Life's Adventures

Adventure: Vail Valley Style

Vail Mountain

"Known among skiing's high society for its posh amenities, Colorado's youngest resort is also a favorite among serious skiers." - The Denver Post
"If you can't do it at Vail, it doesn't happen on snow" - SKI Magazine, where Vail was named #1 ski resort in North America for the 14^th time in 19 years by the magazine's readers.
...luxurious accommodations, cuisine forever dancing on the taste buds, après-ski activities that catapult you back to childhood or into a James Bond movie...This must be Vail," - The Washington Times

Facts and Stats for Every Visitor

North America's #1 ski resort is now bigger than ever with 5,289 total ski-able acres and 193 named trails, serviced by 32 lifts.

High Praise Indeed......

With a base elevation of 8,150 feet, a summit of 11,570 feet, and a vertical rise of 3,450 feet, Vail Mountain is truly on top of it all. Pictures can not do this magnificent mountain justice...but we try!

Are you a Flake?

Welcome to Vail, where winter is the favorite season, and by far the longest. Even though the sun shines on the Vail Valley over 300 days of the year, the average yearly snowfall is 335 inches and snow-making operations on Vail Mountain encompass over 380 acres! Snow-worshipping pursuits in the Vail area include: Alpine and Nordic skiing , snowboarding , ice skating , snowshoeing , snowmobiling , sledding , ice climbing , dog sledding , and sleigh rides . Some of these activities require guides , special equipment, and a healthy respect for the power of Mother Nature, which is why Vail is home to the highest level of outdoor professionals.

It's all Sun and Games.....

Experience Vail Valley in the summertime, and you may never want to leave. Guests and residents of the Valley enjoy a pleasantly temperate climate amid the alpine splendor of the Rocky Mountains.

Summer activities include, but are most certainly not limited to: mountain biking , hiking and Colorado 14ers , camping , whitewater rafting and kayaking , and some of the country's best fly-fishing , in White River National Forest . The Vail Valley is a golfer's dream with 17 courses , many of them award winning, with a combination of private and public, for true enthusiasts. Guest ranches throughout the area offer a complete 'Western'-style experience, complete with horseback riding and day trips. Evening activities can be centered around the many outdoor concerts and festivals, and the Valley's legendary fine-dining experiences.

Bit by the Shopping Bug?

There are hundreds of colorful emporiums and boutiques for the seasoned shopper, located mainly in the villages throughout the Valley. Appreciating every one of the specialty shops can take days, and the obscure treasures to be found are beyond description. If you're up to the challenge, call for a street map to plan your route! Don' forget to stay fueled up with distinctive cuisine from a variety of cafes and bistros .

What's your sign?

Whether you're a double-black-diamond skier or just starting out on the beginner trails, there's plenty of ski terrain for your skill level on Vail Mountain. The breakdown is as follows: Expert- 53%, Intermediate 29%, and beginner 18%.

Finding your way to fabulous.....

Our resort is considered to be very flier-friendly, making it accessible to a larger and more diverse clientele. The Town of Vail is located 120 miles via Interstate-70, 30 minutes by air, west of Denver International Airport (DIA) . If you want service.....the Eagle County Regional Airport and Jet Center is 35 miles down-valley from Vail proper and is serviced by the six largest commercial airlines. There are extensive facilities for private jets, as well as the capability to receive other personal aircraft and charter flights.

Get around, and around, and around....

If you plan on renting a car, be aware there are twelve round-a-bouts throughout the Valley, a driving "obstacle course" relatively unique to North America. You may want to take advantage of one of the many other ground transportation options, including a free Vail/Beaver Creek/Avon in-town bus system which also shuttles skiers and shoppers from village-to-village for a minimal cost ( usually about $2 or less). For visitors not comfortable with winter driving conditions and those who prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery, there are several 'express shuttle' companies which offer transportation to and from the airport(s) with door-to-door convenience. Vehicle options include vans, SUV's, limousines - you name it, they'll pick you up in it!

Après Ski is an art form....

Quite literally, in fact. Cultural endeavors in the Vail Valley are above and beyond that of any other resort community. The sparkling nightlife of Vail Village is further enhanced by an extensive performing arts program each season. Our resort, previously known only for its world-class skiing and golf, has established quite a name for itself as a major host of theater and dance. Bravo! Colorado Vail Valley Music Festival and Vail International Dance Festival feature internationally renowned orchestras, soloists, and principal dancers from major dance companies.

Beaver Creek Resort is home to the Vilar Center for the Arts , whose engagements rival those of major cultural centers throughout the world. If you are an art lover, visit one of the many galleries in the Villages, which showcase a huge variety of artistic styles and mediums.

Questions? Just Ask!