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!
Dining out in Vail, Colorado, is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure. Make a reservation at some of the best restaurants in Vail and enjoy cuisine from countries like Japan, Germany, and France. Whether you are looking for a romantic fine-dining experience or a laidback apres-ski cocktail spot, there is an eatery for everyone’s interests!
The Little Diner
If you are looking for the best breakfast in town, look no further than The Little Diner. This locally owned and operated restaurant serves all-day breakfast, featuring breakfast classics and regional specialties, such as omelets, crepes, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, and breakfast platters. Watch your food be prepared in the open kitchen and start the day with a hearty breakfast!
Alpenrose Vail
Dine at Alpenrose Vail for delicious German and Austrian cuisine in the mountains. Try classics like goulash, dumpling specialties, Kässpätzle, schnitzel, and bratwurst. Pair your meal with Bavarian beer, wine, or cocktails for the perfect addition. During the winter, they offer special gondola dining, where you can dine on a private gondola with your closest friends and family!
Mountain Standard
Mountain Standard specializes in wood-fired dishes that embody the essence of the Rockies. Enjoy a wide variety of dishes during lunch or dinner, including oysters, wood-fired pork chops, and sandwiches. Make sure to order one of their seasonally crafted cocktails. Dine outside during the warmer months and enjoy views of Gore Creek as you eat your meal.
Mirabelle
Plan a date night at Mirabelle and enjoy delicious French cuisine in an intimate and romantic setting. The menu changes seasonally, utilizing fresh ingredients from the on-site garden and greenhouse. From roasted elk tenderloin to yellowfin tuna steak, they offer something for everyone’s taste buds.
Swiss Chalet
Make a reservation at Swiss Chalet and enjoy traditional European cuisine in a classic Swiss-style setting. They are known for their cheese fondues, made with several Swiss cheeses and served with potatoes, vegetables, and baguette bread for dipping. This is a great place to warm up after a day of skiing.
Osaki’s
Stop at Osaki’s for traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi. They offer a special menu every night, featuring fresh fish from Japan and a selection of sake. Check their social media to see what’s on the menu during your visit.
Reserve a Vail Valley Vacation Rental
Sample mouthwatering cuisine at Vail’s best restaurants and stay at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties during your visit. On days you want to save money on dining out, our spacious Vail Valley vacation rentals have everything you need to prepare meals at home. Book with us today and escape to the Colorado mountains!
Are you seeking a destination to experience the vibrant fall colors of Colorado? Look no further than Vail Valley and our breathtaking aspen trees. Every fall, our trees transition into vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red for excellent leaf peeping. Plan your vacation from mid-September through early October and see nature’s showcase for yourself. Stay at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties and find the perfect vacation home for your fall getaway in Vail Valley!
1. Explore Nature Trails
Walk, hike, or bike through the fall colors on Vail’s nature trails. Whether you are looking for an easy hike for all ages or a challenging route through the mountains, there is a path for everyone’s skill level. Start your adventures and explore popular trails for fall foliage views at Berry Picker, Gore Creek, Lost Lake, Bighorn Creek, or North Trail.
2. Horseback Riding
Sign up for a local horseback riding adventure and see fall colors from the saddle. Vail Stables provides horseback riding tours through the end of September, and Bearcat Stables offers trips through October.
3. Fishing
Fishing can be done year-round in Vail, but the combination of cool weather, uncrowded rivers, golden aspen leaves, and active fish makes fall one of our favorite seasons. Popular fishing spots include Gore Creek, Eagle River, and Colorado River. Bring your equipment and head out on your own or book a guided fishing trip with Vail Valley Anglers.
4. Scenic Drives
Explore the roads and scenic byways near Vail and see fall foliage from the comfort of your vehicle. One of the most popular fall drives is the Top of the Rockies scenic byway, a 115-mile route traveling from Minturn to Aspen. Along the drive, you will be rewarded with mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and native wildlife.
5. Picnic
Plan a picnic in the park and enjoy your meal surrounded by fall colors. Pick up food to go from one of our local restaurants or pack your own treats purchased from a grocery store. We recommend setting up your meal at Nottingham Park in Avon or Eagle Town Park.
Stay in a Vail Vacation Rental this Fall
Vail, Colorado, is an excellent place to see the fall colors. Plan your trip with Berkshire Hathaway and spend your time hiking, horseback riding, and fishing surrounded by the vibrant foliage. Browse our vacation rentals throughout Vail Valley and find the perfect basecamp for your fall adventures!
Vail is renowned for its outdoor recreation, but it also boasts a fantastic arts and culture scene. During your Vail vacation, we invite you to enjoy live music at our restaurants, bars, and music venues. Discover your new favorite band or catch one of your favorite musicians performing at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Find luxury lodging for your Colorado mountain getaway with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties and stay close to everything Vail Valley has to offer.
Live Music Bars and Restaurants
Listen to live music year-round at these bars and restaurants in Vail:
- Shakedown Bar is the most popular music venue in town, offering live rock ‘ n ‘ roll music every night of the week.
- Bridge Street Bar offers weekly DJ sets and features the only dance room in Vail. If you’re looking for a place to dance and hang out with friends, this is the spot to be.
- King’s Club offers live music every Thursday-Saturday in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.
- Vail Brewing Company is a great place to kick back and enjoy a refreshing craft brew and live music from local musicians. Music is held at the Eagle-Vail location; check their Facebook page to see who’s playing during your visit.
- The Gambit Bar is an ideal spot to enjoy a romantic meal and live music with your partner. Live music is available every Thursday through Sunday, featuring jazz, folk, and blues artists.
Summer Live Music Events and Festivals
In addition to the nightly music at our bars and restaurants, Vail also hosts several annual music events throughout the year. Experience live music and entertainment all summer long at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. From the AMP Summer Concerts featuring headlining musicians to the free Hot Summer Nights shows, there is a live music event for everyone throughout the season.
You can also find free music in the parks throughout Vail Valley. Head to Nottingham Park in Avon for free music every Wednesday during the AvonLIVE event. Visit Eagle Town Park on Thursdays for music from the Town of Eagle ShowDown Town. Close out the summer at the annual Vail Jazz Festival and catch some of the best jazz musicians over three days.
Book a Luxury Vacation Home in Vail Valley
Summer is a wonderful time to sit outside and enjoy the sounds of live music in Vail. In the wintertime, many of our most popular apres-ski spots also feature live music. So, no matter when you visit, you can end your adventures by jamming out to live music. Make the most of your stay by booking a vacation rental with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties. Book with us online or contact our reservations team at 1-800-571-0055 to help you find your perfect home away from home.
The ski lifts have stopped for the season, but that doesn’t mean the fun has stopped on Vail Mountain. Each summer, Vail continues the fun at their Mountaintop Adventure Center, Epic Discovery. Discover something for the whole family with an all-access pass providing climbing walls, mountain coasters, tubing, mini golf, and much more. Make the most of your summer vacation with the luxury vacation rentals at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties. Stay close to Epic Discovery and everything Vail has to offer with our homes in Lionshead Village!
Essential Information
- Epic Discovery is a seasonal attraction open from June to September at the top of Vail Mountain.
- You can access the Adventure Center by taking the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead.
- The Adventure Pass provides access to all activities at Epic Discovery. Your tickets can be picked up at the Lionshead Ticket Office.
- All participants must wear enclosed shoes.
- Some activities have height, weight, and age requirements. Please refer to the ‘What to Know About Epic Discovery‘ page for more information.
Epic Discovery Activities
- Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster: An exhilarating mountain coaster that takes you 3,400 feet around the mountain. Allows a driver who is over the age of 16 and one passenger.
- Paramount Peak Climbing Wall: 35” rock climbing wall. Available for kids 4+ who are at least 36” tall.
- Bungee Trampoline: Giant trampoline with a harness that makes it safe for kids to bounce and flip around. Available for kids 3+.
- Eagle’s Nest Tubing: 550-foot tubing hill where kids and adults alike can glide down the mountain on an inflatable tube. The height requirement is 54” tall.
- Marmot Mini Kids Tubing: A shorter tubing hill for kids under 54” who still want to tube.
- Little Eagle Kids Zipline: Small zipline ten feet in the air for kids 3+.
- Gore Creek Mini Golf: This fun mini golf course, suitable for all ages, features animals and provides information about local wildlife.
Stay in a Family-Friendly Vacation Rental in Vail
Plan your summer vacation in Vail and discover endless fun at Epic Discovery in Vail. Our properties in Lionshead are the perfect option for families who want to stay close to the action. Whether you are looking for a two-bedroom condo or a luxurious five-bedroom home, we offer lodging for families of all sizes. Book with us today and discover the perfect Colorado family vacation destination!
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