Martin Luther King weekend is a perfect chance to sneak away for a long weekend getaway to the mountains. The 2024 ski season is off to a great start and the Town of Avon is bustling with restaurants, shopping and best yet, ice skating on Nottingham Lake. With so much to do over the MLK weekend, enjoy our tips for a wonderful weekend in the mountains.
Hit the slopes at Beaver Creek Resort!
Beaver Creek Resort has some of the best terrain in the Vail Valley and has over 80% of its terrain open this season with snow on the way. Hit the slopes and check out a Town of Avon staff favorite run Harrier. Need motivation to keep you skiing until the end of the day? Beaver Creek Resort is known for their freshly baked cookies handed out every day at 3:00 p.m. at the bottom of the Haymeadow and Centennial Express Lifts.
Staff Tip: Check your Epic Pass and make sure you have no blackout dates before hitting the hill. If you are blacked out, don’t worry, Avon has plenty to offer over the weekend!
Wine and Dine at one of Avon’s restaurants!
Avon has an array of restaurants to choose from, grab a pint (or a liter) of German beer at Ein Prosit or a glass of wine at Vin 48 for the perfect happy hour no matter what you are drinking. Check out our full list of Avon restaurants, we promise, there is something for everyone!
Staff Tip: At the base of the Gondola, Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa has a great atmosphere for happy hour in the lobby or a nice dinner at Stoke and Rye. Make a reservation and check out their incredible menu for a dinner you won’t forget.
Lace up your skates and head to Nottingham Lake!
The weather has cooperated and ice skating on Nottingham Lake will open on January 8th for the season! The surface is cleared of snow daily and it’s perfect for a family skate or a casual game of hockey. Whether you’re teaching the littles to skate, taking a spin around the lake with your sweetie, or kicking back on a bench and watching the action of a pickup hockey game, ice skating at Nottingham Lake will not disappoint. Fire pits and seasonal music make for a cozy outdoor afternoon or evening activity. Ice skate rentals, including ‘double runners’ for kids, and concessions are offered out of Nottingham Cabin when the lake is open for skating.
Staff Tip: On Saturday, January 13, ice-skating will be closed for the day as we prepare the lake and park for Winter Fireworks starting at 6:00 p.m.
Watch the night sky light up with the Winter Fireworks in Avon!
We are excited to make Winter Fireworks in Avon a yearly tradition over the MLK holiday weekend. The Fireworks in Avon will be set off from Harry A. Nottingham Park and starting at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 13. We will be treating guests to free hot chocolate and peppermint schnapps for those 21+ while supplies last. After you have warmed up with some libations, fireworks will begin at 6:00 p.m. with one of the best fireworks shows in Colorado.
New this year, Beaver Creek Resort will be handing out their famous chocolate chip cookies and we will be broadcasting choregraphed music for the fireworks at the park and on KZYR radio station.
Take one of Avon’s busses to Nottingham Park or watch the fireworks from your balcony. No matter where you are viewing them, they will be sure to surprise and delight!
Staff Tip: Our favorite spot to watch the fireworks is on the Terrace which is located on the back side of the Avon Performance Pavilion next to Nottingham Lake.
We look forward to seeing you and your friends and family in Avon, CO over Martin Luther King weekend!