Since 1982, this race/party has attracted such ski greats as Billy Kid and Franz Klamer, and celebrities like Kelsey Grammer and Gloria Estefan. They and other skiers compete in slalom events and the popular downhill to help raise money for different charity causes. This is an ideal event for anyone interested in seeing celebrities and former ski pros in person. Also make sure to check out the Mountains of Hope benefit dinner and auction for some fun and excitement after the races. So enjoy a great meal, pick up some new items and do your part for the foundation. All of the races are free to spectators.

This is Vail's quintessential gallery for finding art that both captures and defines the feel of Colorado and the southwest. It offers both traditional and contemporary works, and unlike many other galleries in the valley, harbors a refreshingly down-to-earth atmosphere. Southwest paintings, wildlife-themed sculptures, turn-of-the-century Indian photographs, rustic furniture accessories, and wall hangings are all on display. Walt Wooten, Melissa J. Cooper, and Bunny Oliver, known for her impressionistic-like paintings, are some of this gallery's more noted western artists. See website for online galleries, event calendar and more.

While this museum focuses mainly on the sports Colorado influences, it also, in many ways, details the history of skiing itself. Its shelves and walls are packed with more than 1,500 photos and artifacts touching upon Olympic and World Cup events, Colorado's famed 10th Mountain Division, and even the recent evolution of snowboarding. Gazing at photos of the Vail Valley when it was nothing but a sheep farm in the late 1950s will make you yearn for the gift of foresight. See website for visitor info, event calendar, online gift shop, Hall of Fame details and more.

Led by local historian Neil Reynolds, who dresses in a long black cape and a top hat so as to resemble something out of an Edgar Allen Poe short story, this tour creeps through Leadville's famed Evergreen Cemetery. The tour pauses before gravestones as Reynolds dispenses tales about some of those who are buried, including John W. Booth, the alleged cousin of Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth. Keep a keen eye out for the strange blue lights that haunt the cemetery, or for the bronze elk statue whose head has been reported to turn. Admission is USD10.

Only in a major ski resort town can a ski swap take on the heady significance of being classified as a huge yearly event. This swap has been running for over 30 years, and evolved from being a nice idea to the largest ski swap in North America. People line up for hours outside the Dobson Ice Arena's doors so as to get first stab at the generous stock of skis, boots, snowboards, ski pants and parkas, goggles, gloves and more. All proceeds go to Ski Club Vail, which supports youth ski programs. See website for details.

Considering the grueling nature of this race, it is amazing that it has become a regular fixture in the Leadville winter scene. Listed as an extreme event, the race follows a 20-mile course that loops around and over Lake Turquoise. The course, astonishingly, crests at 11,370 feet, and overall requires 2,700 feet of climbing over a semi-tamped course. As confirmation to the ardent nature of this event, all snowshoers must start with 20 ounces of fluid and 200 calories of food. This race starts on Saturday at 10am.

Brink Outfitters is your one-stop outpost for everything fun on and around Sweetwater Lake. Whether you're here for horseback riding, camping, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking - or just to breathe some fresh mountain air, Brink will set you up with all the equipment, advice and accomodations you need. And the on-site restaurant Diamond Jack's will keep you well fed. See website for photos and more.

Come to Adventure Ridge for a day full of snow-fluffed fun. Kids will love playing laser tag or riding miniature snow mobiles. Wait until after you bungee-jump to have a snack on the deck, then go for some leisurely ice-skating. You can also try ski-biking, one of the newer activities offered at resorts. There's even a club that opens up at night. Take the Lionshead Gondola to reach the park; if you wait until after 2p, it's a free ride.

Since 1988 staff at Charter Sports have been providing visitors with top of the line sports equipment and service. With several locations across Vail, Beaver Creek and Avon, this shop allows adventurers the opportunity to bike, ski and snowboard without the hassle. The Vail Cascade Resort store will accommodate any rental inquiry you have. Equipment is available for the entire family, kids and adults. Group reservations are accepted. Call or check out their website for more details.

The closest ballooning company to Vail is also its oldest and most reliable. Balloon America takes its job to lift you far above the surrounding landscape seriously, boasting an accident-free record to calm those nervous about flying. Want luxury? The Alpine Adventure tour features champagne served in Riedel glassware and soft leather seats to relax in during your ride. Regular tours start at USD185.