Beaver Creek Talons Challenge 2012 Registration Open

If you’ve skied or snowboarded at Beaver Creek, CO, you’ve certainly heard of the “Talons Challenge”. This is a one-day event that takes place each year in which each participant attempts to conquer each of the resort’s 13 crazy-steep and bumpy black and 2xblack diamond runs… in one day!

If you think you’re up for the challenge, check out the details Via www.BeaverCreek.com :

Registration Opens for Annual Talons Challenge and First Annual Talons Kids at Beaver Creek March 3 & 4

Beaver Creek presents the ultimate challenge for skiers and snowboarders at the ninth annual Talons Challenge, slated for Saturday, March 3, 2012 and the first annual Talons Kids challenge on Sunday, March 4. Participants test their mettle and attempt to tackle all 13 of the resort’s steepest and bumpiest black diamond and double black diamond runs on the legendary Birds of Prey World Cup downhill course on Golden Eagle, Grouse Mountain, and on the flanks of Larkspur Bowl. In total, the event includes skiing or riding nearly 24,000 vertical feet in one day.

Those who successfully complete the Talons Challenge will receive a Talons Challenge Beanie, Commemorative Talons Challenge Pin and earn a spot on the electronic Talons Wall-of-Fame at Red Tail Camp. Participants should plan to stay around for the famous Talons Après Party and raffle at Red Tail Camp from 3:30-4pm on Saturday. Registration for the Challenge includes a Talons Challenge Lanyard and Credential, and a free Bratwurst and either a Bud Light or soft drink at the party. Talons Challenge is recommended for ages 13 and up.

On Sunday, March 4, kids age 5-12 will have a challenge all their own with the new Talons Kids. Designed to give younger skiers and snowboarders their very own day to tackle the Talons Challenge, Talons Kids participants can ski and ride at their own pace, amongst others in the same age group and with similar experience levels, all in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. All participants will receive an official Talons Kids Beanie, Commemorative Talons Kids Pin, and the opportunity to win prizes at the Après Party and raffle at Red Tail Camp from 3:30-4pm on Sunday. Registration for Talons Kids includes a Talons Kids Lanyard and Credential, and a free Hotdog and a Pepsi soft drink at the party. The event is limited to children ages 5-12 and participants must be at a minimum a level four skier or snowboarder. .

There will also be two spots to pick up credentials for the Talons Kids on Sunday, March 4.

Registration for the Talons Challenge and Talons Kids is now open and information is online at www.talonschallenge.com. Participants must supply their own ski pass or lift ticket for this event. Lift ticket discounts are available if pre-purchased online at www.beavercreek.com at least seven days in advance.Advance online registration for the adult Talons Challenge is only $35 ($40 day-of entry, cash only); space is limited to the first 1,500 people who sign up. For Talons Kids, advance online registration is only $25 ($30 day-of entry, cash only); space is limited to the first 500 entries.

A portion of proceeds from the event will be donated to SOS Outreach. SOS Outreach provides 5,500 kids with an adventure based youth development curriculum. More information is available at www.sosoutreach.org. Come out for a great day on the mountain and help make a difference in the lives of youth.

Photo courtesy www.beavercreek.com

Beaver Creek Lights in the New Year with Torch Ski-down, Glow Sticks and Fireworks

Beaver Creek, Colo., Dec. 27, 2011 – Ever celebrating in style, Beaver Creek will commemorate New Year’s Eve with a series of events hosted throughout the afternoon and evening, including a concert, Glow Worm and Torchlight Ski-downs, fireworks display and Family Carnival to take families into 2012.

Guests will have the opportunity to hit the slopes after-hours carrying glow sticks to light the way, extending après fun just a little longer. Registration for the Glow Worm ski-down will start at 5:15 p.m. at the Beaver Creek Children’s Ski School. Starting at 6:15 p.m., watch skiers and boarders wind their way down the Haymeadow trail to the base area. One of Beaver Creek's favorite events, the Glow Worm Ski-down on the Haymeadow trail, is set to music and concludes with a grand fireworks finale. The Glow Worm Ski-down is open to intermediate and advanced level skiers and riders. Then, shift your eyes to 1876 trail at 6:30 p.m. for the annual Torchlight Parade, where professional skiers and riders will make their way down carrying a fire-lit torch in hand. For more information and registration call the Children’s Ski and Snowboard School at (970) 754-4636.

Following the ski day and back by popular demand, the Whiffenpoofs of Yale University, the oldest a cappella group in the United States, will perform two concerts on Dec. 31. The first performance will take place at 4 p.m. on Beaver Creek Plaza, and the second at 5:30 p.m. at McCoy’s.

Beaver Creek’s traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Plaza will commence the day’s outdoor celebrations with the display kicking off at 6:45 p.m.

After fireworks, guests can head inside for the Beaver Creek New Year’s Eve Family Carnival taking place in McCoy’s from 7:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. With fun for all ages, the whole family can attend this event and spend the holiday together. Entertainment will include carnival and arcade games, pool and foosball, adult beverages and children’s “mocktails;” with music provided by DJ Shannon Tanner and the Vail Performing Arts Academy’s teen band “Awaken Annie.”

Tickets for the New Year’s Eve Family Carnival are available exclusively through the Park Hyatt Resort & Spa and can be ordered by phone (970) 827-6561, at the Hyatt Concierge Desk or at the door of the event. The Park Hyatt Hotel’s Camp Hyatt will also be providing babysitting services that evening for parents with children three years of age and older. Camp Hyatt can be reached at (970) 827-6564. For children two and younger, contact (970) 748-0857 or www.babysittingvail.com.

4 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. The Whiffenpoofs in Concert on Beaver Creek Plaza, (5:30pm at McCoy's)

5:15 p.m. New Year’s Eve Glow Worm ski-down registration starts at Beaver Creek Ski School

5:30 p.m. The Whiffenpoofs in Concert at McCoy's

6:00 p.m. Load Buckaroo Gondola for Glow Worm Ski-down

6:15 p.m. Glow Worm ski-down on Haymeadow Trail

6:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade on 1876 Trail

6:45 p.m. Fireworks display on the plaza

7:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. New Year’s Eve Family Carnival at McCoy’s

For more information about the Glow Worm Ski-down, New Year’s Eve Family Carnival and other winter events at Beaver Creek, visit www.beavercreek.com or call (877) 204-7883.

Article courtesey www.beavercreek.com

Vail, Colorado Daily Photo - 70 to Zero in 4 Seconds - Last week was World Cup Week on the Birds of Prey Downhill Course in Beaver Creek. The ringing of cow bells by the Swiss in the stands (who were feeling no pain) could not override the fact that this guy had just come through the finish gate at well over 70 MPH just seconds before. If you haven't seen a World Class downhill in person, you owe it to yourself to come to Beaver Creek in the first week of every December. You will never forget the experience - or Vail/Beaver Creek for that matter.

Photo: NilssonImages.com

One of the best parts about living in the Vail Valley, is that the first weekend in December brings The Audi Birds of Prey World Cup races to Beaver Creek.

This year the races are taking place December 2-4 with tons of fun activities to participate in and be a spectator at.

I woke up this morning to a great front page of the Vail Daily, announcing USA's own Bode Miller taking a first place win in the Men’s Downhill event yesterday. Today the Men’s Super G takes place, and tomorrow is the Men’s Giant Slalom.

For more information and a full schedule:

Visit the Official Birds of Prey Website

I was showing one of our homes for sale in Beaver Creek, CO yesterday. It was a beautiful autumn day in Beaver Creek with the Aspen trees in all their golden-hued glory flickering in the breeze.

With my attention on the fall colors, I have to say I was a little startled when I happened upon this surprise visitor.

Can you spot my "Where's Waldo"?

I was greeted by her in the driveway, and she immediately leaped into the bushes watching me intently.

We had a nice eye-to-eye moment, and then I went into the home. But I kept seeing her through the windows in the home out in the yard and couldn’t resist sneaking a few more shots.

It’s funny, after living in Colorado for nearly 7 years now, seeing an animal like this shouldn’t be a surprise or really even that interesting. But I really was taken aback by this animal, and her eye contact absolutely mesmerized me.

What a great day!