Ski Resorts Colorado, Vail

Vail, could this be one of best ski resorts in Colorado

While Vail is legendary for its sheer size and diversity of terrain, it is also one of the best family-friendly ski resorts in the United States, making it an ideal for family skiing. Many families visiting Vail will usually start their day at the Gold Peak base area on the east-side of Vail Mountain. This family oriented base area is known for its “slow-skiing zone” wide beginner trails and the “magic-carpet” for the youngest first time skiers with their own rope tow (ski school is offered beginning at age 3). There is also day-care available for children beginning at 6 months of age. Ski school packages include lift pass and rental equipment (provided by Vail Sports at Gold Peak) including mandatory helmets. Full day class lessons include lunch and the Children’s Ski School instructors have the “patience of Jobe” and truly enjoy working with kids of all ages. For families not partaking in ski school, consider rental equipment delivered and fitted at your vacation residence and avoid the confusion and chaos at the ski rental shop.

Kidsport will outfit children in their

own equipment and outfits. For parents of toddlers, carriages are available as well as child-carriers for all ages for rent or purchase. Even better, contact “Baby’s Away” who will deliver and set-up all your baby’s needs so you may travel light. For adults, consider having your baggage shipped.

Skiing and boarding while the main family attraction at Vail ends when the lifts close. Après-ski, families will find many activities to keep them occupied until bedtime. Adventure Ridge, on Vail Mountain reached by gondola (free after 4PM) is literally a family fun-center. There are family oriented dining options and attractions including mini-snowmobiles, snow biking, tubing and other kid-friendly and parent approved fun for all ages. The outdoor fire-pit is always the parent’s hang out while the kids are having fun.

Down in Vail, the town’s restaurants offer a diverse selection from fast food to gourmet dining. Even the finest dining establishments have child-menu’s knowing today’s children are to be seen and heard. After dinner, ice-skating is always an option either indoors at Dobson ice arena or outdoors in Lionshead. Be sure to stop at Marble Slab for some ice cream or some gourmet treats at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Be sure to bring Fido some chocolate-covered biscuits, yes, edible and safe for dogs. Of course, the children’s story hour at the Vail Public Library is popular with local parents and visitors.

Children love horses and there is no better way to tour Vail than via a horse-drawn carriage through town. With heavy blankets supplied, you will be warm and toasty even on the coldest winter nights. Children will delight in the “Christmas Lights” displayed throughout the winter season set against the backdrop of falling snow. With its pedestrian-oriented design, free shuttle system and ban on cars, children can cross the street (heated to prevent ice) worry-free.

Lodging options in Vail range from mid-priced hotel rooms to condominiums to the ultimate option, the mountainside home. Many families opt for home rental which for a large family or two families traveling together can be quite cost-effective. Peak Properties Vail is the premier home rental management company in the Vail Valley servicing Vail and Beaver Creek. Homes and condominiums have the luxury of providing kitchens and additional space. Many homes have game rooms for children. A few Peak Property homes including 421 Beaver Dam Circle and 798 Forest Road have children’s bunk rooms, video/game rooms and “nanny quarters” for the ultimate family vacation. Condominiums are an excellent choice for smaller families. Manor Vail, at the Gold Peak base area is a family favorite, outdoor heated pool, game room and breakfast daily. Condos range from studio to 3+ bedrooms.

Hotels including The Sonnenalp, The Lodge, The Marriott and others provide hotel rooms and condominiums with full hotel services. Upon request, rooms can be connected for families.

Vail is known for its multi-generational families who visit annually. Sharp-shooters of Vail will take family portraits on Vail Mountain and many families consider this an annual “rite of passage” proudly displaying their growing families over the generations.

While skiing and snowboarding is the activity of choice in Vail during the winter months, there are many activities available for families with children listed below.

Other Activities to keep the family interested on their Family ski holiday

Adventure Zones on Vail Mountain
Learning the basics of skiing and riding has just become more fun for kids! Children will get the opportunity to ski and ride on specially designed children’s terrain, full of exciting bumps, jumps, twists and tunnels in Chaos Canyon. Explore The enchanted forests and secret “hide-a-ways!

Ice Skating Options in Vail
There are both indoor and outdoor ice rinks in Vail. Dobson Arena is located in Lionshead and has public skating sessions and skate rentals. Outdoors, you can skate at Eagle’s Nest at the top of the Gondola or at the Vail Golf Course’s rink in East Vail. Neighboring Beaver Creek has a year-round outdoor rink in the main plaza area.

Adventure Ridge on Vail Mountain
Experience twilight entertainment at 10,000 feet with Vail’s day and night activity center atop Vail Mountain. You’ll ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola to the top of Adventure Ridge and choose from five dining options, enjoy great views and a host of great activities for kids. The gondola ride is complimentary after 2:00 p.m. Activities include tubing, ski biking, thrill sledding, ice skating, indoor laser tag, snowmobile tours (with a new snowmobile track designed specifically for young children), and snowshoe tours. Call (970) 476-9090 for additional information.

Dogsledding Near Vail
Dogsled tours are available in the morning and the afternoon in the Cordillera area west of Vail (about 25 minutes via I-70). There are two people per sled. The tour lasts approximately two hours and is about seven miles long. Transportation is included.

Nite Owls
A chaperoned evening of fun at Vail’s Adventure Ridge! Kids ages 7-14 can enjoy two Adventure Ridge activities (including laser tag, tubing, ice skating and more!) and dinner atop Vail Mountain. Tuesdays. $60 per child. Advance registration required. Call the Activities Desk for more information. (970) 476-9090.

Sleigh Ride Dinners
What better way to travel to dinner than on a sleigh. Dress warmly because the sleighs run even when it’s snowing! Offered at Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek, Timber Hearth Grille in Cordillera, 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott & The Seasons on The Green at the Vail Golf Course. Game Creek Club on Vail Mountain is accessible via snowcat from the Eagle’s Nest area.

Snowmobile
Ride specially kid sized snowmobile on Adventure Ridge atop Vail Mountain. Let Adventure Ridge Guided Tours take you across the largest ski mountain in North America.
For reservations, call (970) 476-9090.

Bookings: Contact you local travel agent, or search for ski holiday experts like Crystal ski Holidays, Espirt Ski Holidays, Mark Warner Ski, Thompson skiing holidays and virgin skiing holidays.