Vail Mountain, Colorado is a beautiful and unique place to visit. This resort town offers a variety of activities, whether you’re looking for a relaxing spa, a thrilling ride on a snowmobile, or a great meal at one of the area’s restaurants. There are also plenty of lodging options, including hotels and bed and breakfasts.
Snowmobiling
Colorado snowmobiling offers an incredible number of options. If you are just beginning to learn about the sport, there are plenty of tours for novice riders to enjoy. These are usually guided and include everything from a helmet to boots to a round trip shuttle. Some of the tours even feature a gourmet fajita lunch!
There are also unguided options available in Keystone, Frisco, Copper Mountain, and Dillon. All of these areas have great terrain to explore.
There are also numerous guided snowmobiling tours in the Vail area. Nova Guides, for example, has been a leading year-round outdoor recreation company in Vail for 34 years. Their staff is dedicated to providing guests with safe ATV/UTV adventures. They have specially crafted mini-snowmobiles for kids five and older. This includes a Youth Snowmobile Lap Track, a high-performance snowmobile tour, and an intermediate Snowmobile Tour.
One of the most popular snowmobiling trails in the state is the Sunlight to Powderhorn trail. This 120-mile trail has multiple access points and includes 180 miles of associated trails.
Similarly, the Never-Evers Snowmobile Tour in Beaver Creek offers a range of options. These tours are designed for both beginners and experts. The beginner’s tour is a scenic drive that starts at the lodge and offers panoramic views of four surrounding mountain ranges.
For those interested in the top of the mountain, the Nova Guides High-Performance Tour is an excellent choice. It includes a two-hour drive that begins at 8,000 feet and offers breathtaking views of the Back Bowls of Vail. In addition to the impressive ride, the tour has special sleds that are perfect for the littlest members of the family.
Apres-ski
Vail, Colorado is one of the most popular ski destinations in the world. The mountain itself is known for its expansive slopes and quaint shops. But it is also one of the best places to enjoy apres-ski.
Apres-ski has long been associated with skiing, but it has grown into a social activity after a day on the slopes. Whether you prefer to drink wine or beer, Vail has an excellent selection of bars that will help you relive the thrill of a great day on the mountain.
One of the most well-known Vail apres ski spots is Pepi’s. This authentic European pub offers a welcoming atmosphere and a wide selection of Austrian beers. It also has a patio, making it a great spot for lunch.
Another top apres ski bar in Vail is Garfinkels. This sports bar features live sports and a great bar atmosphere. They also have a great selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.
Another popular apres ski destination in Vail is the Shakedown Bar. The bar is perfect for people who like to drink and listen to live music. Plus, the drinks are cheap and the service is friendly.
If you are looking for a more sophisticated Vail apres-ski experience, try Roost & Flower. Their wine list is expansive and includes a variety of shareable small plates. There is also a fire pit to warm you up after a cold day on the slopes.
You can also check out the newly renovated hotel the Hythe. There is a mid-century vibe at the Revel Lounge. You can also try the 18 Del Maguey Vida Mezcal cocktail.
Despite the fact that the term apres-ski was not in the dictionary, it’s definitely been around for a while. This popular term was first used in Europe.
Hotels
There are many luxurious hotels in Vail Mountain Colorado. Most of these accommodations are located in Vail Village. It’s a charming ski town with cobblestone streets and upscale shops. The village is also within easy walking distance to the lifts.
The Ritz Carlton is one of the most prestigious hotels in Vail. This Bavarian-style hotel has spectacular views of the mountain. You can choose from a wide variety of rooms, ranging from 1.583 square feet to 2,500 square feet.
The Austria Haus Hotel is another fine option. Located in Vail Village, it offers a restaurant and spa. Many of its rooms feature a balcony or hot tub, and the rooms are pet-friendly.
Another great hotel in Vail is the Evergreen Lodge at Vail. This resort is located between Vail Village and Lionshead, and is very close to the Eaglebahn gondola. It’s a good choice for families with children.
If you want a hotel that’s closer to the ski slopes, check out the Sebastian Hotel. It’s only a 10-minute walk to the main gondola station. In addition to its convenient location, the Sebastian has a restaurant that serves local, seasonal ingredients.
Other hotels in Vail that provide a great value are the Residence Inn Vail and Vail Mountain Lodge And Spa. They offer studio accommodations and two-bedroom suites, as well as fully equipped kitchens.
Some of the finest spas in Vail can be found at the Sonnenalp. The hotel features a health club, indoor and outdoor pools, and a sauna. Guests can enjoy a free breakfast.
Another option is the Grand Hyatt. Located in a 5-story building, this hotel has a variety of room options. Each room has cable television, stone fireplaces, balconies, and views of the mountain.
Dining
Vail Mountain Colorado has a number of restaurants and other culinary experiences to choose from. From Italian to Swiss, from quick service to fine dining, you can find the perfect meal for you and your family. The good news is that a good meal is just a short walk away!
Vail is an alpine village that features many excellent eateries and a vibrant bar and lounge scene. There are several options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Several places also serve grab & go options for those looking to avoid the hassle of driving to a restaurant.
One of the best Vail Village restaurants is the Bully Ranch Restaurant. This quaint, rustic burger and sandwich place is a good choice for an afternoon beer. It has a relaxed atmosphere and offers a wide variety of eats including a traditional wagyu burger.
For something a little different, the Slope Room, part of the Gravity Haus, is worth a visit. It’s an indoor-outdoor fusion restaurant that uses local produce from the Rocky Mountains to create its dishes. They also have a full size market in the building.
Matsuhisa, a sushi restaurant with a wooded urban setting, is open nightly between 5.00 pm and 9.00 pm. They even have a small bar and patio to enjoy on a sunny day. However, they take reservations.
Lastly, the Little Diner is a small breakfast joint that serves American favorites. They have a long wait time so call ahead.
Other notables include the Chicken Republic, which serves a heart-healthy twist on fried chicken. In addition, the Connie Leaf shop has a full line of specialty lattes and schmears.
Finally, the 10th Cafe, located at the center of Vail Mountain, has a very special menu. With an expansive view of the Gore Range, it’s a fantastic meal with world-class cuisine.
A look at the local economy
Vail, Colorado is home to the largest ski resort on the continent. The town is also known for its warm summers. In addition to its winter sports, it is also a popular tourist destination for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities.
Vail’s economy depends heavily on tourism. As a result, there are many full-time jobs offering competitive market wages. Many employers offer free parking programs, housing assistance, and transportation services.
The town has worked to reduce its carbon footprint. It has invested in energy-saving technologies, and introduced a green commuting challenge. These efforts have saved 85 tons of greenhouse gases.
However, the town’s vibrant economy requires constant attention and commitment. Locals are seeking more community connections. They also want more opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
To help support an economically diverse community, the town has hired an economic development staff. This includes a local business council, which represents local entrepreneurs and business owners.
Vail’s ski industry supports a variety of sectors, including lodging, dining, retail, and real estate. It generates $1.9 billion in labor income each year, and supports approximately 46,000 jobs.
However, the ski industry faces challenges with changing regulatory and economic realities. There has been an increase in competition among other ski resorts. Some resorts have added new skiable terrain. This can mean longer lift lines and a rise in ticket prices.
Vail has a long history of protecting its natural assets. The town’s Town Charter includes protection of open space.
In the 1980s, the ski industry faced changes in its regulatory environment. It had to compete with other ski resorts for the fastest chairlifts, the most extravagant amenities, and the highest terrain.