Vail Colorado winters have long been synonymous with tourists flocking the region to ski legendary slopes. Vail is world-renowned for having one of the largest ski resorts in the world, with a whopping 5,200 acres of skiable terrain. Colorado’s diverse landscapes and back bowls are easily accessible when you choose Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices to host your winter vacation in Vail.
We have dozens of ski in ski out rentals available so that you won’t miss a moment of world-class skiing. Besides having unlimited access to the mountain, Vail Village offers a distinct charm and endless opportunities for apres ski. Nothing beats strolling through the cobblestone streets past the beautiful Europen-inspired architecture. An epic mountain adventure awaits, and you will soon discover Vail is like nothing on Earth.
Understanding the Vail Ski Areas
Since there are thousands of acres of skiing available at Vail Ski Resort, the most difficult decision is deciding between the 190 trails available. There are three areas of the mountain that include the Front Side, Back Bowls, and Blue Sky Basin that feature terrain for burgeoning beginners and experts alike. If you are interested in skiing in Vail, make sure to purchase a day pass or lift tickets well in advance. Here is a breakdown of all the skiable areas at the resort, so you can easily choose where to start:
- Mid Mountain: The runs on Mid Mountain are friendly for beginners and include adventure zones for families. But, don’t worry, there are several exhilarating runs for more experienced skiers as well!
- Golden Peak: This Vail ski area is home to the ski and snowboard school, ideal for anyone learning to ski for the first time.
- Northwoods Bowl: This bowl offers remote and easily accessible terrain with epic views.
- Game Creek Bowl: Over 200 acres of bowl skiing is available for all abilities and skill levels.
- China Bowl: The legendary China back bowls offer Vail’s steepest runs with wide-open terrain and groomed runs.
- Sun Up & Sun Down Bowl: These bowls provide Vail’s most breathtaking views and some of the most iconic runs on the slopes.
- Siberia & Mongolia Bowl: If you are an advanced skier looking to explore ungroomed trails, then this ski area is for you!
- Blue Sky Basin: Explore even more backcountry runs on the groomed glades that will completely immerse you in nature.
Experience Vail Colorado Winter
Now that you have more information about the Vail Ski Resort, it’s time to start thinking about where you will stay. Our properties at Berkshire Hathaway make it easy and convenient to access a world of skiing from your doorstep. We also help you save on ski equipment rentals when you reserve online. Browse all of our luxurious ski in ski out rentals and start planning for an epic Vail Colorado winter vacation.
As summer comes to an end in Vail, it’s only a matter of time before the mountain village is flooded with people looking to ski the legendary slopes. The neighborhoods of Vail are just as legendary as the slopes, with an expansive collection of incredible restaurants featuring dishes from around the world. There are endless places to refuel in the village after a day on the slopes. So we have narrowed down the list with some of the best restaurants in Vail Colorado. And our vacation rentals at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices are the best place to stay throughout the Vail area. Take your tastebuds on a trip around the world when you visit Vail and discover for yourself why the area is a foodies paradise.
Start the Day with a Hearty Breakfast
An important note to keep in mind is that a free transportation service runs through the Vail area for easy access to restaurants without having to drive anywhere!
- The Little Diner: The Little Diner is a favorite spot for breakfast among locals and tourists alike. The homemade breakfast classics and regional specialties are often regarded as the best in town! The breakfast menu includes crepes, breakfast burritos, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and hearty platters. But, the must-try item on the menu is the authentic German-style pancakes called pannekoeken.
- Vintage: Vintage is a classic French-style brasserie that looks like it’s straight off a street in Paris. The mouthwatering French dishes are a must-stop for a taste of Europe in Vail. We recommend the galette dishes, puff pastries with delicious breakfast foods inside, such as the Croque madame galette with egg, gruyere cheese, French cured ham, and bechamel. You can find the complete brunch menu here.
Take a Break and Refuel for Lunch
- Mountain Standard: Mountain Standard is a unique restaurant that uses the oldest cooking style to create homemade meals. The food is cooked over an open and live wood fire to bring out bold and rustic flavors. We recommend the Eaton Ranch cheeseburger made with locally sourced beef just down the road from Vail. Browse the lunch menu here to discover all the delicious dishes at Mountain Standard.
- La Bottega: Continue your trip around the food world with lunch at the Italian restaurant of La Bottega. Experience the vibrant flavors of Italian cuisine and pair it with a drink from the wine bar. The menu includes subs, specialty sandwiches, paninis, stone oven pizza, and of course, pasta.
The Best Restaurants in Vail Colorado for Dinner
- Sweet Basil: Sweet Basil is the most popular restaurant in Vail and a popular spot for dinner since the 1970s. This restaurant blends fine dining with creative American cuisine and an expansive wine list. Keep it light with the duck and ricotta ravioli or treat yourself to perfectly cooked Alaskan halibut. And it is essential to pair your meal with a high-quality wine. Sweet Basil is the best restaurant in Vail for a high-end dinner in the mountains.
- Matsuhisa: Matsuhisa brings the flavors of Japan to Vail with premier sushi and sashimi. The fresh, authentic flavors from renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa are the secret behind the success. Signature dishes here include yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, black cod miso, and white fish tiradito. Visit Matsuhisa for dinner and enjoy the best sushi in town.
The Best Vail Vacation Home Rentals
The vacation rentals at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices are the perfect destination to host your getaway. Spend the day on the slopes and check out the best restaurants in Vail, Colorado, to enjoy delicious food from around the world. Browse our beautiful properties here and call us at 970-476-3800 if you have any questions.
One of the best ways to experience the distinct culture in a new place is by visiting a farmers market. Farmers Markets are a way for people to gather and share their products with the community. The Vail Farmers Market is no different, with over 140 tents featuring local produce, art, jewelry, clothing, handmade soap, sustainable goods, and more. This market is the best place to buy delicious food and see incredible artwork from local artisans. At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, we have luxury homes available for rent right in Vail Village so that you will have easy access to the market and other attractions. So, visit Vail, stop at the farmers market, and discover why it has been a favorite gathering place for 20 years.
Vail Farmers’ Market Vendors
The Vail Farmers Market takes place from June to October on East Meadow Drive every Sunday from 9:30 am-3:30 pm. Read on below to learn more about some of the vendors you can stop at:
- Artisan: Check out the homemade mason jar candles from Breckenridge Candle Company or browse the collection of unique artwork at Bear Mountain Metal Art. You can browse printmaking art pieces at Jen G Studios or browse the handmade leather journals from Cold Mtn Craft. There are dozens of artisan vendors to visit, so come check it out for yourself!
- Take-Home Food: Come home with something sweet when you purchase Bjorn’s Colorado Honey, or on the contrary, take home some spice with the homemade hot sauce at Green Belly Foods. Or browse Helgas Organic Homemade Pies and bring home a delicious pie to the comfort of your vacation home with Berkshire Hathaway.
- Art: Several vendors sell their ceramic pieces, including Goldberg Pottery, Donna Causland Porcelain, and Landreaux Ceramics. If you are interested in painting, Grundy Studios has an incredible collection of nature and wildlife artwork.
- Clothing/ Apparel: Explore fashion at the Vail Farmers Market. You can find exclusive brands from Luca Bruno or browse unique footwear at Swedish Clog Cabin.
These are only a handful of the vendors you can find at Vail Farmers Market. Browse all of the vendors by category here.
Vail Village Condo Rentals: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
We offer a broad range of condos and homes throughout the Vail and Beaver Creek region. After spending a day at the Vail Farmers Market, you can return to your nearby property in Vail Village with Berkshire Hathaway. The Vail Trails East is a one-bedroom condo, ideal for couples or small groups. On the contrary, the Plaza Lodge is a luxurious five-bedroom condo perfect for family vacations. Browse all of our properties here and call us at 970-476-3800 if you have any questions.
Exhilarating Colorado Zipline Tours
For those who love skiing, Vail, Colorado, is probably already on your radar. The winter months attract adventurers looking to ski the legendary back bowls of the Rocky Mountains every year. But, Vail offers exciting activities you can enjoy during any season. In the summer, Vail comes alive with outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, and even ziplining. Some of the best Colorado zipline tours can be found near Vail. Our vacation rentals at Berkshire Hathaway are the perfect destination for relaxation and Rocky Mountain views. So, join us for an exhilarating Colorado experience on these zipline tours.
Zip Adventures
Soar through the stunning scenery of Vail Valley Canyon on six zip lines at Zip Adventures. Each zip line course gets progressively higher and more exhilarating. The views from the courses are unbeatable with the fresh air and mountain landscape. Zip past old spruce trees on the Old Abe course and work your way up to the Widow Maker course to see four incredible waterfalls.
Top of the Rockies Zip Line
Embark on a true Colorado back-country adventure at Top of the Rockies Zip Line. Explore over 8,000 feet of zip lines from the top of the Rocky Mountains. You will see spectacular views of Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive at varying heights and speeds. There are six different zip line sections, ending with the Big Nugget. This course ends at a 100-foot tall sky tower that provides a perfect opportunity to snap a picture. You may even fly over the historic Leadville Colorado Railroad train.
Colorado Adventure Center
The Colorado Adventure Center combines two of the most popular summer activities: whitewater rafting and ziplining. Whitewater rafting is another exhilarating activity to experience the great outdoors in Colorado. Start the day with exciting whitewater rafting on Clear Creek, then follow it up with even more heart-pumping thrills on the zipline course. There are eight zip lines above the whitewater rapids on Clear Creek. This combo trip is an excellent way to experience two thrilling adventures at once.
Scenic Rentals with Berkshire Hathaway
At Berkshire Hathaway, we have private homes and condos perfect for any group visiting the Vail area. Our condominium in Vail Village is ideal for couples or small groups. Enjoy the comforts of home with our fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and WiFi access. You are also conveniently located to various outdoor activities such as golfing, hiking, and shopping. After exploring the Colorado zipline tours near Vail, relax with mountain views in one of our rentals. Browse our complete list of properties here, and call us at 970-476-1383 if you have any questions.
Nestled in between the Rocky Mountains is the village town of Vail, Colorado. Usually known for its ideal skiing and winter activities, you may wonder what there is to do here in the summer. As it heats up, Vail transforms into a nature lover’s paradise. The summer provides exciting opportunities for whitewater rafting, ziplining, hiking, horseback riding, festivals, and more! Whitewater rafting has become a popular way to see the sights of Colorado. Tube down Gore Creek through the heart of Vail and take in the breathtaking mountain views. Or embark on an exhilarating ride down Eagle River with Sage Outdoor Adventures. Thankfully, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices provides the perfect lodging ranging from one-bedroom condos to five-bedroom private homes. Start planning your Vail vacation today and experience the best whitewater rafting in Vail Colorado.
Sage Outdoor Adventures
There are several whitewater rafting trips you can take with Sage Outdoor Adventures. The trained guides will ensure the best and safest trip possible.
The Gore Creek- Vail Village whitewater trip winds through enthralling scenery of the Gore Range, cascading waterfalls, cliffs, Aspen trees, and of course, Vail Village. If you are looking for an action-packed adventure, look no further than the Upper Eagle River. This four-hour ride is for more experienced whitewater rafting enthusiasts. Book your exhilarating trip now!
Lakota Guides
The Lakota Guides pride themselves on providing trips for any age and skill level. For beginners, we recommend the Half Day Upper Colorado Wilderness Adventure. Relax and take in spectacular Rocky Mountain views, meadows, valleys, canyons, and wildlife. If you have rafting experience, try the Numbers Pine Creek Full Day excursion. This trip offers action-packed rafting with steep drops, pour-overs, and notable rapids. Check out all of the available trips with Lakota Guides today.
Timberline Tours
The Upper Colorado River is an excellent location for beginners or families with young children to enjoy whitewater rafting. The mild rapids and experienced guides will guarantee a great introduction to whitewater rafting. The Numbers trip provides intense rafting on the Arkansas River. This is an advanced trip designed to challenge experienced rafters. All available whitewater rafting trips can be found here.
Private & Scenic Vacation Rentals with Berkshire Hathaway
Start and end each day at one of our vacation rentals at Berkshire Hathaway, the best lodging in the Rocky Mountains. After a day of the best whitewater rafting in Colorado, unwind in your spacious private home. If you are traveling with a large group, stay at the four-bedroom home of Alpine Creek. The amenities of this rental include a private balcony, hot tub, fireplace, fully-equipped kitchen, mountain and river views, and even a game room! We also offer wonderful one-bedroom lodging for independent travelers. The Vail Trails East condo is a cozy choice with amenities of a private deck, fireplace, and easy access to Vail nightlife. If you have any questions about booking your vacation rental, please contact us at 1800-571-0055.
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