Free Programs

Free One-Hour Ski Tips:
Are offered to intermediate and advanced skiers in December, January and February excluding holidays.

Free Mountain Welcome Tours:
Deliver mountain orientation to intermediate and expert skiers and snowboarders December through April.

For the kids

Vail Children's Ski & Snowboard School:
From adventure zones to the Kids Night Owl program, Vail knows how to deliver the fun for vacationing kids. The Children's Ski & Snowboard School offers group or private lessons and special programs for ages 3-15.
The Small World Play School Nursery accepts infants from two months to six years.

Adventure Zones:
Vail features 12 specially designed and themed Adventure Zones just for kids.
The Adventure Map shows kids where to locate their favorite spots such as chaos Canyon.
Mascots Ranger Raccoon and Crazy Coyote frequently visit ski school classes and most zones incorporate the animal theme.

Kids Night Owl:
Mom and dad head for a night on the town and leave your kids with us.
Kids 7 and older enjoy chaperoned activities at Adventure Ridge plus dinner on Wednesday and Thursday nights during the winter.
Reservations needed 24 in advance.
LionsHead: (970) 479-4450 and Golden Peak: (970) 479-3280.

Vail Nordic Ski School:
Located at Golden Peak, instruction and tours are available for Cross-Country, Telemark and Snowshoe. Cross over ticket allows value of a multi-day ticket to be applied towards a half-day cross country lesson or snowshoe tour including equipment rental.
Equipment rentals available at Golden Peak.
Private instruction available for individuals and groups up to six. All ages and abilities welcome.

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Gear Rental

Eliminate the Hassle with Rentskis.com
It's no secret that traveling through airports takes longer and is more complicated than it used to be. Checking ski and snowboard bags, even with the skier's favorite equipment inside, is often an extra dimension of hassle en route to a mountain vacation. For skiers and riders who appreciate the ease and variety of using rental equipment or simply enjoy sampling the newest ski and snowboard models when they are on vacation, renting equipment has never been easier or more convenient.

With seven locations in Vail, skiers and riders can now simplify their winter vacation with the largest and most efficient rental equipment system in North America. Skis and snowboards can be reserved either on-line at rentskis, or just ask your Travelplan booking consultant at time of booking.
The beauty of the program is that all the paperwork is taken care of before you arrive at the resort so the pre-selected equipment is ready and waiting at the designated store. Skiers and riders can breeze in, sign their forms, pick up their equipment, and beat the crowds for first tracks. Nearly all of the shops are located slopeside for maximum convenience.  

From Atkins-inspired dishes to signature Alpine Latte's made especially for the 21 and over crowd, the dining and nightlife options in town rival the 193 trails to choose from on the mountain. With more than 73 restaurants, skiers and riders can select from lunch on the go (especially on a powder day), family friendly venues or a more a leisurely dining experience that blurs into the aprés-ski hours followed by dinner.

The Wildflower
Accolades: "Number one restaurant in Vail" and "Top Ten Restaurants in Colorado" according to Zagat; Wine Spectator's "Best of Award of Excellence"
Executive Chef: Mark Chmielewski
Location: Lodge at Vail in Vail Village


Cucina Rustica
Offers sumptuous breakfasts and skiers' lunch buffets
Slopeside access for quick dining breaks
Transforms into an authentic Tuscun grill for dinner
Chef: Charles Hays
Location: Lodge at Vail in Vail Village

Sweet Basil
Established in 1977, this is one of Vail's finest and favorite restaurants
The wine list continually receives the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator
Features imaginative American entrees with Mediterranean and Asian influences
Chef: Bruce Yim
Location: 193 Gore Creek Drive in the heart of Vail Village

Larkspur
Features American cuisine with rustic French influence
Located at the base of Golden Peak, skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of great lunch options
Listed as a "Don't Miss while in Vail" by USA Today
Chef: Thomas Salamunovich.
Location: Golden Peak Lodge, 458 Vail Valley Drive

Chap's Grill and Chophouse
Colorado's only AAA Four-Diamond chophouse in Vail
Offering Colorado lamb and game entrees
Chef: Matt Zubrod
Location: Vail Cascade Resort & Sp

Billy's Island Grill
A local's favorite offering great appetizers, entrees of seafood or steaks and a big salad bar
Check out the great deck for aprés or dinner
Location: In LionsHead off the pedestrian Plaza.

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Other Suggestions
Blue Tiger, Mediterranean and Asian tapas and sushi
Kelly Liken, seasonal American cuisine
Campo de Fiori
Mezzaluna
Terra Bistro 
Montauk Seafood Grill

For the Family

Pazzo's Pizza serves breakfast lunch and dinner and has a festive atmosphere. 
The Red Lion offers something for every member of the family with a children's menu, great beer selection and live entertainment. 

Bully Ranch is a local's favorite serving true Colorado Western and barbecue, featuring everything from hand cut prime beef to veggie wraps.

West Side Cafe in West Vail offers breakfast style items served all day. Casual, relaxed atmosphere is great for families. 

Moe's Barbecue in Lionshead is home to incredible pulled pork sandwiches, chicken and more. 

Bart & Yeti's in LionsHead offers a variety of burger and sandwich options under $10. 

Vendetta's in Vail Village features pizza by the slice for less than $5 in the bar.

Flying Burrito in LionsHead serves tasty burritos for less than $7. They're a meal by themselves.

Before You Hit the Slopes

Starbucks is located on Bridge Street. 

Covered Bridge Coffee is a great place to kick back for a fresh brewed cup of coffee before heading to the Vista Bahn, in Vail Village.

Blizzards Deli in Vail Village is a great place to grab a burrito, latte and don't forget their cinnamon chocolate chip scone!

DJ's satisfies any breakfast craving, featuring everything from omelets to French toast. Located at LionsHead Village.

High Altitude Dining

There are more than 15 eateries to choose from on Vail Mountain. Each offers signature dishes or specialties unique to the location. Every member of the family has options to refuel and get back on the slopes. For special diet restrictions, ask the restaurant for menu items that may fit your needs.

Game Creek
Vail's finest on-mountain restaurant offers exquisite seasonal cuisine in an elegant European style chalet. Chef Thomas Newsted treats guests to a dinner menu that includes game and fresh seafood, an award winning wine list and warm hospitality from a professional service staff.
Location: Situated on the hillside in Game Creek Bowl with some of the best views in the valley. From the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola ride in the heated snowcat to the restaurant.

Two Elk Restaurant
Vail Mountain's flagship restaurant sits at 11,200 feet and is the gateway to China Bowl. Two Elk features Native American specialties in grand cafeteria fashion. Delight your palate with choices from the soup and chili station, salad bar, delicious wraps, gourmet pizza, pasta and more.
Location: Top of China Bowl.

Wildwood Smokehouse
This old fashioned smokehouse sits at 10,981 feet overlooking Sun Down Bowl and has a great rustic feel. Wildwood specializes in serving up award-winning chicken and wildrice soup, smoked brisket or pulled pork sandwiches, gourmet baked potatoes and don't-miss desserts. Location: Top of Wildwood Express and Game Creek Express.

Golden Peak Grill
A hidden treasure serving breakfast, deli sandwiches and favorites from south of the border. Location: Golden Peak base lodge under Larkspur.

Blue Moon Restaurant & Bar
Is a full-service restaurant and bar, serving dinner Thursday through Saturday.

The Marketplace
Serving continental breakfast and a variety of ethnic plates for lunch. Vast lunch menu offering soups, stews, grilled sandwiches and extensive salad bar.

Bailey's Place
While enjoying Adventure Ridge activities or a day on the slopes warm up with a hot cocoa or a specialty coffee drink. Satisfy your sweet craving with a baked treat.
Bailey's is located at Eagle's Nest next to the ice rink.

Mid-Vail Food Courts
Terrace level features pizza, salad bar, grill and wraps.
Look Ma level includes a diner with daily specials, pasta bar, Gore Range Grill and the Coors Original Bar plus spectacular views of the Gore Range.

Sarge's Outdoor Grill serves burgers and mountain barbecue items on the Terrace deck.

Chaos Canyon Kids' Café After a run through Chaos Canyon stop in for lunch with the kids at Mid-Vail. Designed specifically for kids with small tables and chairs, the cafe features food favorites for big and little ones. Parents are welcome too!

Buffalo's
Located at the top of Chairs 4, 5 and 11, Buffalo's is a great spot for a quick bite before diving into the Back Bowls. It's also the highest specialty coffee shop in North America with great pastries. Lunches feature chili or soup bread bowls, deli sandwiches and homemade pizza.

Belle's Camp at the top of Blue Sky Basin and Wok-N-Roll (Oriental cuisine) at the base of Chair 11 and Northeast Bowl feature unique quick eats designed to keep you moving on the slopes.

Vail is a mountain in motion day and night. Winter enthusiasts will discover an abundance of unique adventures on the slopes during the day as well as long after the lifts close. Adventure Ridge is Vail's day and night mountain top activity center featuring snow tubing, ski biking, ice skating, two trampolines, orienteering, snowshoe tours and kids snowmobiling. The best part is the Eagle Bahn Gondola is free for scenic rides and Adventure Ridge guests after 2 p.m. Adventure Ridge is open Tuesday through Saturday Dec. 15, 2005 through April 16, 2006 from 2:30-9 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling the Resort Information and Activities Line at (970) 476-9090.


Adventure Ridge Activities

Snow Tubing
Multi-lane, lift served tubing hill delivers rip-roaring laughs for all.
Children under 5 must be accompanied by adult and all tubers must be 36 inches tall.
Reservations available starting at 2:30 p.m. and sessions on the hour or half-hour.
On site photos available as well as a warming hut.
Price: US$22 per session

Ski Biking
Intermediate skiers and riders take to the slopes on a specially crafted bike that has skis instead of wheels, guided tours take bikers through powder, moguls and groomers.
Tours offered at 5 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
Children must be at 14 years old and at least 4'6" in height
Price: US$62 per person

Ice Skating
Free, if you bring your own skates
Rentals available in Bailey's Pavilion for $8 after 2 p.m.

Trampoline
Jumping at 10,000 feet! Kids love to try new tricks
Rebound harnessed bungees support jumpers on two different trampolines
Price: US$10 per session

Orienteering
Take in the views during a map and compass course for all ability levels
Price: $10 includes snowshoe rental

Snowshoe Tours
Guided tours offered at the Nature Discovery Center at Adventure Ridge
Recommended for ages 12 and over but kids are welcome
Snowshoe rentals available after 2 p.m.
Suggested donation of US$10 to the Gore Range Natural Science School

Kids Snowmobiling
Offered in the Discovery Center
Ages 6-12 and kids must be less than 110 pounds
Blizzard Speedway track lets little "racers" zip around as mom and dad watch
Hours: 2:30 to 7 p.m.
Price: US$22 per session

Vail's In-Town Activities  

Choose from winter fly-fishing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, horse back rides, sledding, backcountry hut trips, balloon rides and more.

If music is more your mood, don't miss the free StreetBeat concerts that take place every Wednesday night Nov. 30- Dec. 21, 2005 and March 8-April 12, 2006, starting at 6 p.m. in Vail Village.

For those of age, Vail's nightlife is second to none. Live music, DJ's and local performers mix it up for locals and guests.

Special events abound almost every week of the ski season so be sure to check the events schedule on www.vail.com prior to arrival.

Shopping in Vail features everything from renowned artists' works to must-have memorabilia for the kids.

Vail is the epicenter when it comes to freeriding and terrain parks. With seven colossal Back Bowls, countless cliff bands, a grip of secret stashes and hits and 346 inches of annual snowfall the entire mountain becomes your playground. One of the best unique features about Vail is that no matter where you ski or ride on the mountain, you'll discover your own favorite secret spot that delivers all of the elements you seek from a mountain. Park lovers also have a variety of options and can choose from four terrain parks in which to perfect their skills. After the freeski or ride day is done there also are a bunch of local bars where locals kick back and share stories.

Golden Peak Terrain Park
NEW! The upper park is moving to the eastern side of the trail this year for a continuous flow top-to-bottom.
Pro and local riders continually praise Vail's Superpipe for its meticulous nightly prep with the Zaugg Pipe Monster.
Superpipe Stats: 400 length X 45 wide X 18-foot walls.
The Jib Park is described as a "park within a park" where jibbers can hang all day hiking the jibs and choosing from 40 rails.
Accessed by the Riva Bahn high-speed quad in Golden Peak. It makes lapping a cinch.

Mule Skinner and Bwana Parks
Both feature smaller hits and rails designed to teach the basics of freestyle progression and learning new tricks.
Mule Skinner is located just west of the Golden Peak Terrain Park and offers smaller hits to improve your skill set as you progress.
Bwana is located under the Eagle Bahn Gondola in LionsHead and while the rails and boxes are small, the hits are for those more experienced.

NEW FOR 2005/2006: Hunky Dory Terrain Park
"Ground low"- this park offers little boxes, rails and mini hits intended for those just starting out Located out of Mid Vail off of the Wildwood Express Lift.

Unique Log Rail Park
Vail designed a one-of-a-kind log rail park tucked into the woods at Golden Peak.
Features 12 log rails of varying heights and lengths.
If you can find them, are you brave enough to tackle them? They are for the more experienced freeriders.

Spas and winter vacations have become almost synonymous in today's world. After a great day on the slopes they offer the perfect way to rejuvenate and unwind while reminiscing about that incredible powder stash you discovered or after simply re-charging muscles that aren't yet accustomed to the miles of skiing or riding you acquired. Vail's spas are sure to refresh and pamper you in preparation for another great day on the mountain.

Golden Leaf Spa at the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort
Offers a variety of beauty and therapeutic regimes for ladies and gentlemen of all ages.
Signature treatment: Golden Leaf Splendor, which features a 25-minute healing water, 50-minute massage, 50-minute facial, spa lunch and full makeup application.
Spa amenities include: a fully equipped fitness center, heated pools, whirlpools and a steam room privately located in each locker facility.
Appointments: (970) 479-5004

Aria Spa & Club at the Vail Cascade Resort
Offers guests and club members a wellness and fitness sanctuary that includes 14 treatment rooms. Aria features exhilarating body and skin treatments with their natural product lines that were designed to compliment the Rocky Mountain environment.
The spa menu includes: "Symphonies for the Senses" packages to the Mountain Lomi Lomi massage to Alpine indigenous body treatments and facials. Relax in the peaceful sanctuary, with a two-sided, stone fireplace and wood-vaulted ceilings, oversized chairs and chaise lounges.
Appointments: (800) 420-2424

Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa
With more than 9 signature treatments, 7 different facials, 8 massages and 2 packages available their holistic approach incorporates the Moor Remedy; Green Tea & Ginger Sea Enzyme Body Wrap; Nature, Body & Spirit; Salt Glow & Aromatic Bath; and Hot Stone Massage.
Featuring a creekside solarium with an inspiring view.
25,000-square-foot athletic club includes state-of-the-art equipment, the Vail Valley's only indoor climbing wall and a menu of unique classes.
Appointments: (970) 476-7721

Sonnenalp Resort & Spa
Rejuvenate the mind and body with custom facials and body treatments. Relax by the fireplace or enjoy the facilities, which include steam rooms, saunas, Jacuzzis, fitness equipment, pool and free weights.
Appointments: (970) 476-5656

Shopping

Vail offers more than 187 shops and boutiques to choose from. Options include numerous art galleries, casual apparel, gift and home furnishing boutiques, ski/snowboard shops, a wine shop and florist, handcrafted jewelers and more. Shops that are unique to the Vail area include:

• The Golden Bear
• Gorsuch
• Pepi's  
• Charm School Boutique/ Luca Bruno's
• Gotthelf's, Fine Jewelers
• Roxy
• Kiss the Moon  
• Vail Manhole Cover Jewelry
• Plus many more