On The Mountain
Beginners/First Timers - A good area to start out at is the base of Golden Peak where there is a small learning area or Eagles Nest which is the largest mountaintop teaching area in the world.Closeby is Lost Boy which is a long cruisey run.
Intermediate skier/boarders will find the terrain a paradise with plenty to choose from - popular front side runs to enjoy in Lionshead are Born-Free, Bwana, Simba and Safari runs which are wide open cruising runs.
Advanced/Experts amongst your group will find the eastern side of the mountainTry the steeps and trees in Blue Sky Basin for a taste of lift-served backcountry skiing.The secret in Blue Sky Basin is that it's north facing, so the snow stays better here longer and there's a lot more of it.The Skyline Express Lift runs from the bottom of Tea Cup Bowl up the ridge between Pete's Bowl and Earl's Bowl, providing the main access to terrain in the area.
Ski and Board School
World-class skiing and riding require world-class technique. Private or group lessons from Vail's team of elite instructors can help you conquer any type of terrain. No matter what your level or interest, Vail has a multitude of programs that speak to your specific needs.
Group lessons are a great way to meet other people while you learn and are available on a daily basis with the option of half day lessons to full day instruction for all levels of skiers & boarders.
The Village
Based around a Tyrolean theme with meandering walkways via a selection of cafes, book stores, ski shops, jewellery stores and clothing shops.
Vail Village has two main areas Lionshead and Vail Village which is where you will find the bulk of shops, bars and restaurants. Around the base area of the mountain there is an internal free bus system which interlinks the bases which are Golden Peak, Vail Village, Lionshead and Cascade Village.
The actual town of Vail is quite spread out with a population of over 4,000 and divided into three parts East, Vail and West Vail. If you are looking at staying in larger condominiums there are plenty scattered throughout East Vail and accessible on the free bus.
Attractions and Activities
The Free Street Beat concerts feature monthly in Vail with live entertainment, from February 3rd - 5th get ready for Mardi Gras and look out for the parade in the village on the 5th with local floats and beads everywhere.
Adventure Ridge at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola will keep the children entertained and those seeking more cultural events such as the Vail Film Festival and the Taste of Vail should plan to be in Vail around early April.
Close by are horse drawn sleigh rides, ranch dinners and horseback riding, snowmobiling and balloon rides, cross country skiing plus many more exciting activities. There is also a range of wonderful spas throughout Vail and Avon to pamper yourself at.
Shopping
Vail is full of boutiques, art galleries, indigenous artifacts, jewellery stores, clothing and specialty stores whether you are looking for something eclectic or a small souvenir from the area there is always something that you can find amongst the many stores throughout the village.
Dining
Within Vail there is an array of dining options from the rustic to elegant gourmet to casual restaurants and bars.An excellent book to pick up with what to do and where to eat is the free Vail Valley"What to Do"guide which can be found throughout the town.The local TV channel Good Morning Vail on channel 8 also advertises local restaurants and bars with local specials.
Nightlife
Featuring several hotspots throughout the village,Vail has a choice that will appeal to most peoples tastes.
The Red Lion at the top of Bridge Street is a popular spot with an outdoor deck and traditional ski bar inside,for the more refined Pepi's Bar & Restaurant on Bridge Street is an all time favourite with live music and the occasional ski boot dancer.
Garfinkels in Lionshead opposite the Gondola has a fantastic outdoor deck where you can watch skiers and boarders make their final descent which makes for interesting viewing.The Tap Room is great for chilling out and catching up with everyone in the evening and nice for the mature crowd. The Club has live entertainment with a guitar player Steve Meyer who really does get the crowd going and for those who enjoy the nightclub scene there is Samana,The Rumpus Room and 8150 which usually attracts a younger crowd.
