These are a few of my favorite things…

Snowflakes on mountains and ski boots off heaters
Bright festive lights shows and warm aprés nibbles
White winter festivals and hot tubbing vibes
These are a few of my favorite things…

All singing jokes aside, there is so much to love about winter in Vail. It’s like a winter Disneyland for outdoor adventurers (even in summer, too but that’s another post)!

The resort itself is seemingly endless. Vail is North America’s 4th largest ski area and it shows. Sometimes it’s all you can do to get allll the way as far back as you can in the back bowls but then have to turn around in order to get back to the village before the lifts stop running! There’s always a new trail or powder stash to find. If you don’t like the weather on the front side? Try Blue Sky Basin. Forgot your pow skis and having too hard of a time in the back bowls? Head to the glorious front side groomers.

I love how many options the village has (and all the nooks and crannies and surprise shops and restaurants you can find while walking around). Shop owners and attendants are usually a wealth of knowledge and always happy to share information to help you have a good time.

If skiing or boarding isn’t quite up someone’s alley that you’re traveling with there’s still plenty for them to do. Restaurants, shopping, ice skating, live music, and more are all right in the village. The nordic center has great cross country trails for anyone interested in skiing but not necessarily down hill at 40+ mph. Nearby there are all kinds of adventure outfitters who would love to take you out snowmobiling or dog sledding. There’s even snow cat rides to beautiful restaurants right on the slopes nearby in Beaver Creek!

I’m a bit more of a homebody but after a long day on the mountain I do like a nice aprés drink and snack before I head out. Seven Hermits Brewing is a nice pick for a gluten free crepe and cider. (I note that because myself and my fellow GF people rarely get to have a good crepe! These guys make all of their crepes GF! It’s not even something you have to ask to be special made! It’s wonderful.) Two Arrows Coffee is also a wonderful stop off for a warm (and adult) beverage before heading back to our place. (Side note: if you have a little too much “adulting” during aprés, you can leave your car overnight and take the free bus home! Each parking garage has posted signs that tell you how you can collect your car in the morning without penalty! Yay, safe driving!)

Once back at the racquet club, making a bee-line for the hot tubs is a great move. It’s always nice to have a soak while watching the sun go down over the East Vail Chutes and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow skiers recounting their favorite runs of the day.

Making dinner and eating in front of a roaring fire with a good movie on in our place is the perfect way to end a winter ski day at Alpinhaus Vail.