Vail, Colorado. The Switzerland of the Rockies. One of Colorado's most treasured, and timeless villages, a mountain for range of difficulty and terrain for winter sports and restaurants, shops and bars a plenty. You cannot go wrong with your trip to Vail, but we are here to help make your planning a little easier.
What should I pack?
- Goggles
- We use wide view, anti fog goggles. These make for a great option to take in the scenery while protecting your eyes from getting sunburnt. Yes, your eyes can get burnt - be careful!
- Helmet
- We love our white helmet, but whatever gives you the most safety and confidence is a great option!
- Hydration Pack
- How else do you prefer to store your cold beer to crack on the lift? Oh, and stay hydrated too... ;)
- LAYERS
- It's difficult to predict how warm you will be when you're out on the slopes ~shredding the gnar~ but we typically layer up in thicker options if it's a powder day/under 30° or pack our breathable options when it's over 30°/sunny (bluebird). Let's break it down!
- Mittens or gloves
- Most snowboarders prefer "lobster" gloves, which help strap in and strap out with ease.
- We personally prefer mittens as we struggle with cold hands and cold feet.
- Ski socks
- We prefer ours heated! If you run warm, regular ski or snowboard socks will do the trick.
- Winter coat
- Winter/snow pants
If you plan to ski the entire duration of your trip, then you have your days FILLED. What more could you need?! Depending on your skill level, skiing a few runs in the Blue Sky Basin area is a MUST. Views for MILES, blues and blacks with wide open runs to freely ski without a worry. However if you do NOT ski and are visiting Vail because... it's VAIL. Let us help you break down your days. Starting with the drive up....
What should I do?
Thursday (take a couple of days off and start your trip on a Thursday! You deserve it!):
- Pack your car and hit the road.
- Head up I-70 and try to beat winter traffic (we like to take a half day and leave before 3 PM.)
Friday:
- Skiiers + Snowboarders
- Pack a breakfast and hit the SLOPES!
- Break for lunch at a mid-mountain lodge, or pack a energy bar ski right through.
- Meet your loved one for a delicious margarita and dinner at the base of Vail, Los Amigos.
- Non skiiers + snowboarders
- Spend your day acclimating to the altitude and beauty of Vail.
- Breakfast
- If you're the type of person who enjoys eating their way through their vacation (like us), you must try Big Bear Bistro for a bright and hearty breakfast in Vail Village.
- Acitivity:
- Shop around at Vail's boutiques and art galleries.
- Lunch:
- Delicious food, tasty drinks AND live music! Make a stop at Red Lion.
- Activity:
- Ice skate in the heart of Vail village.
- Dinner
- Meet your loved one for a delicious margarita and dinner at the baser of Vail, Los Amigos.
Saturday
- Skiiers + Snowboarders
- Pack a breakfast and hit the SLOPES!
- Break for lunch at a mid-mountain lodge, or pack a energy bar ski right through.
- Meet your loved one for a delicious pizza and ice cold beers at the base of Vail at Vendetta's.
- Non skiiers + snowboarders:
- Vail is your oyster!
- Spend some ME time at the spa. Some of Vail's greatest spas Four Seasons Vail or Sonnenalp.
- OR tap into your adventurous side and go snowmobiling, snowshoeing or snowtubing. Enjoy the views of Vail Mountain without having to ski or snowboard!
- Meet your loved one for a delicious pizza and ice cold beers at the base of Vail at Vendetta's.
Sunday
- Grab a breakfast in the village, and head back to Denver early enough (~1 PM) to avoid ski traffic!