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How to Make this Valentine’s an Adventure to Remember with Vail Resorts
  • Top 5 Places to Propose at Vail Resorts
  • Mountain Itineraries for Romance Packages Starting at $147 per night
  • Ditch the Roses for Racing and the Chocolates for Cat Skiing
BROOMFIELD, Colo.–Jan. 25, 2013–We’ve compiled tips and deals for guests to make this Valentine’s Day a mountain getaway to remember at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado, and Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe. Using our guide below commitment seekers can hunt the best backdrops for getting down on one knee; lovebirds can plan a trip to remember with lodging packages and romantic itineraries that will make them want to break out the champagne; singles can escape Valentine’s Day and find the best après parties and opportunities to meet “Mr./Ms. Right”; and everyone can capture special moments with EpicMix Photo, which allows guests to get their photos taken by professional EpicMix photographers and share them socially on Facebook and Twitter.

Top Five Places to Propose at a Vail Resort

Mid-station Observation Deck, Heavenly
With the sapphire-blue water of Lake Tahoe as an inspiring backdrop for romance, Heavenly Mountain Resort in South Lake Tahoe has been the site for both proposals and weddings throughout the years. Heavenly’s Mid-station Observation Deck is an idyllic place for a proposal and is accessible to both skiers/riders and casual sightseers via the Heavenly Gondola in the Village. Inside tip: For the ultimate EpicMix photo of a memorable proposal at Heavenly, head to Ridge Run off of Canyon Express on the California side. www.skiheavenly.com

Mountaintop Snow Castle, Keystone
Guests can take a romantic getaway with their sweetheart at Keystone Resort. Perched atop Keystone’s Dercum Mountain, the mountaintop snow castle isn’t just for kids, but also kids at heart.Inside tip: Get playful and surprise your date with a gift hidden in the Kidtopia Snowfort tunnels, before you watch the Saturday evening fireworks and take in the nighttime views from the gondola.www.keystoneresort.com

Mountain Decks, Vail
Vail’s outdoor decks are a perfect locale to soak up some sun and enjoy a picnic for two surrounded by beautiful scenery. Inside tip: Henry’s Hut, located at the top of the Mountaintop Express Lift (#4) also offers an outdoor deck and grill along with a warming yurt. Belle’s Camp high above Blue Sky Basin not only offer stellar views but also public grills for guests to enjoy their own barbeque. www.vail.com

Village Ice Rink, Northstar
When Béla visited the Village at Northstar for the first time during Christmas 2011 with his girlfriend Breanna, he knew it would be a special place for a proposal. He waited two years until she graduated, for her father’s blessing. On New Year’s Day, while Breanna celebrated her birthday with family and friends at Mikuni restaurant, Béla told her he was sick, delaying his return from a trip to Philadelphia. He even sent her a false flight confirmation, and his mom sent her updates about his symptoms. Disappointed, Breanna’s mood soon lifted when she walked out of the restaurant and onto an ice rink covered with roses, candles, and Béla on one knee. The couple, who will be married in September, called their first trip to Northstar together an “incredible trip” to match the incredible journey of their relationship. Watch the video of Béla's proposal herewww.northstarcalifornia.com

Game Creek Restaurant, Vail
At Game Creek, Vail has taken fine dining to new heights. Literally. Located in Vail's scenic Game Creek Bowl, this European chalet is the perfect for a romantic, cozy dinner for two. Take a short ride up the Eagle Bahn Gondola to Eagle’s Nest, where you will be taken by snowcat to the restaurant. The magnificent setting is matched with a gourmet, multi-course meal and a superb wine list. This is truly a dining experience not to be missed, and the perfect place to propose. www.vail.com

Peak 8, Breckenridge
Earlier this season, Shea called the Breck team for help proposing to his girlfriend Hollie on her birthday trip. The day started with upgraded VIP parking at the base of Peak 8, complete with a welcome crew holding a birthday sign, and hot chocolate. The crew walked the couple to the Colorado chair, pointing out the special birthday message on the electronic sign boards in the base area. An already surprised Hollie emerged back from the mountain an engaged woman, to find the resort’s sign boards changed to congratulatory messages. www.breckenridge.com
At the couple's request a photo of newly engaged Shea and Hollie with the Breck team (right), was captured by an EpicMix photographer and uploaded to EpicMix.com.

Document your date or proposal without hiring a photographer
Nobody wants to bring friends along on a romantic date. With EpicMix professional photographers, guests can take free on mountain photos that can be delivered to their EpicMix account and shared with family and friends via Facebook and Twitter instantly. www.epicmix.com
Our EpicMix photographer captured this moment between Mr. Scott, and the future Mrs. Scott, Jan. 3, on Vail Mountain.
 
Best Mountain Packages and Itineraries for Romance

A Luxury Break in Beaver Creek
Morning: Couples ride up the Strawberry Park Express chairlift (#12) together, for a morning of privately guided snowshoeing around McCoy Park’s expansive terrain overlooking the valley. Before they embark on their snowshoe adventure, they'll strike a pose for the EpicMix photographer at the top of the chairlift to capture this special moment and setting forever.
Afternoon: A private picnic on the sun-soaked deck in McCoy Park, complete with champagne, followed by a stroll arm in arm through the village, ducking into the various boutiques and jewelry shops before strapping on ice skates for a romantic twirl on the ice rink. Couples can warm up with a cozy pomegranate cider at Toscanini, located next to the ice rink.
Evening: Couples snuggle up under the warmth of a blanket and soak in the stars while traveling to dinner by open-air sleigh ride. When they arrive at Beano’s Cabin, nestled in a quaint valley on Beaver Creek Mountain, they'll settle in by the crackling fire with a glass of Prosecco and toast to their love. Once seated at a romantic table for two tucked in the corner, they'll select five courses from options including oysters, fried rabbit, Colorado lamb and sinfully rich chocolate desserts, pairing dinner with a well-chosen wine recommendation from one of the expert sommeliers on staff. www.beavercreek.com

Beaver Creek Resort Properties offers up to 33% off lodging accommodations at The Pines Lodge A RockResort, The Osprey A RockResort and select Beaver Creek condo properties. This special package can also be customized at an additional cost to include discounted lift tickets, ski school and more. To book visit our Celebrate the Snow Sale.

Couples Cat Skiing in Keystone
Morning: Those looking for a little adventure to spice up the weekend should try Cat Skiing with Keystone Adventure Tours. Endless acres of powder and terrain while taking in breathtaking scenery with a loved one, is the perfect start to a romantic Keystone weekend. $240 per person (includes lift ticket, powder ski rental and lunch).
Afternoon: Lovers can indulge in a laid back lunch for two at the Inn at Keystone, before settling in for a Champagne & Chocolate Indulgence package at The Keystone Spa. Includes a 50 minute customized champagne massage, luxurious facial, and pedicure, glass of champagne and decadent truffle.
Evening: The weekend continues with dinner at the historic Ski Tip Lodge
, voted "best place for a romantic date” in the Best of Summit County, complete with a rotating four-course menu and celebrated service, including dessert served fireside. www.keystoneresort.com

Stay at The Keystone Inn: The Keystone Inn features majestic views of Keystone Mountain, a cozy martini lounge and rooftop hot tubs perfect for a soak under the stars after a long day on the mountain. Lodging at the Inn starts at just $147 per night.

Snow Sculptures, Spas and Snuggles at Northstar
Morning: Starting the day at TC’s Pub in the Village for a hot and tasty breakfast before making turns on the mountain. Stopping in for lunch and spectacular views of the Sierra Crest at the new Zephyr Lodge.
Afternoon: A romantic stroll in the Village to watch teams transform 20-ton blocks of pure, white Northstar snow into breathtaking masterpieces as part of the inaugural Carve Tahoe February 8-13, an international snow sculpture celebration, visit www.carvetahoe.com. Winding down with a couples massage at the Ritz-Carlton spa.
Evening: Wine tasting at Petra in the Village, skating on the 9,000 square foot skating rink, and a deliciously cozy couple’s dinner at Manzanita at the Ritz-Carlton. www.northstarcalifornia.com

Adventure Seeking at Kirkwood
Morning: Guets are invited to take a step back in time by enjoying breakfast at the quaint, historic Kirkwood Inn. From there heading to the slopes and backside of Kirkwood for an adventurous day on the mountain. For the thrill-seeking couple, there's Expedition: Kirkwood’s four-day Backcountry/AIARE Level 1 Camp from Friday, Feb. 15, thru Monday, Feb. 18. The Backcountry Camp is designed to teach aspiring backcountry travelers how to break away from in-bounds terrain and explore the areas beyond while partaking in the Avalanche Level 1 curriculum.
Afternoon: Soothing those sore muscles after a long day on the slopes with a therapeutic Body Slopes Massage by Karen and Ian in the Mountain Club Fitness Center. Body Slopes offers a variety of massage techniques, as well as access to hot tub, aromatherapy steam room and sauna for an additional fee. House calls for individuals and couples are also available. Open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., appointments are required by calling 209.258.AHHH (2444).
Evening: The colors of the sunset are at their most romantic while hiking along trails on a Sunset Snowshoe Trek at the Kirkwood Mountain Resort Cross Country and Snowshoe Center on Feb. 16. As the sun sets to the west, watch the alpenglow on Red Cliffs to the east on this romantic snowshoe trek. Reservations are required, and the $15 trek begins at 4:30 p.m. PST. www.kirkwood.com
 
Best 3 Spots to Mingle With Other Singles on Mountain

Try Chairlift Speed Dating, Keystone
Keystone wants to help singles find someone to share the mountain with! For those celebrating Valentine’s Day solo, head to Keystone for Speed Dating on the chairlift on Feb. 14. Inside tip: You may find love, but at the very least you’ll find someone to make some turns with! www.keystoneresort.com.

Unbuckle at the Tamarack, Heavenly
Rated as the No. 1 après ski party in North America by Forbes, Unbuckle is Lake Tahoe's highest elevation après ski party featuring music, drinking, dancing and the lovely Heavenly Angels go-go dancers. Inside tip: By day, head to Galaxy Chair on the Nevada side. The notorious two-seater is known for having one of the longest ride times on the mountain. Its old school charm, secluded location and stunning views, make it the perfect spot to mix and mingle with Heavenly’s singles.www.skiheavenly.com

Northstar’s Cupid Course Racing
On Valentine’s Day, guests are invited to participate in the Cupid’s Course Valentine’s Fun Race on the EpicMix Racing course. Both intermediate and advanced skiers and riders will be welcome to participate in this free course, with the first 100 people that race receiving a special Valentine’s Day commemorative pin. www.northstarcalifornia.com.  Inside tip: Get the blood pumping with your honey every weekend by racing each other on EpicMix racing courses.www.epicmixracing.com.
 
Black Diamonds are a Breck Girl’s Best Friend
While most women across the country are hoping for roses, chocolates and jewelry this Valentine’s Day, black diamonds are a Breck girl’s best friend (black diamond runs that is).  With 36 percent of the mountain’s terrain rated as expert, Breckenridge Ski Resort offers all a girl needs this ski season; from cozying up with her partner on the T-bar before linking some turns together in the bowls, to discovering the local favorite stashes on the south side of Peak 10, or the never-ending runs of the Peak 7 Bowl via the Imperial Express SuperChair, the highest chair lift in North America.
Not ready for the double-black diamond terrain just yet?  The Breckenridge Ski and Ride School is there to help guide and give pointers on navigating romantic runs such Sizzler, Forget-Me-Not and Rendezvous. Whether in the singles line or sitting close together on the E chair, men and women agree – they love Breck! www.breckenridge.com
 
Media Contacts
Vail: Liz Biebl, (970) 754-3001, ebiebl@vailresorts.com, Sarah Lococo, (970) 754-4528, slococo@vailresorts.com.
Beaver Creek: Jen Brown, (970) 754-5292, jbrown@vailresorts.com, Julia Littman, (970) 754-5169, jlittman@vailresorts.com.
Keystone: Laura Parquette, (970) 496-4107, lparquette@vailresorts.com, Tucker Vest Burton (970) 496-4065, tburton@vailresorts.com
Breckenridge: Kristen Petitt (970) 453-3210, kpetitt@vailresorts.com, Alyza Hetze (970) 496-7402.
Heavenly and Kirkwood: Russ Pecoraro (775) 586-4451, rpecoraro@vailresorts.com, Sally Gunter (775) 586-4461, sgunter@vailresorts.com.
Northstar: Jessica VanPernis, (530) 562-3866, jvanpernis@vailresorts.comBrooke Rose, (530) 562-8036brose1@vailresorts.com
Vail Resorts Corporate Communications: Kate Lessman, (303) 404-1871, klessman@vailresorts.com, Laura Kirby, (303) 404-6472, lkirby@vailresorts.com
 
About Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. The Company's subsidiaries operate the mountain resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada; Afton Alps in Minnesota and Mt. Brighton in Michigan; and the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Company's subsidiary, RockResorts, a luxury resort hotel company, manages casually elegant properties. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning, development and construction subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.comand consumer website is www.snow.com.

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