If there’s one foreign word you need to learn this month, it’s prost! That’s because September marks the beginning of the largest festival in the world – Oktoberfest. Over 200 years old, this German tradition started as a royal wedding celebration that has evolved into a celebration of Bavarian beer, food, music, and dancing. Even though the festivities begin in September, it’s called Oktoberfest because the last day always falls on the first Sunday of October. Oktoberfest’s popularity has spread across the U.S., and there are hundreds of Oktoberfests held annually around the states.
Oktoberfest in Vail
Consistently named one of the ten greatest Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S., Vail Oktoberfest takes place during two weekends: September 6th to 8th in Lionshead and September 13th to 15th in Vail Village. Numerous factors have made this festival a top contender including a jam-packed schedule of events and a prime location in picturesque Colorado. If you decide to make Vail your go-to Oktoberfest destination this year, here are the top activities you’ll have to look forward to.
Test Your Stein Strength
There’s no doubt that beer is one of the main symbols of Oktoberfest. In Germany, only six select breweries can produce official Oktoberfest beers, like Paulaner and Spatenbräu. At Vail Oktoberfest, they’ll be serving up the latter. Beer is served in a large glass called a stein, and a full stein weighs around 5 pounds. In Munich, waitresses go through training so they can carry up to six liters of beer in each hand! If you think you have what it takes to lug around that much beer, you can test your strength in Vail’s Stein Lifting Competition. During the competition, you’ll be challenged to hold your arms out shoulder-level with full beer steins in each hand. If you’re the last person standing, you’ll win an official Oktoberfest stein and token package.
Get Your Dirndl On
Those visiting Vail Oktoberfest are encouraged to dress to the nines and participate in the Oktoberfest Costume Contest. Traditional dress during Oktoberfest includes a lederhosen and Tyrolean hat for men and a colorful dirndl for women. Something curious to note about the female dress is the placement of the bow. Single women traditionally wear a bow on the left side of their dress to show that they are available, while taken women wear the bow on the right to signify they are unavailable. While men don’t have any symbol to signify their status, they can personalize their hats to include feathers, brush, and even the beard of a goat! This is a fun way to express your style and be a part of the Oktoberfest spirit.
Stay in Traditional Tyrolean Style
There’s only one place to stay to continue embracing Bavarian Tradition – Tivoli Lodge. Located right in Vail Village, you’ll be able to step out within walking distance of the Oktoberfest festivities. The lodge itself is steeped in old-world European charm and will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another time. You can get a preview of the Tivoli Lodge experience through their virtual tour. Once a small lodge located on a sheep pasture, it has transformed over the years into a world-class resort with all the modern amenities you would expect. This includes a state-of-the-art fitness center with a Peloton bike machine and a mountainside hot tub with a fire pit. Ready to rock Oktoberfest? Take advantage of Tivoli Lodge’s special packages and score big on your next Vail adventure.
