This year, get a birds eye view of the changing leaves from Vail’s Eagle Bahn Gondola. For the next two weekends, the gondola will take leaf peepers to the top of Vail Mountain on a 12-minute ride to Adventure Ridge (where you’ll find an array of fun things to do). From the lift, you can see Mount of the Holy Cross, the Gore Range, and of course, those magnificent fall colors.

Plan your trip around one of these events to maximize the fun:

Oktoberfest (Sept. 14 to 16): There’ll be yodeling, alpenhorn blowing, keg bowling, and traditional Bavarian revelry this weekend. Time to break out the Swiss Miss outfit.

The America Cup International Fly Fishing Tournament (Sept. 20 to 23): Get tips from some of the best fly fishermen in the world, see the pros in action, and support Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, an organization that uses the sport as physical and emotional rehabilitation for disabled veterans.

Vail Restaurant Month (Sept. 17 to Oct. 15): This year’s event has four themed weeks: Market to Table, Wellness & Outdoors, Little Foodies in the Kitchen, and LoveFest. Many of Vail’s restaurants, lodges, and shopping spots are participating, so check out the calendar and plan ahead.

Tip: Staying overnight? Check out Vail Cascade Resort. To celebrate the hotel’s 3oth birthday, you’ll get 30 percent off rates and a $30 resort credit this fall. Rates start at $129.

—Image courtesy of MindspeakPR