I want to get this post in before topics turn in earnest to college football this weekend. I'm planning a four-adult, one-toddler early March ski vacation to Vail. I was hoping for lodging walkable to lifts in Vail Village or Lionshead areas. However, I'm frustrated by the prices, so I may have to look at less convenient lodging. How easy is it to get around -- particularly from lodging to lifts -- using shuttles that I assume are offered? Any advice on favored locations other than VV and LH proper? Before anyone suggests Breckenridge as an alternate option, we stayed there last winter and loved it. We'd like to try a different area this winter. Flying into Denver is the most economical and convenient destination city for both involved families, so I've ruled out SLC and other more western hubs. We desire a resort with the many amenities that a resort like vail offers, so one like Winter Park, for example, is not an option. Thanks.
OT: Advice solicited from skiers familiar with Vail.
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That, unfortunately, is the problem with Vail. The skiing is to die for (if you stick to the back bowls), but it's almost impossible to find housing where you don't get fleeced.
Best way I've found to overcome this issue is to use AirBNB and get a place in Frisco, CO. However, that means you'll have to rent a car (as opposed to using the shuttle from Denver), and then have to drive to and from Vail (or Beaver Creek) each day. Not a problem for 4 adults, but could be an inconvenience as you mentioned you'd have a toddler in your group.
Good luck
With a toddler, I assume you'll be swapping out sitters with skiers throughout the day. For that reason, you'll want to be close to the slopes. Sure, it's a bit pricier, but don't worry, it's only money... they'll print more.
BUT the important question: Does the toddler need a lift ticket?
Hi. We own a townhouse in EagleVail which is about 10 minutes from Vail and 5 from Beaver Creek and have skied Vail a great deal the last 2 seasons (160 days). I'll try and answer some of your questions.
As for the mountain, Vail is a fun mountain to ski. It does not have a huge amount of very challenging terrain but some can be found in Blue Sky Basin if that's what you are looking for. The Back Bowls are great and lots of fun. It's why you ski Vail. No matter how crowded it might be you can always avoid lift lines. On a super crowded day which is very rare head over to the Highline Express lift and there is never a line. It services black terrain but Blue Ox is usually groomed and any intermediate can handle it. If you want something easier, then go to Pride Express where you will also find no lines. I can tell you more about the mountain if you want.
Expect to pay in the neighborhood of $25/person for lunch. Food on the mountain is expensive but OK. We bring sandwiches. No way we can afford $50/day.
As for lodging. I don't know your budget but anything in Vail Village or Lions Head will be VERY expensive. Walking distance is super expensive. I believe you can pay around $1000/night at the Arrabelle. You can head out to East Vail or West Vail for something more reasonable but really nothing is "reasonable". Use vrbo.com. Before we bought our house I got a couple of great deals within walking distance via vrbo but it was lots of work. If I can find links I'll try to pass them on.
FOUND ONE: This is in Lionshead Village that we were very happy with. They gave us a good deal because we had a long stay.
https://www.vrbo.com/13163
If you are looking for summer here is our place:
https://www.vrbo.com/869179
East and West Vail are serviced by the free Vail shuttle which runs frequently. Sandstone is a West Vail community on the free bus route too. Heading west out towards EagleVail and Edwards you can take the "eco-bus". The eco-bus is $4 per ride per person. If you are 65 it's $1. Parking at Vail will cost you $25/day so with 4 people that's actually cheaper than the eco-bus. Another option if you are not on the free bus line is to drive to Donovan Park or the frontage road in West Vail and then take the free bus but get there early. EagleVail is a 10 minute drive to Vail, Avon is 15, and Edwards is around 25. You should also look into Minturn. It's pretty close and you can drive to a nearby parking lot and catch the eco-bus from Minturn. I'd bet that you will find the least expensive places there. By the way, if you have 4/5 people you may find that renting a car is going to be cheaper than taking the Colorado Mountain Express (CME) from Denver which of course Vail Resorts owns. It's shockingly expensive.
If you end up in/near Lionshead you can rent a basket for ski boots at Vail Sports for a good price. Be nice and they are nice to you. Leave the boots and you only have to carry skis and not walk long distances in boots. You can probably find the same service at Ski Haus in the village but I don't know the cost. I would highly recommend this.
Best ski tune in town is Tommy Tunes in Lionshead.
Best boot fitting is SBF in the village Vail Sports. Ask for Chris.
I have a pdf file of restaurant suggestions that we put together for summer renters that I'd be happy to send you. I don't know of any way to link it here. Give me an e-mail and I'll send it. One place for a decent inexpensive meal is "Gondola Pizza" in Avon. It's the best and only reasonably priced Pizza around. Large 2 topping pizza and 2 beers for $16 which is virtually free for Vail.
March is a great time to be in Vail. They get a great deal of snow in March and you could end up with a great powder day or just settle for sunny and warm on beautiful conditions. How many days will you be skiing? If it's over 7 days then a epic pass might save you money. The epic season pass is the only bargain in Vail at $809 good all season at all Vail resorts. It went up $50 this season.
I wish there was a silver bullet but there isn't. Spend lots of time on vrbo and choose wisely.
Happy to answer any other questions you might have if I can. If I think of anything more useful, I'll post it.
Think Snow! Opening Day is Nov. 18. See you on the slopes.
PS If you take any lessons be sure to TIP your instructors. They don't earn squat and survive on tips.
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Johnmpsu,
Great response. Thanks for spending time putting it together. We have 3 upper intermediates and one beginner. Beginner likely will not ski every day, when she will assume day care of toddler. That's when the others will take on the bowls and other more challenging runs. Age has caught up with gramps (71+) and nana (60), so skills and endurance have diminished. We are not adverse to blue runs! We always prepare or own lunches to save money. Thanks for vrbo.com tip. Well try it. Roughing it and tolerating inconveniences was the norm in my younger days. No longer want hassle of lugging equipment and bus or car rides to the slopes. Budget is somewhat flexible, but cap is $3500 for 7 nights of lodging given airfare, lift tickets and meals have to be considered. I having serious doubts that Vail will accommodate that. We will be renting a car in Denver to facilitate travel with a toddler and easier meshing with family members' flying schedules from D.C. and Austin. We would prefer to park the car for a week once at the resort. Even though a Vail destination may be tenuous, I would like your restaurant listing in case. Use email vagaryko@gmail.com. If we do end up at Vail, I'll have your email for any future questions. Again, thank you so much.
Great response. Thanks for spending time putting it together. We have 3 upper intermediates and one beginner. Beginner likely will not ski every day, when she will assume day care of toddler. That's when the others will take on the bowls and other more challenging runs. Age has caught up with gramps (71+) and nana (60), so skills and endurance have diminished. We are not adverse to blue runs! We always prepare or own lunches to save money. Thanks for vrbo.com tip. Well try it. Roughing it and tolerating inconveniences was the norm in my younger days. No longer want hassle of lugging equipment and bus or car rides to the slopes. Budget is somewhat flexible, but cap is $3500 for 7 nights of lodging given airfare, lift tickets and meals have to be considered. I having serious doubts that Vail will accommodate that. We will be renting a car in Denver to facilitate travel with a toddler and easier meshing with family members' flying schedules from D.C. and Austin. We would prefer to park the car for a week once at the resort. Even though a Vail destination may be tenuous, I would like your restaurant listing in case. Use email vagaryko@gmail.com. If we do end up at Vail, I'll have your email for any future questions. Again, thank you so much.
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