Vail and Beaver Creek: Day Trips

Hot-air ballooning High-altitude (off the mountain, that is) can be reached by floating up to 10,000-feet above the valley in an 8-person wicker basket. Colorado Balloon Rides transports Vail/Beaver Creek residents to the launch site in South Park Valley for no additional cost. Colorado Balloon Rides, About 50 miles from Vail/Beaver Creek; 888-468-9280; www.coloradoballoonrides.com
sports and adventure | outdoors | views

Lodge & Spa at Cordillera Unplug for an afternoon or stay the night at this hilltop chateau – a winner for its stellar valley views, 17 miles of cross-country-trails, championship golf course, and 20,000-square-foot-spa. About 20 miles from Vail/Beaver Creek, 2205 Cordillera Way; 970-926-2200; www.cordillera.rockresorts.com
golf | spas | views

Whitewater Rafting Get your adrenaline pumping on a rafting trip down the Upper Colorado River. Start in Rancho Del Rio and continue downstream through Little Gore and Red Canyons Trips run from May through September. About 40 miles from Vail/Beaver Creek; 888-888-7238; www.coloradorivercenter.com/raft.html
sports and adventure | outdoors