First-Timer

Tip:

One of the first things we suggest you do when you get to the Vail Valley is pick up a Vail Daily newspaper. This valley-wide newspaper has information on upcoming events, dining specials, available activities, and more.

Photo courtesy Jack Affleck

Taste of Colorado

The Vail Valley is awash with craft industries, from microbreweries to distilleries. Sample their sensational offerings with a tasting flight, where you can try six or more beers and choose your favorite. A few of our favorite are:

Insider Tip: Perhaps even more entertaining than the beers themselves
are the names – ask your server the history behind them!

 

One of the best ways to eat a delicious Sunday brunch at Game Creek Restaurant is to work for it! You can take the gondola up the mountain, but locals suggest hiking all the way up to be sure you are nice and hungry for your buffet brunch. The buffet includes shrimp, pastries, gourmet cheese, made-to-order omelets and so much more. Be sure to make reservations and sit outside. The view can’t be beat! Local tip: If you made reservations, you don’t have to wait in the line at the gondola. Tell the greeter at the bottom that you are going to Game Creek for brunch and you get to skip to the head of the line!

Bed to Rest Your Head

If you’re a couple:

There is no shortage of romantic hotels in Vail. Big names include The Sebastian-Vail, Sonnenalp Hotel, Solaris, Four Seasons Resort and Arrabelle at Vail Square. These luxurious hotels are located in the heart of Vail, and are just minutes or even an elevator ride away from some of Vail’s most famous fine dining restaurants.

Beaver Creek also has its share of cozy hotels. Try the Park Hyatt, The Charter, Pines Lodge and The Osprey. These hotels are within walking distance to the mountain so you can expect breathtaking views from your hotel room.

If you’re traveling with your family:

While the hotels listed above are good recommendations for anyone visiting Vail, families might consider renting a condominium for the added space and flexibility. Vail International, Vail Residences Hotel Talisa and Vail Landmark offer condos with a kitchen and multiple separate bedrooms ensuring comfort and lots of space for your family.

In Beaver Creek, excellent family choices include Saddleridge, St. James Place, Park Plaza and Creekside. These condos offer more space, parking and a short walk to the slopes.

Aspenwood Lodge, Buffalo Park, One Arrowhead Place and Seasons Lodge are all excellent choices in Arrowhead, where you can access Beaver Creek in winter and enjoy a round of golf at the Country Club of the Rockies in summer.

If you’re traveling with friends on a budget:

Just 30 minutes west, the town of Eagle offers visitors to the Vail Valley a variety of lodging options. The Best Western Plus Eagle Lodge & Suites and The Bunkhouse are good value alternatives to the hotels closer to the mountain. To get to the mountain from Eagle, you can rent a car from the Eagle County Airport, or you can hop on the ECO Transit bus, which will take you to either the base of Beaver Creek, Lionshead or Vail Village, and only costs four dollars one way.

Insider Tip: Be sure to check the Lodging Quality Assurance (LQA) ratings on VailOnSale.com for the best rates.

Photo courtesy Jack Affleck

Information Center and Resources

Vail Welcome Center: located on the top deck (level 4) of the Vail Village parking garage and in the new Welcome Center on the lower level at the southwest corner of the Lionshead parking garage, the welcome centers have numerous publications, maps and information on Vail.

Beaver Creek Gust Services: Whether you’re seeking hours of operation, Dial-a-Ride Transportation, activity information or general recommendations, BC Guest Services is here to make your vacation as seamless as possible.