A quintessential Colorado ski vacation awaits you at Vail Mountian, with award-winning dining, world-class entertainment and luxurious accommodations. Spanning seven miles of terrain are the resort’s legendary Back Bowls, blanketed last year with thirty-eight feet of powder snow.
Winter activities include skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and ice skating at two outdoor skating rinks. You can also enjoy snowshoeing, hiking and more.
What to Expect
Vail Mountian Colorado is a purpose-built ski destination that was founded to appeal to the skiers and riders of the world. Featuring a massive amount of terrain, powder-filled back bowls and fun tree trails, this mountain has a lot to offer.
While skiing is the main draw of this winter-sports paradise, you can enjoy a host of other activities to make your trip more memorable. From horseback riding and biking to hiking, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the scenic outdoors.
You can also enjoy the apres scene in Vail, which is full of highly rated bars, breweries and lounges. There are even live music performances to enjoy during your visit!
If you love a good meal, then you should definitely dine in one of the many restaurants in town. These include La Tour, which offers delicious dishes prepared with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Alternatively, you can try the Kelly Liken Restaurant to experience simple and refined cuisine accompanied by fine wines.
There are also numerous shops that sell a range of goods, including outdoor gear, clothing and accessories, as well as toys for kids. If you’re looking for a unique gift, then you can always buy some of the locally produced crafts at the Vail Farmers Market.
The town of Vail is quite small, making it easy to walk around and explore on foot. Alternatively, you can opt for the town’s free shuttle service.
Another interesting option is to go on a horseback ride, which will give you a chance to admire the stunning scenery and wildlife while taking in the beauty of the rocky mountains. There are several different companies that offer this kind of adventure, so make sure to check them out before you book your trip!
Finally, you can take a hike with a llama. This is a popular trend in recent years, and Vail has plenty of options for you to participate in this fun activity!
The snowy season in Vail runs from early November to late April, and it is one of the best ski resorts in the country. With an average of 354 inches of snowfall per season, it is a great choice for any skier or snowboarder. However, if you want to get the most out of your ski vacation then it is recommended to choose a date when the mountain isn’t at its peak and the weather is more stable.
Accommodations
Vail Mountian Colorado offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to cozy condos. There are also ski-in/ski-out hotels, boutique alpine inns and luxury full-service properties, ensuring that every visitor can find an ideal Vail Mountain hotel to suit their needs.
The best way to choose the right lodging for your trip is to consider your budget and interests, as well as your desired access to skiing and other activities. In general, Vail Village and Lionshead Village are the main areas to stay in if you want to be close to skiing, restaurants and shopping.
If you’re looking for a more secluded, quiet vacation, East Vail and West Vail are also great choices. They’re not far from the main villages, but offer cheaper lodging and aren’t as crowded. You can also take advantage of the free bus line that runs between these villages, ensuring that you can easily get around town without having to drive.
For those who enjoy skiing, it’s best to book a room at one of the many ski-in/ski-out hotels in Vail. These hotels are located right on the mountain and provide excellent ski lift and slope access, making them a great option for visitors who’d like to spend most of their time skiing.
Some of the best ski-in/ski-out hotels include the Grand Hyatt, which boasts a classy resort atmosphere with refreshed rooms and suites. This hotel is also close to the Claggett/Rey Gallery, an art exhibit that features American paintings and sculptures.
Another great choice is the Sebastian Hotel, a 4-star ski-in/ski-out property that’s conveniently located near the gondola station. It has a pool and spa, as well as an excellent restaurant and is the perfect spot to relax after a day of skiing.
The Tivoli Lodge is another good option, offering family-friendly rooms with great views of the mountains or the village. It’s also just a short walk from the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, which are a great place to visit during a stay in Vail. This hotel also has a heated swimming pool and fitness center, so it’s the perfect place to relax after a long day of skiing or hiking!
Dining
Vail is one of the most popular ski resorts in the world, with a wide range of slopes and a variety of dining options. Whether you’re looking for something to grab a quick bite at or a fancy restaurant for a romantic meal, there’s something for everyone.
A few of the most popular restaurants in Vail are situated within the village, while others can be reached by car or bus. If you’re a foodie, don’t miss the acclaimed Gessner on the mountain, which serves game dishes to vegetarian and vegan menu items in a beautiful setting overlooking Gore Creek.
Another popular dining option is Sweet Basil, which was voted Colorado’s Most Popular Restaurant by Zagat. With a posh atmosphere and an impressive wine list, this is a restaurant that is worth the extra expense if you’re looking for a high-end experience in Vail.
You can get there by ski lift or by riding the snowcat if you’re staying in a Vail Mountain condo. It’s worth the trek to enjoy a classic Alpine dish like French onion wild mushroom soup, homemade scallop ravioli with fava bean, or rainbow trout with crispy polenta and elk chili.
It’s also a great place to stop for a cocktail after you’ve finished your meal. The bar offers a wide selection of cocktails and wine, including many from local distillery 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back meal, try Vendetta’s in Vail Village on Bridge Street, which offers fast and casual comfort food served swiftly with a smile. It’s a popular choice among locals and a great spot for apres ski after the lifts have closed.
There’s a reason Vail is known for its Bavarian-style dining: Almresi is the sexiest, most refined German restaurant in town. With wooden beams, a fireplace and even dirndl-wearing servers, this European-influenced eatery is a destination in itself.
The ambiance and cuisine here is nothing short of magical, especially when you’re looking for a special night out with the kids or a romantic date. The raclette, melty cheese, and sultry roasted meats are enough to make any guest feel like royalty.
Activities
If you’re planning a ski vacation in Vail, be sure to include plenty of things to do beyond hitting the slopes. The area’s scenic mountains and villages are perfect for adventure seekers of all ages.
The resort’s pedestrian villages were designed by skiers and are surrounded by world-class restaurants, shops, and activities. They also provide a convenient link to the mountain and a safe environment for travelers of all ages.
One of the best things to do in Vail, no matter if you’re a skier or not, is to ride the scenic gondolas. They are open at no charge to non-skiers, so you can enjoy a scenic ride from the base of the mountain up to the top for a drink or dinner.
If you’d rather take a break from the slopes, head to one of the local spas for a relaxing massage or mani/pedi. You won’t have to walk too far to find a place with all of the latest treatments and products.
Another option to try is hiking. The Vail Nature Center and Betty Ford Alpine Gardens offer guided walks that explore the surrounding peaks and forests. There are a wide range of hikes, from easy to challenging, with beautiful mountain views to boot.
There are also plenty of paved bike trails in the surrounding mountains that are great for riding with friends and family. Many of the trails are accessible to all skill levels, and you can rent a variety of different types of bikes to get around.
If you’re looking for something more active, you can hit the Colorado River and go whitewater rafting in Vail. There are half-day and full-day tours available for everyone, including beginners and experts. It’s a fun activity for the entire family, with opportunities to slow float down the river or tackle a challenging whitewater ride.