We went to Vail with a group of friends and had an amazing time. The views of the mountains are amazing. The village has it all, restaurants, shops and bars. Excellent to take pictures and walk around the village which looks so much like a German little town.
WE love Vail Valley. This year we stayed at Lionshead. Everything was within walking distance from our condo. 50 yards you are at shops, great restaurants, the slopes. The kids loved the ice skating. Ski School for the kids was 2 minutes away from the condo. PERFECT. And, of course, we love Vail Village. Caught the bus right ourside the condo, the Village is within 5 minutes (you could walk if you wanted too, but why?). Restaurants galore. Stores and shopping. The bowling alley and movie theatre was were awesome. Both Lionshead and Vail Village have gondolas to start a great skiing day. LOVE VAIL, CO.
The towns have tons of things to do, any season. Was there in July, any summer activity you want you can find. Even just strolling through the towns, always busy. Many companies offering rafting, bike rentals. we went with Sage for rafting[ very good company]. There were many families with children of all ages, just running and playing, everything is basically enclosed with the town. Gore creek was there for cooling off. The Sunday market draws a lot of extra people to town, but worth the walk. This could be a great place for any type of vacation, family to party.
Since we were there a night in the summer when a concert was taking place at Gerald Ford Amphitheater, the parking fees were extended to this area as well. I understand that in the summers, they usually have free parking, but there was none to be had. We ended walking in from our hotel but it was so worth it. This town is adorable. Very Alpine type feel and lots of water features, only pedestrians in this down town area and many charming restaurants and shops. You can't go to Vail without checking out this cute area.
We try to make it up at least once in the off season to just stroll around without the summer or winter crowds. Lots of construction getting into the area (roundabouts into Vail Village off of I-70) right now which really congested things up. We weren't really paying attention to which garage we parked in, so spending the day there set us back $40 for all day parking (Solaris parking garage). Make sure to look for the public parking facilities at Lionshead and Vail Village if you want to cut costs on the parking fee. Nice variety of shopping, something to fit every budget here.
We just had a lovely long weekend in Vail Village and it was wonderful. The shops were varied and there were so many choices. The restaurants were charming. Those with outdoor seating were ideal for sharing a bottle of wine in the fall sunshine with friends. It is charming there!
Both Vail and Lionshead provide beautiful, interesting areas to stroll through shops and restaurants. A stream runs through beautifully landscaped areas with bridges, water features, and stunning landscaping. Free parking is available if you choose the right garage and a free bus runs between the two villages and even has a stop near the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Gondolas are located in both villages to wisk you high into the beautiful mountains.
Nice layout, ample parking, lots of free parking in the summer (avoid the Solaris parking garage which charges high hourly fees) and beautiful views. Plenty of restaurant choices although as to be expected in a resort area, a bit on the expensive side. Farmers market on Sunday's.
Family trip to vail was wonderful. We stayed at the Enzian and it was a perfect location, close to shopping, restaurants, and the gondola. Everything was so convenient. Walking was easy and the free bus to vail village was great. Our ski instructor with vail ski school was fantastic. We rented equipment from vail ski tech and the were great to work with and had great prices. Appreciated all of the nice people on trip advisor who gave such great help when we were planning our trip.
Park your car and stroll the village. Feels like you are in the quaint European ski villages with beautiful gardens and architecture. Shoppers paradise with everything from the shirt stores to jewelry to art and anything else you can desire. Restaurants and bistros to bars and coffee houses pepper the village. You won't leave hungry. Surprisingly everyone was very friendly and without attitude. A very pleasant destination. Stop by the ski museum as well for an insight to the history of skiing.