Vail Cascade Blog

The guide to finding a suitable teacher?
He or she will have three simple but rare qualifications.

• They practice yoga themselves.
• They have a good teacher themselves.
• “They care about you and are not arbitrarily imposing standardized practice philosophy or culture on you. Such a person can show you the yoga that is right for you…the teacher is a friend.” - Mark Whitwell

Get to know your teachers off the mat
Read short biographies about your teachers and learn about their lives when they are not teaching yoga. You’ll gain a true insight into the person.  Aria Athletic Club & Spa is pleased to have a plethora of outstanding yoga instructors, on and off the matt.  Here’s a short bio from each of our instructors. 

LIBBY MAIO
"My love for nature and outdoor activities brought me to Vail in 2000. I enjoy all the benefits of living in the mountains and believe in compassion and love for all living things. I have been teaching yoga for over ten years in the Valley living in East Vail with my boyfriend and dog Daisy. I strive for a higher sense of self-awareness through the practice of meditation, non-judgment, love and gratitude."

KAREN ANDERSON
"I have been teaching yoga since 1999.  My classes combine the internal and external alignment of my teacher Richard Freeman with the hatha raja vinyasa of yogi Sri Dharma Mittra.  A student of Buddhist meditation, I enjoy annual month-long silent meditation retreats.  I’m a backpacker, telemarker, and travel addict. I will teach with an open mind and a sense of humor."

SALLY BECKER
"I am a jewelry designer, ski instructor and a certified Purna Yoga instructor. I am hosting a teacher training this fall in Vail and plan on moving to Redmond, Virgina to be closer to my teacher."

MARGEAUX CANDLIN
"I am a registered yoga teacher / registered nurse, and teach a vinyasa based yoga practice that focuses on maintaining healthy physical alignment and traditional yogic philosophies. My goal is to help others move with strength and grace in mind, body, and spirit. I am also passionate about being outdoors and enjoying the mountains."

BETH ESSER
"As a Yogafit Certified Instructor, I have had the opportunity to share the gift of yoga with all walks of life, both here and abroad. I believe that yoga is for everybody and every body. It has allowed me to re-ground, re-energize, and re-connect, both with my Self, and nature. Yoga has helped me to become a nicer person. I strive to give students what they need individually, so that they can leave class feeling better, than when they walked in. We do yoga so that we can do the other things we love better and onger. I love my dog and husband who I have bonded deeply with since practicing yoga together."

ELENA GEORGOUSES
"I have been a student of meditation and yoga for over 30 years. I have been teaching the 6am yoga classes at Aria since 1999. I have studied with many master teachers in both the Buddhist and yogic traditions and my classes are always different reflecting participants’ requests, work body and mind, and emphasize the power of direct observation and attention. I have two children and have been a clinical social worker counseling and coaching in the Valley since 1993."

TARA GOKIE
"I am a mother of two and an artist and jewelry maker at home.  I have been a school teacher for the past twelve years, especially indulging myself as an art teacher.  I recently finished my master's degree in art education from Boston University. If not teaching art, you can find me in the yoga studio.  I hope to see you soon on the mat for a rocking good time!"

COLLEN KEY
"I was born and raised in New Orleans Louisiana, Geaux Saints. I love to cook and entertain friends with her favorite fiancé as much as possible. I also enjoy reading about yoga, spirituality, health, balance, food, community, love and US weekly (I has a thing for celebrity gossip). Come one Come all to yoga and begin or continue your inner revolution."

MARLEY KINCEL
"I have found physical healing and a deep connection to my own breath through yoga, as well as so much more.  I began teaching in 2009 after completing her 200 hour training in vinyasa flow.  I am continuing to study with love, and practice all disciplines of yoga.  I also love to share “the best gift you could ever give yourself."

JAN LIVERGOOD
"I have lived in Vail for 33 years.  I have my own practice of acupuncture and have been practicing for nearly 15 years. I have enjoyed yoga since 1994, starting in San Diego with a Richard Freeman master (Ashtanga). I enjoy anything outdoors, skiing, biking, golfing, hiking, and beach activities." 

TRACY LONG
"I have lived in the valley for the last ten years and feel so dang lucky. My days are full of skiing, biking, hiking, swimming, blending smoothies, playing with my doggies and taking and teaching yoga. Biggest Strength: I genuinely like other people, Biggest Weakness: Cheese or Chocolate (so hard to choose!)"

LINDA OSTERBERG
"I have a deep love of life, being active, spending time in nature and learning. I am always looking for ways to keep it fresh. For 30 years I have owned and run Mountain Frame in Vail. I am 500RYT and believe 'the guru does live within'."

CHELSEA WINTERS
"I was born in Colorado but grew up on the East Coast in New Jersey and New Hampshire. After moving back to Vail in 2008, I fell in love with the Vail Valley all over again.  My passion is health and wellness, with a hearty appetite for good vegetarian food, wine, travel and anything outdoors. I’m recently married and when not teaching yoga I work as a real-estate broker for Slifer Smith and Frampton." 

Hatha-Raja Yoga Class with Charry
The Aria Yoga Program is happy to welcome back Charry Morris! Please come enjoy a class which will include breath work, vinyasa style yoga in the tradition of Dharma Mittra, deep relaxation, but most of all, laughter and friends. We can’t wait to see old friends and meet new ones!  All levels welcome.

• June 29, 4-6-m
• July 5, 5:30 pm
• July 7, 11am-1pm 

Don’t forget to start your day with a clear mind and relaxed body. Namaste!

Libby Maio
Yoga Supervisor
Aria Yoga Program

Samples from our new menu include a fantastic, heaping Kale BLT Salad with avocado, red onion, tomatoes and blue cheese with a delicious bacon vinaigrette - pairs nicely with a Belgian Wit, like the Avery White Rascal or Hitachino Nest White currently on our list- or the Pan Seared Boulder Trout with black lentil ragout, golden lentil puree, stewed peppers & shaved fennel - pairing very nicely with a White IPA, like Deschutes Chainbreaker on our list, and the Devil’s Food Cake with housemade strawberry ice cream and vanilla anglaise…delightfully blends with a Vanilla Porter, like Bonfire Vanilla Porter or Breckenridge Vanilla Porter…both currently on our list. Come check it out! 

Inquiries and reservations are coming in for our inaugural Sip, Savor & Brew Weekend June 28 & 29^th with Dry Dock and Prost Brewing Companies! Do you have your seats booked yet? Remember that you can reserve your spot for the weekend of craft beer programming for just $69 without lodging, and also still book the Small Plates & Craft Beer Pairing as an individual event. Still – the lodging package is pretty spectacular and I know you deserve an escape weekend to the mountains! For more information, check out our website, or call/email me.  I’ll be happy to assist you. 

Thanks a ton to Shag from Avery for treating our guests and locals to treats this afternoon. It was a busy, busy evening, and I don’t think anyone had time to breathe….but they certainly sampled some amazing Avery beers! Avery White Rascal, Karma, IPA, the entire Holy Trinity lineup + Avery’s 20^th Anniversary IPA. Shag most definitely rocked the house! 

Next Wednesday look forward to visiting with Elizabeth Kagan from Firestone Walker – mark your calendars now! I’ll update the Atwater on Gore Creek facebook world when I know exactly what she’s planning to bring. Fireside Bar, 4:30 – 6:30pm, Wednesday…with $2 slices of pizza to boot! 

Thanks also to Sarah and the team at Left Hand Brewing Co. for sponsoring the first Aria Club member BBQ at the pool! It was a beautiful day to be drinking Left Hand Juju Ginger…(maybe “Good Juju” now)…in the sunshine and play in the water. Members also were psyched to taste Stranger American Pale Ale, Sawtooth ESB, 400 Pound Monkey, and Milk Stout. A wonderful time was had by all! 

One new rotation happened on our list this week, and our new craft beer is:

Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar, Newport, OR 

The Craft Draft options are on the edge of rotating, so you can expect the first changes to happen this weekend or the first of next week. For now, though, at this minute, the Craft Draft Flight remains: 

• Hofbrau Hefe Weisse
• Alaskan Amber
• Eddyline Crank Yanker IPA
• Bonfire Tent Pole Porter
• Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider 

I’m off to “SAVOR, An American Craft Beer Experience” in New York City this weekend, and will be sure to bring back an amazing experience and tons of new information for our program! 

Have a fantastic weekend!

Laura Lodge
Craft Beer Program

• Eagle’s Loop: Short ridge-top loop with great views of Mount of the Holy Cross. 1 mile (1.6 km) 15-20 minutes. Level: Easy  
• Lower Fireweed: Beautiful wooded trail between Adventure Ridge and Mid-Vail. 1 mile (1.6 km) 30-40 minutes. Level: Easy  
• Berrypicker: Starting at Lower Fireweed, this intermediate trail winds down from Mid-Vail or Adventure Ridge to Vail Village or Lionshead. Picnic at Minnie’s Deck along the way. 4.6 miles (7.4 km) 2-3 hours one way. Level: Intermediate  
• Grand Escape: This trail offers an alternative hiking experience with spectacular views and makes a great loop with Ridge Route. 1.5 miles (2.4 km) 1.5-2 hours one way. Level: Intermediate  
• Kinnickkinnick: A wooded trail connecting Ridge Route at Wildwood and heads to Mid-Vail. 2 miles (3.2 km) 2 hours. Combine with Ridge Route: 3.4 miles (5.5 km) 3.5-4 hours one way. Level: Intermediate  
• Ptarmigan Loop: Scenic trail through shaded woods connecting with Ridge Route at Wildwood to Ptarmigan Point and back. 1.2 miles (1.9 km) 30-40 minutes. Loop with Ridge Route: 4 miles (4.2 km), 2.5-3 hours. Level: Intermediate  
• Ridge Route: Intermediate ridge climb from Adventure Ridge to Wildwood and back with spectacular views. 1.4 miles (2.3 km) 1.5-2 hours one way. Level: Intermediate  
• Sunlight: Beautiful trail connecting Ridge Route and Kinnickinnick at Wildwood, finishing at Patrol Headquarters. 1.5 miles (2.4 km) 1 hour. Length with connecting trails varies: 3.5-4.5 miles (5.6-7.2 km) 2.5-3 hours one way. Level: Expert Bad  
• Simba: Steep single track trail with switchbacks winding through trees and meadows, eventually meeting up with Berry Picker. 75 miles (1.2 km), 1-1.5 hours one way. Level: Expert  

After a good hike in Vail, treat yourself to a massage or body treatment. Aria Spa & Club at Vail Cascade Resort brings mind, body and spirit into balance with pampering treatments guaranteed to help you relax or rejuvenate. Or savor the experience as you toast to great memories with a craft beer at Atwater on Gore Creek. However you define the perfect ending to the perfect day, Vail Cascade has you covered.

So go ahead, indulge and find a new altitude with a great hike in Colorado - you deserve it!

Photo credit: Hiking in Vail

One Tough Mudder Buffet in Colorado

Heed your belly's call and join Atwater on Gore Creek's Kitchen Warriors for one tough mudder buffet pre- and post-event. For only $14.95, indulge in worthy dishes like the Power Up Penne Pasta, Coliseum Competitor Caesar Salad, Machine Maker Garden Fresh Green, Broken Leg Garlic Bread Sticks and more. The buffet will be served from 6pm-8pm Fri., June 14-Sat., June 15. Check out the Tough Mudder buffet in Atwater and make reservations by calling 970-479-7014.

Sudsy Rewards

If you consider a sudsy pint a fitting reward, then prepare to have your cup runneth over. Home to the Vail Valley's most diverse selection of craft beer, Atwater on Gore Creek and Craft Beer Program Creator, Laura Lodge, have assembled a marquee batch of brewmasters to cool off with this summer. From Brewmaster's Weekends and complimentary Wednesday Craft Beer Tastings to a new Sip, Savor & Brew experience, Vail Cascade serves up the suds and sustenance while Vail doles out the outdoor inspiration. For a complete listing of June craft beer events, check out our Vail event calendar.  

Cicerones in the Making

Anyone can pop a cap and pour a craft beer, but only a Cicerone Certified Beer Server (CCBS) can expertly guide patrons that need help ordering a great craft beer. The Cicerone Certification Program offers independent assessment and certification so that industry professionals—as well as consumers—can be sure of the knowledge and skills possessed by their beer servers. In Atwater on Gore Creek, there are several servers enrolled in the program and slated to earn certification this summer. So next time you're dining on property ask to speak to a CCBS for an enhanced craft beer experience at altitude!

For more information on our dining events in Vail, check out our event calendar of dining deals in Colorado or call 970-479-7014.

A lot is going on in preparation for the first Sip, Savor & Brew Weekend on June
28^th & 29^th!  Attached is the menu for the Small Plates & Craft Beer Pairing event with Bill Eye from Prost and Kevin DeLange from Dry Dock on Saturday from 6 – 7:30pm. And here it is: 

Prost Kolsch
Roasted Jidori Chicken
grilled watermelon, granny smith apple BBQ

 Prost Altfränkisches Dunkel
Duck & Shiitake Mushroom Spring Roll
chili maple aioli, grilled lime

 Dry Dock Bligh’s Barleywine
Smoked Beef Brisket
parmesan texas toast, vegetable skewer, plum almond BBQ

 Dry Dock Apricot Blonde
Honey Goat Cheesecake
goat cheese ice cream, apricot /thyme coulis, spiced pecans

More tastings and pairings happened this afternoon with the beers for the Cheese & Charcuterie Brewmasters’ Seminar on Saturday afternoon.  The culinary team is really amping up for a terrific weekend!

Keep in mind that you don’t have to book the whole lodging package in order to experience the Sip, Savor & Brew weekend with us. You can get an event pass for just $69, inclusive of tax and gratuity. That includes “Meet the Brewmaster”, two Brewmasters’ Seminars, Small Plates & Craft Beer Pairing, informal Fireside discussions, and a craft beer dessert each evening. However, an escape craft beer weekend in the mountains has a nice ring to it, and the package price with lodging is as low as you’ll ever see it. More information can be found here, or you can also call or email Laura for help. Don’t forget to mention your SOCIAL membership when you book your lodging for a free upgrade!

Onward with more events! Thanks to Sarah Hautamaki from Left Hand Brewing Co. for showing her Left Hand lineup for our Wednesday Craft Beer Tasting this week. Guests were loving the Good Juju and Milk Stout, with the Stranger American Pale Ale and Sawtooth ESB as favorites as well. Wake Up Dead Imperial Stout garnered extra credit points for the busy 2 hour period.

Next Wednesday prepare your palates for Avery Brewing Co.! Fireside Bar, 4:30 – 6:30pm, Shag is coming up to treat you, and we don’t know what’s in store for us yet. Check the Atwater on Gore Creek facebook page for more information…

Aria Club is holding its first Member BBQ for the summer next Tuesday, and would like to thank Sarah and Left Hand Brewing Co. for their sponsorship! Held out by the pool at Aria, the BBQs are always a not-to-miss event, with food, beverages (Left Hand!) and a ton of fun for members and their families. It’s been a goal for our craft beer program to have craft brewery presence & support for these special events, and we thank all of the breweries for their support!

We continued with more Cicerone Beer Server Certification review sessions today, and have a new Certified Beer Server in the house! I’m hoping to have several more by the time this email comes out next week, so stay tuned…

Flights and Bites continues to offer 50% off the small plate of your choice when you purchase a Craft Draft Flight between 3 & 6 pm daily. The current flight – although the rotation is coming up soon! – is as follows: 

• Hofbrau München Hefe Weisse
• Alaskan Amber
• Eddyline Crank Yanker IPA
• Bonfire Tent Pole Porter
• Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Cider

Come join us for the Mountain Games and enjoy the sunshine! The best way to recover from a full day of events is to relax in Fireside or out on our cool patio overlooking the pool and Gore Creek…with a fantastic craft beer, of course.

Thank you so much for your support!

Laura Lodge
Craft Beer Program

Starting this month, travelers bound for Vail can visit www.VailCascade.com on Monday to browse and book that week's featured promotion, discount or add-on guest perk. The offer will vary each week and range from free nights, free parking or waived resort fees to package deals, spa and dinner discounts or complimentary upgrades - to highlight a few. Guests that book any FORTY8-Hour Sale promotion can expect to save big on the best available rates.

"Our goal for the FORTY8-Hour Sale is to help people start off their week right by helping them add an affordable getaway in Colorado to their calendar," said Brett Schoenfield, general manager of Vail Cascade Resort. "By offering up great savings, bonus perks and freebies in Vail, any day - even Monday - can be a great day."

Just like the morning coffee ritual, the FORTY8-Hour Sale will post at 8am every Monday on www.vailcascade.com and can be booked only through 8am Wednesday.

Some restrictions apply.

Join us for our first Sip, Savor & Brew on Gore Creek on June 28-29, 2013 at Vail Cascade, featuring Dry Dock Brewing and Prost Brewing.

Small Plates & Craft Beer Pairings:

• Saturday, June 29 at 6pm
• $25 per person
• Atwater on Gore Creek
• Kevin DeLange, Dry Dock Brewing Co.
• Bill Eye, Prost Brewing Co.
• Vail Cascade Culinary Team

CRAFT BEER PAIRED MENU:

• Prost Kolsch: Roasted Jidori Chicken grilled watermelon, granny smith apple BBQ
• Prost Altfränkisches Dunkel: Duck & Shiitake Mushroom Spring Roll chili maple aioli, grilled lime
• Dry Dock Bligh’s Barleywine: Smoked Beef Brisket parmesan texas toast, vegetable skewer, plum almond BBQ
• Dry Dock Apricot Blonde: Honey Goat Cheesecake goat cheese ice cream, apricot /thyme coulis, spiced pecans

For more information or reservations, please call 970-479-7014. Check out all of our craft beer in Vail events.