A few participants took on the Challenge with their most garish ski ensemble.
Ian Cropp plows through the fluff on his telemark skis on Vail's Pickeroon on Dec. 12.
Going inverted takes on every form imagineable at the US Freeskiing Open at Copper Mountain.
Chris Anderson makes backcountry tracks off of Shrine Ridge with Sean and Kelly Hanagan following.
We found her! It's her! It's really her ... the Beaver Creek Cookie Lady!
Visitors | Getting Here | Weekend | 7 Days | Kids | Facts
You’ve got one week in Vail. Where to begin? There’s so much to see, or rather ski, and experience. But don’t worry, that’s where we step in with our essential day-by-day itinerary, complete with different ski areas, the best après scenes and other options to keep you on the go.
Before you arrive you’ll want to check out some of the Valley’s best accommodations and perhaps pick out a few of our fine dining establishments that suit your palate. You'll also want to take a look at our Plum Calendar. It's the most up-to-date calendar in the Valley and will let you know about those special events that are unique to your week in Vail. So, make your notes and let’s get your week underway. Each day in Vail will begin as it should, on the slopes.
Day 1: The Mid-Vail Region
The Mid-Vail region is the perfect jumping off point for a week on Vail Mountain. Readily accessible from the Village /Vista Bahn Lift and sporting a terrific variety of runs for all skill levels, the popularity of this portion of the mountain is undeniable. Try the gentle and sweeping Swingsville or the exciting Hunky Dory before you graduate to the epic Riva Ridge. If you’re not ready for a full day of skiing return your ski pass before 12:30 p.m. or purchase a lift ticket after this time to receive the discounted “Half Day” price. The Half Day fare changes throughout the season, based on busy or slow weeks.
For those seeking a less strenuous introduction to town, Vail is home to fantastic stores, gear shops and Colorado’s only ski museum. Some of the best gear shops in the Valley are right here in Vail including Buzz’s, Vail Sports and Aalta Sports. Perhaps you’re looking for a unique keepsake to remember your trip to Vail, the Golden Bear is happy to oblige. And since you’re exploring Vail Mountain, you certainly should explore Vail’s skiing history at the Colorado Ski Museum and Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame.
After you've exhausted yourself, give the historic Pepi’s a try for the après scene. You probably saw this Village landmark on your way up Bridge Street. Sitting at the very heart of Vail Village, the venerable Pepi’s sports a pleasant yellow paint job, numerous flags and a massive sun-soaked porch perfect for lunch, après or most importantly, people-watching. Their après scene includes live music, fantastic drink deals and an excellent array of Bavarian and American cuisine including wild game and veal.
In the evening, you can explore the many fine dining establishments like Sweet Basil and Terra Bistro or good ol' fashioned family eateries like Pazzo’s Pizzeria and Blizzard’s Deli.
Day 2: Game Creek Bowl
Game Creek Bowl, due to the variety of skill levels it offers, tends to be a more popular portion of the mountain throughout the week and on weekends in particular. Runs off of Eagle’s Nest however cover so much ground that overcrowding typically isn’t a problem. The Game Creek Bowl and Eagle's Nest runs offer some of the most amazing views from Vail Mountain, Lost Boy in particular. From the peak of Lost Boy, you’ll be able to see breathtaking views of the Mountain of the Holy Cross and the snow-capped Sawatch Mountain range.
When it’s time to call it a day up on the hill, make your final run down Born Free to Garfinkel’s in Lionshead, just across from the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Garf’s, as locals affectionately call it, is the premiere après ski spot in Lionshead and sports an expansive deck (probably the biggest in Vail) overlooking the slopes. Garf’s massive interior/exterior make the location ideal for families or large groups and allows the institution to feature live music and host après parties throughout the season.
After Garf’s take a stroll around Vail’s western-most village, Lionshead, known for it’s fine shops including Double Diamond and the Swedish Clog Cabin.
Day 3: Off to Beaver Creek
Today, you venture out of Vail, 10 miles down the road to Beaver Creek. You’ll find that the smaller Beaver Creek Mountain is considerably easier to navigate than Vail. Park for free in the Elk or Bear lots and take the shuttle up to Beaver Creek Village or get to the two paid lots - Village Hall or Villa Montagne - before they fill up. For beginners we recommend the smooth runs of Bachelor Gulch or off Drink of Water Lift. Intermediates and Advanced skiers will want to try the exciting Rose Bowl bump runs and anything of Grouse Mountain Lift.
For après, check out Beaver Creek’s funky cowboy bar, the Coyote Café. Located next to Village Hall, just down the first escalator Centennial Lift, The Coyote Café is the “go-to” après spot for the Beav’s skiers and riders. With great Mexican-American dishes, a wide range of drink specials and absolutely zero pretension, Coyote Café is a great spot to reflect on the day on the mountain while watching some classic Warren Miller flicks.
Even if you want to skip the slopes, it's worth the trip to explore Beaver Creek Village. With some of the poshest shops and finest restaurants in the Valley, Beaver Creek is worth some time. Check out the latest winter fashions at Gorsuch Outfitters or suit up with the newest gear at Beaver Creek Sports. Or maybe you just want to grab a few slices at Blue Moose and take a few laps on Beaver Creek Plaza’s Black Family Ice Rink. Make sure to stop by the elegant and intimate Vilar Center for the Arts and see what performances or films are showing during your stay.
Day 4: Sun Down, Sun Up
Not for the faint of heart are Sun Down and Sun Up bowls, but more than worth it if you’ve got the skills. These are portions of the mountain, especially Sun Down Bowl, that are notorious for deep powder. We recommend starting with Sun Down Bowl and making your way to Sun Up Bowl. Outside of Siberia Bowl and the Mongolias, Sun Down Bowl is probably the wildest, most isolated part of the mountain. Our hands-down favorite part of Sun Up are the Yonders (Yonder Gully, Yonder and Over Yonder). The Yonders are long, exciting runs with plenty of tree stashes and several opportunities for deep-powder play.
After what we’re sure was an exhausting day, take an easy trail down to the base of Vista Bahn and dive head first into the loving bosom of Los Amigos or the Tap Room. These popular village nightlife spots also double as perfect après scenes and are mere steps away from Vista Bahn Express. Both of these excellent establishments offer great views of the slopes and myriad of beer and drink specials while their prime location is perfect for some post après window-shopping through the village.
As a non-skiing option for the day, head 12 miles west of Vail to Edwards, a lovely little hamlet that features the beautiful Riverwalk. Riverwalk is home to great views, excellent shops, art galleries, fine dining and the only movie theater upvalley. If you’re looking for a good read while you’re in town, try the Bookworm. If you’re in the market for some unique works, Philinda Gallery has you covered and if you get famished while “riverwalking” we recommend E-Town or Full Belly Kitchen. Or if you’re just in the mood to catch a flick with the family, head to the Riverwalk Theatre.
Day 5: China Bowl
China Bowl is perhaps the biggest of the bowls (it certainly feels the biggest), and it's one of the few back bowls to feature intermediate runs alongside more challenging trails. And it’s a lot of fun. Huge, sweeping runs and a long, exciting ride from top to bottom. You can truly spend an entire day in China Bowl. It's a popular portion of the mountain, but due to its vast size and remote location, overcrowding is never really an issue.
As the day winds down consider stopping by Vendetta’s. It's Vail’s only late-night pizza place, a Ski Patrol bar and a great environment for après. This true local’s venue is known for its rowdy late-night antics but serves as the perfect spot for post-ski pizza and drinks. Try to snag a spot on Vendetta’s large, heated outdoor deck for some people watching with your pizza.
If you’re looking for a alternative to the slopes, visit Cordillera. The 7,000 acre Cordillera community is home to some of the finest private residences, and most breathtaking views the Valley has to offer. Not to mention a number of the best restaurants in all of Colorado, including the Mirador and Timber Hearth Grille.
Day 6: Blue Sky Basin
Steeped in powder and offering some of the most interesting trails in Vail, Blue Sky Basin is absolutely the best part of the mountain. A skier and rider’s paradise and the locals’ playground. Words can’t describe how amazing Blue Sky is; you’ve got to experience it. Honestly, every run in Blue Sky is worth riding.
Belle’s Camp at the summit of Blue Sky offers outstanding views of the Sawatch Mountain range and is outfitted with grills and tables, so pack a lunch before heading up.
Afterwards, The Red Lion is Vail’s premiere après institution and hands-down the busiest bar when the mountain closes. Part owner and Vail legend Phil Long typically provides the music for the post-ski crowd. Red Lion offers American fare and BBQ, fantastic drink specials, and a porch with views of the Village’s main thoroughfare. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Red Lion après scene we recommend booking reservations before heading out onto the hill.
Day 7: Freestyle
Today’s a wild card! You’ve seen the best the mountain has to offer and now it’s time to chart your own course. There are some fun runs between Mid-Vail and Eagle’s Nest (Berries, Lodgepole, Columbine) and east of Buffalo’s (Northwoods, Northstar, Gandy Dancer) that we didn’t mention. Or perhaps you’re feeling adventurous and want to try the powder stashes way out in Mongolia or Siberia Bowl. Cull together a list of your favorite runs and experience them one more time.Try the elegant Chaps Grill and Fireside Bar for a relaxing and cozy après experience. Located in Cascade Village two miles west of Vail Village, Chap’s offers fine regional game, seafood and steak in an intimate, upscale environment. Après features drink specials and live music.
If you want to get in one last adventure, visit Leadville. The highest incorporated city in America and formerly the richest city in America, Leadville sits at 10,430 and is ripe with history. Known as “The Cloud City” due to its close proximity to the heavens, Leadville offers spectacular views of the Twin Lake county mountain ranges. Grab a round at the antique Silver Dollar Saloon, Leadville’s premier Irish bar since 1879. Enjoy some coffee and a treat at Provin’ Grounds Coffee & Bakery. Check out the fine art and crafts and perhaps take a tour at Dee Hive. Explore this unique and storied town which was visited by the likes of Doc Holliday and which the Denver Post called “the last best place.”
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