| e who visits Vail, Colorado understands why this | | | | exercise room, parking, and meeting space. Most |
| resort is constantly ranked as one of Ski | | | | rooms have private balconies, mini-refrigerators |
| Magazine’s Top 10 ski areas. It is home to | | | | hairdryers, and heated towel racks. |
| three major ski areas, each of which is about the | | | | Off-Slope Activities |
| size of a regular resort. | | | | Vail is also a great place to explore Colorado ski |
| The front side of Vail has hundreds of trails, as well | | | | history. Be sure to visit the Colorado Ski Museum at |
| as more high-speed quads than any area in the | | | | the Vail Transportation Center. |
| country. Expert skiers love the back bowls, which | | | | The museum also has an excellent gift shop. |
| have six miles of black diamond powder skiing trails. | | | | At night, you can get to know some Vail locals at |
| Extreme skiers are particularly excited about the | | | | the Sandbar in West Vail. The Sandbar tries to be |
| opening of the new Blue Sky Basin, which features | | | | many things to many people. Miraculously, it succeeds. |
| over 600 acres of backcountry skiing. For beginners, | | | | The owners also have bars in Florida and San Diego. |
| the best areas are at Golden Peak and the top of | | | | This might explain the Surf theme for Sandbar Vail. |
| the gondola. There is also a group of short green | | | | The inexpensive drinks are what attract the plethora |
| runs under the Sourdough Lift. Intermediate cruisers | | | | of locals who avoid the higher priced bars near the |
| will enjoy the runs under the Eagle Bahn Gondola, or | | | | mountain. Later in the evening, the Sandbar becomes |
| any run under the Avanti express chair. | | | | one of the hottest dance clubs in town. |
| Vail has gained the honor of becoming one of the | | | | Save some sobriety for evening activities at The |
| most Eco-friendly resorts in Colorado by converting | | | | Eagle’s Nest, located at the top of the Eagle |
| to wind power, a renewable source of energy. Ski | | | | Bahn Gondola. Visitors can enjoy a game of laser tag, |
| with the Wind is a new promotion giving a free lift | | | | or try ski biking. |
| ticket to anyone who converts their home to wind | | | | Dining |
| power for a year through their partner, Renewable | | | | Although there are many fine-dining establishments at |
| Choice Energy. | | | | Vail, if you want a taste of true American cooking, |
| There are a few things you should consider when | | | | visit Bart and Yeti's. Located in the Lionshead section |
| booking Vail lodging. During the winter season, many | | | | of Vail, this restaurant serves specialties such as ribs |
| of the hotels have minimum stay requirements, and if | | | | and fried chicken at affordable prices. Call |
| you are planning to visit during March, which is the | | | | 970-474-2754 |
| American Spring Break or during the holiday seasons, | | | | Shopping |
| it may be challenging to find lodging if you do not | | | | If the price tags at stores in the Vail Valley lead to |
| book well in advance. While it is less expensive to | | | | sticker shock, shop at Ritzy Recalls. This consignment |
| stay in one of the neighboring towns, parking in Vail is | | | | shop features a vast variety of one-of-a-kind items |
| very expensive. Weigh the options between the | | | | with designer labels. (970) 845-7646. |
| rates for off-mountain lodging in Vail against the going | | | | Summer Activities |
| rate for parking. If you decide to stay on the | | | | In the summer, enjoy cultural activities such as the |
| mountain, the Lodge at Vail is a popular choice. It's | | | | Bravo: Vail Valley Music Festival. Equestrians can ride |
| located at the base of Vail Mountain, ten yards away | | | | at the 4-eagle Ranch |
| from the village's main ski lift. Amenities at the Vail | | | | Fly fishing guides are available by Fly-fishing Outfitters |
| Lodge include a concierge, valet laundry, currency | | | | |
| exchange, business center, babysitting, ski storage | | | | Like golf? Enjoy the affects of altitude at the Vail |
| and rental, heated swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, | | | | Golf Club. |