Sure, aspenglow hikes in the high country make fall in the Vail Valley worth savoring, but so are the deals to be had during shoulder season, when local businesses drop their prices or offer special packages to entice locals to spend some of their hard-earned summer cash while waiting for winter's high-season windfall. To that end, we sampled some of the best deals around.

Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch's Game Day Menu

The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch is upping the stakes for college football and NFL game days throughout the fall (Thursday through Monday evenings) with a $15 game-day menu that includes mahi, chicken, sirloin tacos, wings, a sky-high burger from Wyld, and a fall-leaf-sized pile of nachos served in a cast-iron skillet. Bonus: a draft beer, included in the price, to wash it down. ritzcarlton.com

Discounted Rates at Simply Massage 

For anyone in need of some hands-on R&R this fall, Avon's locally embraced massage studio is offering $10 off treatments during the off-season until Thanksgiving. simplymassage.com

Ski Swaps

If you're pining for a new ski or snowboarding set up at a fraction of ski shop prices (or have old gear you'd like convert to cash), consider heading to the Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy's annual gear swap, now in its 48th year, at Dobson Ice Arena in Vail. Lightly used (and oftentimes never used) alpine equipment can be had at a steep discount, with first-dibs tolled admission on Friday (Oct. 20, $5-$15) and free admission on Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 21-22). vailskiswap.com

For alpine touring, splitboard, and telemark deals, be sure to check out Cripple Creek Backcountry's Lionshead ski swap (Nov. 4-5, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.); through the end of October, turn in your old gear and receive 110% store credit towards any new equipment purchase.  cripplecreekbc.com

10th Mountain Whiskey's Industry Night

Locals (anyone producing a pay stub proving they work in the area) can kick back with 2-for-1 drink specials and discounts on merchandise (and bottles of booze) at 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits Co.'s Vail Village tasting room every Sunday evening throughout the fall (where a pop-up screen makes an appearance on football nights, too). 10thwhiskey.com

The Four Seasons' "Staycation" Package

Looking for all the perks of a five-star vacation without leaving the valley, or paying the price of a high-season tourist? At the Four Seasons in Vail Village, residents of Eagle, Summit, Pitkin, and Garfield counties can indulge in room rates starting at $155 for a 2-night minimum stay, or $195 for one night, along with a $50 resort credit from October 22 through November 16. Be sure to inquire about specials at the resort's spa and steakhouse, Flame, too.  fourseasons.com