Vail is a large ski town with plenty to do for skiers and also non- skiers.

The town itself runs along the base of the mountain for about one and a half miles. Unlike some resorts, the lodging does not extend far from the slopes. No hotel or condo. should be more than about ten minutes or so from the lifts and in most cases a lot closer.

Most properties in Vail Village or Lionshead will be within walking distance of the lifts. Any other lodging will be close to a bus stop which will drop skiers/boarders close to the Gondola at Lionshead or at the Covered Bridge for access to the Vista Bahn high speed quad.

There are two main centres in Vail: the Village and Lionshead. Vail Village is perhaps what most people associate with Vail – a cute Tyrolean style village. The centre is pedestrianised and all of the bars, restaurants and shops are close together. In Vail Village most of the lodging is in hotels.

Lionshead has undergone many changes in recent years and will change again substantially with the opening of The Arrabelle in January. Whilst there are a number of hotels at Lionshead – The Marriott and the Lionsquare Lodge are both very close to the slopes – there is probably a greater choice of condos here than at Vail Village. Where you stay is probably a matter of personal choice. The free and regular bus service connects them from 6am in the morning until 2am the following morning.

The shopping

Vail offers more than 187 shops and boutiques to choose from. Options include numerous art galleries, casual apparel, gift and home furnishing boutiques, ski/snowboard shops, a wine shop and florist, handcrafted jewelers and more.