Olympic torch travels up Vail 
Mountain on snowshoes, 
down on skis

   Torchbearers carried the Olympic flame through Colorado's scenic Garden of the Gods on its way from Colorado Springs to the ski resort town of Vail.

   The torch went up Vail Mountain on snowshoes and down on skis.

   American skiing champions Phil and Steve Mahre passed the torch to one another. The brothers, who won gold and silver in the slalom at the 1984 Games, now operate a ski school in Vail.

   Pete Siebert, who founded Vail in 1959, had the honors of lighting the caldron at the evening ceremony. Featured entertainment for the evening included another famous Vail resident, singer Dan Fogelberg singing "The Gambler."

   "It has a chorus that says something about 'let it shine, let it shine,' and we thought that would go along with the 'Light the Fire Within' theme the Olympic folks have going," said Vail town attorney, Matt Muir.