Vail: Family Vacation Planning

Visitors to Vail Valley will be amazed by the sheer beauty of this Rocky Mountain playground.

After our first ski trip there more than two decades ago, my entire extended family fell in love with the clean air, active lifestyle and the endless list of things to do. And we have returned time and again for family weddings—my brother was married in Vail, and I said my vows in Beaver Creek—birthdays, anniversaries and any other excuse we could think of to get back to this alpine paradise.

It’s so easy to do because, as one season fades into the next, there is something to entice everyone at any age.

No matter which time of year you visit, bring your sunscreen. With more than 300 days of sunshine, the high altitude provides a heavy dose of solar power to supercharge your stay.

• Vail offers plenty of biking trails with fantastic views in summer.
• Courtesy of Vail Summer Media Guide

Getting There

If you’re not within driving distance, you’ll be happy to know that airfares to the region have become significantly more affordable since January 2006, when Southwest Airlines entered the market. For the most part, it is less expensive to fly into Denver, rent a car and head up into mountains via I-70. (Vail is 122 miles west of Denver.) Shuttle service is also available through several companies including Colorado Mountain Express for about $78 per person, one way.

The alternative is flying into the regional airport located “down valley” in Eagle. Each community has reliable free transportation. However, if you have the family in tow, or if you plan to venture outside the resort areas or into the back country, it’s nice to have your own wheels. (Read our Travel News article for current air deals or check out www.visitvailvalley.com for more specials.)

Home Base

In planning your trip to this mountain paradise, you’ll first have to determine your home base. Each part of the Valley has its own unique charm and appeal, so your decision about where to stay will likely to depend on which activities are on your must-do list. You’ll also want to consider the number, age, budgets and interests of your traveling companions. These communities make up Vail Valley:

• Kids lessons at the Vail Snowsports School can be made online at vail.snow.com.
• Bob Winsett, Vail Resorts

Vail

On the eastern end of the valley, this hub of year-round activity (named after highway engineer Charlie Vail) is one of the largest and most well-known ski areas in the country, if not the world. Locals split Vail into three neighborhoods:

• East Vail, mostly residential, includes some great rental possibilities, especially for families.
• Vail Village, with its Tyrolean style pathways and luxury hotels, is the heart of the action. Lionshead, a part of the village is also a good home base.
• West Vail is home to more restaurants, shops and lodging options.

Choose from lodging choices at various price points including numerous ski-in, ski-out options. The free town Shuttle service runs throughout the community and makes it easy to access Vail's many chairlifts or to visit the resort’s dozens of tony shops and restaurants.