vail,Colorado is an idyllic winter town. although it’s a seemingly small town, you can enjoy a little bit of everything- restaurants, shops and lodging. there are expansive trails for skiers of all abilities. if you’re not a skier, there are still a lot of winter activities to check out. it’s the most perfect, big-mountain ski vacation.
getting here: fly to Denver (Denver International Airport). from there, it’s a 2 hour drive along I-70. you could either rent a car at the airport or take the Colorado mountain express shuttle for a non-stop flight to Vail, you could fly into Eagle Regional airport.
where to stay: the best pick for location would be somewhere in vail village. it’s a short walk to gondola 1 to take you up to the slopes and easy access to all of the restaurants. all lodges are functional with a well-equipped kitchen and washer/dryers. these amenities are perfect for some meals at home and washing some ski gear. most come with a beautiful fireplace and a patio for some fresh mountain air. this choice is best for family and friend groups.
depending on where your lodge/hotel/condo is located within the village, you’ll get stunning views of the mountain. at many hotels like the lodge at vail, you won’t even have to carry up your own gear to the slopes each day, they have a service where you can pick up your skis and poles near the gondola. you will also have access to an outside hot tub and heated pool.
getting around: once you’re in town, you won’t really need a car unless you’re driving in from Denver and like convenience. if your stay is a bit longer, maybe you’d like to do a grocery shop or explore a little more and make a day trip to Beaver Creek or Breckenridge. otherwise, Vail village is walkable. Vail village is on the east and Lionshead is on the west and is 10 minute walk. however, there is a complimentary bus service. there are some good restaurants like Montauk in Lionshead, and Starbucks.
leisure and activities:
vail ski & snowboard school –
what better place to learn how to ski or snowboard than vail? it’s a little scary to step out of your comfort zone, but it is definitely rewarding in the end. the experienced instructors are amiable and helpful and make you feel completely comfortable and safe. there was a lady who was about 60 who took beginner lessons! how courageous is that? we aren’t ever too old to try something new. a special thank you to Antonio and Nadine for teaching me how to ski. so many good memories and falls on golden peak. you can find a lesson that works best for you. i think this is worth the investment, especially if you live somewhere with snowy winter months. it’s a perfect activity to take up to get outside and something you could do with friends, family or special someone. for a little more info on lessons check out vail’s website.
skiing –
if you’re planning a ski vacation, the skiing in vail is like no other. it can either be a chill ski experience or more rigorous based on your expertise. the terrain, the green/ blue and groomed trails are perfect for a beginner like myself but experienced skiers can take advantage of the blacks, moguls and ungroomed trails and even the back bowls.
for a week or so trip, the Epic Pass is worth the upfront cost versus the one-day + ticket cost.
- there are several renting options:
- - american ski exchange: you can make your rental reservations online and when you arrive to pick up your equipment it's all ready for you. they make sure everything fits comfortably and is the right size. we had a really great experience.
- - christy sports ski & snowboard rentals
- - vista bahn ski rentals
- - vail sport's lionshead
ride the scenic gondola –
one of the greatest things to do in vail to ride the gondola. not a skier or snowboarder? you can still purchase a lift ticket to ride the gondola. you can take in the beautiful mountain views. the landscape is covered in white snow. it’s the perfect winter scene, where you take in how beautiful the world is.
snowmobiling –
for an adventurous experience, you can explore the terrain by snowmobiling. there are guided snowmobile tours that will take you to the best views.
snowtubing –
snow tubing is always a good time. this is a perfect adventure for the family. this wasn’t available during our trip and i was so bummed.
snowshoeing –
vail doesn’t have to be all about skiing. snowshoeing is walking over snow with snowshoes. before you go snowshoeing, you’ll need a good pair of snowshoes, poles, winter boots, outerwear and hat and gloves. it’s a fun outdoor activity, great exercise and low learning curve.
restaurants:
the skiing is why you travel to vail in the first place but you’ll be very happy with the food. start your morning with the best coffee and end your night with great food. you definitely want to go ahead and make reservations in advance, so you can enjoy some of the highly rated restaurants. walk-ins are accommodated for when room is available. there are also so many locally-loved spots to choose from.
make a note that if you’re a group of 6 or more, restaurants will add a 20% gratuity charge.
zach’s cabin: a perfect way to soak up the mountain- cabin ambiance. although located in Beaver Creek, this was the restaurant highlight of the trip. no photo could capture the magic or feeling of the open air sleigh ride (pulled by a snow cat) to dinner on the mountain top. it’s a 15 minute ride and you’ll want to arrive 15 minutes before your sleigh departure. you also want to make dressing warm your number 1 priority. if you’re going at night, the views are incredible. you have the stars above you and it’s one of those ‘it doesn’t get any better than this’ moments.
montauk seafood grill: located in beautiful Lionshead village. here, you’ll find fresh seafood. there’s a raw bar and you can’t go wrong with your entrée choice. everyone was happy with their dinner choice and would return to try a different dish.
the 10th: this is a mandatory lunch spot. it’s located atop gondola 1 at MidVail. you could either ski to get there, which is pretty fun way to get to lunch, or take the gondola. this is the definition of lunch with a view with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountain. the whole place is perfect.
the remedy bar: one of the prettiest restaurants, which is inside the four seasons. ambiance is a 10- there’s a bar, fireplace, huge tv (sports) and friendly service. what else could you ask for? this is a place you return to and recommend. the ahi tuna poke bowl, wow. before leaving, try their haut chocolate with homemade marshmallow. if you want to make it less sweet, ask for the marshmallow aside.
lancelot: the prime rib is a favorite and hugely popular here. they served up some of the best prime rib and this is the reason you want to eat here. i went ahead and ordered salmon, which was good but after trying the prime rib, i should have tried something meaty. it’s an ideal place for a bigger group.
pepi’s bar & restaurant: there’s so much to love at pepi’s, and a big part of that is the food. one of our family members said pepi’s was good in the 70’s and today it’s still one of the best spots in town. you have to admire a restaurant’s longevity. the fish tacos were honest and delicious.
cucina: on our last day, we had breakfast here. this is within the lodges at vail. if i had known the breakfast would taste so good and include different options, i would have made it here for breakfast more often.
two arrows coffee: such a fun atmosphere for a coffee shop. in the early morning, you would find the skiers sitting, talking and enjoying a nice cup of coffee before heading to the slopes. the baristas were so nice, always with a smile and happy to serve you. if you appreciate a proper cup of coffee, this is the place for you.
yeti’s grind: this coffee shop is situated right underneath the luxe Solaris residences. the coffee flavors were not only fun but delicious. the baristas are happy to share the recommendations with you if it’s your first time there. the quality of the coffee will match your coffee standards.
- other recommended restaurants:
- - alpenrose vail
- - la nonna
- - matsuhisa
the best time to visit: we visited the first week of March. typically January – March is a really good time to go as the snow is most reliable. we’re happy we went in March as there wasn’t as much snow in the beginning of ski season.
weather: the weather was about 45-50 degrees and sunny each day in early March. the weather was so nice that later in the week we even skied without neck warmers and only one base layer. if you were to visit in the beginning of the season, the weather would be a bit colder.
locals: the friendliest and warmest people. everyone was super helpful and happy to answer any questions whether about skiing or food.
language: English
currency: United States Dollar (USD)
power outlet: plug type A (two-prong plug)
safety: a pretty safe place to travel to. vail health hospital is nearby in case anything happens in terms of physical health.
love this exclusive guide to vail from your experiences there ❄️🎿⛷❤️