Every vacation takes planning. To help make your vacation planning easier, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has put together a step-by-step guide on how to plan the perfect Colorado winter vacation in Vail. Set your dates, book your flight, reserve a Berkshire Hathaway vacation rental, map out your itinerary, pack smart, and make your way to Vail!
Step 1: Set Your Dates
The first step in planning your Vail winter vacation is setting your vacation dates. Winter is the busiest time of the year, so we highly recommend scheduling your trip several months in advance.
Step 2: Book Travel
After you have selected your dates, it’s time to actually book your vacation. If you are flying from out of state, we recommend booking your flight to the Denver International Airport first. After you book your flight, reserve transportation from the airport to Vail. Read our blog for recommendations on shuttle services, buses, and car rentals.
Step 3: Book Accommodations
Now that you have your flight booked, it’s time to reserve accommodations. Find the best Vail Valley vacation rentals with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Whether you want to stay in a slopeside condo or a private mountain home, we have you covered. Book early to secure your desired dates. Plus, booking directly on our website saves you over 15% versus VRBO and Airbnb!
Step 4: Plan Your Itinerary
Now the real fun starts: planning your itinerary! If you plan to ski during your visit, purchase your lift tickets online as soon as possible. Build your itinerary using the suggestions from the Berkshire blog:
- Apres Ski Spots in Vail Village
- 5 Things to Do in Vail for Non-Skiers
- Vail Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
- Skiing the Legendary Vail Back Bowls
Step 5: Pack
The last step in planning your vacation is figuring out what to pack. Account for the winter weather in Vail and what activities you will be doing while you are here. Here are some essential items to add to your suitcase:
- Clothing: Base layers, ski socks, long underwear, thermal shirts, winter jacket, snowpants, and boots.
- Accessories: Hat, gloves, scarves, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle.
Step 6: Enjoy the Trip
You’re ready for your Vail, Colorado, winter vacation. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices can’t wait to see you here!
There are many things to consider when planning your Vail Colorado ski trip. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties is here to help make planning easier by providing some helpful tips. From booking lift tickets early to packing smart, here are five things to consider when planning your next ski vacation:
1. Book Lift Tickets and Lodging Early
Vail is one of the busiest ski areas in the country, so we highly recommend booking things like accommodations and lift tickets early. Plus, the earlier you book, the more savings you will receive!
2. Decide Where You Want to Stay
Since Vail Mountain has two main Villages and several surrounding neighborhoods, deciding where you want to stay is important. We offer condo rentals throughout Vail Valley, from Arrowhead on the west end to East Vail. Whether you want to stay at ski-in, ski-out properties, or condos a short walk to the slopes, we have you covered!
3. Learn About Transportation Options
Getting around Vail is easy with the free shuttle service. Read our blog on How to Get Around Town for more information on transportation options. If you are traveling from Denver, we have a helpful blog on How to Get from Denver to Vail in the winter.
4. Reserve Equipment Rentals
If you’re not bringing your own equipment, there are plenty of options in town for you to reserve your gear. Berkshire guests save 20% off ski and snowboarding rentals when they book online through Venture Sports or Epic Mountain Rentals!
5. Pack Smart
Plan what you need to bring ahead of time so you won’t rush to find the right winter gear once you arrive. Check out our blog about What to Pack for a Ski Trip for some helpful tips!
Book Your Vail Colorado Ski Trip Today
Find the perfect lodging for your Vail Colorado ski trip with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties. We offer fantastic lodging options throughout Vail Valley, ranging from one-bedroom condos to luxurious five-bedroom homes. Book with us today and stay close to the action this winter!
After skiing the legendary slopes of Vail, head to our local bars and restaurants to unwind. Whether you are looking for a slopeside restaurant steps from Gondola One or a bar where you can grab happy hour drinks, there is an apres-ski destination in Vail for everyone. Walk to the slopes from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and indulge in the convenience of being at the heart of it all!
Pepi’s
Walk to Pepi’s after a day on the slopes and hang out at the sunniest deck in Vail Village. Find a spot on the heated covered patio and take in views of the Village while enjoying Bavarian fare and drinks.
The Red Lion
The Red Lion is an iconic apres-ski spot that has welcomed skiers for live music, food, and drinks for over sixty years. They do not accept reservations, so visit early in the day to ensure a spot!
Vendetta’s Italian
Stop by Vendetta’s Italian in the heart of Vail Village for a delicious Italian meal. Enjoy casual dining at the double-sided bar or enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner in the main dining room.
Los Amigos
If you are craving Mexican food, we recommend heading to Los Amigos at the base of Gondola One. Dine on the outdoor deck with a margarita in hand while watching skiers come down the slopes.
Alpenrose
Alpenrose offers a unique winter dining experience not found anywhere else in Vail. Reserve one of their private gondolas and have dinner in a cozy gondola cabin!
Garfinkel’s
Located just down the road in Lionshead Village, Garfinkel’s is the most popular sports bar in town. Relax on the outdoor deck while sipping signature cocktails and enjoying appetizers.
Apres Ski in Vail Near Your Vacation Rental
Book your Vail ski vacation with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and stay close to the slopes and the best apres ski spots in town. Stay in our ski-in ski-out properties and access some of the mountain’s best runs just steps from your front door. Walk to apres-ski spots after your day on the slopes and grab a drink before returning to unwind in your vacation rental. Warm up in front of the fireplace, soothe your aches and pains in our hot tubs, and make some hot cocoa in your gourmet kitchen. We have everything you need for an unforgettable Vail ski vacation!
Plan a Magical Christmas Getaway in Vail
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year in Vail! Book your holiday escape in Vail and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Valley. Stroll down the cobblestone streets, admire the Bavarian architecture decked in colorful lights, find last-minute gifts at Christmas markets, and get in the holiday spirit with festive events. Find lodging for your Christmas getaway with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, and experience the perfect blend of luxury, recreation, and holiday cheer!
Explore the Villages
Every winter, Lionshead and Vail Village are decorated with holiday lights, transforming the streets into a Christmas wonderland. Stroll through the villages and get in the Christmas spirit. Walk across the illuminated International Bridge and head to Kringle Crossing in Vail Village for Santa visits, carolers, and seasonal treats. Then, head to the ice skating rinks and glide across the ice together, surrounded by twinkling lights, Bavarian architecture, and views of Vail Mountain.
Go Christmas Shopping
Find unique Christmas gifts during the Vail Kris Kringle Market in December. Browse homemade items from local artisans while enjoying live entertainment and delicious gluhwein.
Attend Holiday Events
Make the most of your time in Vail and plan your trip around one of our festive events:
- Head to Arrabelle and Solaris Ice Rinks on Saturdays in December for the Vail Skating Festival’s Ice Spectacular.
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve on Vail Mountain during the annual Torchlight Parade.
- Enjoy Vail Holiday festivities like tree lighting ceremonies and holiday sweater runs.
Enjoy Winter Recreation
Compliment your getaway with fun winter activities on Vail Mountain. Beyond some of the best skiing in the country, you can also enjoy scenic gondola rides, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and guided tours.
Book Your Christmas Getaway in Vail, Colorado
Experience the festive atmosphere of Vail at Christmastime with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. We offer a wide selection of private homes and condos to accommodate groups of all sizes. From our cozy one-bedroom condos to our luxurious five-bedroom mountain homes, we have something for everyone. Enjoy plenty of space to spread out and cozy up in front of your fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate. Book with us today and spend the holidays in Vail!
Skiing the Legendary Vail Back Bowls
Vail, Colorado, is world-renowned for its epic skiing and is home to the second-largest ski resort in North America. Vail Ski Resort offers 5,317 skiable acres, including the epic Vail back bowls away from the main base. These back bowls have reached legendary status, offering 2,785 skiable acres on 47 trails for all skill levels. Get off the beaten path, discover the epic powder skiing of Vail’s backcountry, and choose Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties to host your getaway!
Vail Back Bowls
Enjoy some of the best skiing in the country at the Vail Back Bowls. Use this map for assistance and purchase lift tickets to access the epic back bowls. Stop at the Legacy Hut at the top of Mountain Top Express and purchase postcards of the Vail back bowls for the perfect souvenir!
Sun Down Bowl
Total Acres: 625
Chairlift Access: #3 and #17
Sun Down Bowl is known for having the most skiable acres of the back bowls, offering complicated and hidden terrain for more advanced skiers.
Sun Up Bowl
Total Acres: 475.2
Chairlift Access: #5 and #19
Sun Up Bowl is Vail’s first bowl to feature the legendary Back Bowls Corbel, denoting the area’s most famous peaks.
Tea Cup Bowl
Total Acres: 277
Chairlift Access: #36
Tea Cup Bowl is one of the lesser-known back bowls, hidden between Sun Up and China Bowl.
China Bowl
Total Acres: 601
Chairlift Access: #21 and #36
China Bowl offers wide-open intermediate bowl skiing and steep extremes.
Siberia Bowl
Total Acres: 336
Chairlift Access: #21 and #22
Siberia Bowl offers something for every ski level, including low-angle open glades, large cliffs, and steep vertical drops.
Inner and Outer Mongolia Bowls
Total Acres: 470
Chairlift Access: #21 and #22
Inner and Outer Mongolia Bowls is the best option for skiers looking for secluded, expert backcountry terrain.
Book Your Vail Winter Vacation Rental Today!
Discover the Vail back bowls during your winter getaway with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties. Stay close to the action with our vacation rentals in Vail Village, just a short walk away from the ski slopes of Vail Mountain. Whether you are planning a couples retreat or a family getaway, we have the perfect property for your winter getaway in Vail!
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