Summary
So you’re headed to Colorado for a ski vacation. There’s a good chance you’re coming here for Vail.
At one point, Vail Mountain was named the most-visited ski resort in the nation, and Ski.com’s 2017 report put it at No. 4 of the most popular ski vacations. The resort itself boasts it is the third-biggest ski resort in the United States, only behind Park City, Utah, and Big Sky, Montana. Vail boasts the fourth-biggest skiable terrain in North America. The mountains of Vail and Breckenridge are two of the busiest in the nation. In 2014-15, they saw 5.6 million skiers; the company that runs Vail, called Vail Resorts (which also includes Keystone and Beaver Creek), doesn’t release data for individual resorts. Vail Resorts is the biggest ski resort operator in the country.
Those numbers continue to grow. Vail Resorts’ season pass sales for the 2017/18 ski season were already up 10 percent by May 2017, compared with the previous year at that time.
There’s no denying it. Vail Mountain is popular. A day on the slopes or even driving up Interstate 70 to get there makes that obvious even without the stats. Vail is located in the White River National Forest, about three hours west of Denver on Interstate 70.
The pros of this destination include luxurious accommodations, fluffy powder, a large front side of the mountain, two different downtown areas with excellent restaurants (with charming Swiss-style architecture), and wide open terrain. The cons: Vail is expensive, and it can get crowded.
If you’re headed to Vail, planning ahead will ensure your experience runs smoothly. Here’s what you need to know about a ski vacation on Vail Mountain.
Terrain
5,289 skiable acres; 3,450-foot vertical drop; 18 percent beginner, 29 percent intermediate, 53 percent expert/advanced.
Vail has three sections (Front Side, Blue Sky Basin, Back Bowls). The seven back bowls stretch across seven miles. The longest run is Riva Ridge (four miles).
Vail has a variety of types of terrains for all levels, although this is mainly a mountain for talented skiers.
- Advanced: More advanced skiers can try Golden Peak and Bwana Terrain Parks. Explore the Sun Down Bowl or the China Bowl. The Front Side features the popular Riva Ridge, a long, steep run with amazing views.
- Intermediate: Intermediate skiers will find ample terrain across the mountain. Start on the front side and progress to Mid-Vail Express. There are also intermediate runs in Blue Sky Basin.
- Beginner: Practice Parkway is a suitable beginner run. Kids can enjoy the safe Kids’ Adventure Zones.
- First-timers: Newbies will benefit from Vail’s excellent ski and snowboarding school, featuring qualified instructors including former Olympic athletes.
Lift Tickets
Adult tickets start at $135 per day. A child ticket costs $93. The EpicDay card offers better value: a two-day EpicDay pass is $270 for adults, saving around $64. A three-day EpicDay pass costs $384. Investigate Epic passes for access to multiple ski resorts at discounted rates.
Food and Drink
Narrowing down the best restaurants in Vail is quite challenging due to the many options.
- La Tour: A popular French restaurant known for its delicious French onion soup, particularly appealing after a cold day on the slopes.
- Matsuhisa: This hip venue serves incredible Japanese cuisine with oversized windows offering views of the slopes.
- Mountain Standard: Located right on the river, this restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with comfort food options.
- 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: Vail’s local distillery provides tastings and cocktails along with a cozy setting showcasing local history.
- Remedy: Situated inside the Four Seasons Vail, this bar is famous for its innovative cocktails and luxurious ambiance.
Rentals and Gear
For ski gear rentals, multiple Vail Sports locations are available on the mountain. You can reserve gear online at rentskis.com, with convenient pick-up or delivery options to your accommodation.
Lessons and Clinics
Vail offers ski and snowboard classes for all abilities, with targeted programs for women and children, along with specialized accelerated clinics.
Skiing and Snowboarding Alternatives
If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your preference, Vail has plenty of winter activities to enjoy. Options include tubing, snowmobiling, ski biking, and snowshoeing. The Nature Discovery Center even offers free, guided snowshoe tours every day, providing a unique view of the mountain.
Additionally, the center features educational displays about local wildlife. Their evening snowshoe tours provide a completely different experience of the mountain after hours.
Lodging
There are numerous excellent lodging options in Vail, though ski-in, ski-out resorts are limited. Most accommodations are within a short walk to the lifts.
- Four Seasons Vail: A luxury option featuring a Forbes Five-Star spa, fitness center, and an outdoor pool.
- Sonnenalp: This Swiss-inspired resort is known for its great spa and spacious, luxurious bathrooms.
- Antlers at Vail: Ideal for families, offering fully equipped condos with kitchens for a homier feel.
- The Sebastian: Known for its contemporary art-filled environment, spa, and family-friendly amenities.
