Looking for a weekend getaway? Consider booking flights to Eagle County Airport, located less than half an hour from the town of Vail. Lying in the shadow of Mount Vail, the second-largest ski mountain in North America attracts skiers and snowboarders with its small population and enchantingly European feel.
Day One
There’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep before risking life and limb on the slopes. Evergreen Lodge, nestled between Lionsgate and Vail Villages, has a really authentic vintage feel, and is also a great bang for your buck. The location is perfect to walk to the shops, ice rinks and ski lifts – all within five minutes. Sort out your ski rentals at one of the many nearby rental shops, grab some breakfast in town and head for the slopes.
You don’t want to overdo it on the first morning, so after a couple of runs, settle in for a long lunch to boost your energy. The slope-side Vail Chophouse restaurant will fill even the largest of stomachs with its menus of sandwiches, salads and burgers. Be sure to soak up the sun and the sights on their sun-drenched, outdoor deck.
After lunch, head back to the Eagle Bahn Gondola, but remember to pick up a trail map as Vail Mountain occupies 5,300 acres of skiable terrain. It’s time to go exploring. To gently ease off lunch, head for the leisurely Lionshead runs, concentrating on Chairs 8 and 26, under which manicured pistes gently curl away into easy, cruising runs, framed by trees. Head back down before darkness settles in and take in Vail’s sunset with an après ski drink at Garfinkel’s, situated next to the Arrabelle hotel.
For dinner, try The Tavern on the Square in The Arrabelle resort, a delicious spot in Vail to eat and drink. Inspired by local produce, the menu is full of rib-sticking comfort food, such as homemade meatloaf. For night owls and party animals who want to hit the town before getting their beauty sleep, head to the Tap Room in the Vista Bahn gondola building where there’s often live music to keep locals and tourists alike whirling round the room until the wee hours.
Day Two
In the morning, stock up energy with breakfast at the Cucina Rustica at the Lodge at Vail – necessary to tackle the slopes of Vail Mountain and its infamous Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin. Jump on the Vista Bahn from the Mountain Plaza area for a day’s adventure that will mix terrain, slope pitch and snow conditions. Take The Slot for a prime introduction to the Back Bowl area, and then head to Poppyfields in the China Bowl for some cruising runs. Blue Sky Basin, living up to its charmingly tranquil name, features excellent runs for burning along at a steady pace surrounded by the beauty and fresh air of the stunning valley. For the more extreme skiers who want something a little more challenging and who are determined to get some ‘air’ before leaving, head to Powerline, from the top of Chair 4.
For lunch, head to the Two Elk Restaurant, Vail’s best mountaintop restaurant and starting point for the Blue Sky Basin. The gourmet cafeteria is known, unsurprisingly, for the views from sundeck that stretch out across the valley and almost all of the Vail ski area. The menu is simple – full salad and soup bar, pizzas and burgers alongside heartier mountain food – and perfect for skiers.
After lunch, head back into the China Bowl, if you’re not too tired, or continue to explore the wonders of the Blue Sky Basin at your own pace. On your descent, try to avoid skiing around the mid-Vail area, as the snow can become slushy and the runs congested, especially in warm spring conditions.
Finally, and very sadly, return to your hotel after returning your equipment and head back to Eagle County Airport, still riding the adrenaline from your trip and prepping some tales of dare-devil extreme skiing to impress the friends back home.
