Most people go to the mountains to ski. Some go to kayak or climb. I decided to go to turn my brain off and relax.

A design conference I decided to attend, HOW, was hosted in the mile high city this year, and only 2.5 hours away sat Vail, beckoning me for a minor spa retreat.

From minute one on my Frontier flight (shameless plug, their service was amazing) I encountered the most amicable people I’ve met all year. From thoroughly attentive and helpful rental car associates, to cheerful small town coffee shop servers, to interesting and chatty Colorado natives, the entire trip was sublime.

During the off-season Vail boasts a local flavor I’ve come to admire. Husky, tanned 20-40 somethings are scattered everywhere, setting up their shops for the summer and enjoying each other till the next way of tourists arrive. And mountains without snow? Yes, they’re just as beautiful, and you can stare at them for hours without the risk of frostbite.

In between spa sessions I forced myself outdoors to enjoy the landscape. Regardless of my minor fear of heights I trekked up the mountain in a gondola, wincing every time a powerful gust of wind teetered me over the treetops. The view is always worth the ride.

Later I wandered out to Vail Village and caught the last of the Teva Mountain Games, and the only crowd I bumped into was jamming out to Julian Marley’s free concert. While I’m not a fan of mob scenes, everyone here was completely chill (and likely a little bit high).

PDAs and beads for everyone!

All in all, just what the doctor ordered to detoxify the brain. My only regret was that the whole affair was far too short.