Vail Mountain is the largest ski resort in North America. It is located in the state of Colorado.
The resort was founded by Pete Siebert and Earl Eaton. The two men were both World War II veterans and had a vision for the perfect ski area.
They summited a remote mountain near Vail Pass and quickly decided it was the perfect spot for their new venture. Using a fake company, they named it Transmontane Rod and Gun Club and began construction in 1962.
What to Expect
Known as one of the top ski resorts in the world, Vail Mountian Colorado is the perfect place to spend an epic winter vacation. With a wide variety of terrain, plenty of shopping and dining options, and tons of activities to keep you busy, Vail is a skier’s paradise.
The ski area is huge, with more than 5,289 acres of terrain. That’s more than half of the area that’s available at most Western destination resorts. But the real draw are the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin, where you can find some of the best advanced skiing in the country.
But it’s also a great choice for intermediate skiers. The vast majority of the slopes here are easy to navigate and there’s no shortage of fun glade runs for beginners.
It’s easy to get confused by the various base areas, so it’s important to study a trail map before you hit the slopes. It’s especially important to know where you want to go if you’re staying at the Vail Village or Lionshead base villages.
Another good idea is to take a free guided tour before you head out on the slopes. They offer Mountain Tours, Back Bowl/Blue Sky Basin Tours, and Women’s Tours (on Mondays).
You’ll want to bring a lot of water on your trip, as well as food and electrolytes, to help you stay hydrated. It’s also a good idea to eat frequently and rest often during your stay.
Avalanche dangers are higher in the mountains, so it’s important to be prepared for them. Be sure to read up on the current snowpack and avalanche forecasts before venturing outside of the resort boundary, and carry a beacon, shovel, probe, and other safety gear.
Despite its size, Vail is a family-friendly resort with great ski schools and many things to do for kids. Spring and fall are also great times to visit, as the resort is less crowded and prices are lower.
Things to Do
The Vail Valley is one of the Rocky Mountains’ most beautiful mountain resort areas. Its quaint architecture is inspired by the Alpine towns of Europe, and it features luxury hotels and world-class restaurants that complement its scenic viewscapes.
Vail is also known for its pristine alpine lakes and towering mountains that are home to plenty of wildlife. Take in the views with a hike through the woods or along one of the many trails on and around the mountain.
Another way to enjoy the scenery is on a gondola ride up to the top of the mountain. The Eagle Bahn Gondola is a popular choice, and it offers views of the surrounding landscape as well as access to a variety of hiking trails and restaurants at the top of the mountain.
During the summer months, visitors can visit the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens to explore a wide range of plants and flowers in five distinctive gardens. The gardens are open year-round, with tours available in the spring and summer, as well as guided snowshoe tours during winter.
Hiking is a great activity to try with children, and the Vail area has some excellent trails for all ages. Several of the trails are accessible via the gondola, while others are more rugged and accessed by road.
If your kids are into horses, consider a lesson at the Vail Stables in Lionshead. They offer horseback rides for all ages, and the guides make it easy to get your children started.
A trip to Vail isn’t complete without a visit to the local brewery, and there are a few options for beer lovers of all ages. The Vail Brewing Company’s tasting room is a convenient stop for both adults and kids, with indoor seating and outdoor seating to choose from.
Visiting the Imagination Station at the Vail Welcome Center in Lionshead is sure to get your little ones’ imaginations running wild. The play area features interactive displays and toys that are designed to encourage creative thinking and problem-solving.
A quick walk from Vail Village, the Zeke M. Pierce Skatepark is a fun option for kids who love to skateboard. The park, which is built by California Skateparks, includes components for all skill levels and has a halfpipe and several ramps.
Food & Drink
Vail is a world-class ski destination, but there’s more to the mountain than just snow and slopes. Whether you’re planning a ski holiday or you’re a local looking to try something new, there are a few spots to check out while in town for some good food and drink.
Located in the heart of Vail Village, Two Arrows is a cute coffee shop and bar that offers delicious cocktails perfect for apres skiing or happy hour after a scenic hike! They have a full selection of liquors, local Colorado beers on draft and in cans, white and red wine, and champagne. The menu has plenty of creative cocktails that will have you coming back for more!
A little more high-end is King’s Club at the Sonnenalp Hotel, a Bavarian-style lounge with European touches. This is one of the best bars in Vail for apres ski and has a great patio to sit out on with a drink while watching the bustling crowd.
Another option is Remedy Bar at the Four Seasons Vail. This upscale spot is popular for apres ski and offers cozy seating with a warm heat lamp, a view of the mountain and delicious drinks. They have a menu of drinks, including the Old Fashioned which is made with bourbon, orange, luxardo cherry, orange and angostura bitters.
There’s no question that tequila is a huge part of the Vail experience, and Los Amigos is a great choice for a tequila lover. They have a variety of tequilas on their menu, along with an extensive cocktail menu. They have some great signature cocktails to choose from, such as the Mountain Frost which is made with malibu rum, blue curacao, coconut cream, and pineapple juice.
The Drunk & Nutty is a great choice for those who like to mix it up a bit, they offer bailey’s, Frangelico, espresso, and steamed milk! Their margaritas are also delicious and they have a variety of other alcoholic options too.
There are so many fantastic places to drink and eat in Vail, but these are a few of the best. There are a wide variety of restaurants and bars in Vail, so you should definitely take your time and enjoy them all!
Accommodations
Vail Mountian Colorado has a wide variety of accommodations to choose from. From luxury hotels, airbnb’s to ski-in ski-out resorts there is something for everyone!
The most popular areas for lodging and access to the ski lifts are Vail Village, Lionshead Village, West Vail, and East Vail. These areas are walkable to the ski lifts and are also within walking distance of restaurants, shops, bars, and a bus depot where you can go to get around to other parts of town.
Another option for accommodation is the Solaris Residences in Vail Village which are a beautiful hotel with resort amenities that include a spa, a pool, and an outdoor hot tub. There are a variety of condos that range from one bedroom to four bedrooms, and each is unique in their furnishings.
Located in the heart of Vail Village this hotel is only a short walk to several ski lifts and steps from many restaurants and bars where you can enjoy after a day on the slopes. It’s also pet friendly so the whole family can stay here and enjoy a vacation in Vail!
Sonnenalp in Vail Village is a European style ski resort with an on-site apres ski, ski pass sales point, and a great fitness center. It also has a great spa center with a sauna and swimming pools, a hot tub, and an on-site restaurant for you to enjoy a delicious meal after skiing or hiking!
With a sophisticated upscale vibe this hotel has great service, delightful guest rooms and is just a short walk to the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Margie’s Haas, a contemporary alpine-inspired restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the premises of this lovely hotel.
This is a perfect place to stay for couples or families who want to splurge on a luxurious experience during their stay in Vail! They offer rooms and suites that are refreshed, some with fireplaces, and some with balconies. They also have an on-site spa and a grab and go store for you to pick up some snacks and drinks before heading out!