GOLDEN BEAR:
Purchase a jewelry souvenir at the home to the de facto Symbol of the Vail Valley.
4.
RAFTING:
Brave Class IV rapids — or enjoy a laid-back float — on a trip along the Colorado or Eagle rivers.
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