Vail, CO: 10 Tips for a Mountain Getaway
Described as like nothing on Earth, Vail was developed from a sheep pasture in Colorado's White National Forest. But, it is much more than a destination for skiers and snowboarders. And, don't be confused thinking summer is the 'off-season' for Vail. There's no such thing! Out-of-town and international visitors fill the village escaping heat and humidity and immersing in cooler weather which is great for activities like hiking and water rafting. I've never spent more than 24 hours outside Denver, Colorado. Fortunately, I recently had five wonderful summer days, time enough to explore, wander, and make memories in the Alpine-inspired village of Vail, elevated 8,150 feet high in the Rocky Mountains. Founded in 1962 by New England skier Pete Seibert, his initial dream was to create a resort making skiing accessible to everyone. With this little backdrop, here are my ten helpful tips and points of interest to be mindful of to make the most of your trip.
1) Getting to Vail, CO from the Denver Airport (DEN)
It's easy to catch an Uber from the Denver airport for the 100-mile drive going high in the mountains on Highway 70. If you rent or own your vehicle and are staying at an area hotel, be prepared to pay high parking fees, ranging from $50.00 to $70.00 per night. Lyft and Uber service is not readily available for the drive back to Denver. I recommend booking a shuttle service from where you stay a few days before leaving. I used Epic Mountain Express and rode back safely to Denver with driver Dan Plain.
2) Slowly acclimate to the higher altitude
Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, and take your time. My first day was okay, but I overdid riding the gondolas up and down an additional 2000 feet the second day and taking a long walk on a designated mountain path. Altitude sickness is real and doesn't make for the best travel companion.
3) Engage with the locals, everyone is so kind
Because it's a busy tourist town, I wasn't sure how hotel staff, restauranteurs, and shop owners would handle the flow of customers. But, I found everyone to be extremely kind and accommodating, making my stay above satisfactory. Many young and enthusiastic people worldwide work for the season and love chatting about their experiences there.
4) Be ready for one-of-a-kind restaurants and shops
I was surprised and relieved not to see the prominent commercial restaurants and coffee and ice cream shops. Many farm-to-table establishments will feature fresh culinary delights from area ranches and farms. Retail is a shopper's dream! Numerous boutiques offer high-quality American handmade boots and hats, European apparel, ski gear, housewares, and art and photography galleries which totally inspired me. One of my favorites was Gorsuch, a distinguished store loved by tourists and locals.
5) Bring your walking shoes
Vail is an easily walkable town! No cars or trucks are allowed in the village, making it a scenic, convenient, and fast way to cover the 4.75 square miles area. A great place to people-watch is the Solaris Plaza, the large open-air games area for kids that converts to a dazzling ice rink in the winter. Take note of the many bronze statues and sculptures created by local artists that celebrate the history and lifestyle of Vail. Had enough walking? Ride for free on the electric bus shuttle on the main streets until 2 a.m.! You'll delight in seeing the Bavarian-inspired architecture along the way.
6) Make restaurant reservations
When eating out, it's best to get over sticker shock early for your meals and beverages. I loved the many dining choices and honestly did not have a bad meal, but the service was often slow. Knowing Vail is a resort town, I recommend making reservations ahead of time. My favorite cocktail and dinner were at the alpine bistro, Slope Room.
7) There are plenty of kid-friendly adventures
Activities for kids of all ages range from mountain biking on trails through the woods and around the ski slopes, bungee trampoline jumping, and zip-lining with the Rockies as the backdrop. Riding the gondolas up to 10,000 feet is a beautiful way to get a full panoramic view of the valleys. Take a 25-minute drive to 4 Eagle Ranch to enjoy family fun, bar-b-q, and a 360-degree mountain vista!
8) Explore the local farmers market on Sunday’s
Don't miss out on the Sunday outdoor market right in town, which runs through October. I found vendor after vendor starting at the Solaris Plaza, offering the freshest produce, unique handmade items, pottery, healthy dog treats made with local ingredients, French cheeses, and mountain honey. I took the opportunity to purchase the lemon-infused honey to take home for drizzling over ice cream.
9) Take time to learn and explore (and garden!)
I scheduled a side trip for a combined destination founded by President Gerald Ford and his wife, Betty. Because they made Vail their second home, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater and the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens were built just outside the village. One offers world-class entertainment, while the other surrounds the theater with beautiful Alpine spaces. I found the various gardens delightful and educational. In particular, I learned vertical gardening was adopted from Czechoslovakia using rocks that allow rainfall to flow easily into areas giving moisture to the Zone 3 Colorado alpine plants. Volunteers will guide you through the spaces explaining how the short growing season impacts the vegetation and anything you may want to know about Alpine gardening!
10) The Colorado Snowsports Museum is a must
Be sure to spend time at the Colorado Snowsports Museum to understand more of the history of Vail. View short films featuring the cinematography of Warren Miller and mannequins displaying official Olympic garb. Early skis and chair lifts on display will take you back in time. Vail's founder, Pete Seibert, is a big focus of this museum. He is considered one of the great pioneers of ski resort development in America and Europe, having studied hotel management in Switzerland after serving in the U.S. Army on skis during WWII. He was also a member of an elite group of combat soldiers on skies known as the 10th Mountain Division formed by Charles Minot "Minnie" Dole, founder of the National Ski Patrol. This division of the U.S. Army defeated unsuspecting Germans in 1945 during the famous Battle of Riva Ridge high in Italy's Apennine Mountains. The story is fascinating and would make a blockbuster movie! Thinking out loud, who could you see cast in this epic tale? Tom Cruise? Tom Hanks? Guaranteed, all ages will be interested in learning about this thrilling piece of history beginning in Vail.
While not a skier myself anymore, I look forward to a return visit seeing familiar faces again, and perhaps then dipping my toes in the cold Eagle River or going white-water rafting. I wholeheartedly suggest you take the opportunity to add this Rocky Mountain high destination to your travel list!
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