VAIL VALLEY, Colorado — Hikers participating in the first annual Vail Valley Hike, Wine & Dine benefiting Jack's Place — a place where patients being treated at Shaw Regional Cancer Center can stay — can leave the Powerbars and granola at home. Instead, they will refuel on their hike Sept. 26 with some of the area's best gourmet cuisine.

The hike ends with food and wine at the Beaver Creek Chophouse.

“This is going to be a unique, fun event and one that's sure to become an annual classic,” says Brandon Mays, Jack's Place house manager. “The fall colors should be at their peak, adding to the entire experience.”

The four- and six-mile hikes will take place on Beaver Creek Mountain and feature food from The Osprey, Spago, Dusty Boot, Rimini, Grouse Mountain Grill and the Beaver Creek Chophouse at various stations along the trail. The cost is $100 per person before Sept. 18 and $125 the day of the event.

“Since opening in March of 2007, Jack's Place has provided more than 2,000 nights of safe and comfortable accommodations for patients of Shaw Regional Cancer Center and their caregivers,” says Mays. “There is no financial obligation for patients staying at Jack's Place; we run entirely on donations and fundraising.”

Hike, Wine & Dine is limited to 200 participants. The event is sponsored by Beaver Creek Resort Company and starts at 10 a.m. at the base of Centennial Lift at Beaver Creek. Participants registering the day of the event must register at the base of the lift at 9:30 a.m.; those pre-registering should e-mail Brandon Mays at mays@vvmc.com or call 970-569-7645.