St. Patrick’s Day

Time for the wearin’ o’ the green! St. Patrick’s Day is Friday but events will linger throughout the weekend. Don’t be afraid to don your green jacket, green tutu, green feather boa, green top hat, green sunglasses — anything to help you fit in on this festive day on and off the slopes.

Vilar Performing Arts Center

There’s nothing like authentic Irish music on St. Patrick’s Day to get you into the spirit of things. It’s the “luck of the Irish that the Vilar Performing Arts Center has Danú, a traditional Irish ensemble that hails from Country Waterford, a historic location in Ireland. Listen for the tin whistle, fiddle, flute, button accordion, bouzouki and vocals. Tickets are still available for this 7 p.m. show on Friday.

Cucina at Lodge at Vail

Wear your green and come hungry because there will be a special menu including Irish whiskey and mint soup, shepherd’s pie egg rolls, corned beef sliders, graham cracker porter and cheddar au gratin potatoes. Wash it down with festive drinks and jam to the tunes of Johnny Schleper who will be playing from 3 to 6 p.m.

Grand Hyatt Vail

Stop by or ski to the Grand Hyatt Vail for some Irish fare. The culinary team has whipped up a couple of specials like shepherd’s pie with ground lamb, Irish peas, carrots and Caraway whipped potatoes. There will also be corned beef and cabbage with smashed new potatoes, braised cabbage and Irish whiskey jus and drink specials.

Southside Benderz

Come check out what Southside Benderz is calling the “World’s Best St. Patrick’s Day Party” where they will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day all day long with $7 car bombs, $4 Jameson shots and $3.50 Guinness on draft.

North Coast Originals

If you’re down in Eagle, head to North Coast Originals for a party the whole family can enjoy. From 4-10 p.m. they will be serving green beer and bangers and mash along with green milkshakes and there will be cookie decorating going on as well.

Chasing Rabbits

For the late-night partygoers, Chasing Rabbits will have green beer and a DJ to dance the night away while dressed in your green attire. Enjoy a DJ set from Ski House Party Tours. No tickets in advance are required, just a cover charge at the door. For information about VIP tables and bottle service contact VIP@chasingrabbitsvail.com.

Hip-hop class

Learn some new moves at this St. Patrick’s Day-themed event that gives back to charity. The Athletic Club at the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa is hosting a one-hour hip-hop class taught by local choreographer Meredith Kirkman from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The class is free, but donations will be collected and given to the local nonprofit The Cycle Effect, which uses mountain biking as a way to empower young women in our schools to build brighter communities. Stick around after class and show your moves in the dance floor at the Lookout Lobby Bar which will have live music and drinks. For more information visit AthleticClubWestin.com or call 970-790-2051.

Shamrock Shuffle

Burn some of that green beer or shepherd’s pie off at the Shamrock Shuffle on Saturday. This annual event is put on each year by the Krueger Family and the Vail Recreation District. This is a 5K, 10K and a Fun 1K race, stroll or walk held at the Vail Nordic Center. You can travel using snowshoes or running shoes (with or without traction devices). Snowshoe rentals will be available on a first-come, first-served basis donated by the Vail Nordic Center.

After the race wraps up, stick around for the post-race party at the Vail Golf and Nordic Clubhouse where prizes will be given away to the top finishers and all competitors are entered into the post-race prize giveaways.

St. Paddy’s Day at Glenwood Caverns

If you’re in the mood to take a road trip, head west to Glenwood Springs, about 60 miles from Vail, and ride the rides and experience the attractions at America’s only mountain-top theme park. They have come up with some fun ways to enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Come out on Saturday and ride the seasonal rides and attractions including the alpine coaster, King’s Row and Fairy Cave tours, laser tag and a 4D motion theater.  

To make it feel more like Ireland, there will be performances by the Rocky Mountain Scots, traditional bagpipers, drummers and Celtic dancers. There will also be live music from Oran Mor, green beer, corned beef and cabbage and kid-friendly activities including gold coin games. 

Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey Dinner

Stoke & Rye, the new Richard Sandoval restaurant concept at the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa, is keeping the St. Patrick’s Day theme going until Sunday with a whiskey dinner featuring Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey. Stoke & Rye’s executive chef angel Munoz has put together a four-course menu that will be expertly paired with a Stranahan’s cocktail and the event will conclude with a special Stranahan’s tasting.

• Welcome Cocktail: Stranahan’s maple old-fashioned with Stoke & Rye house-made bread 
• First course: Beef tartare — tenderloin, black garlic aioli, capers, cured quail egg, crispy marble potato chips, olive tapenade and grilled house made focaccia — Paired with Stranahan’s Original
• Second course: Fig and burrata salad — arugula, whiskey peach jam, compote figs, hazelnuts, balsamic reduction and extra virgin olive — Paired with Stranahan’s Sherry Cask
• Third course: Braised lamb shank — heirloom carrots, marble roasted potatoes and whiskey demi — Paired with Stranahan’s Diamond Peak
• Fourth course: Bread pudding — Stranahan’s & Bjorn honey sauce, berries and vanilla ice cream — Paired with Stranahan’s Rocky Mountain Spiked Coffee

Tickets are $135 per person and a portion of the proceeds will benefit The Cycle Effect, the nonprofit that uses mountain biking to help empower young women to create a brighter future. Advanced reservations are required here.  

There are also some events that aren’t centered around the St. Patrick’s Day theme this weekend:

Fabulous Femmes at Route 6 Café

How about a little dancing this weekend? The favorite Vail Valley trio, the Fabulous Femmes, will be bringing tunes that make you want to move because they are hosting a dance party at Route 6 Cafe on Saturday night. The Fabulous Femmes have mastered the harmonies of top hits that have spanned the decades, so there’s sure to be a melody you’ll like. From the pop sounds of the 50s, the groovy tunes of the 60s, a little disco, to 80s and rock ‘n’ roll, come down early to Route 6 to get a seat — but you won’t need it much since you’ll likely be on the dance floor. The event starts at 7 p.m. and there’s a $10 cover at the door.   

Pat Green at the Vilar

His last name may be Green, this his music won’t have anything to do with St. Patrick’s Day. Pat Green is a three-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter from Texas and he will be taking the stage at the Vilar Performing Arts Center on Sunday night at 7 p.m.

Green may have started out playing in college towns and in dance halls, but he has gone on to sell over two million albums and has sold out the Houston Astrodome. He’s performed with big names like Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney and the Dave Matthews Band.

Like many artists, Green was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the inability to perform in front of crowds and it brought his spirits down. On his website, Green explains his feelings during this uncertain time.

“No doubt, I love working,” Green said. “To go out and be a performer is the joy of my life, other than my wife and children. But when that was taken away from me in 2020, I went into the darkest place I’ve ever been in my life, and for me, it was the music and my wife that brought me back out of it.”

After nine months of trying to navigate the new normal during the pandemic, Green’s wife, Kori, encouraged him to gather his friends and bandmates and go to their second home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and start creating music again. The result is Green’s 14th album and he said it’s as strong as any record he’s ever done.

“The older you get, you just have more to think about,” Green said. “So that’s what this record is, a guy with more to think about, coming through a hard time and into something as fun and beautiful as creation. I’m just gonna take the ball and run with it.”

The concert on Saturday starts at 7 p.m. with opening performer JD Clayton taking the stage. Tickets are still available at $45 for reserved seating and $45 for the orchestra pit if you know you want to be up and dancing around during the show. This is also a part of the Vilar Performing Arts Center’s Pick 3/5/8 winter ticket package where the more shows you pick, the more you save. Get your tickets soon, it’s spring break in Texas and Green has a huge following in his home state. Go to VilarPAC.org for more information.  

‘Women of Vail’ talk

Imagine what it was like when Vail started up 60 years ago. On Saturday, you can hear first-hand from the ladies who shaped Vail into what it is today. The Colorado Snowsports Museum is hosting its last Through the Lens Series of the winter season and will feature co-authors Elaine Kelton and Carolyn Pope and their book, “Women of Vail: Those Who Walked This Bridge 1962-1970.”

Kelton said they chose that time frame because Vail was still a one-village community at the time and that the dynamic changed once Lionshead was added in the late 1960s. The book came out in time for Vail’s 50th anniversary season which was 2012-2013. Warren Miller provided remarks introducing the book and he comments on how those pioneering types were looking for adventure and freedom in those early years, and that set a standard that still identifies someone who moves to the valley today.

Joining Kelton and Pope will be some of the women featured in the book. Over 150 women were interviewed for the book and their stories span from just graduating college and wanting to see what the West was like to some looking for a change after a divorce. Some had skied on the East Coast or Europe and some had never tried the sport. Some were driving to Aspen or California and stopped at Vail along the way and before they knew it, they had a job and stayed. Each story is unique and endearing and gives a glimpse into the non-glamorous side of Vail.

Celebrate Vail’s 60th anniversary and Women’s History Month. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for Colorado Sports Museum members and $25 for the public. Beer, wine and appetizers are included with ticket purchase. For more information, visit SnowsportsMuseum.org.

Repertory Team Spotlight

The Vail Valley Academy of Dance has been working hard to showcase this season’s work at competitions in Denver, Utah and Dallas and this weekend you have an opportunity to see what they’ve been working so hard on and what choreography has been winning them awards at the 2023 Repertory Team Spotlight on Sunday.  

Vail Valley Academy of Dance Repertory Company will be performing their award-winning solo, duet, in a first-ever local performance dedicated to the Repertory Company. It’s a great way to celebrate the group’s record-breaking year and inspire the next generation of dancers. Bring the little ones so they can see the successes of this hard-working group.

Come support the competition team at Homestake Peak School this Sunday. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the show starts at 5 p.m. General admission tickets can be purchased at the door and are $10 for adults and kids 18 years old and under are free. There are also reserved VIP seats for $50. To inquire about those seats, email Kyle Deighan at KyleMDeighan@gmail.com in advance to secure your seats.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

While the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek is celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band is on tour celebrating 60 years with its latest project, “Pass It On.” This energetic group fills the stage with big sounds and shares the gift of jazz around the world.

Preservation Hall is in New Orleans’ French Quarter and has been a gathering spot for musicians since the ’50s. Rock n’ roll and bebop music forced jazz into the background, but the die-hard players and listeners of America’s gift to the music world still gathered and the beat didn’t stop.

For years the Preservation Hall Jazz Band has rotated a cast of jazz practitioners through the hall and has played on tour at venues across the globe. They’ve shared the stage with the Grateful Dead at the Filmore West in San Francisco and even had the king of Thailand playing his saxophone when the band played at his palace. The mission: go out in the world and make the experience available to people.

At press time there were a limited number of tickets available, so don’t delay if you want to see this show at 7 p.m. on Friday night. There are only 535 seats at the VPAC, so shows sell out quickly. Tickets are $45 and this does qualify for the Pick 3/5/8 winter ticket package where the more shows you buy the bigger the savings. Go to VilarPAC.org for more information.

Après Vail Spring Series

With the daylight hours becoming longer (don’t forget to “spring forward” on Sunday for the start of Daylight Savings Time and move your clocks one hour ahead), time to bring the music outside to the streets of Vail Village and Lionshead Village. From now until April 2 follow your ears to the musicians or DJs creating the beats at the International Bridge and the Lionshead bus stop across from the Lionshead Transportation Center.

From 3 to 6 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and Wednesdays each week take some time and hang outdoors and listen to some great music. This weekend’s lineup includes:

Friday

• International Bridge: Evolution Duo
• Lionshead Bus Stop: Oren & Lauren

Saturday

• International Bridge: Ben Freese Duo
• Lionshead Bus Stop: DJ Pippen

Sunday

• International Bridge: Al Maul Duo
• Lionshead Bus Stop: Oren & Lauren

For more information about what is going on with Vail Après Spring Series and other weekly events, go to DiscoverVail.com.

Western Dance Night

Want some music you can dance to? Head to 4 Eagle Ranch just west of Vail on Interstate 70 and go north a few miles to 4 Eagle Ranch for a live band, dancing, line dancing instruction, eats and drinks this Saturday night.

Dancing and dance lessons are nothing new at 4 Eagle Ranch. They have been hosting dance events on the first Thursday of the month for years. But they have decided to offer dancing on other nights on the calendar.

4 Eagle Ranch either does a DJ or a live band playing country music and this Saturday the band will be the Walker Williams Band out of Denver, which was named the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame Band of the Year in 2022. The Walker Williams Band has played frequently at 4 Eagle Ranch and has quite a following.

The event goes from 6 to 10 p.m. Come early if you want some line dancing instructions, which are from 6 to 7 p.m. and then the band plays from 7 to 10 p.m. Come hungry, there will be beef chili with a garden salad and cookie for dessert for purchase and a full cash bar is offered in case you need some liquid courage to loosen up.  

This is a fun event for all ages so bring the kids, bring the grandparents. People come from all over, even different countries to do a little line dancing. The tickets are $15 at the door for adults and $10 for kids 5-15 years old. Reservations are not required. For more information, go to 4EagleRanch.com or call 970-926-3372.

Murder on Broadway

EagleARTS usually hosts its Second Friday ARTwalk this weekend but this month it will be a murder mystery game instead and you can help solve the crime. Murder on Broadway returns to downtown Eagle and the theme this year is the wild west.

Here’s how it works: participants come to Yeti’s Grind on Broadway to be “deputized” between 4:45 and 6 p.m. Don Dealin, the fictitious character, has been found dead, so after going to Yeti’s it’s time to visit other participating businesses to find clues, hear alibis and ask questions of the various suspects between 5 and 8 p.m. Host businesses include ARTSPaCE workshop+gallery, Everyday Outfitters, KATCH Alley, Mountain Lifestyle Properties, QuietKat and the Vail Valley Art Guild.

Feel free to don your western attire, cowboy boots, cowboy hats, bolo ties, duster coats, chaps, anything turquoise to help you get into character. Just please, nothing that resembles a real weapon.

After visiting all the stops, time to come back to Yeti’s Grind and submit you guess as to who committed the murder of Don Dealin. Sheriff Lone Stranger will reveal the killer. Food will be available and guests will receive one drink ticket with additional beverages available for purchase. 

If you can’t get there early, alibis will be available to watch on your smartphone.

This is the third time EagleARTS has produced a murder mystery event. A James Bond-themed murder mystery game was held in March of 2022 and a 1920s Chicago Speakeasy-themed event was held in February 2020. These whodunit events have been met with rave reviews and in 2021 it won the Governor’s Award for Best Event from Downtown Colorado, Inc.

Murder on Broadway is a fundraiser supporting EagleARTS programs, including public art installations, ARTSPaCE — a local artist co-op and ARTwalk. The event is sponsored, in part, by the Town of Eagle. Tickets are $55 in advance and $60 at the door. Visit EagleArts.org for more info.

Toyota Race Center Days

Wanna race? The Toyota Race Center invites you out to bash some gates this weekend on Beaver Creek Mountain. Just off the Centennial Lift (No. 6) is the racecourse — you may remember it as the Nastar race course or the Epic Mix race course. Unlike the Birds of Prey racecourse on Beaver Creek Mountain that is used for the international race teams each year, this course is not too steep and the gates are spaced for the beginner and novice racer.

This Saturday and Sunday there will be a DJ spinning tunes and doing a little commentary on the race contestants. Come join the fun and possibly win some prizes. DJDC will have some good things to give away on both days.

This activity is complementary to skiers and snowboarders and no registration is needed. Race your siblings, parents, cousins and friends and see if you have what it takes to tackle the racecourse at the Toyota Race Center. For more information, go to the calendar of events on BeaverCreek.com.  

Scavenger hunt at Beaver Creek

If you are looking for something for your kids to do after the slopes close or on a day off from skiing and snowboarding, try the new Eager Beaver Adventure Company Scavenger Hunt at Beaver Creek. During this game, participants will be finding clues, solving puzzles and breaking codes all throughout Beaver Creek Village. The puzzles will lead you from one station to the next, in order. Stations are located around the ice rink, the lifts at the base area and the Covered Bridge at various Beaver Creek landmarks. At each station, you will collect a letter. Once you’ve solved all the puzzles and collected the letters, you will have a special code phrase that you will use to get a prize. 

The cool thing about this is there’s no need for a smartphone or any other electronic device in order to play. Kids play the old-fashioned way by reading clues and trial and error while deducting the information they are given in the Eager Beaver Adventure Company Adventure Kit. The kit contains an adventure guide booklet, a pencil and a “cookie” compass to tie into Beaver Creek’s chocolate chip cookie theme each day when cookies are given away at 3 p.m.

This free activity is available by going to the Guest Services/Lost and Found next to the Beaver Creek Ticket Office and asking for an Adventure Kit. These kits are also available at most of the hotels and lodges in Beaver Creek if you are staying there, so ask the front desk about it.

The game is appropriate for kids who are at least seven years old and older siblings and parents can participate, too. It’s best done as a group activity. Depending on how fast the group solves the puzzles and moves to the next station, it’s estimated that this will take one to two hours. To find out more, all the rules and frequently asked questions can be found at BeaverCreekResortCompany.com/Scavenger-Hunt.

Vail Mountain Tours

Want to learn more about Vail Mountain or just looking for some people to ski or snowboard with? You can find guided tours every day of the week except Saturdays on Vail Mountain. A mountain host with extensive knowledge of the resort, its trails, trail names, conditions and history will guide you over the vast terrain. The tours are complimentary.

Frontside Mountain Tours

• Sundays through Fridays (no Saturdays)
• Meet at 10:15 a.m. at top of Eagle Bahn Gondola (No. 19)
• Tours leave promptly at 10:30 a.m.
• Recommended for intermediate skiers and riders and above

Blue Sky Basin Tours

• Sundays through Fridays (no Saturdays)
• Meet at 10:15 a.m. at Legacy Hut at the top of Mountain Top Express (No. 4)
• Tours leave promptly at 10:30 a.m.
• Recommended for advanced intermediate skiers and riders and above

Legacy Tours

• Thursdays
• Meet at 12:45 p.m. at Legacy Hut at the top of Mountain Top Express (No. 4)
• Tours leave promptly at 1:00 p.m.
• Recommended for intermediate skiers and riders and above

Women’s Winter Adventure Tours

• Wednesdays
• Meet at 9:45 a.m. at Legacy Hut at the top of Mountain Top Express (No. 4)
• Tours leave promptly at 10 a.m.
• Recommended for advanced intermediate skiers and riders and above

For more information call (970) 754-8245 or go to Vail.com.

Ski Joring in Leadville

The 75th Leadville Ski Joring competition is back in downtown Leadville this weekend. Ski joring by definition is the action of being pulled over snow or ice on skis by a horse or dog or a motor vehicle as a sport or recreation activity. Ski joring means “ski driving” in Norwegian and although it was once used as transportation, it is predominantly a competitive sport in modern times.

Leadville will transform its main drag, Harrison Avenue, into a ski joring venue as they fill the street with snow and build jumps and obstacles for racers to go through. The contestants are part of a team consisting of a skier and a horse and rider. The horse and rider pull the skier through the course and the skier needs to maneuver over jumps and spear rings that are set up at arm’s height along certain parts of the course. Teams are made up by a random draw before the start.

This is a spectator-friendly sport and the action will take place on both Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. This year the divisions will be Open, Sport and Snowmobile, in that order. After the race on Saturday, kids will get to try one fun run behind a snowmobile for free.  

In addition to ski joring, the weekend plays host to other events:

Friday

• Spirits in the Shaft at National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum from 6-9 p.m.
• The Yak at FREIGHT from 7-9 p.m.
• Karaoke at The Silver Dollar Saloon at 8 p.m.

Saturday

• Live Music at The Golden Burro from 12-3 p.m.
• Live Music at The Scarlet
• Family Fair at FREIGHT from 5-8 p.m.
• Burlesque Show at The Silver Dollar Saloon starting at 8 p.m.

For more information go to the Leadville Ski Joring Facebook page and leadvilleskijoring.us.

Sleigh ride dinners

For the ultimate Colorado dining experience, why not try a sleigh ride dinner at 4 Eagle Ranch? This excursion will take you back in time to the old west. 4 Eagle Ranch is located four miles north of Wolcott, about a 30-minute drive from Vail going west on Interstate 70. Once at the ranch enjoy the wide-open spaces and the feeling of being miles from anywhere.

Come early and warm up with a drink or cup of chili before heading out. Take your picture with the pair of Percheron horses that draw the sleigh. Once on the sleigh, get cozy under the blankets and view the sunset or the stars. The sleigh ride takes you on a loop around the pasture with views of the Sawatch Range.

Soak in some of the history that awaits you as well. The Nelson Cabin is a 130-year-old cabin that was relocated from Minturn to the ranch. The cabin was disassembled with all of its logs numbered, and then built back up again once it moved west.

Once you are back inside, you’ll be welcomed to the dining room with an open-hearth fire and potbelly stove to take away the chill and a musician playing some of your favorite tunes. Feast on a buffet of ranch favorites like barbecue chicken, New York strip steak or classic shrimp scampi. Sweeten up the evening with seasonal fruit cobbler with vanilla whipped cream and “dirty” vanilla bean ice cream with Oreo cookie crumbles and gummy worms. And, there’s never a shortage of s’mores at 4 Eagle Ranch, so save room for a few of those treats that you can make outside at the campfire.

4 Eagle Ranch is planning on hosting the sleigh ride dinners through early April if conditions permit. Check out 4EagleRanch.com for more details and book your reservations and make some lasting memories that your family and friends will talk about for a long time.

Ice Skating on Nottingham Lake

There’s something about skating on a lake or pond that is so fun and different, maybe it’s the au natural state of the ice with its imperfections along with the beauty that surrounds it instead of a perfectly symmetrical ice rink. Due to favorable weather conditions and the amenity’s popularity, the town of Avon is planning to extend ice skating operations on Nottingham Lake through March 12.  

If you need skate rentals, they will be provided by the Avon Recreation Department out of the Metcalf Cabin adjacent to the lake at Harry A. Nottingham Park. If you have your own skates, bring them but just stop by the Metcalf Cabin to sign a waiver. There will also be concessions like hot cocoa and s’mores along with fire pits, music and great views of Beaver Creek Mountain. An open skate section and recreational hockey area are available daily. Box hockey goals are provided on the west end of the ice rink, running north and south.

The ice rink will be open Monday through Friday, 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 8 p.m. The hours of operation are subject to change based on staffing, weather and ice quality. Updates on ice rink status, operations or programs can be found online at Avon.org/2435/Ice-Skating, Avon Recreation’s social media pages or by calling the Recreation Center front desk at 970-748-4060.

Vail Legacy Days

Celebrate Vail’s founders and history and learn more about the role the 10th Mountain Division played in World War II and the outdoor industry at this year’s Vail Legacy Days. Vail Legacy Days coincides with the 10th Mountain Division Association Ski-in, which travels to Copper Mountain, Ski Cooper, Breckenridge and Vail. There will be events on and off the slopes of Vail Mountain and at the Colorado Snowsports Museum.

The event is typically held around this time to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Riva Ridge that took place the night of Feb. 18-19, 1945. Members of the 86th Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division conducted a surprise attack on the Germans and were able to break through the Nazi Gothic Line, which became a turning point during the war.

On Saturday, head to the Legacy Hut near Mountain Top Express (No. 4) and Northwoods Express (No. 11) at 11 a.m. to hear from Col. Matthew Bramam, Deputy Commander of the 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum. Then follow current active-duty members of the 10th down Riva Ridge in the annual ski down that goes down Vail’s longest run (4 miles).

Later on Saturday at the base of Vail Mountain you’ll find six teams consisting of members of the current 10th Mountain Division doing skills and strength tests on Pepi’s trail in the Ski Troopers Cup starting at 3 p.m.

On Sunday, head up on Vail Mountain for your chance to see a Blackhawk helicopter land near the top of Avanti Express (No. 2) between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wear your goggles if you are there during the landing as those propellers can cast off quite a bit of snow and debris. But it is an amazing experience to watch this aircraft land and then it will be on display for a while where you can see it up close and take some photos.

At 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, stop by the Colorado Snowsports Museum for Tales of the 10th, which honors 10th veteran and Hall of Famer Sandy Treat. This beloved local passed away a few years ago, but he would dedicate his time to tell the stories of his experience with the public to give a glimpse into what it was like to serve back in those times. Sunday’s speaker will be author and historian Flint Whitlock. A suggested $5 donation to the Colorado Snowsports Museum is appreciated by all attendees. For more information, go to SnowsportsMuseum.org.

At 6 p.m., head back up Bridge Street to Mountain Plaza at the base of Gondola One (No. 1) for the Vail Legacy Days Parade. Hear from area dignitaries, watch a short movie giving you history of the 10th Mountain Division and its ties to Vail followed by a torch-light ski down and veterans proceeding down Bridge Street to the 10th Mountain Division statue near the Covered Bridge. The Colorado Snowsports Museum is open until 8 p.m. on parade nights, so if you didn’t stop by earlier, go there to learn more about this famed winter warfare unit that trained just south of Vail at Camp Hale.

Talons Challenge

The Talons Challenge may have to wait until next year since both Saturday and Sunday have sold out. The Talons Challenge, which is held yearly at Beaver Creek, challenges skiers, snowboarders, telemark skiers, whatever your mode of transportation, to take on 14 black diamond and double black diamond runs in the Talons area of Beaver Creek.

Called the Talons because the formation of the three chair lifts on the map looks like the talon of a bird of prey, the area at Beaver Creek houses the Birds of Prey Express (No. 9), Grouse Mountain Express (No. 10) and Larkspur Express (No. 11). Those who complete this task get the coveted Talons Challenge patch and other swag, a meal and a drink afterward. But, that’s not all, there is an afterparty in Beaver Creek Village. Even if you didn’t participate in the Talons Challenge, the public is able to attend the afterparty.

Each year, the event benefits SOS Outreach, a local nonprofit that utilizes sports as the hook to get kids interested in the outdoors and to teach life lessons and skills kids can take on and off the slopes.

Even though the event is going on this Saturday and Sunday, the runs are not closed to the general public, so go out and take a few runs in this area and see if it should be put on the bucket list for next year. For more information, go to BeaverCreek.com.

Winter Dew Tour

Missing the Burton U.S. Open? Yeah, we hear you, but just over Vail Pass you can find the athletes and high-flying action at the base of the slopes at Copper Mountain for the Winter Dew Tour. This event brings together snowboarders, skiers, bands, artists and the fans of all of those things to one location to celebrate the lifestyle and competition that takes place throughout the weekend.

Look for superpipe legends like Danny Davis and Ayumu Hirano, Ski and Snowboard Club Vail alumni Aaron Blunck and Ryan Wachendorfer, Steamboat’s Taylor Gold and Summit County’s own, Red Gerard. There will be autograph signing opportunities throughout the Dew Tour Experience on Saturday with Davis and Gerard and skateboarder Sean Malto. Title sponsor MTN Dew will have samples, “spin to win” prize opportunities like snowboards and headphones and more. The Dew Tour Experience will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Even the United States Air Force is sponsoring the Winter Dew Tour and will lend its name to a new competition, the Superpipe High Air & Best Trick Jam on Sunday. Channel your favorite “Top Gun” character and try out two virtual reality experiences where you can pilot an F-35 fighter through a canyon — they even provide a real-life throttle and flight stick or operate a replica KC-135 boom pod and “refuel” airborne aircraft like a B-2 Stealth Bomber.

The Winter Dew Tour is also teaming up with B4BC, Boarders for Breast Cancer, throughout the weekend and will be hosting the Pink Poker Run on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. where participants can explore the mountain while looking for the winning cards for their poker hands.

B4BC will also host a Tribute Ride, a collective lap down Bouncer Run in honor of a loved one who is or has battled breast cancer. For more details and to register, go to b4bc.org. 

Mix Master Mike will provide the music and the stoke on Saturday night as the DJ. He was just in Vail for the Soul on Snow concert during the National Brotherhood of Skiers 50th annual summit. Mix Master Mike will spin tunes at the Center Village Base in between the women’s and men’s Super Streetstyle event. For more information go to DewTour.com.

Après Ski at Miller & Lux

With the days getting longer, it’s time to bring après ski outdoors at Miller & Lux at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail. Après ski means “after skiing” in French and it basically is a happy hour in your ski clothes. Miller & Lux wants you to join them on their terrace for mountain and pool views, delicious dishes and festive drinks.

Miller & Lux is celebrity chef Tyler Florence’s project and Flame Restaurant has hosted a pop-up all season. This San Francisco-based eatery brought signature dishes and tableside presentations of its Dover sole and the Caesar salad for two to diners to experience, but you can enjoy a little Miller & Lux for après ski as well. The slopes meet the sea with appetizers like Maine lobster shooters, oysters and Louisiana shrimp cocktail. Or, share the Elk’s shepherd’s pie or the mini M&L burger with the table.

Wash the appetizers down with the signature drink, the Alpine Nigroni with barrel-aged Campari, gin, Breckenridge Aquavit and chamomile. Draft beer and wines by the glass are also served including some specialty items from the Coravin Section and Elk Bar. The après ski menu and offerings are available daily from 3 to 5 p.m.

Wax and Wine

You may have tried Cocktails and Canvas or Cocktails and Clay, but how about Wax and Wine? Alpine Arts Center in Edwards is welcoming you to try a new medium and see what you can create with wax and a cast iron.

The technical name for wax painting is encaustics, where you use pigments mixed with hot wax that are burned in as an inlay. The art instructor will take you through the step-by-step process and help you create four art prints.

Sign up to try something new and grab your friends or do a date night. The class is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and no prior experience is necessary. The class is $49 per person and wine or beer is $6 per glass with non-alcoholic options and snacks available, too. For more information, go to AlpineArtsCenter.org.

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Travel the world without even leaving your seat at the “Our Planet Live In Concert” performance at Beaver Creek’s Vilar Performing Arts Center on Thursday. Indulge your senses in this multi-media event that allows you to experience nature, travel, planet Earth and its amazing creatures that roam from the sea to the slopes and from the deserts to the jungles.

“Our Planet” is a multi-part Netflix documentary series that debuted in 2019 and has been re-edited to fit this special, traveling performance. Developed by the series producers World Wildlife Foundation, Silverback Films and Oscar-winning composer Steven Price the live experience takes things to a whole new level. Price will lead an 18-person orchestra on the Vilar Performing Arts Center’s stage with breathtaking visuals backing up the music.

“When we would record the show, we would record every month at the Abby Road studios in London,” Price said. “After working on a few of these, we had eight films in the series, I remember someone saying, ‘it would be good to hear this live one day, wouldn’t it?’ and everyone thought, ‘oh, absolutely it would’ and we never really dreamt it would happen and we’ve worked on it ever since basically, so we’re completely excited that it’s coming to America.”

Even if you have seen all the episodes of “Our Planet” you’ll see new footage in this stage production. The team went back to the original footage and made this a stand-alone, two-hour experience where viewers will see amazing animals and scenery all set to a musical score that was designed specifically for the footage.

“There’s an incredible amount of footage and then brilliant people edit it together to make these perfect little stories and then I sit there and watch them. They all have their challenges, and they all kind of sound different — the arctic was full of these big expansive melodies where something like the jungle has tiny little creatures doing tiny little movements and you follow them with the music and tell their stories. So, they all have their challenges, and you love them in different ways. I find jungles always challenging because there were so many notes, but it’s always good fun.”

You’ll also see the not-so-pretty parts of the planet.

“You will see how the planet is in a bit of trouble in places as well. You go from the joy of seeing the planet, the sadness of what we’re doing to the planet but then hopefully we send you away with a lot of optimism about some of the things that can be done to make things better and the clever people who are working on it,” Price said. “I learned a lot through the whole process, the big thing for me is everything is connected, and this show really concentrates on that. Everything counts, we are all in this together.”

The visuals will be brought to life even more by David Attenborough and William Shatner co-narrating the program.

“It’s one thing to watch your Netflix on your phone or your TV but you’re going to be in the middle of this,” Price said. “The lights are all surrounding you, you’re going to feel like you are in the jungle, you’re going to feel like you are in the arctic and you’re going to feel some of these amazing stories.”

Tickets for reserved seating start at $45 and there is a special child’s ticket and student ticket price at $30 each and this is also part of the Vilar Performing Arts Center’s 4-Pack where you can buy four tickets for $168 and save some cash. For more information, go to VilarPAC.org.

Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew’s ‘Remain in Light’ tour

The Vilar Performing Arts Center’s 25th anniversary season is rolling right along with concerts, classical music, dance, comedy and more. Saturday night welcomes Jerry Harrison of the Talking Heads and Adrian Belew of King Crimson for a performance entitled, “Remain in Light” on Saturday night. The “Remain in Light” tour’s name is also the name of Talking Head’s famous album from 1980 – remember the hit, “Once in a Lifetime?”

Expect to hear some of your favorite Talking Heads tunes on this 19-date tour that takes the band from New York to California and Washington to Georgia. Backing up Harrison and Belew will be Cool, Cool, Cool, which is a band that contains former members of Turkuaz, a band that has played in the Vail Valley prior to this show.

Belew toured with Harrison and Talking Heads and they both have been involved with other bands such as Foo Fighters, No Doubt and Live, where Harrison was a producer and Belew worked with Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Tori Amos, Paul Simon, and Zappa. Belew was actually discovered by Frank Zappa while performing in a cover band in Nashville.

Expect a high-energy show on Saturday night. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at VilarPAC.org or by calling the box office at (970) 845-TIXS.

Piff the Magic Dragon

On Sunday, you’ll find a double header of comedy at the Vilar Performing Arts Center. Piff the Magic Dragon will show off his comedic and magic skills with an all-ages show at 4:30 p.m. and then a show for those 18 and older at 7:30 p.m.  

Piff the Magic Dragon has been a staple in Vegas for years and made waves on “America’s Got Talent” with his magic tricks and comedy. In addition to the fame from “America’s Got Talent,” Piff has earned several awards. In 2020, Piff was crowned the winner of TBS’ Tournament of Laughs, in 2019, he was voted one of Variety’s Top Ten Comics to Watch and scooped Best Comedian, Best Magician and Best Headliner at the Best of Las Vegas Awards. He also wowed audiences on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us”

“I saw Piff for the first time when he walked out on our stage to do our show “Penn & Teller: Fool Us.” He opened with a dragon sneeze of fire and then he did a baffling card trick. There’s a rule about comedy magicians—they aren’t funny and they aren’t baffling. Piff is different. Piff had the audience screaming in laughter and he fooled the pants off every one of them,” Penn Jillette said after experiencing Piff the Magic Dragon.

Piff the Magic Dragon won’t be the only one on stage, his trusty companion and “The Dog Who Knows,” Mr. Piffles will be part of the act as well. This magic-performing chihuahua has stolen the show ever since Piff laid eyes on the pooch while performing at the Edinburgh Fringe.    

In an interview with Vail Valley Live, Piff mentions that during the pandemic he had time to come up with new material and created new shows for Vegas and on tour. “So if you see the show in Vegas, you’ll see different material when you see it on tour. What we’re bringing to the Vilar is all new jokes, all new tricks, same Mr. Piffles,” Piff said.

Reserved seating starts at $48, children 12 years and under are $32, a student ticket is available for 13 to 22 year olds with valid ID for $32. This is also part of the Vilar’s Ticket 4-PACK for $157. Go to Vilar PAC.org for more information.

Vail Mountain Winter Uphill Race

The Vail Mountain Winter Uphill Race returns on Sunday, and this event is not for the faint of heart or those weak in the legs and lungs. Skiers, snowboarders and winter runners will take on 2,200 vertical feet of groomed trails to reach Eagle’s Nest at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola (No. 19) in Lionshead in just over two miles. The average grade is 20%.

The race has a long history and a story behind why it was started. Mountaineers Ellen Miller and Hooker Lowe started this event in 2008 to honor Vail local and trailblazer in the sport of mountain running, Lyndon Ellefson who lost his life in a 1998 accident near the Matterhorn while training for a mountain race in Italy.

Ellefson was instrumental in starting the U.S. men’s mountain running program, so some of the entry fees for the race will support the U.S. Mountain Running Team. Ellefson was the foreman for the Lionshead Gondola, so it is fitting that the race starts right next to that lift.

The race starts early in order to get all of the participants off the mountain before it opens to the public at 8:30 a.m. Breakfast will be waiting at Eagle’s Nest and the after-party will award prizes to the top finishers in each category. Noncompetitive and competitive categories are available. Go to VailRec.com to sign up for this signature race.

Steadman Clinic Vail Cup

For the young athletes, there is a competition as well. The Steadman Clinic Vail Cup on Sunday is a complimentary series that offers multiple exciting competitions across all of Ski and Snowboard Club Vail’s on-hill snowsports for kids whose birth year is 2007 and younger. Golden Peak will be buzzing with excitement as kids get to experience competition on a top-notch training hill.

• 8 – 8:45 a.m.: Bib pick-up at Ski & Snowboard Club Vail Clubhouse
• ​9:30 – 10:30 a.m.: Inspection at Golden Peak Race Venue
• 10:45 a.m.: Race Start – the Giant Slalom will be a dual GS format with boys on one course and girls on the opposite course.  Two runs per athlete.

There will be awards at the Ski & Snowboard Club Vail Clubhouse patio around 3 p.m.

Other disciplines will be represented this winter include:

Mar. 5: Slopestyle and Big Mountain

Mar. 25: Giant Slalom

Please note that there is no parking available at Ski & Snowboard Club Vail clubhouse, please use parking structures or alternate parking locations. For more information, go to VailCup.com.

Mountain Music Series

Take a break during your ski day and enjoy some live music up on Beaver Creek Mountain this Saturday. The Mountain Music Series at Talons returns with the music of Moonstone Quill, a high-energy four-piece string band that plays bluegrass, folk, country and rock. The band is no stranger to playing outdoors at altitude. Based out of Breckenridge, this quartet has played at Talon’s Restaurant earlier this winter.

Talon’s is a great place to have lunch or a snack and beverage with great views of the runs surrounding the area. Birds of Prey Express (No. 9), Grouse Mountain Express (No. 10) and Larkspur Express (No. 11) are all anchored by Talons Restaurant. The food court has everything from sandwiches and soups to a grill with burgers and fries. The bar will be open, too, so celebrate your Saturday with a cheers and some live music from noon until 3 p.m.  

Speaking of Talons, the Talons Challenge will be going on next weekend. On Feb. 25 or 26 challenge yourself to skiing or snowboarding over 26,000 vertical feet of bumps and steeps on 14 of the most difficult runs in Eagle County all in one day. Afterward, you’ll be rewarded by an after-party and bragging rights as the event benefits local charity SOS Outreach. Go to BeaverCreek.com to get signed up.

Super Bowl

Cucina at Lodge at Vail, Vail Village

The Super Bowl is as much about the food as it is the game and Cucina at the Lodge at Vail is taking care of making all the eats. It’s après ski meets the biggest sporting event in football so grab your friends and enjoy craft cocktails, small plates, charcuterie and more or go big and sign up for the buffet for $49 per adult. Party goes from 3 p.m. until close. Reservations are recommended: (970) 754-7872.

Vail Country Club at Chapel Square, Avon

Blend golf with football this Super Bowl Sunday at the Vail Country Club with eight big screen TVs, $3 Coors Lights and Carlsberg Beer, $6 glasses of wine and wells, shot specials and $65 golf simulators all day. There’s even a halftime “closest to the pin” competition on their state-of-the-art Trackman golf simulators at halftime that could earn you a $100 prize. VailCountryClub.com.

Chasing Rabbits at Solaris, Vail Village

Chasing Rabbits will have not one but two big screens playing the Super Bowl on Sunday. Doors open at 4 p.m. and no advance tickets required, just a cover charge at the door but come early to ensure that you get in. Wings specials will be going on and other menu items and drinks can be purchased. No matter who wins, you can keep the party going with DJ LANDO at the Cottontail Club after the final whistle. Go to ChasingRabbitsVail.com for more details.

Grand Hyatt Vail

At the Grand Hyatt Vail all the TVs will be on the big game along with food and drink specials. Go for a classic game day fave like nachos or elevate your wings by going for twice-cooked barbecue, garlic parmesan or Korean flavored wings. Pizzas will be available along with other snacks and draft beers will be $5.

In addition to dining specials, there’s a lodging special going on through February 12 in case you want to stay the night at the Grand Hyatt Vail and not worry about driving home after the game. Grand Hyatt Vail is offering 35% off their best nightly rates. Just use corporate code 46587. Go to GrandHyattVail.com or call 970.467.1234 to book your stay.

Lookout Lobby Bar, Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa, Avon

The Lookout at The Westin Riverfront will have food and drink specials that will be served all night for Super Bowl Sunday. Try their baby back ribs with pickled carrot slaw, green onions and a sesame barbecue sauce for $15, tuna poke with guacamole, chipotle slaw, cucumber, ponzu, pickled Fresno chiles and wonton chips for $15. Drink specials include $5 select draft beers and a beer and shot special for $8.

Remedy Bar at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail

Remedy Bar at the Four Seasons has great TVs to watch the game and some great food to go with all the football action on the big screen. To tie in with the two competing teams, the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, Remedy will be serving up Philly cheese steaks and Kansas City barbecue as menu specials. It will be easy to see all the plays and the commercials on Remedy’s 165-inch TV. Reserve your table for Remedy’s Super Bowl party from 3 to 9 p.m., the game starts at 4:30 p.m. There is a $125 per person food and beverage minimum. Book your table at (970) 477-8664.

C-Bar in Beaver Creek

Come straight off the slopes and into the C-Bar next to the Centennial Lift (No. 6) where all the TVs will be on the game and even if your team doesn’t win, you may win some cash if your numbers align while playing Squares. According to a study done by the Harvard Sports Analysis Collective, the best square to have is seven on the favorite’s axis (the Eagles are the favorites this year) and zero on the underdog’s (Chiefs). The worst squares to have are twos and fives because it usually takes a combination of safeties, missed extra points and more random things happening in the game to get scores like that.

Red Lion, Vail Village

If you’re skiing all the way until last chair in Vail, just take a few steps down Bridge Street and settle in front of one of the 21 TVs at the Red Lion. They’ll have the surround-sound on to hear the game and all the commercials and the full menu featuring nachos, wings and burgers can be washed down with the 21-ounce draft beers and Colorado micro brew beers.

Leonora at The Sebastian Vail

Leonora restaurant at The Sebastian Vail is hosting the Super Bowl Supper this Sunday. Watch the game on the big screen along with a four-course meal. They are also doing drink specials like a bucket of micro brew beer for $36 and a bucket of domestic beer for $30. Casa Dragones Tequila is $20 and a whiskey flight is $30. Reservations start at 4 p.m. and you can book a table by calling (970) 477-8053 or by going to OpenTable.com. The cost for the dinner is $57 per person plus tax and gratuity.

Branford Marsalis Quartet at Vilar

Branford Marsalis is an award-winning saxophonist who has played alongside symphonies as well as the Grateful Dead and Sting. This versatile player will bring his main band to the Vilar Performing Arts Center on Friday to showcase the group’s latest project, “Between the Shadow and the Soul.”

Marsalis is the eldest son of a pianist and educator and grew up in New Orleans. His father, Ellis Marsalis, instilled a love of music in all four of his children. Branford and his siblings, Wynton, Delfeayo and Jason all got the musical bug.

Marsalis’ main band consists of Joey Calderazzo on piano and Eric Revis on bass. Those two have been with the 30-year-old Branford Marsalis Quartet for 20 years. Drummer Justin Faulkner has been with the band since 2009.

Marsalis gives back to the music industry by being an educator himself and his ties to New Orleans run deep. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Marsalis and fellow musician, Harry Connick, Jr. created “Musicians Village” which brings a broad range of services to under-served youth battling poverty and social injustice by building a healthy community with music being the focal point.  

The Branford Marsalis Quartet will hit the stage at 7 p.m. on Friday and tickets are $58 with special student tickets for $25 for those 22 years of age and younger and a student ID. This show is also a part of the Vilar’s Pick 3/5/8 Winter Ticket Package where if you buy more shows, you save money. Go to VilarPAC.org for details.

Beaver Creek Snowshoe Race Series

The annual Beaver Creek Running Series: Snowshoe Edition returns this winter and the next race is Sunday. There are two distances, the 5k and the 10k. Don’t be intimidated by the word “race,” the series welcomes first-time snowshoers, weekend warriors and professional athletes.

This weekend’s race will take place at Creekside Park, which is below the main village and Vilar Performing Arts Center and the 5k and 10k races will begin at 10 a.m. sharp. Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female competitors for the 5k and 10k races. Even if you don’t win a top prize, you can still win a raffle prize. Each competitor will be entered into the raffle and the winners will be announced at the post-party where participants will also receive a post-race meal.The next race will take place on March 26 and this final race will take place at the McCoy Park Nordic area.

You can register in advance and save money on registration by going to Eventbrite and searching for 2023 Beaver Creek Snowshoe Race Series. Day-of registration is from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. next to Beaver Creek Sports in Beaver Creek Village.

Parking is available in the lower lots, which costs $10 until 1 p.m. daily or paid parking is available at Ford Hall and Villa Montane lots while space is available.

Porchlight Players presents ‘Something Rotten’

The Porchlight Players Community Theater Company is back and so is its traditional “dinner and a show” this weekend, Valentine’s Day and next weekend. “Something Rotten! A Very New Musical” is the production that has been selected and the evening will offer up humor as well as good dose of entertainment, food and drink.

The Porchlight Players cast features several veterans of the stage as well as some newcomers. The story is set during Renaissance times and follows the Bottom brothers, Nicholas and Nigel, as they try to write a play that will become a hit with the audience during Shakespeare’s reign. They hear from a soothsayer that acting along with singing and dancing will become the future of entertainment and go on to write the world’s first musical.

The Porchlight Players’ performances are not to be missed and there will be several showings in a dinner theater type of setting. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $85, which includes dinner where you get a choice of three entrees: 

• Roasted Chicken Quarter (leg and thigh), roasted potatoes, roasted carrots, chicken jus
• Herb Roasted Swai Fish, vegetable-laced rice pilaf, melted leek cream
• Curried Lentil-Stuffed Acorn Squash, cashew tahini sauce (vegetarian/vegan)

There will be a variety of cookies and bars and desserts and each guest will get three drinks (beer, wine or soft drink), coffee and tea service.  

So, plan a date night, a girl’s night out, or a fun outing with co-workers. There are several showings at the Brush Creek Pavilion in Eagle: Feb. 10-12, Feb. 14, Feb. 16-18 at 6:30 p.m. each night. For more information and to buy tickets, go to PorchlightPlayers.com.

Second Friday ARTwalk

This Friday, EagleARTS will host its Second Friday ARTwalk with a special Valentine’s Day theme. Broadway will once again be blocked off to allow art walk goers to stroll freely amongst the shops and booths lining the downtown core of Eagle. Check out the benches that artists have painted at 120 and 217 Broadway. There will be jewelry, textiles, ceramics, handcrafted lotions, fine art, authors and more. Featured artists include:

• Tara Novak – New abstract exhibit ‘Earthbound’
• Matt Rinn – Wood/metal functional art
• Lupita Flores – Artist
• Margo Thomas – Abstract Artist
• Elke Kaiser Wells – Artist/Photographer
• Knitten Cat – handcrafted yarns and textile goods

The Vail Valley Art Guild will also host a members exhibit called “Love in the Abstract” at its gallery in Eagle. The exhibit includes many Valentine’s Day themed items that would make great gifts. Rounding out the evening will be live music with members of Valle Musico. Search for hand-crafted Valentine’s and Gal-entine’s Day gifts and support local artisans and businesses. For more information, to go the EagleARTS Facebook page.

This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday, and while you can celebrate love any day of the year, here are a few ideas on how you can spend the holiday, whether you are looking for a traditional “date” night or gift, seeking pampering, something more sporty, or don’t have a Valentine…yet.

Traditional Date

Dinner, flowers, chocolate, jewelry, a couples massage … if that is your idea of a perfect Valentine’s Day, you’re not alone. Many restaurants will be changing table configurations to make room for dozens of two-tops on Tuesday night and jewelry stores will be helping pick out last-minute gifts. It might be hard to fit a couples massage into your schedule but get a gift card that can be used later. Just plan ahead to make sure you are set for Feb. 14.

Restaurants will be busy during this holiday so call ahead to reserve your spot at your favorite eatery. Mix things up with a horse-drawn sleigh ride dinner at 4 Eagle Ranch, or a snowcat-drawn sleigh ride going to Zach’s Cabin or Beano’s Cabin, which are private during the day but are open to the public at night. Or snowshoe to dinner at Tennessee Pass Cookhouse near Ski Cooper. Here are a few specials going on at area restaurants.

The Hythe Vail

Revel at The Hythe in Lionshead will have its regular menu available and will be doing specials on Feb. 14:

• Fresh shucked oysters (West Coast) – rose water mignonette, basil foam
• Frisée salad – 30-minute egg, rosé and pink peppercorn vinaigrette, lardons, caviar
• Lavender-scented Chilean sea bass – asparagus coins, preserved lemon aioli, lavender water, parsnip purée
• Sous vide New York strip – cocoa coffee crust, sauce noir, sweet potato pommes pavé, lacinato kale
• Chocolate rose cannoli – rose cannoli cream, cocoa nibs, dried rose petals

Chasing Rabbits

Take your date on an adventure at Chasing Rabbits. This nightclub in Solaris is the newest hot spot in town, so explore it together if you haven’t made it inside the 13,000-square-feet of club space.

The Restaurant at Chasing Rabbits is aiming to spark romance with a special five-course menu on Valentine’s Day. Guests will start with a pommes souffle and then have a choice of several options within each course. Examples include surf and turf, duck in a box and roasted celery root. The tasting menu will be the only menu available on Valentine’s Day and is available for $195 per person. The menu is available on Feb. 14 only from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

On Feb. 13, check out “Crazy, Stupid, Love.” on the big screen at Chasing Rabbits. Doors to Moon Rabbit will open at 7 p.m. so you can get settled in to watch the flick. You remember “Crazy, Stupid, Love.,” the rom-com released in 2011 that stars Steve Carrell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. Follow along the ups and downs of Cal Weaver’s (Steve Carrell) life when his wife decides to leave their “perfect life” after 25 years of marriage and Cal gets dating tips from Gosling’s character, ladies man Jacob Palmer. This is a 21+ event and tickets are $15 and can be purchased on EventBrite.

Gessner at Grand Hyatt Vail

Valentine’s Day dinner is all about choices at Gessner Restaurant at the Grand Hyatt Vail. You can choose the date you go and have all sorts of appetizers, entrees desserts and drink pairings to select. This special is happening any night between now and Feb. 14.

Appetizer and drink pairing:

• Elk carpaccio or lobster salad
• Chocolate martini or La Marca prosecco

Entrée and drink pairing:

• Miso glazed cod or grilled lamb chop
• Chateau Ste. Michelle riesling or Belle Glos “Clarke & Telephone”

Dessert and drink pairing:

• Strawberry almond champagne cheesecake or chocolate and red berry cake
• Moët Imperial Ice

Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon

Stoke & Rye opened this past summer, so if you are returning for a winter ski trip, you may not know about this new steakhouse that took over the former Maya Mexican Restaurant space. It is still part of the Richard Sandoval collection of restaurants, and it is hosting a special three-course Valentine’s Day dinner on Feb. 14.

• Appetizer: raw platter to share – beef tartar, smoked oysters, trout crudo and focaccia bread
• Entrée (1 per person) – pan seared butter herbed Colorado bass with roasted potatoes, chorizo lentils and crispy parsnip – OR – tamarind braised short rib with creamy polenta, herbed heirloom carrots and chimichurri
• Dessert platter to share: pecan pie, carrot cake and bread pudding

Valentine’s Day reservations are highly recommended at StokeandRye.com. Stoke & Rye will also be serving its full menu on Valentine’s Day.

If you want to toast to Valentine’s Day with your sweetie or bring out your gal pals for Gal-entine’s Day, Stoke & Rye is doing drink specials all throughout the month of February:

• La Rosa – a paloma served with edible flower ice cubes
• Smoked Cherry Sazerac – a traditional Sazerac sweetened with Luxardo cherry juice and smoked tableside, served with a charred cherry and orange peel 
• Lady in Pink – a chocolate strawberry martini

Spa Anjali at the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa is offering couples massages in its award-winning spa. There is also a special for the month of February. Try the Strawberry Seed Body Polish treatment exfoliate you and fill you with antioxidants and vitamin C to leave your body hydrated and feeling soft and smooth. Pair this with a massage to leave relaxed and refreshed. To book a treatment, please visit SpaAnjali.com.

You can also get a Spa Anjali gift card at a discount if you buy between now and Feb. 14 and use it for any future spa or salon service. Save $25 when you buy online, Shop.SpaAnjali.com/Vouchers/Category.

Valentine’s Day at The Remedy Bar

The Remedy Bar in the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail is offering a few Valentine’s Day specials on February 14 only:

• Chocolate covered strawberry martini: Strawberry chocolate martini, tequila rose, crème de cocoa, Bailey’s – $22
• Maine lobster pot pie for two: Heirloom carrots, smoked pearl onions, pee wee potatoes – $70
• Valentine’s Signature Haut Chocolat: Haut Chocolat modified with Love Heart Marshmallow. Haut Chocolat can be enhanced with a shot of your choice – $20 for one, $35 for two

Sporty Date

Some like to get off the beaten path from traditional Valentine’s Day activities and want to be active with their Valentine, whether it’s enjoying the day on the slopes of Vail and Beaver Creek or, getting away from the crowds and snowshoe up a trail. Most hiking trails in the summer make great snowshoe trails in the winter. Don’t have snowshoes? Rent a pair at the Beaver Creek Nordic Center or the Vail Nordic Center. The Vail Nordic Center also rents fat tire bikes, which are fun to try on the relatively flat land around the Vail Nordic Center or test them out on the bikes trails throughout the valley that aren’t too packed with snow.

Skinning uphill under the moonlight can be romantic, too. The full moon was last week, but even a crescent moon can shed some light if the skies are clear. Meadow Mountain outside of Minturn is a good place to go. If you want to skin up Vail or Beaver Creek, call the uphill hotline to see what routes are available and remember that there are no dogs allowed at any time and you cannot skin up while the mountain is open.  

If you want to learn a little more about your surroundings, take a guided snowshoe tour. On Tuesday, join Walking Mountains for a guided back country snowshoe hike from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at the Walking Mountains campus in Avon to get set up with snowshoes, hiking poles and hot drinks before being whisked off to the featured hike that day. The guides at Walking Mountain will know where the best snowshoe hikes are this time of year and the fabulous vistas that go with them. Tuesday’s location is Tennessee Pass and the topic is watersheds. Tickets are $35 per person. Registration is required and you can find out more information at WalkingMountains.org.

Jewelry, art and charitable giving

Jewelry is often given to show one’s love on Valentine’s Day and the Squash Blossom, which has been locally owned and operated for over 40 years, is a great place to go to find something that sparkles, but on Tuesday they are teaming up with Curate Art and Curiosities to show their love and support of Roundup River Ranch with a pop up event. “Share the Love” allows you to celebrate love while shopping the jewels at Squash Blossom and the artwork, rugs and a special collection of jewelry by Mauri Pioppo.

You shop = Roundup River Ranch benefits. 10% of the proceeds that day will go to Roundup River Ranch, which is part of Paul Newman’s SeriousFun Children’s Network of camps outside of Gypsum. The camp provides free camp experiences for children with serious illnesses and their families.

The event will go from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. so stop in, find some awesome gifts (and you can get a gift for yourself and show some self-love!) and give back – what a way to share the love!

Valentine’s Day for singles

North Coast Originals in downtown Eagle wants everyone to feel included this Valentine’s Day. Single or not, or maybe you’re trying to set your pal up with someone, come to the Single AF Party starting at 5 p.m. on Feb. 14. The eatery on Broadway in Eagle will serve up signature drinks, food specials and will have “zero heart decorations.”

North Coast Originals, or NoCo for short, has hosted Halloween and New Year’s Eve parties and has special events on Thursdays like wine tastings, bingo and trivial night. Check out one of Eagle’s newest places to mix and mingle and who knows…you may just meet someone sweet at this non-Valentine’s Day party. Go to NorthcoastOriginals.com or its Facebook or Instagram page for more information. Come for the drinks and stay for a made-from-scratch meal.

National Brotherhood of Skiers Summit

This weekend kicks off the 50th anniversary of the National Brotherhood of Skiers, which is a nonprofit group that represents Black skiers, riders, and snow sport enthusiasts across the nation. The founders, Ben Finley and Art Clay, met in 1972 and had a vision to create a national Black summit for skiers. One year later, the historic first Black Ski Summit gathering took place in Aspen in 1973. The event comes to Vail Feb. 4-11.

Now, The National Brotherhood of Skiers has dozens of clubs. The nonprofit’s mission is to identify, develop and support athletes of color who will win international and Olympic winter sports competitions representing the United States and to increase participation in winter sports.

In addition to après ski, barbecues, a gospel fest, races and other activities on and off the snow for its members, there are events the public can attend. On Sunday, come to Solaris Plaza for the National Brotherhood of Skiers Opening Ceremony Parade with DJs Kutz, DSmooth, Bsharp and Ike T going on from 3:30 until 5 p.m.

Also on Sunday, plan to head over to the Colorado Snowsports Museum after the parade to hear guest speaker Col. Greg Gadson tell his amazing story of courage in the face of adversity. The National Brotherhood of Skiers has teamed up with the Vail Veterans Program and the Colorado Snowsports Museum to host this event. Col. Gadson is a 25-year career Army officer. In May of 2007, his life was forever changed when, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery in Iraq, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) caused him to lose both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand.

Col. Gadson has been a participant of the Vail Veterans Program and is also an ambassador of the nonprofit that brings out military injured and their families for healing treatments on the slopes and off that help build confidence and create lifelong connections. This inspiring talk will start at 5 p.m. and there is a $5 suggested donation. For more information, go to SnowsportsMuseum.org.   

On Monday, go back to the Colorado Snowsports Museum and meet artist Lamont Joseph White, who was commissioned to do a piece of art for the town of Vail. His new oil painting, “Towering,” will be on display along with some of his other works and a display about fashion throughout the years with ski outwear from members of the National Brotherhood of Skiers. The meet-and-greet is being held on Monday from 4 – 6 p.m. but the exhibit will be up through the end of the ski season. More works from White can be viewed throughout the month at the Vail Public Library in the Community Room during library hours.

On Tuesday, stay in your warm ski and snowboard clothes after the lifts stop spinning and head over to Golden Peak for Soul on Snow, a concert featuring music by DJ Logic, Mix Master Mike and Ne-Yo. Gates open at 5 p.m. with house music. Drinks and concessions will be on sale at the outdoor venue. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at EventBrite.

Music schedule:

• DJ Logic: 6 to 7 p.m.
• Mix Master Mike: 7 – 8 p.m.
• Ne-Yo: 8 – 9 p.m.

Winter Culinary Weekend

Foodies, rejoice! The Winter Culinary Weekend is upon us at Beaver Creek. Any city can host a culinary festival, but pair great food with skiing, snowshoeing and views of the Rockies and it brings it to a whole new level.

Celebrity chefs descend upon this idyllic resort and pair up with Beaver Creek’s talent chefs to create fantastic evenings of tasting and learning. During the day, you may find yourself snowshoeing to lunch or skiing all day before an après ski experience. Some events do sell out, so if something you see whets your appetite, jump on getting a ticket right away so you don’t miss out. Here’s just a sampling of the events going on throughout the weekend and a full schedule and chef bios can be viewed at BeaverCreek.com.  

Mediterranean Meets the California Coast Dinner at Citrea – Sat., 6:30-10 p.m.

Menu design by guest chef Gavin Kaysen and host chef Ryan Little. Featuring craft wines from Purlieu Wines, Napa Valley and Cobb Wines, Sonoma Coast with Bryan Lipa.

Fire and Wine Dinner at Crooked Hearth, Park Hyatt – Sat., 6:30-10 p.m.

The Crooked Hearth private dining room will provide the backdrop for an amazing dinner that will delight all your senses with the artistry of host chef Santosh Koradi, guest chef Andrew Zimmern, and winemaker Adam Mariani of Scribe Winery.

Master Wine Class: Nebbiolo at Saddleridge – Fri., 4-5:30 p.m.

You’ll enjoy this type of homework in Friday’s tasting class with six wines featuring the Nebbiolo grape from the Piedmont Wine Region of Italy. 

Pop-Up Après events at Citrea and Hooked – Fri. and Sat., 4 to 5 p.m.

One ticket, one hour, two venues. Guests will enjoy a demo and tasting with chef Ryan Little at Citrea and chef Riley Romanin at Hooked and try a cocktail from the pouring partner that day.

Wolfe Cutlery Demo Tent: Soups Samples with C-CAP (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) – Fri., 3 – 5 p.m.: 

Scholarship winners, Shelbi Johnson by Cristal Torres, will let guests taste their gumbo and Elote.  

Wolfe Cutlery Demo Tent: Chopping Competition – Sat., 3-5 p.m.: 

Hosted by chef Brother Luck, competitors are asked to cut four different veggies: onion, celery, mushrooms and potatoes and the winner will get $1,000 and a custom handmade David Yellowhorse cleaver.

Concerts at Vilar

It’s a big weekend for concerts at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will play on Sunday and then Sarah Jarosz will take the stage on Sunday. Both shows will be very different – the nine-piece swing and jazz band getting people up and out of their seats dancing on Friday and then the audience will enjoy a more subdued performance with singer-songwriter Jarosz playing with one other musician accompanying her on Sunday. The two shows will spotlight the versatility of the venue.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has been around for over 30 years and has played venues around the world including Lincoln Center, Hollywood Bowl and speaking of bowls, they played the halftime show at the XXXIII Super Bowl in 1999, when John Elway and the Denver Broncos beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-19. The band has played on “Dancing with the Stars” and were featured in Vince Vaughn’s “Swingers,” and in tons of other movies and television shows. Give them a listen on Spotify and you’ll remember hits like, “You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight” and “Big and Bad.” The tunes will be enough to get you in the mood to put on your pinstripe suit and dancing shoes and go out on Friday night.

Saxophones, trumpets, clarinets, drums, guitar, bass, piano and tons of vocal harmonies will inspire you to get out of your seat and do a little swing dancing. In fact, the orchestra pit at the Vilar Performing Arts Center will be open for those who want to move to the music.

The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $45 or $28 for children and students. Visit VilarPAC.org for more information.

Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sarah Jarosz performs on Sunday night. In contrast to the big band that will be on stage Friday, Jarosz will appear with one other musician, bassist Jeff Picker, and give an intimate performance. The four-time Grammy Award winner will showcase her talents and music from recent albums and collaborations. She is currently touring with Shawn Colvin and Marc Cohn, but taking a break from that tour and doing a stint in the Rockies with shows in Beaver Creek, Aspen and Park City. Give some of her songs a listen on the VilarPAC.org website and book tickets. Showtime is 7 p.m. and tickets start at $35.

Music around town

The ski day isn’t complete without some live music at après ski or into the evening. We’re fortunate to have so many talented performers up and down the valley. Here’s a sampling of who is playing where this weekend.

Red Lion: Nick Steingart – Fri. and Sat., 4-6 p.m. and 9-11 p.m.

Vail Chophouse: Phil Long – Fri. and Sat., 3-6 p.m.

Tavern on the Square: Kevin, Casey and Peter – Sat., 3-6 p.m.

King’s Club at Sonnenalp: Kevin Danzig – Fri., 7-10 p.m.

Brass Bear Bar Park Hyatt Beaver Creek: Brendan McKinney – Fri., 4:30-7:30 p.m.  

The Hythe: Matt Garth – Sat., 2:30-5:30 p.m.

Remedy Bar at Four Seasons Resort Vail: Turntable Review Duo – Sat., 6-9 p.m.

Bridge Street Bar: Jessica Paige and Lucas Parker – Fri., 7:30 p.m.

Shakedown Bar: Jukebox Zero – Fri., 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

Lucky Fridays at Chasing Rabbits: Rotating DJs on Fridays from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

To find more entertainment, go to the Vail Daily’s Events Calendar on VailDaily.com.

Agave is bringing in electronic music veterans Break Science on Saturday night. Break Science is comprised of Borahm Lee and Adam Deitch. Lee is a keyboardist/producer/jazz pianist and has been a part of Pretty Lights’ live band. Deitch is known for his funky, hip-hop drumming in the band Lettuce. Together, they have been pioneers of the electronic music genre and will bring classic hip-hop, dub, drum n’ bass, dancehall, jazz, funk and other elements to Agave on Saturday night. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. and the show starts at 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the show. Go to AgaveAvon.com for more information.

Snowshoe and dance for a cause

There are a few charity events going on this weekend that will get you moving. Snowshoe for Peru happens on Saturday morning and the Dance for Universal Peace is Saturday night.

This winter marks the 10th anniversary of Snowshoe for Peru, a fundraiser for Corazón de Esperanza, a nonprofit that assists orphans, at-risk youth and women in Peru with resources, education, nutrition and hope for a future.

The cost is $35 per racer. The 5k run or walk starts at 10 a.m. Packet pick up and on-site registration the day of the event begins at 9:15 a.m.

Please note – no dogs are allowed on the course due to state park regulations. Only snowshoes are allowed, no skis or sleds. 

Registration includes a cooling towel, retro t-shirt, prizes for top finishers, the State Park entrance fee (during the event) and a raffle ticket. Go to SnowshoeForPeru.com to register or learn more about the event and the option to support this event from afar and do it virtually.

The Dances of Universal Peace will start monthly events this Friday in Eagle at 228 Broadway, Unit C. William Day, founder of the group says their intention is simple: raise consciousness and promote peace between diverse groups thru dance. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to dance alongside other community members.

Throughout the evening the dances include a wide variety of circle dances and songs from different cultures around the world. The acoustic guitar will accompany some easy-to-learn lyrics and movements. 

This weekend’s dance starts with a potluck supper at 6 p.m. and the dances start at 6:30 p.m. It’s a bring-your-own type of event, so be prepared to bring your own beverage and eating utensils and plates since they are trying to make it a no-waste event. A donation of $10 per person is appreciated. Kids are invited to join for the first dance on Saturday. If you have any questions, call William Day at (540) 905-3342 or email him at wsdayjr@gmail.com.

Even at a young age, Sarah Jarosz knew she’d have a career in music.

“There was never a time where I considered doing anything else with my life because it was just what I loved for as long as I can remember. I’m very grateful for everything that has happened so far,” Jarosz said.

So far, the 31-year-old Texas native who was born in Austin and grew up in the small town of Wimberly, Texas has won four Grammy Awards and has collaborated with some of her idols on the musical stage. She is currently on tour with Shawn Colvin and Marc Cohn.

“There are lots of “pinch me” moments, it feels like its come full circle because their albums inspired me to do what I do, so it is really special to get to share the stage with them,” Jarosz said.

Jarosz will take a break from the tour with Colvin and Cohn to come to the Rockies for shows in Park City, Utah, Aspen, Colorado and Beaver Creek. The Vilar Performing Arts Center will be the backdrop for her and bassist Jeff Picker this Sunday night.

The evening’s musical lineup will include songs from many of her albums and projects, including the Grammy Award-winning album, “World on the Ground” and her Grammy-nominated album “Blue Heron Suite.”

The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist debuted her first full-length album, “Song Up in Her Head,” at the age of 18. She’s also worked on a side project with folk artists Sara Watkins and Aoife O’Donovan and formed the band called I’m With Her.

One collaboration that is very special to Jarosz is with the late David Crosby of the Byrds, and Crosby, Stills & Nash (later Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young). She first met Crosby backstage at one of her shows in Santa Monica, California about six years ago.

“He came to my show at the Lobero Theater and walked backstage and I didn’t even know he was there and he was just so complimentary and such a huge supporter of my music and he would come to my show every time I played there,” Jarosz said.

The two became friends and would consult over the phone and talk about music which eventually led Crosby asking Jarosz to sing on his last record. Crosby had Jarosz sing “For Free” by Joni Mitchell.

“I’m so grateful for being able to sing with him and I actually…it’s really heavy, but about a week before he passed away, I sang harmony and played octave mandolin on a new record he was in the midst of working on, so hopefully that will come out someday. But, yeah, he really went out of his way to champion artists he believed in and that he loved, and he was creating right up until the very end, so, it’s pretty inspiring.”

The singer from the Hill Country of Texas sat down for a remote interview with the Vail Valley Live show while she was in Medford, Oregon for a concert with Colvin and Cohn. The humble Grammy award-winner was gracious and kind and talked about how she would love to ski while she is out here but doesn’t think it’s a good idea at this point.

“I would love to, I did ski a lot when I was a kid, it’s probably been 20 years since I’ve skied,” Jarosz said. “I’m actually getting married this year and if it weren’t so close to my wedding I would definitely hit the slopes. I’m a little nervous to hit the slopes but I will definitely enjoy the winter weather.”

Watch the video to learn what else Jarosz thinks she’d be doing if she wasn’t a musician, the top picks on her Spotify list, what her superpower would be and who she would love to collaborate with next.

Sarah Jarosz and Jeff Picker will take the Vilar Performing Arts Center stage at 7 p.m. on Sunday and reserved seating starts at $35. This show is part of the theater’s Pick 3/5/8 winter ticket package, where the more shows you buy, the more you save. Learn more at: VilarPAC.org/packages.