10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT VAIL

Jan 12

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My Happy Place.

Growing up a Southern California girl it was all about Aspen (and Mammoth Mountain and Tahoe) - that’s where we headed when seeking downhill thrills. Once I moved to Colorado, I began to consider those “other” slopes - Telluride, Crested Butte, Steamboat and what has become my favorite mountain town and ski area - Vail!

Of course, it helps that we have a home in Vail but once you ski here and meet the locals, you find it’s more than just skiing. So, here are some of my favorite places and things about this magical community.

East Vail - not just a spot to live but a real community. Lost of long-time residents AND it’s the first Vail exit (this is important after you’ve been trapped in traffic if they close Vail Pass:) Bighorn Park for kids and dogs and, of course, a beaver pond for fishing and paddle boarding.
Our Ski Locker - 🥰 Right at the base of Lionshead, originally run by Kenny’s Double Diamond Ski Shop (if you are really old - you know this:) now Christy Sports - the constant presence has been Matt Carroll the Double Diamond/Christy Manager and his amazing staff which helps to make this the perfect spot for all of your skiing/repair needs.
Just Amazing Skiing - our favorite run is Riva Ridge and just about any other spot in the Back Bowls. At 70 and 80 our first chair and bump days are in the rearview mirror but we still strive for 30 -40 days on the mountain each season.
The Weather - Consistent great snow (a bit lacking as I type this) and sunny, blue bird days. We’ve skied a number of days in Europe and have ALWAYS felt that the snow at home was best!
Aprés - Ski - for us…hands down it’s PHIL’S - Phil Long has been entertaining in Vail for more than 30 years. You’ll find him in the Vail Chop House at the base of Lionshead Gondola every Wednesday - Saturday beginning at 3:30 pm during ski season. Rezzies are a MUST!
Dining - from simple lunches to amazing international cuisine, Vail has it all. Some of our go-tos are Grouse Mountain Grill in Beaver Creek - very European - dress appropriately, Ti Amo - laid-back vibe with great Italian food just off of the I-70 in Eagle Vail, The Left Bank - think East Coast chic with Vail bling and elegant dining in Vail Village and Tavernetta - in the Four Seasons, this is the Vail outpost of a Denver favorite. Breakfast at Mike and Jen’s Westside Cafe and great Mexican food at Del Toro or Vaqueros - all in West Vail.
Mid-Vail Lunch - Definitely at The 10th - rezzies are a must (take a late lunch and linger). As for Jim Sweeney for your wait person (NO ONE does this better) he is both knowledgeable and fun. The Martini/Caviar lunch is mandatory and extravagant. I’m on repeat here.
Try to ski with a local or someone who know the mountain. It is VAST and has lots to offer on all levels but, can be overwhelming to navigate if you’ve not skied here before. Chairs 10 and 26 almost always have the smallest lift lines 1-2 minutes. Chair 2 between 11:30 - 1 is usually a quick wait. Skiing out of Lionshead - take chair 8 instead of the gondola. Chair 6 rarely has a long line after 10:30 unless there is a ski club of Vail race going on. Avoid Chair 11 after 2-2:30. China and Mongolia Bowls are vast and just plain fun. Chair 17 out of the Bowls is pretty empty and a quick trip back to the Lionshead area.
Ski / Snowboard Club of Vail turns out amazing athletes - think Olympic and World Cup races in all disciplines. The older kids started skiing there when they were in kindergarten and 3rd grade - a total of about 40 skiers with 3 part-time coaches. Now it’s World Class!
Summer Vail - no longer just a winter paradise. There are a number of great golf courses - our favorites are the in-town Vail Golf Club - amazing views and staff and Red Sky near the small town of Wolcott west of Vail. The absolutely wonderful Vail Bravo Concert series - both covered and lawn seating - with world class orchestras and performers. The 4th of July Patriotic concert celebrating our great county and those who served it. Lunch or dinner at The Fitz in Manor Vail before a concert is a must. Again, rezzies are a must.

Vail is a magical spot and we are so fortunate to be able to call it home. If you are driving from Denver stop at Two Bears Bar and Grill for a bite. It’s just off the 70 at the 6 and 40 exit east of Idaho Springs. It’s owned by the most charming woman and the service is great.

If you ski Vail and spot us skiing - please stop us and say “hi” - it’s our favorite part of skiing every season!