Vail
When one thinks about the legendary ski resorts around the world, a number immediately spring to mind. Vail is definitely one of those. Resorts don’t reach legendary status without good reason. Vail has it all - massive and varied terrain, a huge modern and efficient lift system, great vertical, tons of snow, classic après, vibrant nightlife and a booming “village” (err...town, um....city) with all the services one would expect from a mega resort. Vail is the quintessential world class ski resort that many others try to imitate.
Vail is BIG and has something for everyone. If you want to ski big long super groomed cruisers all day - you can do it. If you want some in-bounds, backcountry style skiing and then cook a steak on a BBQ at 3,527m elevation – you can. If you expect powder - it will happen. If you want to ski steep trees and moguls or jump off different cornices all day - guess what - it’s there. If you want to eat at five star restaurants and shop in boutiques, or just get a roll from Subway - you can do that too. If you want to economise and shop at Safeway to cook in your self-contained accommodation, go right ahead.
Ski and Snowboard Terrain
The
ski area at Vail is one of the largest in the world with 2,140 hectares (5,289 acres), and it has more groomed snow than any other resort on the planet. Off-piste there are infinite lines. You’ll never run into your ex-wife, and you’ll still discover new trails after skiing there for a week. Vail has all the terrain you could ever desire. The true test of a BIG resort is to check it out on a really busy weekend. Vail definitely passes that test and even on President’s Weekend, the resort copes with the hordes. It is possible to avoid the crowds and ski fresh lines all day. Imagine then how good Vail can be during a quiet midweek period.
Vail has three distinct ski areas. The front side is generally crowded, and includes lots of cruisers and the beginner areas. The north facing Blue Sky Basin is more peaceful, and has boundless backcountry trails, lots of advanced terrain and tree skiing. The Vail back bowls are infamous amongst expert skiers and are a good way to escape the masses (except on a powder day!). The lift system is amazing with 34 lifts in total, including one gondola and 16 high speed quad chairs!
Where is Vail?
Vail is located in Eagle County, Colorado, USA. Gateway airports are the Denver International Airport about 2 hours away (177km / 110 miles), and the Vail/Eagle County regional airport which is only 56km (35 miles) away. Ground transportation to the resort is readily available from both airports.
Accommodation and Facilities
Accommodation options are seemingly endless across eight different neighbourhoods. Vail village is the centre of all the action; the Lionshead area has good access to the skiing area via the gondola; Golden Peak is a great area for families; and Cascade is a quieter village that still has good access to the lifts. Across the different villages, you can choose from hotels, condos, and bed and breakfasts to suit most budgets.
Vail Activities
At Vail, skiing and boarding is really only part of the holiday. The
off-slope activities are numerous and just a few examples include sleigh rides, day spas, galleries, and of course the amazing
shopping. Definitely pay off the credit card before you arrive because there are too many temptations. The purpose-built “village” of Vail is bustling and trendy, yet still somewhat charming.
Dining, après and nightlife options abound.
Why Ski or Snowboard at Vail?
Vail has everything that money can buy, and considering the limitless opportunities, chances are that your wallet will be empty by the end of your vacation. The ski lift tickets are some of the most expensive in the world, but no one seems to mind because you get plenty in return for your dollar. Your money is well invested back into the resort facilities, and millions of dollars are spent on redevelopment. A bit like Madonna and Kylie, Vail is always re-inventing itself. “I Should Be So Lucky” to “Holiday” at Vail.
Vail is awesome in every way. Take advantage of the current cheap airfares and make this journey before your knees give in.