How to Time Your Trip to Vail

Vail, Colorado, is the most visited ski resort in the United States - we'll tell you why.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sunglasses
• Travel Clothes
• Local Guidebooks To Colorado
• Maps
• Airline Tickets To Colorado
• Rental Cars
• Travel Services
• Trip Cancellation Insurance
• Cameras
• Film
• Maps
• Cameras
• Rental cars

General Considerations

1. Decide what time of year you will be visiting Vail. For the best powder, try late winter or early spring.

2. Try to plan your trip well ahead of time. Vail is extremely popular, so hotel rooms and condos can be hard to come by during the high season.

3. Find out if there are any festivals or events you'd like to check out (see Section 2, below).

4. Try to find inexpensive flights, transportation and accomodations. Many hotels offer shuttles from Denver International Airport and, depending on your plans once you get there, you may not need a rental car at all.

5. Check Vail's weather forecast shortly before leaving, and pack accordingly. If you're visiting during the summer, be sure to bring some warm clothes to wear at night. The temperature often dips from highs in the 80s to lows in the 50s.

Seasonal Events and Attractions

6. Brush up on your knowledge of ski history and the 10th Mountain Division at the Colorado Ski Museum and Ski Hall of Fame.

7. Take a deep breath, pay fifteen dollars, and enjoy a hair-raising bobsled ride.

8. Get a lift on the Vail's Eagle Bahn Gondola, and take in the expansive views of ski terrain - 6,272 acres.

9. Ski (or snowboard) Vail's famous Back Bowls for one of the most heavenly powder experiences on Earth.

10. Giddyup with a horseback riding trip through wilderness trails; it's a great way to see wildlife.

11. Eat bratwurst and raise your glass to the season at the annual Oktoberfest. Other popular events include summer's Bravo Music Festival and winter's American Ski Classic, hosted by Vail resident and former President Gerald Ford.

Tips & Warnings

• Think twice before going to Vail during Christmas Week or President's Day weekend, when the resort is crammed with vacationers.

on 11/22/2005 Vail is best known for its skiing, but it's also a great vacation destination during the summer. The mountains are gorgeous year-round, there are plenty of attractions at almost any time, and low humidity is a wonderful bonus for many people! Rates are much lower during the summer, and there are fewer people to "compete" with.

on 11/22/2005 For big savings, avoid the condos in Vail Village proper, and book your condo on the bus route, just outside the Village. The bus is free, has ski racks, and runs every 20 minutes during ski season.