Of course, the main reason to come to Vail is to hit the slopes. You can do so in style – the most modern gondola here comes with heated seats and WiFi for a luxurious journey up. Everyone from first-time skier to off-piste expert is catered for here. If you prefer the après to the ski, then Vail has plenty for you as well, from fine dining to cozy pubs. Then there’s the shopping scene, where you’ll fall in love with the latest ski gear and luxury furs.
Family
Vail is very much a family-friendly resort. You might have trouble keeping up with the kids as they whiz away on mini-snowmobiles and fly skyward on bungee trampolines, but they will love the fun and games at the Adventure Ridge center. The Golden Peak accommodation area is popular with families, as it has ski-in, ski-out access to the gentle beginners’ area and to the child care and nursery facilities.
Where to eat
From chic Asian fusion eateries to hearty steak restaurants, Vail has something of a gourmet reputation. The twin resort towns of Vail and Lionshead certainly have plenty of opportunities to splurge on a fancy dinner, but they have plenty of cheap pizza and burger joints to for a quick eat on a budget. For the most upmarket dinner, you’ll have to scale the mountain by gondola and snowcat. The Game Creek Restaurant has prices almost as dizzying as its altitude, but it’s an unforgettable experience.
Nightlife
Vail has après-ski sorted, putting other resorts to shame with the sheer variety of bars and nightspots. The Bridge Street district of Vail Town is where the cool cats go to party all night long, with laid-back lounge bars, live music venues and dance clubs to keep things lively. Lionshead has more of a pub atmosphere, with good food, cheap drinks and plenty of socializing. The après-ski here starts mid-afternoon and just keeps on swinging into the wee hours.
