Mountain Living Examiner

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Kristi Pittman - Mountain Living Examiner

If you live in a mountain community, the term “mud season” is used in frequent conversation. At the end of ski season, as the official 1^st day of Spring hits the calendar, the snow has begun to melt and the streams turn mucky. Hence the term “mud season”. While the year round residents revel in the sudden lack of tourist, the businesses struggle to stay afloat. What does this mean to those who are here and visit? Incredible discounts on everything!

The sporting goods stores may have offered a 30% discount in March, but by May they have drastically reduced their prices. Space is a premium, so room must be made for the bikes, canoes, kayaks, backpacks and everything essential for the summer sporting season. 

The resorts and hotels offer excellent deals on rooms during this time.  Why not take your significant other for a romantic getaway at one of the valley’s finest addresses? Try the Minturn Inn, where off-season rates are between $99-$229/night.  Another favorite, the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. While you're there, you can play a round of golf and treat your wife to a treatment of two at the Allegria Spa.

Have you ever wanted to dine at one of the premier restaurants in town, but couldn’t afford $150 a head? No problem! These restaurants offer three and four course meals for $30-$40 a person. You should not pass up the opportunity to eat at a few of the greats: Sweet Basil (Vail) 3 courses for $37; Grouse Mountain Grill (BC) – 3 courses $36.00; Kelly Liken (Vail) 50% off all food and selected wines and cocktails; Larkspur (Vail) – 3 courses for $39 and 50% off all bottles of wine; and La Tour (Vail) 50% off all entrees & 25% off all bottled wine.

Even the restaurants you frequent run specials. Top picks: Masato’s Sushi & Japanese Bistro (Avon) 20% off total food bill; The Gashouse (Edwards) 30% off all entrees;  Bagali’s Italian Kitchen (Vail) has $9.95 pasta specials, 2 apps for $10, and 30% off bottles of wine; or Matthew’s (Edwards)- 30% off everything and $5 mussels and martinis for happy hour.

Need pampering at it’s best? Treat yourself to a steal at the finest spa’s in the country. At Rock Resorts Spa at The Arrabelle (Vail) you will receive 30% off all treatments and a $25 gift certificate toward you next treatment. Another favorite, Allegria Spa at the Park Hyatt in Beaver Creek, has a Spring Bloom package through June 4^th. Or treat yourself to the best massage in town at Simply Massage. A one-hour treatment will run you $54 through the end of May.

Don’t forget about the golf enthusiast! Did you know that non-members can play the short course at the prestigious Cordillera Club? Contact the prop shop for tee times and rates. The course opens the weekend prior to Memorial Day.  The Eagle Vail Golf Club is currently offering 10 holes for $35, including cart.

Even if you’ve never been to Vail Valley before take a look at what you are missing. A new website gives you a realistic look at our valley, restaurants and stores, in real life time. It is called EveryScape Vail Valley.  So if our majestic views and glorious weather is not enough to entice you alone, come enjoy the finest in mountain living at a discount.