Summer in Colorado is always a wonderful time especially in the mountains. Many areas have evolved to all season resorts and one of my favorites is Vail! The gang looks raring to go at “Adventure Ridge” up at 10,000′. Summer in the mountains is taking on a whole new feel with Vail’s Epic Discovery. With Adventure Courses, Ziplines, a Mountain Coaster, Tubing Hills, a Climbing Wall, Bungee Trampoline, and much more, the options are endless.

My daughter took this shot while on a morning hike. There were a few piles of snow still on the mountain last week.

Downtown Vail has all the appearance of an Austrian alpine village. You can even taste a few Austrian delicacies at Pepi’s in town. Click on the link for Pepi’s amazing story!

The sounds of Gore Creek accompany you on the Nature Center Trail.

I never tire of walking in the enchanting Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. It is the highest alpine garden in the world.

Vail is alive with beautiful flowers in the summer!

The Vail Valley is a food lovers mecca for fine cuisine. The valley from Vail down to Edwards is filled with great restaurants from quick bites to high cuisine. Beaver Creek has a number of rustic cabins on the mountain offering transportation and great dining. I’m having dinner on the terrace at White Bison in Vail.

Fun at the Sunday Vail Farmer’s market.

The girls learn about painting from an artist at a gallery. She told the girls to always sign their paintings.

We met up with John, a friend of ours from University, and his wife Susan for lunch.One of my very favorite things to do in the summer in Vail is to watch a concert at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater! If you love symphony music the “Bravo! Vail” series this season includes the Academy of St. Martin The Fields, The New York Philharmonic, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. That night we had the Dallas Symphony Orchestra playing an all Rachmaninoff program! 

The boys are getting some treats before the concert. 

Everyone is getting psyched! Who knew the Girls would be such  Rachmaninoff fans! 

Paxton chats with Marla at intermission.

Team Gentry helps me prepare for today’s ride up Vail Pass. 

I made it! The route heading east up to the 10,662′ pass is challenging primarily for the altitude. There are a few 14% to 18% pitches but slow and steady wins the day!

The boys are getting ready for the “Rope Course”at Adventure Ridge up Vail mountain.

The guys did really well on the tricky part of the rope course!

The Girls are rooting on the guys! I love their new, matching, Saloman shoes!

I rode with the guys to West Vail.I love the feeling of being in the Colorado outdoors. I took this photo coming down Vail pass near the golf course.

Photos: Dick Gentry, Vail.net