There is a reason why Vail ski resort is an icon. There is a reason why it’s expensive and crowded. It’s awesome. I didn’t want it to be, just because lift tickets are outrageous and the crowds can get out of control but man, I loved it there.
And it wasn’t just the mountain, though don’t get me wrong, the trails and terrain are next level. The town is a great place to spend time and the vibe was a fun mix of super rich people and the rest of us.
Don’t think because you aren’t one of the super-rich you can’t enjoy this mountain, because you can. And you totally should! This is one mountain I will be going back to and is the perfect place for your next ski trip.
So, let me break it down for you. Because Vail is, well, Vail, just like all the vail resorts and it’s such a beast of a mountain you need to go into this one with a plan. This post will be the only guide you need to have a great day at this Epic mountain.
Vail Mountain stats
- Vertical Drop: 3450 ft / 1052 m
- Skiable Acres/acres of skiable terrain: 5289 acres
- Total Trails: 195 (lots of options for every skill level with family friendly options as well
- Beginner: 35 (18%)
- Intermediate: 57 (29%)
- Advanced: 89 (46%)
- Expert: 14 (7%)
- Best time to visit: the winter season of course! But definitely February and March has the best powder
- Ski season: The ski season starts around November 10th and in 2023 closed on April 23rd, but this changes each year depending on snow totals
- Ticket office: Ticket offices are open daily from 8am-4pm
- Legendary back bowls: There is a reason they are called Legendary, they are incredible. It’s a bit of a slog to get there, especially if you are a snowboarder as there are significant sections that are relatively flat and may require you to take off your board and walk
- Altitude sickness: Many of the shops in Vail’s villages carry oxygen in a can. The elevation is over 8,000 feet, so some people feel the altitude more than others, so make sure to pay attention to headaches and stay hydrated. Or grab a can of oxygen if you are really struggling
- Private lessons: Half day and full day lessons are available. You can also do group lessons, if you wanted to save a little money and are comfortable being with a group of other newbies. A full day of ski lessons, is going to cost you over $1,200 USD
- Where to fly into: Best place to fly into is the Denver International Airport. From there you can pick up a rental car and drive into the mountains
How to make Vail more budget friendly
Vail is expensive, let’s face it. But there are ways to make things a bit more affordable while still getting to enjoy everything this mountain has to offer.
1. By a couple day Epic Pass
Watch for deals because you can get a day lift pass for as little as $85 (which is a steal when you consider that lift tickets for Vail are normally $250 a day). Black Friday deals and early season deals on the Epic Pass are the way to go for this one.
2. Don’t stay right in Vail Village
I know, you’re probably thinking how it takes away from some of the magic, but if you don’t want to spend over $1,000 a night this is what needs to happen. There are some great affordable places to stay in North Vail and other “outskirts” of the village and I would highly recommend you check out the town of Avon. It has a shuttle service that will take you to Vail for just $8 each way. Don’t pay for parking, it’s a lot more than $8.
3. Surprisingly, you can eat at many restaurants here and not really pay more than you would at any other mountain resort
See below for my suggestions on where to eat and great places to grab a beer that won’t break the bank.
Vail Village
Vail Village is one of the most beautiful towns I have ever seen in North America and is one of the best places for some après ski. It was like stepping into a cute little German inspired town.
With its heated sidewalks, large fire pit in the middle of the town, cute coffee shops and variety of gift shops, it’s just fun to walk around. Watch out for the pushy people trying to sell you anti-aging cream though!
Best restaurants in Vail Village
In Vail Village
La Segunda
Situated right in the center of Vail Village is this fantastic Mexican style restaurant. With cool Day of the Dead artwork and some of the best tacos around, it’s the perfect lunch spot. I highly recommend the ahi tuna taco, it’s small but it’s totally worth it!
Lancelot Restaurant
This restaurant, also located right in the center of Vail Village has a big menu. But if you are just looking for a quick lunch, their chili is delicious.
It can get pretty busy here, so keep that in mind when you’re deciding when to stop for lunch.
Vail Brewing Company
Looking for a beer after a day on the mountain or just taking a day off to wander the village and want to stop for a beer? This place is very relaxed and has a lot to offer on tap.
Get a flight or just a beer. If you are hungry, grab a pizza or small lunch at one of the other spots in the strip mall where the brewery is located and bring it with you.
7 Hermits Brewing
This place has great small plates, is right in the center of Vail Village and the beer is excellent. It’s a small hole-in-the-wall kind of place but it is always hopping, and seating is at a premium.
If you are into IPA’s the Whoo is by far the best, but, if you are like me, and hate IPAs, try the brown ale.
Local restaurants nearby
Vin 48
This is a great date night kind of place. Located in Avon, it’s not cheap but the shareable foods are top notch. Everything comes in small plates, like a tapas restaurant and of course the wine selection is out of this world.
I went here for my birthday and our waiter was amazing and he brought me a free desert. And since COVID they added some outdoor yurts, where groups can reserve them, but be aware that in order to eat in a yurt you need to spend at least $100. That’s their rule.
Fiesta Jalisco
If you are hungry and want good Mexican, this place in Avon is amazing. The meals are huge! You certainly get your money’s worth. And the margaritas are no joke (and delicious).
You don’t need reservations, but it does get busy so keep that in mind when deciding what time you might want to head over for dinner.
Nozawa Sushi and Teppanyaki
This place is awesome, but you might want to consider a reservation, we walked by there one night (on our way to the Mexican place I just mentioned) and the line was out the door and into the parking lot.
You can do traditional sushi or the hibachi. Either way the food is excellent. We chose the sushi and watched as they made large sushi boats for tables and brought some divine sushi plates. The seafood is fresh and perfectly presented.
Best things to do in Vail
Scenic gondola ride
If you are not into skiing or riding or just looking for a fun experience, take the scenic gondola ride on either the Eagle Bahn Gondola or Gondola One for views of Gore Range and the Mount of the Holy Cross. You can also add a lunch voucher to your ticket. Adult tickets for the Gondola ride only are $61
Visit the Nature Discovery Center
In the winter the Center is open from December 15-April 6. There is free admission and you can check out an array of natural history exhibits about local wildlife. The center also offers free snowshoe tours and hikes (in summer), so definitely take advantage. The Center is located across from the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead Village.
Go ice skating
Winter ice skating in Vail is one of the top things to do that doesn’t involve the ski slopes. There are multiple ice skating rinks in the heart of vail village including Arrabelle Square Ice Rink at the Alderhof Ice Rink and Solaris Plaza skating rink.
Take a sleigh ride and dinner
The best way to enjoy more of Vail Valley is by taking a 30 minute horse-drawn sleigh ride with dinner and entertainment included. Tickets are $90 for adults and $45 for kids 5-12 years of age.
Snowshoe tours
Beside the free snowshoe tours at the Nature Discovery Center, there are also full and half day snowshoe tours, though they will cost you around $300 for a half day and $325 for a full day (per person). For more information check out Paragon Guides.
Concluding Thoughts
Vail has so many options for things to do with an abundance of winter activities. Not sure if Vail is right for you? Considering checking out Beaver Creek instead? That’s cool, but make sure to check out my pros and cons for Vail vs Beaver Creek in Winter. Not into the cold? Make sure to check out Vail in the summer months for great views of the rocky mountains and fantastic hiking, no matter the time of year this is a great spot to visit.
