USA Resorts

Vail


"Massive terrain, huge bowls and blue sky days are fond memories from my days in Vail. This was my very first introduction to US mountains and was where I fell in love with my eternal winters to the US. A great location to explore further resorts that are connected to the Colorado lift pass. Vail caters for all needs and ages from those wishing to purchase designer accessories to the hardcore skier or boarder."

Sarah Headifen - Ski Traveller 

Resort

Vail is themed like an Austrian village with the main historic Vail Village area centred around the 'covered bridge' and the original hotels such as, shops with plenty of bars, restaurants and night clubs. Located directly off the I -70 highway the town of Vail is divided into three areas. When driving from Denver you will reach East Vail first followed by Vail Village / Lionshead and then West Vail.

If you want to stay in the heart of Vail, then choose Vail Village or Golden Peak. Lionshead is just 10 minutes walk or a short shuttle ride away and has it's own gondola to access the slopes. The Arabelle Hotel is the centre of Lionshead village as well as our favourites Antlers at Vail and the great value Lifthouse Condos. Ther are some very large private homes and condominiums lcoated in East and West Vai. If you choose East Vail there is easy access to the village via free buses that run until the early hours of the morning. If you would like to stay in West Vail we recommend taking a rental as part of your holiday.

Vail is the largest ski area in the US so there really is terrain for all abilities from the gentle rolling front slopes to the powder deep bowls and glade runs at Blue Sky Basin.

Beaver Creek is valid on your Vail lift pass and you must take advantage of this as it is just 15 minutes away from Vail via car or slightly longer in the shuttle that runs between the two resorts. The shuttle is around US$5. Beaver Creek is a smaller more boutique resort than Vail, their catch phrase is.....no exactly roughing it....and I would have to agree.


Beginners 8 / 10 Nightlife 8 / 10
Intermediates 9 / 10 Village Charm 8 / 10
Experts 9 / 10 Non Ski Activities 8 / 10



2010-11 Specials


Epic Lift Pass
Unlimited, valid all season at the following ski resorts - Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly.
Lift Pass Ages: Adult 13+ years/ Child 5-12 years

Epic 7 Pack Lift Pass
Valid for 7 days at the following ski resorts - Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly.
Lift Pass Ages: Adult 13+ years/ Child 5-12 years
 
The shopping never ends
 
Season Mid Nov – April
Nearest airport  Denver or Eagle 
Transfer time  2 ½ hrs/35minutes 
Transport options  Transfer/Car Hire 
Summit elevation  11,570ft/3526 m 
Village elevation  8,120ft/2474 m 
Ski area  5,289 acres/2358 ha 
Ski lifts  34 
Number of runs  193 
Longest run  Riva Ridge – 4 miles 
Bowls  7 
Terrain park  4 
Halfpipe  1 Superpipe 
Grade  Front:
28% Beginner
32% Intermediate
40% Advanced / Expert

Back:
13% Intermediate
87% Advanced / Expert

Blue Sky Basin:
47% Intermediate
53% Advanced / Expert 
Temperatures  NOV/DEC -14/+7 C
JAN -15/+2 C
FEB -11/ +5 C
MAR/APR -6 / +15C