Skiing - there’s a whole world of it in Vail, CO. In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Vail Mountain offers more than 5,289 acres of downhill and cross-country trails and is considered one of the best all-around ski mountains in the world.

It all began in the spring of 1860; the Rocky Mountain News reported that a party of prospectors had snow shoed (skied) over the "Snowy Range" to the Blue River diggings. Skis were new to everyone in the party, however, being inventive, they began blazing trails in those wild west mountains through “skiing” . The prospectors commented they fell so often, that they described their tracks as looking like a "Chinese alphabet."

The popular ski resort is now an alpine village and also draws a following with the snowboarding crowd. The Vail Mountain area's vast grandeur is superb for hiking, biking, snowmobiling or enjoying the picturesque scenery.

It is also home to Beaver Creek resorts. The Vail Valley has world-class lodging, ski resorts and sophisticated vacation amenities.
Accommodations

Excellent accommodations abound in the Vail area: resorts, condos, hotels -all with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. Roost Lodge is lovely spot where there are fine restaurants, shops, and night life, all a part of a premier resort. The Lodge is within a short drive from the center of Vail Village.

A warm, friendly atmosphere greets guests at The Sitzmark Lodge, where remarkable accommodations are enjoyed. In the heart of Vail Village, the Lodge is walking distance to ski lifts, shops and restaurants. The Wren at Vail has spectacular mountain views, and an outdoor heated pool or hot tub can be a special treat after a long day of skiing.

Vail Racquet Club Town homes and Condominiums in East Vail, is located in one of Vail's breathtaking natural settings. In addition, an extensive health club is inviting to guests. The Bighorn Vail Marriott Resort And Spa is a Chalet-like resort at Vail Mountain base.

Lion Square Lodge is located at the base of Vail Mountain. Lions Head Village has shops, restaurants, and nightlife. There is a scenic gondola ride atop the mountain.
Restaurants

With over 100 fine restaurants and nightspots, activity abounds with many venues to be explored. Sweet Basil Restaurant serves American cuisine, where contemporary art and large windows complement the stylish decor of this pleasing restaurant. A deck overlooks the Lodge Promenade in the center of Vail Village. Montauk Seafood Grill is noted for fresh seafood, where one can go in casual or dress.

The casual, laid-back Bart & Yeti’s serves American food with sumptuous seasonings in their many choices. Their outdoor deck is a well-liked gathering location in warm weather. Pictures of cowboys are seen riding on horseback, old west wagon wheels and other western bits and pieces line the rough log walls. Some of the dining favorites include barbecued baby-back ribs and crispy fried chicken.

Shopping
Truly unique shopping discoveries are made at Vail Valley. One of a kind selections, not found anywhere else, abound - including custom jewelry to whimsical crafts, and souvenirs unique to the area. Numerous boutiques, galleries, gift shops, sporting good stores capture one’s interest when strolling through the pedestrian villages.

Some of the favored shops in Vail include: the Charm School Boutique, Roxy, The Golden Bear, Gorsuch Ltd., J. Phillips, Laughing Monkey, Luca Bruno, Pepi's Sports and W. Couture.

Very fine art galleries and art works are seen along the shopping paths in Vail. Pismo Gallery at Vail has Contemporary glass art by Chihuly, Kuhn, Tagliapietra, Powell and Perkins.

The American Ski Exchange is a full service ski shop where Vail's best service and equipment are just steps from the Vista Bahn ski lift. They also provide the services of offering ski rental storage.

Major Attractions
The Colorado Ski Museum has everything one would want to know about skiers and snowboarders in the Hall of Fame. At the Colorado Ski Museum, visitors can get a feel for the slopes without strapping on the skis at this museum chronicling Colorado's skiing history.

Vail's Year-Round Recreation Co offers rafting, fishing, Jeeping, mountain biking, and guided & unguided snowmobiling, dog sledding, and scenic snowcat tours. Adventure Ridge Sports Center offers ice skating, tubing down a toboggan run, snowmobile tours and ski biking.

Ski and nightlife can range from a boisterous dance evening, to a romantic toast, to acoustic sing-alongs, to sports and piano bars. Throughout the resorts and towns, Rocky Mountain casual is the theme.

The Spas & Health Clubs throughout the area offer rejuvenation. For a change of pace, The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail is a beautiful alpine botanical garden. The Gardens are located at the foot of Vail Mountain.

Written by: Karen J. Lee