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!  

Evergreen Lodge - Budget price for Vail, not bad.

The problem with Vail, apart from the cost, is that when there is no fresh snow, the back bowls become rock hard or even close, and the crowds on the frontside get too much to bear. This happened to us this year and we ended up doing daytrips to Beaver Creek.

Of course when the snow is good, Vail is magnificent. The Evergreen is a good lodge but a bit far from the action. The rooms are fine, quite comfortable and roomy. Wifi is free in room. Tiny fridge. Parking is free but outside in an icy parking lot. Skis have to be stored downstairs in a locked room but with no individual lockers.

The bar downstairs can be busy but attracts locals and has a good atmosphere. Bar food is cheap for Vail, limited range but good.

Getting around involved a walk down a slightly sloping icy path to the road and then a bus either to Lionshead (about a minute)or Vail centre (maybe 5 minutes).

The buses are brilliant; we never waited more than a few minutes, so overall the location was not a major issue.  

Spring Skiing At Vail

My wife and I had 10 days of blue sky spring skiing in Vail. The Lodge Tower was brilliantly located in relation to both the Vista Bahn Lift and the village.

We had a 1 bedroom apartment which was significantly larger than we were expecting and extremely well fit out. The ability to turn the shower into a steam bath was a great luxury. Breakfast was also far superior to what we were expecting. Our well appointed kitchen really didn't get used much.

Loved the mountain, but prefer Whistler village. Will be back.

Family Skiing Vail

We recently spent two fantastic weeks sating at The Sebastian, Vail, Colorado. The hotel and the staff exceeded our expectations.

The location was an easy walk to base camp and the hotel shuttle service for all of Vail was terrific. Nothing was ever too much trouble. The hotels facilities were excellent. A great Day Spa, outdoor fires, hot tubs, heated pools and a substantial gym all added to the enjoyment of our stay.

The food within the hotel was of a high standard and there was plenty of choice for all the family. The only negative point was slow service in the main bar area.

Vail village has an enormous range of eating options to choose from and the food on the mountain was surprisingly good.

The ski school was brilliant and  their ultimate four classes were an excellent choice for immediate improvement. While the snow was the worst they had had in ten years we still had plenty of skiing with 119 runs to tackle and the ability to visit Breckenridge, Beaver Creek and Keystones. Beaver Creek was easy to get to, only 15mins in a taxi and worth a visit.

We would happily return to Vail and The Sebastian, particularly to experience the back bowls.

Wonderful Vail

Vail turns it on again.Consistent snow, the best terrain, great snow making.

Excellent grooming and the best village in the area.

Vail the location is important

Stayed at Lionshead and while having a gondola there was good , however too quiet. The apre ski just wasn't there whereas at vail village the red lion certainly had plenty of excitement.

Shuttle was good however vail village had more good restaurants and better apre ski. Lionshead was quieter but had better access to mountain.

Went there as was touted to be best skiing area in world. Skiing good but not best by long shot. Antlers had large pleasant units but so dusty because of fittings we couldn't breath in the bedrooms.

Probably wouldn't go back or if did would stay at Vail village proper.

Vail and Aspen first Experience

Our family have skied Canada and Europe many times and this was our first visit to Colorado. What a fabulous time even with the "poor snow"! Variety of skiing was enormous as was the huge selection of fabulous and varied restaurants and bars on and off the snow. We will definitely be back, although we will wait until our 18 and 20 year old children are 21 and can join us for an apres drink. Janet Black was an excellent and welcoming host in Aspen.

We loved everything. Thank you Ann Carter for your organisation

Antler's at Vail

Ski buddy and I shared an self contained apartment Jan 8 to 18th. We were upgraded to a one bedroom apt with upper and lower bunks along a corridor leading to the bedroom. Furnishings were good, cable TV present and free wifi available. Open gas fireplace looked good but generated very little heat. View from the ground level apt looking out to the stream and trees outside was very picturesque. In retrospect this room was a much more preferable option than the one bedroom with a pullout sofa, which we originally booked.

I saw the room with the pullout bed and it would have been very cramped - the upgraded room was much better. Staff were very helpful and service, when needed, was very good.

Proximity to Lionshead gondola was a 3-5 minute walk with ski rental shops and restaurants equally accessible - can highly recommend the ski rental shop at the Landmark building around the corner, for price and service.

All up, Antler''s was a very good choice and we would have no hesitation about returning, or recommending it.