Summer

#VailBen Dispatch 10: My Favorite Spots for Summer Apres and Vail Happy Hours

Jul. 21, 2014

Benjamin enjoying a late afternoon strudel at Alpenrose.

Apres Ski is as much a part of Vail culture as actual skiing. But just because the snow melts doesn’t mean the sunset parties stops.

#VailBen Dispatch 9: Learning About The Mountain—and Myself—at Adventure Ridge

Jul. 15, 2014

Benjamin (left) at the top of the China Bowl.

Adventure Ridge isn’t kids stuff.

I learned this the hard way last Saturday when I made my way up to Eagle’s Nest for a day of activities at the top of the mountain.

Adventure Ridge at Vail

Jul. 14, 2014

Ropes course in colorado

Ziplining, ropes courses, biking, hiking, horseback riding, great food, unbelievable views…there are so many reasons to ride up Vail’s Eagle Bahn Gondola to visit Adventure Ridge at Vail.

#VailBen Dispatch 8: Fourth of July in Vail is Better Than Candy

Jul. 9, 2014

Benjamin in front of the Vail Resorts float, “Vail Welcomes the World.”

Behind a tall chain-link fence in the subterranean garage of the Lodge at Vail sat a giant beach ball—bigger than any beach ball I’d ever seen. Painted to resemble the Earth, it would eventually sit at the center of a Fourth of July float titled “Vail Welcomes the World.” As the float’s mastermind, Vail Resorts’ Bobbi Titter, was giving me a tour of this makeshift workshop late last week, she admitted she was a bit concerned. The blue and green beach ball might be too big, she said. When upwards of 30,000 people lay eyes on your Vail America Days parade float, there is a lot one worries about.

#VailBen Dispatch 7: Tips For Taking the Best Instagram Photos in Vail

Jul. 5, 2014

Photographer Jack Affleck suggests shooting into the sun.

Photographer Jack Affleck suggests shooting with the sun at your subjects’ backs.

Part of my job as the winner of America’s Best Summer Job in Vail, Colorado is to give all my friends major FOMO.

What is FOMO, you ask? Well, it is that modern syndrom unique to social media users stuck behind their desk while their friends show off on some fantastic summer vacation. FOMO is: fear of missing out.