Vail

Even in average conditions Vail shined through

This is the fourth trip ski trip we have booked through Chris D at Travelplan, but it was the first to Vail. Although the season didn't start as strongly as we would have liked, we still had a ball in Vail. The resort is very well run, there is a great selection of restaurants and the skiing is sensational.

From the top of the mountain you can look out to the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin and it seems to go forever. When the whole mountain is open (and this is most of the season) you could ski here for a month and not get bored. There is a great break up of intermediate & advanced/expert terrain and it is mixed in well on each mountain, so you can ski with a family on the same lift.

We stayed at Montaneros and the apartment was great and the position perfect. We had read that the resort was expensive but compared to Australia and with a strong dollar we thought it was quite well priced. Our tip, grab the resort bus and take the quick trip down the road to a much bigger supermarket, also the snowmobiling was fantastic.

First impressions of Vail

Whilst many rave about the place I was underwelmed. Poor snow is out of their control but without powder the much talked about back bowls were far from exciting. Front mountain was fine but a single quad chair at the base was insufficient. I gather a gondola is going in this summer.

As far as the town goes I would prefer ten gallon hats and wild west architecture in Colorado.

The Sebastian is expensive for what you get. Despite my grumbles we still had a great time and the instructors we hired to act as guides could not have been more helpful, fun and charming. Aspen or Steamboat this year!

Vail - best terrain in the world

My ski holiday to Vail went seemlessly thanks to Travelplan. Never any delays, confusion or hassles during the trip. 

Stayed in Lionshead village in Vail at Landmark Tower. The village itself and the accomodation were first class and this was helped by the extremely friendly locals and staff. 

The terrain at Vail encompasses everything a skier could want and although the season had been disappointing we were lucky to have 3 dumps of snow overnight during the week.

I''ve been skiing in Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Japan and Canada and this trip to Vail tops them all. I have never experienced this value for money that lets you stay in expansive 5 star accom, a beautiful village, great restaurants, vast and variable terrain and deal with ever friendly locals in one ski resort!