The Agenda: Week of January 2
Looking for something a bit out of the ordinary? Nappy Roots brings their unique rap style to Agave for a Saturday night gig on January 7.
Image: Courtesy Nappy Roots
Happy New Year to everyone and our best wishes for a healthy, productive and fun 2017. If you are going to do one thing to kick off 2017 this week we’d say wax up your skis or snowboard and hit one or both of the mountains, because the forecasts are in agreement: expect snow!
But powder days are only one reason why we all live here and with the next ten days poised to deliver in the snow department, it’s nice to have some options for off-snow activities when your legs start to cry and you can’t buy another turn. The first week of 2017 delivers, with a nice variety of diversions, from live shows to bonfires to walking tours.
Did you know that a single mature tree can produce enough oxygen for 10 people to breathe in a year? Discover this and other fun facts about trees on the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens' self-guided snowshoe trail.
Mix up the skiing (or get the non-skiers outside) on Wednesday (Jan. 4) with a self-guided free snowshoe tour hosted by the folks at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Snowshoes and hiking poles are available free of charge (although they’d love it if you make a donation), and the tour takes participants at their own pace through the gardens and their winter tree trail. At the end, wrap up your excursion with a hot chocolate or warm cup of tea while in the educational center, where you can learn a bit more about the alpine environment you’ve just witnessed first hand. Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Jan. 4. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, 522 S Frontage Rd. East, Vail Village.
From gondolas to high-speed quads to straight skis and tight pants to Pepi's and the Red Lion, the Colorado Ski & Snowboard museum covers it all when it comes to the history of Vail. Learn more about the town and check out the museum's exhibits with a guided historical walk through the village on Friday (Jan. 6).
Image: Courtesy Vail Resorts
If snowshoeing isn’t quite your thing, but you still need a reason to stretch those legs outside, then Friday’s history walk through Vail Village hosted by the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum will not only provide a bit of exercise and some fresh air, but will bequeath a whole new understanding of the people and places that helped make Vail what it is today. Too busy this Friday? Don’t worry: the tours happen weekly through March 31. $5 per adult for tour or $7 per adult for both the Museum & Historic Vail Village Tour, 1 p.m., Jan. 6. Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum, 231 S Frontage Rd. East, Vail Village.
Minturn's annual Christmas Tree Bonfire is a chance to close out the holiday season as well as score some free hot chocolate.
Also on Friday (Jan. 6), there’s another chance to say goodbye to the holiday season in spectacular fashion as Minturn hosts the town’s annual Christmas Tree Bonfire. This free event takes place in Little Beach Park, (drop off trees in advance directly to the upper parking lot at the park), and includes free hot chocolate. 6 p.m., Jan. 6, Little Beach Park, Minturn.
Finally close out the week on Saturday (Jan. 7) with something completely different, thanks to Nappy Roots, an American alternative Southern rap quartet from Bowling Green, Kentucky. Given Colorado’s predilections for jam bands, bluegrass and the plethora of guy with a guitar après ski entertainment found in the valley, Nappy Roots’ distinctly urban influences and their innovative rap sounds make for a welcome break from the usual musical fare found in these parts. Big thanks to Agave for hosting the event, and mixing it up a bit. $16 advance/$18 day of show, 21 + only. Agave, 1060 W Beaver Creek Blvd., Avon.
