Uncover the Magic of Ski Racing and Holiday Fun

Ski Racing at Beaver Creek

From Friday through Sunday, the Stifel Birds of Prey Audi FIS Ski World Cup competitions take place on the Birds of Prey course in Beaver Creek. Jon Resnick's courtesy photo showcases the action. This weekend marks the first of two weekends of ski racing on the slopes. The world's fastest men and women will descend upon Beaver Creek. On Friday, the downhill race begins at 11 a.m., followed by the super G race on Saturday and the giant slalom race on Sunday. Next week, the women's teams will compete in two races. You can take advantage of being able to view the race in person for free. Head up early to Red Tail Stadium for music, drinks, and concessions. Park at the base lots and take the free shuttle buses to Beaver Creek Village. From there, hop on another free bus to Red Tail Stadium. This year, snow conditions allow for ski-in, ski-out access. Take the Centennial Lift (No. 6) and then the Red Tail trail to the race venue. After the races, exit via the Birds of Prey lift (No. 9) from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. or ski down to the base via Dally Trail.

After the races, head back to Beaver Creek Village for post-race fun. Birds of Prey Way offers a musical mix of DJs and live bands. The Beers of Prey event features a mini beer tasting at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Don't miss autograph signings with the U.S. Ski Team on Friday from 3 to 4 p.m. at Gorsuch and a Ted Ligety signing at the Kjus store at 4:30 to 6 p.m. On Saturday, Eagle County local River Radamus will do an autograph signing at the Celsius booth from 4 - 5 p.m. Keep the party going at the Vilar Performing Arts Center. On Friday, check out "75" commemorating the 75th anniversary of the iconic Warren Miller films at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Colorado favorites, Big Head Todd and the Monsters play on Saturday night, but it is already sold out. For a full schedule and more information, go to BCWorldCup.com.

Christmas on Broadway in Eagle

Eagle gets into the holiday spirit with its annual Christmas on Broadway parade and celebration on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Broadway and the surrounding streets in downtown Eagle will be shut down. You may see Santa in the parade and meet your friends and neighbors, area businesses, and nonprofit groups cruising down Broadway with their holiday-themed floats. Earlier in the day, enjoy the Jingle Jog 5K and Kid's Fun Run presented by Mountain Tots Preschool at 10 a.m. Want to get your photo with Santa? He will be at an igloo from 2 to 4 p.m. next to Wishes Toy Store. Throughout the day, sample Wassail and support local businesses as part of the Wassail Fest celebration. Area businesses have put forth their best Wassail recipes, and you get to judge which drink tastes the best. Afterward, stick around and do your holiday shopping, grab dinner, and soak in the small-town holiday fun. For more information, go to EagleOutside.com.

Minturn Tree Lighting

The town of Minturn's Tree Lighting takes place on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. This year, it is extra special as it is held in conjunction with First Fridays, a new event started this fall. First Fridays invites people from all over to celebrate the businesses and restaurants of Minturn. The Wee Dram has big plans with tents featuring kids' activities like painting wooden ornaments and decorating cookies, real Lebkuchen, Stollen, and Gluhwein. The valley's authentic Bavarian entertainer, Helmut Fricker, will bring on the cheer. With spiced apple cider, egg nog, a fire, hot cocoa, s'mores, and the Chi-shack food truck serving brats and pretzels. Head over to Holy Toledo for the tree lighting where Mountain Harmony will do some caroling, there will be Christmas-themed holiday trivia, and a reading of "‘Twas the Night Before Christmas." Following the event, check out the Winter Magic show at The Barn featuring youth aerial students aged 9 - 13 years old performing an aerial act along with experienced adult aerial and acrobatics performers. There will be shows at 5 and 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, The Barn and Bat Country Studios will house the Winter Holiday Market from noon to 4 p.m. with many favorite vendors from the summer market and a few more from around the region. Shop local and find unique gifts. For more information, go to Minturn.org.

Vail Après

The holidays are here, and if you want to dine in a unique way during this festive season, attend the Kris Kringle Farm to Table Dinner at Donovan Pavilion on Friday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Enjoy holiday vendors and Santa roaming around. At 6 p.m., sit down for a multi-course dinner dreamed up by renowned chefs. Exquisite wines from the Paso Robles region will be expertly paired with each course. Tickets are $150 per person and available on Eventbrite. Also, part of the Vail Après experience are the ice skating shows. These short but action-packed demonstrations of strength and grace take place on the ice. The talented skaters are from international, world, and Team USA groups. On Saturday at the ice rink at Arrabelle in Lionshead, the first show is at 4:45 p.m. and the second at 5:30 p.m., lasting about 15 minutes. Smile with Santa is scheduled on Sunday between 3:30 and 5 p.m. Get a photo with Santa, and your free photo can be printed at Kringle Crossing and shared digitally. Also on Sunday is the Vail Village Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. near the Children's Fountain between Pepi's and Lancelot. There will be live music and more Santa sightings. For more information on these events and more, go to DiscoverVail.com.

Alpine Art Center's Holiday Market

This year, the Alpine Art Center in the Riverwalk in Edwards promotes giving handmade gifts. Dozens of artists will show their wares at the Holiday Market held in the Alpine Arts Center studio from Friday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. You can find potters, painters, jewelers, a crochet expert, and chocolate. For more information, go to AlpineArtsCenter.org.