Some would equate the back bowls of Vail Mountain to heaven on earth. With its tight and ungroomed trails, densely wooded areas, steep drop-ins, and stunning views an advanced skier wants for little else. However, Vail Village is home to year-round activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.

A two-hour drive from Denver’s international airport, Vail is located on the western side of the mountain pass- the official start of the Rocky Mountains. Your drive will bring you through mining history, small river towns, and the Anheuser-Busch factory (sorry, no free samples!).

We recommend that you make a day of this, spending time stopping for lunch and take in the scenery to allow yourself time to hydrate and get acclimated to the elevation!

What to do:

Some of the best accommodations you will find are at  The Arrabelle at Vail Square. Offering traditional hotel guestrooms, right up to four-bedroom residences, there is something for everyone. Overlooking the mountain at every turn, the hotel’s welcoming lobby, roaring fireplace, a world-class spa, rooftop heated pool, and ski concierge service are a welcomed luxury in an otherwise exhausting hobby.

The mountain features dozens of trails in each category- Green, Blue, Black, Double Black- allowing snow enthusiasts of all ages and expertise access to everything the mountain has to offer. Vail pride’s itself on attracting and retaining only the best instructors to guide and assist you on your journey of getting more familiar with mountain life. For those who opt not to aim for “25,000 feet of vertical a day”, there is always snowshoeing, snow tubing, champagne toasts at the top of the gondola, shopping, ice skating, and much more.
As the lifts close for the day, kick those boots off and enjoy après-ski with live music at The Red Lion, Blue Moose Pizza, or Eagles Nest. You’ll find a warm and relaxed atmosphere where you can thaw out and share stories of the mountain.
After a slow down during “Mud Season”, the mountain and surrounding areas transform into a summer oasis of biking, hiking, golf, and fishing. Having spent a wonderful 4th of July celebration there in 2009- there are few better places to enjoy fireworks than from the top of a mountain!