Summer Activities Vail Valley
Bachelor Gulch Summer Activity Guide
Red Sky Ranch
Though the Rocky Mountains are known for some of the best skiing in
the western world, lesser known and equally amazing are the Rocky
Mountains as a golfing destination. Colorado's Vail Valley is home to
more than a dozen world-class golf courses. The guests of Ritz-Carlton,
Bachelor Gulch enjoy special privileges and access to many of the Vail
Valley's private Golf Clubs including the Fazio and Norman Courses at
the exclusive Red Sky Golf Club, recently rated in "Top 100 Courses to
Play" by Golf Magazine. An exclusive facility offering two championship
courses. Guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch will enjoy preferred
tee times on one of the Red Sky Golf Club courses each day (expected to
rotate every other day). The courses are visually separated by Bellyache
Ridge, a wildlife corridor, and offer dramatic views of Castle Peak and
Game Creek Bowl of Vail.
Tee times for all courses must be confirmed through theRitz-Carlton
Golf Concierge. To book a tee time call the Golf Concierge, Monday -
Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (MDT) at (970) 343-1133.
Beaver Creek Golf Club
When Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed this remarkable 18-hole
championship course, his challenge was to actually enhance its stunningly
beautiful Rocky Mountain setting. After experiencing Beaver Creek,
we’re confident that you’ll agree that he was successful. The course
begins and ends at the edge of picturesque Beaver Creek Village, winding
its way along the resort’s namesake creek. The Club is known not only
for its natural beauty, but also for its narrow fairways; excellent and
consistent playing conditions; and top-notch service.
Sonnenalp Golf Club
The 7,100-yard championship links style course of the Sonnenalp Golf
Club is perfectly located in the sun drenched valley of Edwards, 13 miles
west of Vail Village. This down valley location gives our members and
guests an extended playing season stretching from late March to early
November. Site of the 1987 USGA Boy's Junior Amateur, the Sonnenalp
Golf Club has been recognized by Golf Digest magazine in their "Top
100 Resort Courses" and consistently ranks as one of the state's top three
courses in Colorado Golf Magazine.
The Bachelor Gulch Spa at the Ritz-Carlton
Restful and soothing, The Bachelor Gulch Spa captures the essence of its
alpine surroundings with the polished rock, stout wood, and flowing
water in its interiors. The rock grotto with a lazy river hot tub is a
defining feature. The beauty of the outdoors is harnessed here, from the
peaceful atmosphere to the treatments that utilize ingredients indigenous
to the region. Alpine berries, Douglas fir, and blue spruce sap are just
some of the natural components of the exceptional signature treatments.
Special attention is paid to skin parched by the high-altitude setting, and
treatments like the boot and glove relief and fun-in-the-mud nourish and
cleanse skin. Escape to a place where the pure mountain air and the
enduring wilderness inspire renewal. The Bachelor Gulch Spa at The
Ritz-Carlton features 19 treatment rooms, manicure/pedicure salon,
relaxing saunas and more.
Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch Fitness Center
Certified personal trainers are on hand to assist during workouts or to
provide customized one-on-one training. Classes are available in the
center’s aerobics room daily with classes such as Step Aerobics, Body
Sculpt, Kickboxing, Yoga and Pilates. The Fitness Center at The
Bachelor Gulch Spa brings the outdoors inside with beautiful views of
Beaver Creek Mountain and the Vail Valley. The cardiovascular room
includes top-of-the-line Life Fitness elliptical trainers, treadmills, step
machines and stationary bicycles. All cardio machines are equipped with
flat panel screens and DVD players so guests can listen to a CD, watch
television or a movie. Complimentary headphones are available.
Nutrition consultations are also available.
Tennis
If you enjoy a match on the courts we have our own tennis courts here at
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. Four outdoor expertly maintained clay
Tennis Courts are on site and available for use at the Bachelor Gulch
Club Tennis Center. You can take a private lesson or you can join in the
group activities that are offered daily.
Fishing
Minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek flow some of Colorado’s finest
trout waters. With thousands of fish per mile, wade trips allow the
opportunity for any angler to leisurely wander the banks dissecting each
pool, riffle and run along the way. Wade trips also provide an
opportunity for more specific instruction. Float fishing offers extensive
coverage of remote stretches of rarely fished water. This trip is a mix of
the serenity and beauty of a river trip and the excitement of fly fishing.
Combining two trips into one, anglers have the opportunity to fish from
a boat or wade secret areas not easily accessed by other anglers.
White-water Rafting
Whitewater Rafting is one of Colorado's most popular summer
activities… And for good reason! When the snow starts melting in the
high country, river enthusiasts come alive! A great way to discover the
excitement of the mountains and to view the stunning scenery is to go
white water rafting. White water rafting is a popular sport here in the
summer and will provide an adrenaline rush or a leisurely float. There
are different trips that you can do ranging from class 1(beginner) to class
5 (expert).
Horseback Riding
Act like a cowboy and go horseback riding for the day. A short ride will
take you back a hundred years to the peaceful, romantic times of
cowboys and mountain men. All levels are catered for and you can
choose different length trips. Catch glimpses of deer and elk in aspen
groves and wild-flower filled meadows. There is also an option to show
off your skills on a Western Performance ride, or participate in a Cattle
Drive.
Jeep / Hummer Tours
Experience the magic of the Colorado Rockies with a four-wheel drive
Jeep or Hummer tour. Guides will take you to elevations as high as
12,000 feet on trails meandering deep into the White River National
Forest. Get a bird's eye view of the Gore Range, Sawatch Range, Red and
White Mountain and Mount of the Holy Cross. Enjoy a morning trip
with lunch, an afternoon trip with snack, or a spectacular sunset
adventure.
ATV Tours
Climb aboard for a fun filled adventure on your own four-wheel drive
ATV while exploring the White River National Forest. Negotiate your
way through mountain streams and climb our trails through alpine
meadows filled with dazzling wildflowers at elevation highs of 12,500
feet. ATVs are available both guided and unguided. Along the way you
will experience the historic Camp Hale area, four different mountain
ranges and the Continental Divide. Ride through beautiful alpine
meadows with wild flowers, rushing brooks and a chance to spot wildlife.
Hot-Air Ballooning
Soar high into the skies for a bird’s eye view of the Colorado Rockies.
This is the perfect way to see the mountains from a completely different
perspective. A balloon ride is great for a family outing or a romantic trip
for two. You can either do a full excursion or a taste of ballooning.
Mountain Biking
Escape into the Rocky Mountains on a mountain bike. Pedal with ease
on gravel trails through historic Camp Hale, following the headwaters of
the Eagle River, or meander at your own pace down a paved Vail Pass
path. Stop and take pictures along the way of fields filled with
wildflowers or catch a glimpse of local wildlife. Guided tours are also
available, providing transportation to and from the tour spots.
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to keep fit and experience the mountains first hand.
View the flora and fauna of our countryside and take in all the fantastic
views. Beaver Creek and Vail Mountains are open in the summer
months for hiking with marked trails and printed trail maps,. You could
also join in with a group for a hike in Beaver Creek. Guided hikes are a
great way to learn about our environment as all of the guides are a mine
of information. And alternatively we can arrange for a private guide for
you and your family or friends to get out and explore this vast, beautiful
area.
Bi-Plane Tour
Step back in time to experience that “golden age of aviation” in a Rocky
Mountain bi-plane. The plane seats two passengers side by side in the
front cockpit for the ultimate romantic adventure. This is an opportunity
to fulfill a lifelong dream, and see the Rocky Mountains in a truly unique
way.
Beaver Creek Village and Mountain
Beaver Creek village is a hub of excitement in the summer with
shopping, dining and activities. They have a bungee trampoline, a
climbing wall, an outdoor ice skating rink, mini golf, and the Centennial
chair lift will be running starting Memorial Weekend. At the top of the
mountain Spruce Saddle offers volley ball, mountain bike rentals,
Colorado Croquet, picnics, hiking, horseshoes and an orienteering park. -
a great way to spend a few hours or the whole day without venturing too
far.
Vail Village and Mountain
Vail is happening any time of year! Adventure Ridge in Vail provides
activities in the summer as well as the winter. They have mountain
biking, hiking, rebound trampoline, mini golf, a dino dig for the little
‘uns, orienteering, laser tag, BMX course, disc golf, lawn sports and a
discovery centre. Browse the Vail farmer’s market on select Sunday
mornings or pay the Minturn market a visit on Saturday mornings.
Alternatively you can relax in the Betty Ford Alpine gardens or learn
about the history of skiing in the Colorado Ski Museum.
Beaver Creek Rodeo Series
Experience a traditional Western Rodeo at our local Rodeo grounds. Eat
at the BBQ, watch the cowboys, join in the fun, see the petting zoo, have
a pony ride and partake in a little shopping. Rodeos are held every
Thursday evening from June 14th through August 16th (excluding August
2nd). Gates open at 5.00pm for pre-event festivities.
