Tis’ the season for decorating trees, bundling up in warm clothes, and cozying up next to a fire. Did you know there is a place where trees stay lit, sweaters are almost always in fashion, and an apres ski next to a fire is part of the daily routine? That place is Vail and of all the ski resorts I have traveled it is possibly the most enchanting. Vail is not only the largest ski resort (click here for map) in Colorado but since it is comprised of three areas it is also filled with an abundance of activities for the whole family.
The main two base areas, where most restaurants and shops are located, are Vail Village, and Lionshead. Golden Peak is near Vail Village, and also offers access to the mountain as well as a beginner ski school area and lift.
One walk through Vail Village and you will be spellbound. Imagine an alpine village filled with twinkling lights, cobblestone walkways, a variety of local eateries, adorable apparel boutiques, and a covered bridge over beautiful Gore Creek which flows right through town. It is a special place to ski with the endless options of runs to suit any level skier and it is a special place to stay with a plethora of things to delight your senses.
Where To Stay
Vail Mountain Lodge – It isn’t many places you stay where within five minutes of arriving you meet someone that knows one of your childhood friends. That is exactly what happened the moment we arrived at Vail Mountain Lodge and it set the tone for a hospitable and memorable vacation. Located in the heart of it all and convenient to both Golden Peak and Vail Village, Vail Mountain Lodge is an ideal place to stay. With 20 rooms and 7 condominiums, all rooms feature private fireplaces, deep soaking tubs and feather beds. Located right alongside Gore Creek the 
lodge is private and serene. Two whirlpools overlook Gore Creek creating an ideal place to relax after a day on the slopes to enjoy sunset. Perhaps one of the most alluring features of the hotel is the Vitality Center offering a full service spa, the best athletic club in Vail, and free fitness and yoga classes throughout each week. But it doesn’t stop there, the lodge’s restaurant Terra Bistro is one of the best restaurants in Colorado serving locally sourced dishes featuring free-range meat and poultry, mountain trout, and vegetables from local markets. Winner of the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, Terra Bistro has also earned accolades from such publications as Gourmet Magazine and the New York Times.
Where To Eat
Terra Bistro – As above, one of the best restaurants in Colorado. Consistently recognized by Wine Spectator and Gourmet Magazine. The food is mouthwatering. May I suggest the House Sprouted Quinoa, Smoked Rocky Mountain Trout Caesar, Salmon Tartare, Grilled Hanger Steak, Kecap Manis Glazed Salmon, and for dessert the Saffron Panna Cotta. The label OG2 means that approximately 90% of their ingredients are cultivated using certified organic methods. In their 
kitchen Terra Bistro grows their own quinoa sprouts. Their “Crazy Bald Head” Ginger Beer and Hard Grape Soda are brewed in house, and their whiskey is barrel-aged for the Old Fashioned Sour. Make sure to check out their ‘Mocktails’ for the little ones!
Mountain Standard – Sister restaurant to the popular Sweet Basil, Mountain Standard quickly gained a following. Enjoy an innovative menu in a relaxed tavern setting. The majority of Mountain Standard’s menu is prepared via the most primal cooking method, over an open and live wood fire. The only restaurant in the valley to devote themselves to this age-old way of cooking, the food has rustic, bold and honest flavors, focusing on the purest ingredients in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond. Try the Buttered King Crab, also their raw bar selection is fantastic, for the main course enjoy the Corned Pork Shank, Rocky Mountain Trout with lump blue crab, or Kobe Bavette Steak Frites.
Sweet Basil – Established in 1977, Sweet Basil is a Vail standard serving lunch and dinner and offering delicious American cuisine. The Chicories and Pear, Fazzoletti Wild Mushrooms, Crunchy Avocado Sandwich, and Black Snapper Tacos are all excellent choices.
Yama Sushi – This world class sushi restaurant right in the heart of Vail is more than worth a visit and a nice break in between typical mountain food. With rolls like the Boom Boom and the Randy and sharing options like the Tuna Tataki and the Alaskan King Crab Claw grilled and served with tempura shishito your senses will be in a state of euphoria and you will leave full and happy.
Larkspur – Located at the base of Golden Peak lift, Larkspur is an excellent place to take a break and have a nice lunch or enjoy an apres ski. Enjoy Shigoku Oysters, Angel’s Cognac Cured Salmon, Hominy Chili, Kale Chiffonade, and an excellent burger.
Moe’s Original Bar B Que – A trip to Vail would not be complete without paying homage to these Bama boys. Moe’s Bar B Que now with locations throughout the Southeast actually originated in Vail. Three guys from Alabama with a mutual interest in all things Southern: football, bbq, blues, and whisky, opened Moe’s Bar B Que in Lionshead just steps away from Vail Mountain.
Where To Shop
Gorsuch – When it didn’t seem children were in their future, Renie Cox and David Gorsuch got a dog and started a business. What started as tuning skis in their dorm room has decades later become one of the most coveted ski apparel retailers in the world providing customers with an exceptional experience the moment you step through the door. Gorsuch offers the most gorgeous ski apparel options and also the most unique finds like hand painted Austrian shooting targets and Mongolian lamb foot stools. A trip to this store is a must and you will also find puppies on the premises.
Alpine Wine and Spirits – An excellent selection of wine and liquors, make a stop to stock up for your vacation.
McRae Litt Fine Art Gallery – Showcasing an array of artists from the Equus Collection by photographer Arden Ward Upton to plein air artist Diane Burkett, a visit to this gallery is enjoyable for anyone interested in art and an excellent place to discover a new piece for your collection.
Ski School
Vail Ski School – Taking your children skiing is a fun event for the family, choosing the right ski school so that their experience is enjoyable rather than frustrating is important. In basic ski school they will be in a large group, but if you choose to do the Ultimate Four your child will have a much more one-on-one experience. Our daughter loved the Ultimate Four, and on some 
days it would be just her and another little girl making it even more like a private lesson. Ultimate Four is the best choice to make sure your child gets the most out of ski school while making friends too. In addition every instructor we had at the Vail Ski School was incredible with the children. We have tried ski schools at other resorts, I was beyond impressed with how professional the ski school was run and how friendly and personable the staff was. If you have little ones going to ski school, Golden Peak is where they will meet in the morning, although they may venture out with their class to Lionshead or Vail Village. After our Vail ski trip we now have a level 4+ skier!
Getting To Vail
You can fly into Eagle Airport (EGE) which is only 30 minutes from Vail via Colorado Mountain Express van service, rental car, or taxi.
From points south a flight to Denver (DEN) is most often direct and typically a much more affordable option. You can get to Vail from Denver via the Colorado Mountain Express van service or rental car. When flying into Denver try to avoid a Friday, you will end up in weekender traffic going the same direction you are and the trip to Vail becomes much longer than expected. A beautiful plus to flying into Denver, the absolutely breathtaking drive.
Now that I can hear the swoosh of the snow beneath my skis, feel the steam from the hot tub, and taste a cold frothy apres ski, I do believe it is time to plan the next trip to Vail.