YOUR FAMILY'S ITINERARY
The seemingly endless terrain, seven legendary Back Bowls, more groomed terrain than anywhere on earth, even our iconic alpine villages, they're all here waiting for you! Discover what Vail has in store for you this winter and join us for another unforgettable ski vacation. All you need to bring is your favorite people, we've planned out your perfect getaway from the time you arrive to the time you leave.
See our itinerary recommendations and experience the BEST OF VAIL THIS SEASON!
Ready to enjoy another perfect getaway to Vail? Discover what luxuries await you at our countless lodging properties.
DAY ONE
1. Arrive and check in
First thing’s first – check into your home for the week. We recommend staying in one of the premier chalets or private homes at The Lodge at Vail. If you’re a tad early, don’t worry. You can store your luggage at The Lodge at Vail’s front desk while you begin checking off some of the fun things on your To-Do list.
2. Grab your rentals and make sure you have lift access
When you reserve your rentals ahead of time, we will deliver them to your hotel for you. Make sure they have arrived, and then either take them over to the Lodge’s complimentary ski valet to store for the night, or head straight for the mountain. We recommend buying your lift tickets in advance of your trip so that they can be mailed to your doorstep, but you can also purchase online when you arrive.
3. Get on the mountain
Head to the gondola and do what you came here for – ski! The front side of the mountain offers a variety of terrain with something for every member of your family. Start by taking Eagle Bahn Gondola to Eagle’s Nest and cruise down Cub’s Way with the kids to kick off a sure-to-be epic week.
4. Explore Vail Village
Swing by your room to drop off your ski gear and grab your shopping shoes. Now it’s time to venture into the Village. Explore dozens of shops while strolling along Vail’s heated cobblestone streets and taking in gorgeous views. Be sure to stop by family favorites Gorsuch, Kidsport and Tessa Clogs.
5. Dinner on the mountain
Hop back on the Eagle Bahn Gondola before sunset and take in the Sawatch Range on your way up to Bistro Fourteen. With delicious menu options for the whole family and unmatched views, it’s the perfect way to spend your first night on vacation.
DAY TWO
1. Morning family ski and half-day lessons
Round up the troops and get ready for an exciting day on the slopes. Spend the morning skiing together, then divide and conquer after lunch. Mom is headed to a Women's Ultimate 4, while the kids join a group lesson to make some ski buddies – giving Dad plenty of time to fit in his favorite double-blacks and tree runs. The whole family can track their vertical feet with the EpicMix App throughout the week and earn badges as you make your way around the mountain.
2. Lunch on the mountain
Before heading to your respective lessons, take a break to enjoy lunch on the mountain at Two Elk or Wildwood Smokehouse. Two Elk serves up their famous buffalo chili near China Bowl and Blue Sky Basin, while Wildwood specializes in authentic, award-winning BBQ miles high.
3. Family-friendly après at The Four Seasons
Kids can sip on the award-winning “haute chocolate” while adults imbibe one of The Remedy’s “Daily Prescriptions” or “Elixirs” at this Four Seasons après spot.
4. Pizza night in Vail
It’s a pizza kind of night. You can stay at your après spot, The Remedy, for their renowned Bison Pizza among other delicious options. Blue Moose is also a popular choice for families, with paper tablecloths as a canvas for kids’ creative coloring and, of course, its signature New York-style pizza.
DAY THREE
1. Morning ski
After being shown the ropes by one of Vail’s ski guides, it’s time to explore on your own. Spend the morning confidently discovering different parts of the mountain with your clan. Use our beginner, intermediate and expert trail guides to help you craft a game plan before getting on the slopes.
2. Lunch in Vail
Stop by Blü Cow Café to devour one of their famous Swiss Hot Dogs and a hearty homemade cup of soup. This family-owned local icon has been serving their delicious dogs since 1967.
3. Afternoon snowmobile trip
Take the kids up to Adventure Ridge in the afternoon for a special snowmobile trip designed for children ages 6-12 years old. Have your camera ready to take some action shots as they zoom around the park on our specially crafted mini-snowmobiles.
4. Dinner and bowling at Bol in Vail
This isn’t your average bowling alley. Bol boasts 10 lanes and tasty menu items ranging from octopus to duck buns to pizza. A sixty-foot bar and regular DJs will keep everyone in your party entertained for hours.
DAY FOUR
1. Breakfast in town
Fuel up the family before getting back on the slopes! Westside Café offers a large variety of breakfast fare, including “The World’s Best Benes,” lighter options and Mexican dishes as well.
2. Adventure Ridge
Depending on how the family is feeling, opt for a half-day of skiing or visit Adventure Ridge. There, you can try out other exhilarating on-mountain activities like tubing and ski biking with the whole family.
3. Shopping in Vail Village
You can’t leave Vail without getting a special souvenir! For the women in your family, The Golden Bear is a Vail gem, and its signature bear design is considered “The Symbol of Vail Valley.” Vail Sports has a great selection of on- and off-mountain clothing for the family to choose from at multiple locations.
4. Dinner in Vail
Catch dinner and a movie at the same time at CineBistro in downtown Vail. Reserve your seats ahead of time and arrive early for full-service dining. You can also opt for an interactive dining experience at Swiss Chalet, a family-friendly fondue restaurant in town.
5. Hot tub time
Now that your bellies are full, let the body and mind relax in your vacation home’s hot tub and reflect on another memorable day in Vail.
DAY FIVE
1. Full-day ski
By now you’re practically a powder pro! Make the most of your final day on the slopes by exploring parts of the mountain you haven’t seen yet. You can always utilize our handy trail maps to make a game plan and navigate the mountain effortlessly.
2. Family-friendly après
Raise a glass to your last day on the mountain at either The Red Lion or Vendetta’s. The whole family will love the live entertainment at The Red Lion, or schmoozing with Vail’s ski patrol at Vendetta’s.
3. Dinner at “home”
It’s been pretty go-go-go this week, so take tonight to wind down over a nice home-cooked meal (wink, wink – room service will delight the kids) while reminiscing on the week’s activities.
4. Ice-skating in Vail
Squeeze in some final family bonding time with ice-skating in downtown Vail. Take a spin around the beautiful Alderhof Ice Rink in the heart of Vail Square near the Arrabelle, taking in the stunning evening scenery one last time.