Here comes the summer sun... Or is it rain?

Marina Egorov – The Bag and Pack Shop, Vail, Colorado


Finally we have had some rain up in these mountains, much awaited and we are most grateful! Things are green, blooming and beautiful all around. Plenty to do and this week's weather is back to the standard summer fare. Cooler temperatures in the mountains, high 60s to 70s, and the usual possibility of afternoon thunderstorms. 


Though the raising of fire restrictions from Stage 2 (current fire ban) to Stage 3 (limit on any and all backcountry activities) is unlikely as of right now; fire risk remains a possibility. Hikers, campers and all forest users are asked to be careful and wary as we are still in a state of drought. Fishermen and anglers are also concerned with the rising water temperatures. These can stress the fish, causing diseases; and fishing the streams exacerbates this stress. Fishermen are asked to fish early in the morning, fish higher up in the drainage and keep a constant eye on the water temperature to avoid long term negative effects. A voluntary or even mandatory fishing ban is not off the table. 


This last weekend launched the ticket sales for the next summer event series: the Vail International Dance Festival. Featuring world famous dancers and specially choreographed pieces, a performance in this series is not to be missed. With seated and lawn options for tickets, why not pack a picnic and bring a group of friends together for a cultural evening?

View a highlights video from 2011's festival in the above video. Buy tickets and view performance details here. Performance passes, including 9 lawn tickets and 9 drinks from the bar are also available!


We hope to see you at our Vail and Avon locations soon - new summer wear and sale winter wear and gear still available. Why not stock up on some half price Patagonia Capilene for this winter? 

4th of July week in Vail

Marina Egorov – The Bag and Pack Shop, Vail, Colorado


With 4th of July falling midweek this year, what better time to take a full week to enjoy the life our mountains have to offer. Escape the city heat (somewhat) and come up to Vail for some summer fun.


Due to the extremely dry conditions and fire bans, both Vail and Avon fireworks events have been cancelled. I am sure we can all understand why with wildfires raging around the state! More info on fire restrictions can be seen in the release from the Forest Service here.


There is still plenty to celebrate on the 4th of July in the mountains. The Vail America Days parade starts at Golden Peak at 10am, moves through the village and concludes in Lionshead at about noon. Always fun to watch, it is the region's largest Independence Day parade and promises entertaining floats/acts such as the Lawn Chair Drill Team. Avon's celebrations in Nottingham Park are also still on, barring the fireworks of course. Starting at 5pm, free concerts, beer garden, paddle-boarding and kids activities promise to make it a memorable 4th. 


Tomorrow's (Tuesday's) Hot Summer Night concert features Martin Sexton, a soulful guitarist with an acoustic style. Get a taster of what to expect from him below. These concerts are free and hosted at the Gerald Ford Amphitheatre at 6.30pm. 

As for the Bag and Pack Shop, we plan to celebrate the 4th in style - by holding a sale for all you wonderful folks. 20% off storewide (on non discounted merchandise only) on the 3rd and 4th of July. Come and get it!


Mountain bike fans, fond of flying down steep drops, over rocky outcrops and off breathtaking jumps; will be glad to hear of the opening of Radio Flyer, a new trail on the western side of the mountain. Not quite as intimidating as the original of the same name, the trail boasts a thrilling ride for the intermediate downhill rider. Built in partnership with the Forest Service and IMBA, Radio Flyer is constructed using techniques that allow water to run off the trail itself, so it lasts longer and helps prevent severe erosion. I know we are gearing up to try it out!


Finally, make sure not to miss the Bravo concert this Sunday, part of the Vail Valley Music Festival series. "A fusion of two art forms", it pairs the fabulous talents of the Philadelphia Orchestra with a team of aerial flyers, acrobats, dancers and more in a show called Cirque de la Symphonie. Whether you prebook amphitheater seats (probably a good idea for this one!) or picnic on the lawn; this will be an unforgettable event. Tickets and info are available online.