At the top of Vail Mountain, just steps away from the Eagle Bahn Gondola, sits an unassuming yurt that houses this interesting nature center. Opened in 2000, it is accessible year-round and features a variety of exhibits and classes to teach visitors about Vail's natural environment. During the summer, you can explore the hillsides and learn about the ecosystem, while the winter programs include exhilarating snowshoe hikes through the mountain terrain. It is a great choice for nature-lovers of all ages, as the range of activities truly allows you to explore at your own pace.

One of the most exciting snowboarding events in Vail, The Session brings you the sports most elite athletes competing on firework illuminated mountains completely swamped by screaming fans watching the riders battle it out for a huge top prize payout. It would be tough to match the atmosphere of this event with all the street parties, concerts, and of course the mind boggling skills of today's top riders. This is a must see event for snowboarding enthusiasts, or really anyone who likes to have a good time. For further information regarding specific event times please see their website.

Voted the #1 Spring party in North America by Skiing Magazine, Spring Back to Vail brings you two weeks of music, partying, and late season skiing. The Vail Mountains will get one last burst of energy before all the snow melts with free concerts from national headliners, street parties, and snow top events that include the crowd favorite Pond Skimming, which incorporates skiing and snowboarding, Halloween, and people brave enough to try and defy the laws of physics by coasting over freezing cold water on their skis or snowboard. For further information regarding specific event dates and performers please visit the Spring Back to Vail website.

"Red sky at morning, sailor's warning / Red sky at night, sailor's delight," runs an old verse. One might add on: A Red Sky design, for golfers divine. That rhyme not good enough for you? Then you'll have to experience the two par-72 courses, created by Tom Fazio and Greg Norman, and come up with your own. Pro or amateur, these beautiful greens are sure to give you the perfect level of challenge. An on-site golf academy and two restaurants round out the offerings. The course is private, but people staying at some nearby accommodations can go; call for more details.

The Piney River Ranch offers a complete retreat for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, snowmobiling and hunting form the core of summer and winter activities at the ranch. They have log cabins, cottages and teepees for rent, and a restaurant on-site. Guests can also camp for a fee. They even welcome weddings for those who want Mother Nature to be their cathedral! See their website for all pricing information.

Nova Guides has the best activity schedules for both summer and winter. During the warm season, try out rafting or fishing in the rivers, or go Jeeping, mountain biking, or ATV riding. You can even have a game of paintball. During the winter, get out on a snowmobile or dogsled, or take a tour on a snowcat. Call or visit their website for pricing.

Meet the Wilderness is all about kids entering and exploring the natural world. Their focus is on underpriveleged youth, although they handle every kind of group from local and national areas. They rely entirely on charitable contributions; see their website for more information on helping out or organizing a group.

Lakota River Guides has over 40 skilled specialists ready to show you the mountainous scenery near Vail and Aspen. White-water rafting trips are available at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. In addition to the rafting, there's tours by jeep and Hummer, as well as night-vision tours with high-tech goggles. Call or visit their website for pricing details.

Don't worry about a thing; Gravity Jones will outfit you and your family with proper and quality skis, helmets, boots, poles and clothing to make your ski adventure the best. Located at the Vail Transportation Center you can get your stuff and catch a free shuttle to your favorite snow mountain. If you like to use your own equipment they also offer equipment storage so you don't have to carry your stuff around when you're checking out the rest of the city. Check out their website for deals and ski packages.

Having gotten its start in 1994, the owners and guides of Gorsuch Outfitters Fly Fishing since then have been providing quality services in Vail and Edwards, Colorado, as well as around the world. They are proud to say they are some of the world's best guides when it comes to fly fishing and will give you the best fishing experience. They offer guide packages for overnight, private ranch, winter, saltwater and float fly fishing. They also run a camp for kids and a women's fly fishing club, while offering lodging and angler packages. They have to outfitter stores so you can stock up before your outing in Edwards and Eagle, Colorado. Check out their website for more details.