Fireworks, family activities, early access to the slopes and more this holiday weekend in the Vail Valley

Fireworks in Avon

Head to Avon for fireworks over Harry A. Nottingham Park on Saturday this holiday weekend. In addition to the large fireworks display done during the Salute to the USA event on July 3, Avon presents this mid-winter fireworks display over Nottingham Lake. Fireworks are fun anytime of the year, but to see them in the winter is a special treat.  

Come early and enjoy free chocolate chip cookies and free hot chocolate and peppermint schnapps for those 21 years of age and older while supplies last. The gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the fireworks will go off at 6 p.m. Come early for the goodies and listen to the Battle Mountain High School drum line as they get the celebration started with plenty of heart-pounding beats.

Public bus transportation is being encouraged as the best way to get into and out of Avon to see this show. The parking in Avon has changed quite a bit, so familiarize yourself with the options by going to Avon.org/events and learn where you can park. For more information on the event visit avon.org

Beaver Creek happenings

If the kids are out of school and you are taking advantage of having Monday off this MLK weekend, head up to Beaver Creek for some family fun.

Friday

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• 3-5 p.m. – Free caricatures – what do you look like as a caricature? Find out with the talented drawings by Ken Carpenter.

Saturday

• 1-3 p.m. – Live music – listen to music by beloved Bavarian icon Helmut Fricker as he plays the accordion, alpenhorn and tells jokes.
• 3:30-5 p.m. – Fossil Posse – kids of all ages love to learn about Eagle County’s amazing prehistoric history with Billy Doran of The Museum at Dinosaur Junction.
• 3:30-5 p.m. – Fun Fest – play carnival games, do arts and crafts and win special prizes at this event that is entertaining for the whole family.

Sunday

• 5-6 p.m. – Meet and greet the Paw Patrol –the canine members of Beaver Creek Ski Patrol will be at Hawk’s Nest Cabin which is a fun place for youth ages 10-18. Get to know their names, see the dogs do tricks and take photos with the furry friends who work on the mountain. The cost is $10.

The ice rink is open from noon until 9 p.m. and is a fantastic activity you can do instead of a day of skiing or snowboarding. Admission fees are $5 if you have your own skates, $10 for rentals for those 12 years old and under or $15 for rentals for those 13 years old and older. For those not skating, kick up your heels at one of the many fire pits surrounded by couches with over-stuffed cushions. If you are over 21, you can also enjoy a drink throughout the Beaver Creek Plaza in what’s called the Common Consumption Area. Get a drink at participating restaurants and bars and stroll around Beaver Creek Village.

Hungry? Blue Moose Pizza features a Pizza of the Month and for January it’s elote pizza. Yes, think back to the summer farmer’s markets or the Eagle County Fair and Rodeo and the elote corn offerings – but on a pizza. You’ll find a chipotle aioli base with corn, cheese and jalapeños topped with fresh cilantro, tajin, lime and cotija cheese.

For more family activities and a list of events, go to beavercreek.com.

First Tracks at Beaver Creek

Want to be the first people out on the hill? First Tracks allows participants to get up on the slopes an hour before the public is allowed to do so. This Sunday, meet at the base of Centennial Express (#6) at 7:15 a.m. Your First Tracks hosts will greet you bright and early and let you know what terrain and lifts will be open.

Whether it’s freshly groomed corduroy or fresh snow, you’ll experience a feeling of having the mountain to yourself. After making some hot laps, time to enjoy the buffet-style breakfast at mid-mountain restaurant, Spruce Saddle. In addition to brunch, sponsors Helly Hansen and American Express will be handing our swag and prizes. There is also a custom First Tracks pin from Beaver Creek that will be handed out.

The price to feel like you own the mountain is $220 per person for ages 13 and up or $113 for kids ages 4-12. Non skiers can join for the brunch for $108. A valid lift ticket or season pass is required to get on the lifts. For more information and to sign up, call 970-754-5310. If you can’t make First Tracks on Jan. 18, there is one more being held on President’s Day.

Gimme Gimme Disco at Agave

If you’re legs aren’t too tired from skiing and snowboarding, burn some calories dancing the night away at Agave with Gimme Gimme Disco. This DJ-based traveling party is known for playing your favorite dance tunes from Swedish super stars, ABBA, but you’ll also hear a ton of other disco-party hits from the 70s and 80s. From Donna Summer to the Bee Gees and more, if you like to disco dance, this event is for you. Wear your dancing shoes and your sparkles for this one-of-a-kind evening. This is a ticketed event and tickets are going fast. Get yours at agaveavon.com.

Sauna Saturdays

The hottest activity of the weekend is Sauna Saturday at Hygge Life. Heat therapy is waiting for you in the mobile saunas just outside the store.

Hygge Life, which is a boutique and café that features European and especially Scandinavian designs has hosted Sauna Saturdays at its location in EagleVail for the past several years. In Danish, “hygge” is an adjective, a noun and a verb and it means a state of contentment. What could be more hygge than spending time in a sauna?

Hygge Life has teamed up with Nomadic Roots Sauna and Wellness to run Sauna Saturdays. Book a one-hour private session for up to six people in the wood-burning sauna and receive a complimentary beverage from the Hygge Life Café. Sauna Saturdays are between the hours of 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the ski season. Relax and unwind the hygge way. For more information and to book your Sauna Saturday, go to nomadicrootsvail.com. For more information about Hygge Life, go to hyggelife.com.