Talons Challenge at Beaver Creek, ‘Friedl’ at Vilar Center, happy hour at Westin’s Lookout Bar and music up and down the valley this weekend in the Vail Valley
A new twist for Talons Challenge and happy hour deals with a view
Courtesy photo
Talons Challenge at Beaver Creek
Since 2004, skiers and riders have flocked to the trials of the Birds of Prey area at Beaver Creek Resort to test their mettle during the Talons Challenge — skiing or riding 14 of the most difficult black diamond and double black diamond runs in Eagle County. This year, due to the snow conditions, you’ll still be able to challenge yourself on the slopes, but it will look a little different. Let the recent ski races at the Winter Olympic Games in Italy inspire you to try the race gates at the Toyota Race Center near Centennial Express (No. 6) instead.
The Toyota Race Center, which can be seen from the chairlift, will be buzzing with activity with brand activations and live music on the slopes. Get ready to maneuver through the race gates and get a taste of the feeling the racers go through when bashing through gates. Race against the clock or see how you stack up against your friends and family. The racing will happen between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Mountain Scavenger Hunts — The fun goes beyond the racecourse to win premium prizes:
- Toyota Passport Challenge — Visit key spots across the resort.
- Helly Hansen Scavenger Hunt — Hit the slopes, follow the clues, and score gear.
On‑Mountain Music — Live DJ sets from DJ Pippen
- Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
After the turns, the party continues in the village. Explore hands‑on activities, treats, games, music, drinks from Outer Range Brewing and family‑friendly fun Saturday and Sunday.
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- Photo booth and sign shop presented by Toyota
- Village games to win raffle tickets and prizes
- Outer Range Bar & Minturn Whisky Rambin’ Dram (1–5 p.m.)
Saturday‑only
- Grass Sticks build‑your‑own bamboo poles – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Elevation Recovery Spa chair massages $20 – noon to 5 p.m. (10‑minute sessions)
- United States Forest Service info booth – 1–5 p.m.
- Nature’s Educators LIVE Birds of Prey – 2–4 p.m.
- DJ Light Chaser – 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Sunday‑only
- Ski simulator challenge at Hawk’s Nest Cabin – 2–4 p.m.
- DJ Pippen Village Set – 3–5 p.m.
For more information, go to bctalonschallenge.com.
New ‘Friedl’ documentary at Vilar Center
Delve into the history this weekend with the “Friedl” documentary at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek. “Friedl,” named after Austrian skiing champion, WWII veteran, and founder of Aspen Ski Corp., Friedl Pfeifer, delves into not only ski history, but world history as it follows him from war-torn Europe to the United States and everything that happens in between.
The documentary was put together by Chris Anthony, who produced, wrote, filmed and edited it. This is Chris’ second documentary after “Mission: Mt. Mangart,” which explains the actions and activities of the 10th Mountain Division after World War II. “Friedl” is considered a sequel to “Mission: Mt. Mangart.” The two films showcase extraordinary world events and ties them back to Vail via the 10th Mountain Division, the famed winter warfare unit of the U.S. Army that broke through the Nazi Gothic Line and liberated Italy and changed the course of the war. The 10th trained south of Vail and Camp Hale and many soldiers from the 10th went on to found ski areas and shape the ski and outdoor industry into what we know it as today.
“Friedl” debuts at the Vilar Performing Arts Center on Friday with a screening at 7 p.m. This documentary, along with “Mission: Mt. Mangart” tour the country and raise money to inspire and educate kids through Anthony’s Youth Initiative Project. His nonprofit provides experiential and educational programs for the underserved community, including learn-to-ski days for the youth.
“They fall under my mission statement as educational programming. I use these amazing bits of history to bring history into the classroom. The full-length screenings of the documentaries are in-person only and raise money for the Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project and any partnering nonprofit that helps me put on the event,” Anthony said in an article for the Vail Daily.
Tickets are still available and range between $15-$28.25 and can be purchased at vilarpac.org. Take this opportunity to see this film while it is being screened in Eagle County before Anthony takes it on tour.
Late Night Happy Hour at Lookout Bar
Why limit happy hour to the afternoon when you can enjoy some drinks, bites and deals later? Whether you are winding down your evening or just getting the party started, enjoy a Late Night Happy Hour at Lookout Bar at The Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon. Happy Hour deals include:
- $5 snacks including spiced almonds, herb marinated olives, truffle chips and salt and vinegar chips
- Beers starting at $6
- Wines by the glass starting at $10
- Signature cocktails (starting at $10), including a Rosé Bowl for $10 and a Fool’s Gold for $12
This location is still relatively new and offers a unique vantage point from the top level of The Westin Riverfront Village’s easternmost point and affords you great views of the slopes of Beaver Creek, Game Creek Bowl, the Eagle River and beyond.
The Late Night Happy Hour at Lookout Bar is served daily from 7–9 p.m. now through the end of the ski season! Lookout Bar offers an easy, social vibe in the heart of Avon. Get your reservation at lookoutbaravon.com/happenings/.
Solaris presents AM.Radio Vail Après Ski
If you’re skiing down Bear Tree Trail on Vail Mountain mid afternoon on Saturday, don’t be surprised if you can hear the bass beat coming from town … It’s just another Saturday afternoon at Solaris with DJs spinning the tuned. Solaris presents AM.Radio Vail Après Ski from 2-6 p.m. outdoors in the plaza. Ranger Trucco, Kyle Walker and Sunnfors are bringing the party to Vail Village. This event is free and open to the public, just RSVP at chasingrabbitsvail.com. Come straight from the ski hill in your warm weather duds and dance in your ski boots if you dare.
Big Richard bluegrass band at Agave in Avon
Head to Avon’s music joint for Big Richard, an all-female Colorado based bluegrass band that regularly plays the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Delfest, Bourbon and Beyond, Jam Cruise and many other big festivals. This supergroup exploded on the music scene in 2021 and hasn’t looked back. The band consists of platinum recording artist Bonnie Sims on mandolin and guitar, Grammy and Emmy-winning cellist Joy Adams, Hazel Royer on bass and guitar and Eve Panning on fiddle. Check the band out here before they embark on the nationwide tour. Come on in at 10 p.m. or earlier for tacos and drinks. Tickets available at agaveavon.com.
