Vail Ski Resort

12/25/2006 Posted by jamuku2

I stopped in B. Creek/Vail for a day while passing through CO right after the "big one" of '06. I've skied Vail several times an chose to ski BC for the first time because I had two dogs with me and there is a place called "Walkin The Dog" in Avon that will entertain your dogs for the day. If you have dogs I HIGHLY recommend placing them there for day camp so you can ski an not concern yourself that your pets are nervous amidst the unfamiliar surroundings. The snow was great, the skiing was great (unless you're an intermediate as most of terrain is beginner/advanced), but I found the other skiers a bit snooty - especially the ones who owned permanent vacation homes there. That put me off a bit. I lived in Aspen for a year and found that the social climate was much more egalitarian in spirit than Vail. If you have little or a lot of money, Aspen ecompasses more of an inclusive environment, more diversity in terrain, and a much more interesting city. Nevertheless, both Aspen and Vail are over-priced -- where else do you have to shell out $22 for a cafeteria-style lunch? -- but even at $85 for a lift ticket, that's less than $20 an hour for a winter wonderland thrill that will give you wonderful memories for years to come. The worst thing about Vail is sleeping next to a freeway. To truly get away, try Aspen, Steamboat, Jackson Hole, Alta, or Squaw Valley. Vail is fantastic, but the U.S. has better.

Pros: Great terrain, great customer service, nice snow, beauty...

Cons: Price, I-70 running through town, snooty locals/homeowners

11/11/2005 Posted by markludwin

I lived in Vail for five years; one before college and three after, and I can't say that Vail is percect. However, after skiing all over the continent and in every resort in Colorado, Vail offers something for everyone. Nice people (the locals aren't the rich ones), great terrain for all abilities, and wonderful nightlife. There are certainly better ski towns with lesser mountains, and vice versa, but Vail offers the entire package in style. You do have to know the mountain well to find all of the expert terain, but it is certainly there, especially with all of the backcountry access from China bowl. Enjoy!

11/11/2005 Posted by canefromtech

Unbelievable! I've skied all over North America and Vail is by far the best mountain I've found. The mountain is huge. You couldn't ski the entire mountain in one day if you tried. there are stashes of powder after a week of no snow. the nightlife ids great and they have an awesome transit system. there truly is no comparison.

Pros: powder days anytime, back bowls, hits in the trees

Cons: price, needs more local girl, price

10/06/2005 Posted by kobo

I recommend taking a lesson with an expert ski instructor, he will act as a personal guide, and will take you to all the best runs, fresh powder, and away from crowds. Vail village& Lion's Head are undergoing an exciting multi-million dollar face-lift. Improvements in housing, transportation, and dining, will accomodate more guests then ever. They are also creating another entry point to the mountain. The nightlife scene is perfect for apres' and evening enjoyment. I recommend Terra Bistro, Vendettas, and Sweet Basil. In Lions Head, grab lunch at Moe's, this delicious& affordable BBQ shop began as a small kiosk, make sure you try their tasty sweet tea. Vail is a beautiful piece of land, devoted to the care& protection of its skiiers and the natural beauty it embodies. Enjoy the weather, the majestic scenery, and the quality time spent with friends and loved ones.

01/28/2003 Posted by me_whee

Great for all abilities. Mixes it up. If you can put up with the high altitude and the high price, the Game Creek Chalet (10000 ft) is the best on-the-mountain experience around.

01/28/2003 Posted by lizardwiz

Hands down the best resort I've ever skii'd. My favorite mountain. So much terrain, you could find whatever your looking for. The got cool beginner bowls over by Lionshead. The back bowls are great for the the advanced skiier. Pretty decent blue skiing for people into that sort of thing. Can't really comment on the greens. The only negative thing I can say about this mountain is that it could use some beefing up in the terrain park area. If your into sausages eat at the 2 mile high cafe. Have fun at this mountain because you will realize long after you ski it that it will be most likely the best mountain you've ever skii'd.

Pros: HUGE, Back Bowls, Great Village

Cons: Weekend Lines

01/28/2003 Posted by ConsumerProtector

Vail! This is the place to come to ski. It beats anything in the West or East Coast. Nothing like Rocky Mountain Snow. It is a bit of a drive for us in Denver considering Vail Pass and it's changing weather but what fun. Great skiing and terrrain which can be too much for some. Vail is big and it can take time to treverse from East to West and visa versa. Great night life and restaurants. I have skied here and other places over the last twenty years (while in College too), but nothing matches Vail with it's Village and Covered Bridge. It is pricey but worth it

Pros: Scenery, Skiing, Fun but Pricey

Cons: BadPlace to Ski, Can't Afford It

12/21/2002 Posted by mike_palma

We just returned (48 of us) from 3 perfect days at Vail. (DEC 13 - 15) the SNOW, SUN AND WEATHER were all just right. As the trip leder, it made me look good. What a great place. It is their 40th year so that may have helped to the outstanding service by everyone associated with the area.

12/15/2002 Posted by heath538

I love Col. for skiing. I have been to vail several times since I was a little kid. What I loved best it that I was able to take a bus from my condo there. I think that you get the best of both worlds there. They have awesome black slopes, and awesome green slopes. CHECK IT OUT!

11/28/2002 Posted by skierdude

ove Aspen to I-70, lose the town, the pitch, add the bowls, keep the expense and clientele, pay for limited parking and what's left??? Vail. True experts will find limited skiing on the main mountain. There are some steep pitches but many of the other expert trails come disguised as intermediate trails with bumps. Many intermediate trails are intersected by cat tracks. Remove the cat tracks and theres limited true novice terrain. For an expansive area that has everything for everybody, its more like an expensive mountain that lacks something for everybody But the Back Bowls make it all worth while Sort of. You also get Beaver Creek on the same ticket, with some great upper end and good intermediate skiing. However, when you add the good and the bad you get a wash.

Pros: The bowls

Cons: The expense