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Taos Vacation Rentals and Ski Resort Travel Planning

Taos Vacation Rental in New Mexico

Discover a Skiing Gem in New Mexico’s Taos Region

Situated in the northern part of the State of New Mexico, the town of Taos anchors a region which attracts ski enthusiasts from around the world. While Taos may not be a name as recognizable as some famous ski towns, there are ample gifts from nature in the area and an abundance of opportunity rewarding both expert and novice skiers and snow boarders who elect to explore the area, including incredible views and uncrowded, well-groomed slopes.

Are you planning a Ski Vacation?

Taos vacation rentals and ski packages throughout the North Central Region of New Mexico are considered to be some of the most affordable when considering ski resort accommodations that do not deprive visitors of pampering and luxury. The Taos area has several distinct ski areas – Taos Ski Valley, Red River ski area, and Angel Fire ski area. Other winter sports include snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling. Wheeler Peak at 13,161 feet dominates the area, and is the highest mountain elevation in New Mexico. Ski Magazine rates it the fourth most challenging mountain in North America.

According to New Mexico Magazine, the Taos Ski Valley area has a one to one ratio of expert to beginner/intermediate terrain, and is home to the highest rated ski school in North America. The variety of terrain at Taos Ski Valley attracts ski enthusiasts of all ability levels. The ski area includes a Children’s Center for those new to skiing or working on their skills. The legendary steeps of Taos Ski Valley offer an expert ski experience unmatched at any other New Mexico ski resort. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also available throughout the surrounding Carson National Forest. Guided snowmobile tours are conducted nearby on private land.

When the snow falls, Red River Ski Area becomes a winter wonderland with excellent skiing and snowboarding as well as an extensive list of related activities. The fun is affordable and accessible. Red River Ski Area offers top notch youth and adult programs for all abilities and budgets. Even expert skiers will find challenging ski trails to hone their skills at one of three terrain parks. For those who don’t want to stop when the lifts close, the ski area offers snow tubing and snowmobile tours.

Angel Fire Resort offers a terrific Rocky Mountain ski and winter activity experience for families, outdoor enthusiasts and groups. Situated at a 8,600-foot elevation that keeps snowfall fresh and dry, Angel Fire features stunning views of the New Mexico countryside. Visitors can choose between skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, tubing, Nordic skiing, sleigh rides, snow blades, ice fishing and more. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve the resort hosts torchlight parades to celebrate the holidays.

In the town of Taos, there are many excellent restaurants that offer incredible Southwest cuisine, along with charming shops, museums, and more. Taos can be reached by car or by air through Albuquerque, which is served by multiple airlines from Houston. A vacation to the Taos area will delight skiers of all skill levels, and is sure to earn a place on your don’t miss list.

If you are planning a ski vacation check out some of our past popular articles featuring ski resort areas in Vail, Breckenridge and Summit County, Shenandoah Valley, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Virginia Ski Vacations in The Blue Ridge Mountains

Winter is on our heels which means its time to start planning your next Ski Vacation. Featuring winter ski resort destinations, is a popular theme on Rent It Today’s blog, as a result of all the related winter rental resources found at RentItToday.com. Today’s Travel Destination article takes us to the Shenandoah Valley, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in Virginia.  There are two great ski resorts in Central Virginia, Massanutten Ski Resort and Wintergreen Ski Resort.

Blue Ridge Mountain Ski Vacations

Stan Horst, owner of Cabin Creekwood, is an expert when it comes to planning a Virginia ski vacation in the Blue Ridge Mountains…

Virginia Ski Vacation RentalsIt always amazes me when I talk to folks who think they have to go to West Virginia, or even further north, to find great skiing.  There are quite a number of ski resorts in the Southeastern United States, including a great option right here in Central Virginia.

Wintergreen Resort, voted “Best Ski Resort” two years running by the Washington Post, boasts 24 trails and 8 lifts with a total vertical drop of 1,003 feet.  The longest run is 1.4 miles long.  Trails from beginner to expert ensure you’ll have slopes to fit your experience level, and their lift capacity of 9,200 per hour helps to cut down wait time so you can ski more. Wintergreen has a number of lighted trails for those who enjoy night skiing. New to skiing?  Their “Guaranteed Learn To Ski & Ride” program for ages 6 and older promises that by the end of your first lesson, you’ll be turning, stopping, and riding a lift like a pro.  If not, you’re welcome to repeat the lesson at no charge.  Lessons are also available for all ages and skill levels, so if you’d like to improve your skiing or snowboarding skills, this is the place.

Other winter activities include a terrain park with rails, tabletops, spines, and hips for those wishing to learn or hone their freestyle skills.  The Plunge Tubing Park is Virginia’s largest tubing park, where riders zoom down a ten-story hill at speeds reaching 30mph, then relax while the conveyor transports rider and tube back to the top for another run.  Ridgely’s Fun Park is the perfect place for children to play in the snow, including a more gentle tubing slope.

After a day in the snow, rejuvenate your body and spirit at the Wintergreen Spa.  Services include massages, body wraps, skin care treatments, and nail care.  The Aquatics and Fitness Center provides cardiovascular and strength workout opportunities, plus additional ways to relax with heated pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas.

When you’re hungry and looking for a place to eat, you can choose from the casual Copper Mine Bistro, the Devils Grill, the Edge Restaurant, or take a short drive to the Stoney Creek Bar & Grill.  With all these options, you’re sure to find something you like.

There are plenty of lodging opportunities within the resort, but for those folks wanting a quieter getaway away from the crowds, Cabin Creekwood, located just 3 miles from Wintergreen’s entrance, provides fully furnished VA mountain cabins. These cabin rentals in Virginia provide all the comforts of home while helping you to escape from the routines of life, and enjoy the great outdoors without roughing it.  Choose from a pre-Civil War log cabin all the way to a modern mountain home.  With sizes from one to three bedrooms, Cabin Creekwood can accommodate groups of varying numbers, at prices significantly less than you’ll find in the resort.

The best way to enjoy winter sports for less is to visit midweek and to stay at Cabin Creekwood.  Prices are lower for both your lodging and your lift tickets, and the crowds will be much smaller, making your time on the slopes more fun and productive.

Whether you are looking for ski resort vacation lodging, interested in renting a snowmobile, or need ski equipment rentals, Rent It Today is a great resource for planning your next ski vacation.

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Vacationing in Summit County: Colorado’s Winter Playground

Have you hit the slopes yet this ski season?  If not, consider heading to “Colorado’s Winter Playground”.  This second part to our series on Colorado travel and vacation destinations features the ski resorts and towns of Summit County, Colorado.

Breckenridge, Colorado in Summit County

Breckenridge, Colorado

Summit County is Colorado’s Winter Playground

It’s not hard to understand why Summit County is Colorado’s most popular ski and snowboard destination.  Boasting the four world-class ski resorts of Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, and Copper Mountain, Summit County is Colorado’s hot spot for winter sports.  Plus, the multitude of lodging and shopping options in the towns of Frisco, Silverthorne, and Dillon make planning a vacation to Summit County affordable and convenient.  So, exactly what can you expect from a trip to Summit?

Limitless Skiing Options: Each Summit County ski resort offers its own claim to fame.  With a summit elevation of 13,050 feet, Arapahoe Basin boasts the highest ski-able terrain in all of North America.  Expert and advanced skiers & boarders appreciate the resort’s 25% of terrain devoted to double black diamond trails, mixed with another 25% of black diamonds.  Beginners, however, might prefer Breckenridge’s dedicated beginner trails.  Among its four peaks, Breck has some great beginner spots right alongside its own technically challenging ski and snowboard trails.  Additionally, Breckenridge not only holds the honor of winning Summit County’s award for best ski resort, it also features the highest chairlift in North America.  The largest ski resort in Summit County, Copper Mountain sports expert bowls, terrain parks, and more than 2,400 acres of thrilling skiing and boarding.  It’s no wonder Copper was voted Summit County’s best snowboarding mountain in both 2007 and 2008.  Terrain parks are no joke at Keystone either.  Keystone’s A51 Terrain Park was ranked #4 in all of North America by Transworld Snowboard Magazine.  Plus, with night skiing, hike to bowl skiing, and a range of terrain devoted to skiers and boarders of all levels, Keystone is a popular Summit County choice.

Snowmobile Rentals:  Take a break from the slopes and enjoy the expansive back country trails throughout Summit County with snowmobile rentals.  ATV and Snowmobile Rental companies, like Colorado Backcountry Rentals, offer snowmobiles for both single and double riders.  When it comes to renting snowmobiles in Summit County,  you’ll find knowledgeable outfitters convenient to the popular ski resorts and mountain towns of Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone , Dillon, and Frisco.

Convenience: Summit County’s close proximity to Denver is just another reason why it’s such a popular ski destination.  Just 70 miles west of Denver, Summit County is easily accessible from the Denver International Airport and is a straight shot via I-70.  Fly into Denver, rent a limousine, and take the short trek to your ski resort destination in style.  While each ski resort has its own amenities and lodging options, the nearby mountain towns of Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne also provide top notch lodging and convenience options.  Between Victorian Main Street shopping & dining in Breckenridge, a galore of Outlet Factory Stores in Silverthorne, and all the local bars & entertainment venues throughout the county, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy when you’re not hitting the slopes.

Colorado’s Playground:  Summit County has been coined Colorado’s playground for good reason.  Powder days provide plenty of reasons to celebrate all winter long.  And, Summit County certainly knows how to celebrate.  There’s always something exciting on the calendar to anticipate and partake in true Summit County style, from Breckenridge’s International Snow Sculpture Championship to the Keystone Winter Culinary Festival.   Of course, Colorado’s playground wouldn’t be complete without tremendous lodging options that offer all the comforts of home but with a spectacular Rocky Mountain backdrop.  Condos, townhomes, and large vacation homes fill Summit County with choices for every traveling group, including friends, couples, and large families.  Whether you are traveling to Breckenridge for your dream ski vacation, staying in  Keystone, planning a holiday trip to Dillon, or visiting the neighboring  mountain town of Silverthorne, you will find the perfect ski-in/ski-out condo, luxury home, or cabin for your vacation. Plus, rental options make traveling easy. Choose to pack light and rent everything from your ski equipment to your baby’s playpen once you get to town.  If you are disabled and in need of a transportable wheelchair, powerchair or mobility scooter rental in Colorado there are several reliable companies with experience in accommodating your needs.

Remember, the snow is falling in Colorado.  Why not explore the place that gives you the option of four world-class ski resorts, convenience, easy access, and plenty of lodging options?  Once you get to Summit County, you won’t know how you got through winters without visiting this gem in Colorado .

Travel Resources and Rental Companies Servicing Summit County, Colorado:Timberline Vacation Rentals in Summit County

Vacation Rental Management Companies:

Snowmobile Rental Companies:

Winter Sports & Ski Equipment Rental Companies:

Baby Equipment Rental Companies:

Medical Equipment Rental Companies:

Limousine Rental Companies:

  • Denver Limo Inc. provides ski transportation out of Denver, see their Breckenridge, Colorado limo rental listings here

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Vacationing in Aspen and Snowmass Colorado

With peak ski season approaching, it’s a great time to feature some of the popular Ski Resort Areas in Colorado.  Today’s featured vacation destination is Aspen, along with neighboring ski destination Snowmass Village.

Aspen, Colorado: photo courtesy of The Denver Post

Aspen, Colorado: photo courtesy of The Denver Post

While winter weather gives us many reasons to stay indoors and retreat to the warmth and comforts of home, the folks in Aspen & Snowmass have a different idea.  Travel to these Western Colorado towns and it’s quickly apparent why winter weather is not only an incentive to get outdoors, but is also reason to celebrate in the glamorous fashion that makes Aspen and Snowmass famous.

The Glamor, On and Off the Slopes: It’s no secret that Aspen has been called Colorado’s Hollywood.  While designer shops, trendy hotels, and spectacular nightlife create the scene in the town of Aspen, it’s the mountain itself that is truly glamorous.  With 673 acres of skiable terrain, numerous technical trails specifically groomed for advanced and expert skiers, and some of the best ski conditions in all of Colorado, Aspen stands out among the elite Colorado’s ski towns for several reasons.  First, the exclusive nature of Aspen is its blessing.  The mountain’s average of three people to each skiable acre isn’t a statistic you’ll find at many other ski resorts.  Second, skiers reign supreme in Aspen.  While nearby Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk are open to boarding, Aspen Mountain’s more advanced runs make it more of a draw for serious skiers.  And, for those who are truly serious, that’s just another reason to celebrate.  Finally, Aspen’s prevalence of advanced and expert terrain keeps beginners at bay, meaning less chance that you’ll have to adapt to crowds of children or beginners.  Translation: you can get down to business.

The Mystique: Sure, Aspen holds a reputation of being a posh, stylish community that is geared more toward the affluent skier.  While many visit Aspen due to these traits, Aspen is still just a small mountain community at heart.  In fact, Aspen holds dear to its small town roots, first established in 1947.  So while you’re sure to find shopping and dining, you’re also guaranteed to witness a real Old West town filled with friendly people and stunning views.  The mountain literally rises from downtown and is surrounded by the beauty of White River National Park. Yet it’s not the beauty and the prestige alone that bring visitors to Aspen.  A season packed with winter events will keep you entertained from day into night.  As the host for the ESPN Winter X Games for the eighth year in a row, Aspen has proven that its average of three hundred inches of snow each year is dependable.  In addition to other competitions such as the Aspen/Snowmass Open and the Colorado Freeride Championship, Aspen also teams with Bud Light to host the free Hi-Fi Concert Series throughout the winter season.

Snowmass Colorado Ski Vacation Rentals

Snowmass Colorado

The Limitless Opportunities: If you’re a skier, you certainly have options in Aspen and Snowmass.  Retreat from the groomed trails to be the first to ski untouched black and double-black diamond trails.  Or, pick from a palette of steep, bumpy, or tree-lined runs.  To mix things up, head to one of the other nearby mountains and multiply your ski terrain by three, choosing from trails at Snowmass, Buttermilk, or Aspen Highlands.  Of course, Aspen boasts plenty of activities that will occupy the non-skiers in your group as well, from snowshoeing to guided tours to nightly entertainment.

The Luxury: Chances are your travel plans bring you to Aspen because you truly want to get away in the luxury of a world-class ski resort.  The hustle and bustle of everyday life needs to be placed on the back burner, and there’s no better place to retreat than Aspen and Snowmass.  Plenty of Aspen vacation rental options offer accommodations that are not only affordable, but are also as luxurious and posh as the town itself.  Ski to lifts from Aspen condos, or relax by the fire in your mountain townhome.  If you have a bigger crew traveling to the area, consider renting a large Aspen vacation home that will include all the standard domestic comforts and give you the additional amenities of a pool or hot tub.  Renting also can make your trip to Aspen and Snowmass hassle-free and convenient.  Once you get to town, you’ll be able to rent all the services & equipment you need, from mobility scooter rentals, medical equipment for rent, Limousine Services, ski poles, and snowmobiles to baby equipment.  So, pack light and let renting allow you to live the life of convenience in Colorado’s most exclusive mountain town.  But be warned: Aspen’s glamorous lifestyle has been known to be addictive.

Aspen and Snowmass, Colorado Rental Companies & Service Providers:

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