When you say "Vail," skiers hear "Valhalla." There's just no other place like it, which is why it consistently ranks as the finest ski resort in North America, if not the world. Its popularity is reflected in the numbers: Between the 1999–2000 and 2005–2006 seasons, tourism here increased by almost 50%. Accordingly, additional lodging and spruced-up public areas are an important part of a $1 billion public works and building campaign. The heart of Vail centers around the Tyrolean-inspired Vail Village and the more contemporary Lionshead, both of which are nestled in the Gore Range with peak ... More
Luxury alpine resort with historic ambience, world-class amenities and lavish spa – Located in the heart of Vail Square, this hotel evokes the romance of the European Alps and is just steps away from Vail's Eagle Bahn gondola. The guest rooms show alpine elegance, and all boast fireplaces and baths with soaking tubs. Easy proximity to Vail's ski slopes and golf courses, ski valet service, and an upscale restaurant are just some of the highlights.
Elegant ski-in/ski-out resort at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain – Classic and elegant, this chateau-style, deluxe mountain resort is located in the heart of Beaver Creek Village, next to the Vilar Performing Arts Center. Beaver Creek, nestled in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, has trails and terrain for all skill levels. You can enjoy fresh cookies at the end of each run.
Intimate and friendly 4-story mountain lodge with ski-in/ski-out access – This charming inn with a cozy bed-and-breakfast ambience, steps from the Strawberry Park Express chairlift, is the closest hotel to a ski lift in North America. It is situated a block from Beaver Creek Village, 6 blocks from Beaver Creek Golf Club, and 13 miles from Vail.
Relaxed luxury and impeccable service, at the base of Vail Mountain – This Preferred Hotels & Resorts member offers the charm of an alpine inn, the warmth of a boutique property, and the personal attention of a fine hotel. Vail's first lodge, opened in 1962, is set in the heart of Vail Village, next to the Vista Bahn chairlift, and steps from restaurants, bars, nightlife, and shops.
Deluxe ski-in/ski-out property at the base of Vail Mountain, with a spa – This elegant resort is situated in Cascade Village, along the banks of Gore Creek, and offers year-round Rocky Mountain outdoor adventures. The hotel's own chairlift delivers you to Vail's famous skiing and snowboarding. A complimentary shuttle goes to Vail Village and Lionshead. Beaver Creek is 8 miles away.
Reminiscent of a US national park's grand lodge, this ski-in/ski-out resort connects to Beaver Creek and Arrowhead via European-style village-to-village skiing. Lifts are an easy walk away.
This upscale resort has ski-in/ski-out access, is adjacent to a golf course, and provides a full kitchen and a gas fireplace in each condo. There's also a fitness center and 2 outdoor hot tubs.
Luxurious condominium resort in the heart of Beaver Creek Village – Travel less than 200 yards to the slopes at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain from this upscale, smoke-free condo resort. The property is steps from ski lifts and a shopping plaza with galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. A complimentary shuttle runs between resort villages and ski areas. Arrowhead and Avon are within 2 miles, and Vail is 10 miles away.
Luxury resort set slope side at Beaver Creek, with ski-in/ski-out access – This luxurious yet intimate lodge, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is situated between towering aspen and pine groves. It's 150 yards from 2 ski lifts, 6 blocks from the Vilar Performing Arts Center, and less than 10 miles from Vail. Charming Beaver Creek Village has galleries, restaurants, and shops.
When you say "Vail," skiers hear "Valhalla." There's just no other place like it, which is why it consistently ranks as the finest ski resort in North America, if not the world. Its popularity is reflected in the numbers: Between the 1999–2000 and 2005–2006 seasons, tourism here increased by almost 50%. Accordingly, additional lodging and spruced-up public areas are an important part of a $1 billion public works and building campaign. The heart of Vail centers around the Tyrolean-inspired Vail Village and the more contemporary Lionshead, both of which are nestled in the Gore Range with peaks soaring to heights of over 13,000 feet! With its unique blend of American and European cultures, Vail is cosmopolitan yet relaxed. In certain places, it resembles a quaint Bavarian hamlet, with homey inns and lodges neighboring cozy A-frame chalets and clock towers. Picturesque pedestrian streets house colorful shops and boutiques, a potpourri of international restaurants and cafés, and a high-energy nightlife.
Then there is that fabulous mountain! A skiing and snowboarding mecca in the winter and a mountain biking and hiking haven in summer, Vail Mountain is a vacation dream for everyone, all the time. And there's more! The "sister resort" of Beaver Creek provides a whole nother adventure. Ski magazine declares its slopes a triumph, "striking gold with the best tree skiing and groomed skiing anywhere." The village is an oasis of glamour and charm, with cobblestone roads leading to incomparable dining, shopping, and full-service spas. Heated escalators whisk you up the mountain and hot cocoa with cookies welcomes you back. The Robb Report recently hailed Beaver Creek Village as "a place to be pampered...where walking through the village...is not only entertainment, it's stress relief therapy!"
You can choose to fly into the Denver or Eagle airports. Driving time from Denver to Vail/Beaver Creek is 2.5 hours, and from Eagle to Vail/Beaver Creek is 45 minutes.
New York City 4.75 hrs
Miami 5 hrs
Philadelphia 5.25 hrs
Boston 4 hrs
Los Angeles 3 hrs
Chicago 3.5 hrs
Dallas-Fort Worth 2.5 hrs
San Francisco 3.5 hrs
Vail Village & Lionshead: These adjoining communities at the base of the slopes form the heart of the Town of Vail, clustered around their respective clock towers which have become the worldwide symbol of this mountain resort. Both villages back right up to Vail Mountain, a consummate family playground of classic Alpine beauty. The villages and mountain overflow with year-round activity and the peak can be scaled by hiking, biking, or riding the Gondola or chairlift to the top.
East Vail: Four miles to the east of Vail Village lies this pretty community, hugging the Gore Range at the base of Vail Pass. Primarily a residential neighborhood with several inviting lodging choices for visitors, East Vail is a popular starting point for adventures into the backcountry. Untamed beauty prevails with a frenzy of blooming wildflowers and the rushing of streams and waterfalls.
West Vail: Just two miles down I-70 from Lionshead, this village is popular with locals and seasonal residents. In town, there is an engaging variety of lodging, shopping, and dining options, while on the south side you find thickly-wooded, Alpine terrain interspersed with wide rolling meadows and dramatic views to the north.
Beaver Creek Village: Seductive luxuries intoxicate guests. Spas pamper you, gourmet dining everywhere you turn ensure you never go hungry, and personal receptions at the end of a long ski day allow you to unwind. In the center of the village lies a year-round outdoor ice skating rink overlooked by sun-drenched decks perfect for aprés-ski wine and cheese. On any given afternoon, you will hear exquisite Bavarian music wafting through the village air. Dozens of art galleries and boutiques line the shopping promenade, while fine music and drama entertain at the Center for the Arts. Children's programs like skiing, swimming, diving, hiking, theater, art, and race camps make this an ideal family getaway. As their philosophy goes, when the kids are having the time of their lives, adults are free to have theirs too!
Vail is located high in the Rocky Mountains on Vail Mountain, and is bordered by the White River National Forest. The land is characterized by pine forests, snow-capped peaks, wide open meadows, and fields of wildflowers. The town of Vail is a charming Tyrolean-style village lined with unique lodges, shops, restaurants, and galleries.
Vail has a mild and arid mountain climate. The sun shines an average of 300 days each year and snowfall averages 335 inches a year. October through May is the snow season, and May to June is the rainiest season. July and August are generally warm and dry, until September brings the first signs of rain and snow with the changing foliage. Mountain weather can be quite unpredictable, so you should always be prepared for sudden inclement changes.
This is a year-round destination where each season brings its own delights, but of course its claim to fame is the ski season, which the most popular time to visit. The next most popular season is summer, when hikers and mountain bikers join bird-watchers and anglers. They are followed by fall foliage "peepers" who flock here in autumn. Spring is a quiet shoulder season with weather that fluctuates between late winter and early summer climes.
Skiing & Snowboarding: Vail's main draw is its 5,289 acres of virtually untouched natural terrain and deep powder snow, which provides ideal conditions for some of the finest skiing and snowboarding in the West. A single lift ticket leads you to 193 trails boasting some of the finest in groomed, gladed, and mogul skiing around. The mighty uncrowded Back Bowls are a destination in their own right, stretching more than 6 miles wide and offering an uncompromising powder paradise. The new Blue Sky Basin has 645 acres of gladed and natural terrain with 4 high-speed quad lifts. Snowboarders have 2 terrain parks, 2 half-pipes, and several snowboard-only trails.
Great Outdoors: There's much more than the full range of winter sports at Vail and Beaver Creek. Year-round attractions go beyond skiing to include hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, horseback riding, fishing, championship golf, and fantastic fall foliage.
Mountain Welcome Tours: Complimentary "Meet the Mountain" welcome tours introduce guests to the vast variety of terrain, resort history, amenities on the mountain, and the hot spots that only the locals know. No reservations are needed, simply arrive at the base areas in Vail Village and Lionshead for tours departing at 9:30am sharp. Tours are available to intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders only – no beginners.
Ski Vail: Charles Leocha wrote in his Skiing America guide that "Vail comes closest of any resort in America to epitomizing what many skiers would call perfection." This is the largest single-mountain ski area in North America and offers guests 5,289 acres of skiable terrain, 33 lifts, including 14 high-speed quads, and the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Unique skiing features such as the legendary Back Bowls and the new Blue Sky Basin offer adventure skiing unlike anything else on the mountain. The terrain isclassified as: Beginner 18%, Intermediate 29%, Advanced and Expert 53%.
Ski Beaver Creek: Avid skiers and novices agree that the quality of the sport here is near epic. The vast terrain, impeccable grooming, wide-open bowls and aggressive moguls are dreams come true! The perennial favorite is the Village-to-Village run, which takes you from Beaver Creek to Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead through endless acres of aspen glades, fresh corduroy, and great cruising runs like Gunders and Cabin Fever.
Snowboarding: Home of the incredible Superpipe, Vail's Golden Peak Snowboard Park is definitely one of the hottest spots on the mountain. This monster pipe has 15-foot walls, 17 feet of tranny, and is over 400 feet long. As seen in Kingpin Production's newest film, Destroyer, the Vail Superpipe attracts top local riders, filmmakers, and photographers from all over the globe. Beaver Creek's gladed trails, steep terrain, and room to carve make it look like it was made just for boarders. Try the Black Bear Glade – its steep entrance with tight lines keeps most boarders and skiers at bay, then it opens to a minefield of hits that challenge even the most experienced rider. Bachelor Gulch is the place to go for nearly obstacle-free surfaces and room for advanced riders to carve.
Dog-Sledding: A team of sled dogs pulling you through the wilderness is like a ride through history. In addition to the uniqueness of the experience itself, this non-invasive transport through the forest affords you a greater opportunity to see wildlife and experience the mountain like the Native Americans and early settlers did.
Snowmobile Tours: Travel with guides from peak to peak through meadows and mountain roadways. Endless miles of spectacular 360° panoramic views of the 4 surrounding mountain ranges including the Continental Divide await! Dress warmly and bring a hat and gloves. Snowsuits, boots, clear goggles, and helmets provided, with lunch on the longer trips.
Cross-country Skiing: Broaden your view of Vail by sliding through the backcountry. Head out alone or with a guide for unmatched encounters with wildlife including elk and bobcats. Immerse yourself in nature against the remarkable backdrop of the Rockies.
Hiking: Hike the trails you love to ski! Take the gondola or chairlift up the mountain and hike around the summit, or on the many marked hiking trails. Endless miles of quiet trails, high lakes, peaks, waterfalls, and rushing streams are your remarkable options.
Rafting: Plunging onward through the rapids of Gore Canyon is an experience you'll never forget, especially when it includes the awesome beauty of drifting down a timeless river and picnicking on the shore. If you're a novice, fear not! There are many guides to lead your adventure.
Fly-Fishing: Several outfitters will set you on your way with fly, float, and wade trips, as well as personal instruction if you need it. Excursions accommodate all levels on creeks, rivers, and lakes stocked with cutthroat, brookies, rainbows, and browns up to 12 pounds!
Scenic Chairlift Ride: You don't need to be an athlete to enjoy the mountain! Get a bird's eye view of meadows painted with wildflowers, aspens, and wildlife as they gently pass beneath. Treat yourself to a mountain-top picnic and don't forget your camera!
Mountain Biking: Vail mountain has some of the best mountain biking trails in the Rocky Mountains. In fact, it's the only summer mountain destination with free bike hauls up the mountain. Rentals are available at the top at the New Technology Center in Eagle's Nest, at Vail Sports at the base in Vail Village, or Base Mountain Sports in Lionshead. Take off solo or, If you prefer a little help, take a tour with experienced guides who accommodate the novice and challenge the expert.
Horseback Riding: Several wranglers in the area offer everything from one-hour gallops and full-day excursions, to overnight trips that immerse deep into the Colorado backcountry where horses ford streams and canter through waist-deep wildflower fields. For little kids, there are pony rides and mutton bustin' at the weekly rodeo at Berry Creek Ranch.
Golf in Beaver Creek: The Beaver Creek Golf Course is open from late spring to early fall, and this Robert Trent Jones course has recently been named one of the Top 10 Courses in Colorado! There are even more courses in nearby Eagle-Vail, Gypsum, and Vail.
Dino Dig: Children love this interactive learning experience. Little ones dig through sand to uncover dinosaur bones and learn about these prehistoric creatures through an educational display. Digging "tools" and a map are provided.
Shopping in Beaver Creek: You just might want to make a whole day and night of shopping in this picture book village. The promenade floats on a cloud of Bavarian music, bronze sculptures and artfully arranged flowers decorate the stone walkways, and sidewalk cafés invite you to rest between strolls through the galleries, boutiques, gift, and jewelry stores!
Vail has consistently been named one of the Top 10 Resorts for Dining, so you can count on good eats whether you're a family looking for casual and affordable options, a group of friends looking for a party-time meal, or a couple looking for an intimate, romantic spot. Vail Mountain restaurants serve everything from French fries to fois gras, with master chefs who specialize in preparing fresh, creative cuisine. There is even a specialty restaurant for the kids!
Gourmet:
The Tyrolean is a proud recipient of the DiRoNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) Award and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Guests indulge in gourmet fare and an extensive wine selection served in a rustic Alpine ambiance softened by white table cloths and silver table settings. Specialties include Grilled Elk Loin with Marsala Sauce and Pinenut Crusted Trout with Cilantro Aioli. 400 East Meadow Drive, Vail Village
Chap's Grill & Chophouse: This restaurant has earned its reputation by serving the most tender of cuts. Locals rave about the dry-aged beef ribeye and the Blackfoot buffalo ribeye. Chap's is also a well-regarded seafood restaurant, with tempting entrées including seared ahi and 1½-pound Nova Scotia lobsters. Savory soups, such as caramelized lobster and corn bisque, are good starters. Finish the meal with chocolate-lava cake and relish the molten-truffle center as it melts in your mouth. Vail Cascade Resort, 1300 Westhaven Drive
Highly Recommended:
Game Creek Club is perhaps the best dining experience in Vail, and it's right on the mountain. The magnificent setting of this European-style chalet is matched only by its gourmet, multi-course meals and superb wine list. Specialties include Pomegranate-Cured Duck Breast and Carpaccio of Venison. Reservations essential. Near Eagle's Nest at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, accessible by Sno-Cat
Alpenrose Restaurant & Patisserrie: Originally a bakery back in 1976, the premises evolved into a restaurant marked by a sugarcoated decor like an over-the-top wedding cake. The schnitzel and steak tartare are delicious at dinner, as are the seafood specials, but the freshly made desserts remain the restaurant's calling card, dusted with sugar and drowning in butter. 100 East Meadow Drive
Local Flair:
The Starry Night Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride Dinner begins when the open sleigh picks you up at your door and takes you through crisp mountain air and starlit skies to the 4 Eagle Ranch for dinner. Inside the historic Nelson Cabin (circa1890) you can sip a warm drink by the fireplace while culinary masters prepare one of the finest meals you'll get on their side of the Continental Divide. Roast a few marshmallows on the hearth, if you'd like, or just sit back and enjoy a serenade until it's time to snuggle upunder the blankets for the ride home. Exit 157/Wolcott off Steamboat Springs Highway
Bart & Yeti's: Wagon wheels, pictures of cowboys on horseback, and other odds and ends line the rough log walls. Grilled Portobello-mushroom sandwiches, spicy Southwestern green chili, and Irish stew are among the choices at this laid-back restaurant. Entrées include favorites like barbecued baby-back ribs and crispy fried chicken. The deck is a popular gathering spot in warm weather. Lionshead
Romantic:
Left Bank is reputedly "the only real French restaurant in the state", according to Zagat restaurant guide. A romantic, adult place to enjoy glorious cooking and great service in a beautiful setting. 183 Gore Creek Drive
Terra Bistro: Dark-wood furniture and walls hung with old photographs set the tone in this sleek, sophisticated space. As you and your loved one sit and enjoy fine food and conversation, only the crackling fireplace reminds you that this is Vail. The menu focuses on contemporary American cuisine with Asian, Mediterranean, and Southwestern influences thrown in. White bean and squash sauté and peppered beef tenderloin in a cabernet reduction are headliners. Organic produce and free-range meat and poultry are used whenever possible. 352 East Meadow Drive
Vail nightlife is nearly as famous as its slopes. It's a fantastic place for live music with great venues drawing top-name bands all winter long. Wednesday nights, be sure to check out the Budweiser Street Beat Concert Series in the streets of Vail Village that brings in groups such as Hazel Miller and the Young Doubliners. Families shouldn't miss the Saturday night fireworks shows over Lionshead for guaranteed smiles all around! Furthermore, the arts are thriving in the Vail Valley, as the resort community has evolved into a major center for music, theater, and dance in the Rockies.
Altitude Billiards & Sports Bar: Vail's largest sports bar with big screen TVs, billiards and video games.
Bully Ranch: A local's favorite! Be sure to try the signature "Mud Slide" and enjoy the authentic Western barbecue.
Los Amigos: Take in one of the best views of the Vail Village base area. Sip a margarita and watch skiers make their final runs down Pepi's Face.
8150: Nationally-known bands often play here during the winter, so show up early for a good spot and get ready to jam on the popular "bouncing floor."
Mickey's: Relax beside a fireplace and enjoy the sounds of longtime local performers at this crowd-pleasing piano bar.
Coyote Café: The first bar in Beaver Creek Resort is still the local's favorite. Don't miss the Colorado micro-brewed beers and tequila bar! The menu includes Mexican food, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Twenty Below: Under 20-somethings have their own place to hang out at night, with pool tables, rocket hockey, music, foosball, television, and movies.
Budweiser Street Beat Concert Series: Every Wednesday in Vail Village, the Street Beat Concert at 6:30pm. Fun for all ages, with great music and great prizes. December- March
Budweiser Street Beat Fireworks Series: Every Saturday night, join in the extravaganza of the free Street Beat Fireworks display that lights up Lionshead village. January - March
US Free Skiing Open: The world's best free skiers compete in this Pro competition on Golden Peak. Events include slope-style, big air (night competition), and the skier cross. February
American Ski Classic: Legends of ski racing travel to Vail to compete in downhill and giant slalom events on the Golden Peak Race Arena. Additionally, celebrities compete in the Ford Cup. March
11th Annual Snowshoe Shuffle: The largest snowshoe race in the United States and a benefit for the Women's Coalition. More than1,000 will participate. March
Taste of Vail: Three-day event featuring more than 35 restaurants in the Vail Valley and 50 premium wineries, combining haute cuisine, fine wines, and exhilarating spring skiing. April
Vail Mountain Madness: The new and improved Mad Mountain Marathon course is a 150-gate slalom down Simba. Wacky costumes are part of the event, as well as a post party open to the public! April
Bravo! Colorado Vail Valley Music Festival: THE event of the summer season, this festival features everything from classical orchestra and chamber music to vocal and pops, even Baroque to modern jazz. June - August
Vail International Dance Festival: The Bolshoi Ballet Academy at Vail is the satellite school of the famous Bolshoi of Moscow and presents a series of shows each summer. June - August
In winter, it is extremely important to have the right ensemble of clothing, not just one big heavy coat. A wind/water proof outer layer should cover layers of wool and fleece. A hat that covers your ears, gloves, and wool socks are essential. Goggles and sunscreen are very important as well, because the sun is very strong at such high altitudes and the snow is highly reflective. In spring, summer, and fall, the distinct seasons play out as expected, but the high altitudes bring temperatures down about 15° lower than at ground level, so keep a sweater handy.
Vail Valley Tourism and Convention Bureau: 100 East Meadow Drive, Vail, Colorado 81657, phone 970-476-1000 or toll-free 800-525-3875