The bucket list: 8 local tips for the 2015 World Championships

By Published On: May 5th, 2014Comments Off on The bucket list: 8 local tips for the 2015 World Championships
The crowd at the 2013 Birds of Prey World Cup at Beaver Creek. Kevin Krill

The crowd at the 2013 Birds of Prey World Cup at Beaver Creek. Kevin Krill

With this ski season wrapped up, the buzz around Beaver Creek and Vail is about the 2015 Alpine World Ski Championships scheduled for next February. So Ski Racing tapped into the community to get the insider’s guide on how to play in the Vail Valley. Here’s what the locals told us:

1: Après Avon 

Festival gathering in Avon this past February. Town of Avon

Festival gathering in Avon this past February. Town of Avon

The town that sits at the base of Beaver Creek will host an “Après Avon” party each afternoon of the Championships, featuring food trucks, beverages, free concerts and more. The Town of Avon is currently opening new businesses and undergoing renovation in preparation for 2015 but in addition to all the improvements, it’s a great place to loosen up the ski gear and hang with the locals.

 

2: Don’t Miss Minturn

The Minturn Saloon on a midwinter afternoon. Minturn Saloon

The Minturn Saloon on a midwinter afternoon. Minturn Saloon

Ever passed the exit for Minturn/Leadville while traveling between Vail and Beaver Creek? The old town of Minturn offers classic western charm. Grab a seat at the Minturn Saloon, order a margarita and soak up the events and personalities who have passed before. The décor says it all.

 

3: Hit the Slopes

Ski almost as far as you can see during the Championships. Vail Resorts

Ski almost as far as you can see during the Championships. Vail Resorts

Nearly all of the 7,000-plus acres of skiable terrain between Vail and Beaver Creek mountain will be open and accessible. You can catch first chair, take a few runs, and ski to the finish area in Beaver Creek, then hit Vail the next day before partaking in the nightlife festivities at Championships Plaza in Vail Village.

 

4: Seek Sports Beyond Skiing

Go ahead, give it a try. VisitVailValley.com

Go ahead, give it a try. It’s as easy as riding a bike. VisitVailValley.com

Just a few of the adventures around the Vail Valley include ski biking Vail Mountain at night; snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing in McCoy Park in Beaver Creek, the Nordic Center in Vail, or up to the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse off Highway 24; snowmobiling; and ice climbing.

 

5: Relax Around the Resort

Inside the Vilar Performing  Arts Center (VPAC). VVF/Zach Mahone

Inside the Vilar Performing Arts Center (VPAC). VVF/Zach Mahone

Need a break for your legs? Entertainment extends to catching a world-class performance worthy of Carnegie Hall at the acoustically and visually breathtaking Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek; dining on mountain at one of the many gondola- or sleigh-accessible restaurants, including The 10th, Game Creek, Beano’s or Zach’s; taking a break at one of many mountainside patios; ice skating, bowling and catching a movie within the resorts; or enjoying the all-in-one dining, movie and shopping options at Riverwalk in Edwards (just west of Avon and Beaver Creek). As a Colorado community, the Vail Valley is also part of the microbrewery tradition that has made the state famous. Crazy Mountain Brewery in Edwards, Gore Range Brewery in Edwards and Bonfire Brewing in Eagle are just three — grab a pint from the tasting room or take a growler to go.

 

6: Take Advantage of Intimate Access

Ted Ligety signs autographs for young fans at the 2013 Birds of Prey. USST/Doug Haney

Ted Ligety signs autographs for young fans at the 2013 Birds of Prey. USST/Doug Haney

While European host cities fill sold-out arenas with tens of thousands of spectators crammed into the finish area, the 2015 races are free to the public, and the crowd is friendly and spirited. Bus rides to and from the venue are part of the fun and there’s a chance you may even sit next to your ski racing idol. It also means better access to the racing action, and the athletes.

 

7: Discover Donor Privileges

VIP credentials give you unparalleled access to the World Championships experience. USSA/Jesse Starr

VIP credentials grant unparalleled access to the World Championships experience. USSA/Jesse Starr

Starting at the $2,015 donation level with Silver VIP access, several options are available for different levels of exclusivity during the Championships. Team Vail is the Vail Valley Foundation/2015 Championships’ highest level of involvement, as well as the most exclusive. Benefits of this package, which comes at a donation level of $200,000, include credentials and hospitality tickets for the VIP tents and viewing areas at all races, participation in opening ceremonies and other festivities during the Championships, a pair of handcrafted Zai skis, course previews with athletes, the opportunity to ski with a legend, exclusive dinners, access to the best parties and more. Other donor benefit packages, including the Team USA ($125,000 level) package, also offer the opportunity for five-star lodging accommodations, VIP parking, and private invitations to other events throughout the weekend. Donor packages allow for the most access and the most memorable, personal 2015 experience possible. Click here for all donor options.

 

8: Pack Your Cowbell

Marco Sullivan's fan club sure knows how to command the finish area. USSA

Marco Sullivan’s fan club sure knows how to command the finish area. USSA

The 1989 and 1999 championships in Vail/Beaver Creek offered the access and the best of the Vail Valley, but lacked the podium wins for team USA. With Lindsey and Mikaela locally, and Julia, Ted, Bode, Andrew and others gaining wins and attention across the globe, the red, white, and blue will be flying. Fan clubs are welcome in high numbers —  can anyone top Marco Sullivan’s?

This article originally appeared in Issue 12 of the digital magazine here

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About the Author: SR Staff Report