Recreational Tours

The Vail Valley area has a bounty of activities and sites to experience.  Several optional tours and activities are being promoted to help you experience this unique area.  The tours below are being offered by two different tour operators.  To register for optional tours, please contact the noted tour operator directly. Advance registration by July 5 will help to ensure your participation in the tours. (Note: Optional tours are not official Symposium events.)

ASA Golf Tournament: Sunday, August 1, 8:00am-12:00pm: The Vail Golf Club is located 5 minutes from the resort.  Players should check-in at the golf course by 7:30 a.m. for the 8:00 a.m. shotgun start.  Players may drive themselves or take the provided bus transportation which will depart the main entrance of the Vail Marriott at 7:00 a.m.  Recognized by Golf Digest as a “Top 100 Resort Course,” this picturesque course is nestled at the base of the Gore Mountain Range and features greens that follow Gore Creek with the White River National Forest as a backdrop.  The elevation of 8,200 feet elevation will ensure your shots fly farther on this unique 18-hole, par 71 course. The golf club offers a full service golf shop, driving range, practice area, and an on-site restaurant. Tournament play will again be the popular scramble format where foursomes are comprised of golfers of varying skill levels and all members of the foursome play the “best ball.”  Prizes will be awarded to the low net score foursome, low gross score foursome, closest to the pin, and longest drive.  A continental breakfast will be provided before the shotgun start.  The winners will be announced during the Tuesday dinner event.  Please register with ASA on the Conference Registration Form (available in May with registration materials).

Zipline Tour: Saturday, July 31, AND Sunday, August 1, 8:00am–1:00pm: Zip Adventures offers the ultimate adrenaline rush while taking in the rugged beauty of Colorado.  Located 20 miles northwest of Vail at the authentic 4 Eagle Ranch, Zip Adventures offers a unique course consisting of separate ziplines ranging from 150 to 1000 feet in length and 100 to 200 feet above the floor of Alkali Canyon.  During your tour, you will experience pristine mountains, beautiful trees, raging rivers, jagged rock cliffs and the dramatic beauty of the canyons floor while zipping 30 miles per hour over a rugged canyon.  A thorough safety briefing will be provided prior to your drive to the canyon.  Two highly trained guides accompany each trip to ensure maximum safety, as well as educate about the flora, fauna, and wildlife. Tours depart hourly starting at 8:00 a.m. with the last tour departing at 1:00 p.m.  Each tour last approximately 2+ hours and can accommodate up to 12 people.  Bring hat, sunscreen, closed toe shoes or hiking boots, hair-tie for shoulder length hair, pants or shorts just above the knee, and rain jacket.  Cameras with straps are welcome.  Weight requirements are 60 lbs. minimum and 230 lbs. maximum.  Not recommended for people with heart, back, hip or knee problems or pregnant women.  Must be able to hike ¾ mile on trails.  Cost is $125 per person including all safety gear, water and snacks.  Transportation to Zip Adventures is on your own. For reservations, call 970-926-9470 or visit http://www.zipadventures.com/. Cancellation must be made 72 hours in advance.

Whitewater Rafting Tour: Saturday, July 31, AND Sunday, August 1, 9:15am–3:00pm: Meet at the front entrance of the Vail Marriott at 9:15 a.m. for the 45 minute scenic ride to the Colorado River’s Shoshone Rapids.  After a riverside safety presentation, you’ll hit the river to experience the beauty and exhilaration of the Rocky Mountains.  You will experience the majestic Glenwood Canyon with its towering red walls of rock, a natural hot spring, and possibly some wildlife.  Encounter Class II and Class III (intermediate) rapids, as well as a stretch of a “float trip” where swimming and scenic viewing can be enjoyed.  After 2+ hours on the river, your rafting excursion will conclude with a riverside luncheon.  Return to the hotel is expected around 3:00 p.m.  Recommended attire includes bathing suit, waterproof shorts, sunscreen, sunglasses and hat.  Price is $90 per adult and $80 (ages 7-12) and includes transportation, gear, and lunch (tax and gratuity not included). Children must be at least 8 years of age and able to swim. Make reservations directly with Nova Guides at 888-949-6682 and refer to the American Sugar Alliance so they may place you with our group.

Jeep Tour: Saturday, July 31, AND Sunday, August 1, 9:15am–1:00pm: Experience the magnificent Rocky Mountains, in varied locations within the White River National Forest. As the Vail Valley’s premier outdoor recreation company for over 20 years, Nova’s guides can take you to elevation heights of 12,500 feet in open air Jeeps. You’ll experience views of high alpine meadows, wild flowers, Colorado’s famous 14,000-foot peaks and possibly local wildlife. Following the morning tour you will lunch at Nova’s beautiful new lodge at Camp Hale. Located 20 miles south of Vail, this picturesque site played a significant role in our history.  As a former U.S. Army training facility for the 10^th Mountain Division, Camp Hale soldiers were trained in mountain climbing, skiing, cold-weather survival and combat for WWII.  Recommended attire includes layers for varying temperatures and sunglasses.  Be sure to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking vistas.  Prices for the lunch tour are $80(adults), $70(ages 7-12) and $40 (ages 6 and under)  and includes transportation to/from the Vail Marriott, tour, rain gear (if necessary) and lunch (tax and gratuity not included).  Make reservations directly with Nova Guides at 888-949-6682 and refer to the American Sugar Alliance so they may place you with our group.