Marriott's StreamSide Cedar at Vail

Ride the gondola

by GroovyDoc

Even if you don't ski, at least ride the gondola up to the top. On the way, you'll have spectacular views of the mountains and valley, and at the top you can have lunch at the restaurant (beware: the restaurant is EXPENSIVE!!!)

Skiing- Frontside, Game Creek Bowl

by John195123

Game Creek Bowl is a nice, intermediate area that offers some less cared-for terrain as well. As you look down the slope, to your right, accessed via Eagle's Nest Catwalk, are Deuces Wild, Faro, Ouzo and Ouzo Glade, expert slopes not so much because they are steep, but because they are either in the trees (well-spaced trees) or in terrain that is less prepared. Straight ahead of you are Showboat, a wide blue, and a branch of Wild Card, a black. They are essentially the same, wide run, Wild Card just has some nice moguls, while Showboat is typically groomed and easy. The blacks, Deuces Wild, Faro, Ouzo and Ouzo Glade can have a decent amount of powder- they aren't typically run by most people on Game Creek, unless there has just been a lot of snowfall.

To your left, down the catwalk are more blue runs, The Woods, Baccarat and Dealer's Choice, as well as a green, Lost Boy, if you go all the way around. From the top of Lost Boy, you can access the other blues here. It's an easy ballpark (smooth, groomed) run. Dealer's Choice, Baccarat and sometimes The Woods have moguls, and are not usually groomed.

The only way out is Game Creek Lift, Lift 7, which rises 1180 feet, takes four minutes and closes at 3:30pm.

Fondue, Raclette & other Swiss Cuisine

by MM212 about Swiss Chalet

Part of the Sonnenalp Hotel, Swiss Chalet is an excellent Swiss restaurant. It offers fondue, raclette and other Swiss cuisine that without, a ski resort could be considered incomplete. The fondue is delicious and the ambiance is made to seem authentically Swiss (once you get past the hideous costumes of the hostess and waiters). It is well worth a try, particularly as a group to share fondue and raclette.

A Summer Visit To Vail

by E_R_I_C

"Not just for skiing (but probably more fun!)"

During a family visit to Colorado, I spent a day in Vail to see what this little ski town was all about. This town is little too, let me tell you. We rented bikes and saw the entire urban area in a short afternoon. I will say that it is a nice place, even if you aren't there to ski. There are a few restaurants and bars, a nice bike/pedestrian path through the valley center, and some huge surrounding mountains to make your stay enjoyable (at any time of year, I'm sure).

Vail, Colorado

by John195123

"UPDATE IS HERE!"

Even though I hate to use the cliche 'nestled', that's what Vail is. For those of you who haven't visited Vail, Colorado, by all means, do so. Be prepared, however, for some steep prices. I have been to Vail a number of times, mainly to ski, but also in the summer to hike, bike, and the like. Vail's September and October costs are far below peak season prices. The weather is perfect, not too hot or cold, and the scenery, brilliant yellow aspen amidst greens of conifers, all under a Colorado-blue sky. Hiking is free, biking costs slightly more, and there are horses, ATV's, caves, rafting, four-wheeling, and whatever else you may want available around the Vail Valley region. Hotels are much cheaper right now than during peak season, my parents having paid only $300 for a normally $900/night room. You can stay in luxury, or you can stay fairly cheaply, and you can shop with the money you save on hotels.

Under the "Off The Beaten Path" section of tips, I've added a bunch of tips pertaining to skiing various parts of Vail. They are still somewhat under construction, but if you have questions, please let me know.

"The Covered Bridge"

A great meeting point, Vail's Covered Bridge is often slippery in the winter, but still adds a sense of charm to the village. While it isn't the only way in, it's the most unique way in, and the way most people use to get to the slopes.

"Frontage Road"

Frontage Road extends from one end of Vail (East Vail) to the other, often switching sides of the expressway (I-70). They don't clean it as well as I-70, so be careful of ice and snow. It the warmer months, it makes a great cycling road, with moderate traffic that is typically aware of cyclists. See the Off the Beaten Path tip on Cycling for more information.

Also, I've broken down the ski area and given an overview of each area- what to expect and where to go, also in the Off the Beaten Path section.