Hello Dear Friends and Family,

Welcome to a wonderful weekend celebrating Grace and Alex and launching them into a wonderful life filled with love together. If you have questions and you need answers, may I please suggest that you reach out to me, Angie Merriman (MOB), for most things wedding and Vail Valley. I am the one in town and organizing most aspects of the weekend. With over 60 horses, lots of new construction, and horse show season - it might take me a long minute to respond but I promise I will. Please text me or email me your questions or if you need me to call you back, I for sure will as soon as I can. We are so excited to host you at the ranch - please know that we are under construction in some areas, and the property is older and beautifully imperfect, so don't mind our messes when you do get here. It's going to be fun and free flowing - just like Grace and Alex - so please embrace everything Vintage and all things ranch! My email is angellamerriman@gmail.com and my phone is 415-990-7704.

Please know that the Merrimans and the Fortmanns realize what a trek it is for a destination wedding and while we are so excited to have those who can come, we do understand, love and appreciate those who are unable or have other obligations.

So see you soon under The Big Tree.

Love to Everyone!

Angie and Dwight

PREPARING FOR THE TRIP

Vail’s slogan is “VAIL - Like Nothing on Earth”, and believe us, we think that’s true. We want you to enjoy every second of your stay. Here are some recommendations when preparing for your trip.

High Altitude - HYDRATE BEFORE YOU COME!

Vail and many locations within the Vail Valley are more than 8,000 feet above sea level and guests may struggle with altitude sickness. The ranches are both at around 6,000 feet. Altitude sickness can hit anyone regardless of physical condition or age. The most common symptoms include: headache, dizziness and nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep. Staying HYDRATED is essential! We also recommend enjoy some healthy sugars and carbohydrates during the first day or two of your stay. We promise this will help as well. If you can, consider arriving early to give yourself a little time to adjust. Most usually feel back to normal after 24 hours have passed. The wedding location are at about 6000 feet.

Also, please note that alcohol is way more potent at high altitudes. Don’t find out the hard way! When drinking, we recommend you alternate between a drink and a glass of water. One drink here equals two drinks at lower altitude.

Weather

Before your trip, we recommend checking the weather forecast for Gypsum, Colorado (zip code 81637) at www.weather.com. Colorado has more than 300 days of sunshine each year, so we are hopeful for a beautiful, sunny wedding weekend, but the weather is often unpredictable and can quickly change in the mountains. The temperature during the day may reach up to 80 degrees or even warmer, but nights on the mountain can get quite chilly (40-50 degrees).

At high altitude, exposure to the sun is 40% greater than it is at sea level. Sunscreen (at least SPF 30) is recommended for all exposed skin, particularly the face, lips and neck. Be certain to protect your eyes with sunglasses. You will find the Vail Valley to be an arid climate, so hand lotion and lip balm are essential. We will have some backup sprays and lotions on on hand in case you forget.

Things to Do

HIKING

MOUNTAIN BIKING

ROAD BIKING

Colorado Anglers

Sage Outdoor Adventures - Rafting, ATV & Snowmobile Tours

GOLF

Minturn Anglers

Vail Valley Anglers