If beer bongs and jam-packed clubs are your idea of spring break, Vail may not be for you. However, if you're looking for wide-open slopes and serious skiing, followed by upscale nights on the town, Vail may be just what you've been looking for.
What brings the serious skiers and snowboarders to Vail? Perhaps it's the fact that Vail has been rated the #1 ski resort in North America for 14 out of the last 19 years by Skiing Magazine. With 82% of its 5,289 acres of slopes being rated as intermediate or expert, serious adrenaline junkies will think they've died and gone to heaven.
If you're looking to rack up the "frequent flier miles", Vail has not one incredible terrain park, but four! These include two half-pipes with 13-foot walls, and one 450-foot long superpipe, with 18-foot walls.
What keeps the budget party crowd away? Vail, Colorado is as far from cheap as it is from the ocean. While people might typically associate Aspen with expensive Colorado skiing, it's really not any more expensive than Vail. At close to $90 per day for a full-price lift ticket, and lodging to match, you'll need to bring the Gold Card.
That's not to say that you can't find reasonable lodging in Vail. But, if you are looking to save money, you can plan on your room being a long way from the slopes. Check out condos and home rentals that are 15-20 minutes from the slopes, as those will tend to be your best deals.
Vail does have plenty of great nightlife, but don't expect to see bartenders running around with whistles and bottles of Cuervo offering dollar shots. The bars and clubs, mostly located in the Lionshead and Village areas, are upscale and refined. Expect to see dance floors that contain as many soccer moms as college kids.
Dinner reservations are a must for many of the sit down restaurants during spring break, but prices aren't too unreasonable. If you're content with mini-egg rolls and hot wings, Vail's happy hour scene can provide you with more than enough sustenance at reasonable prices.
With its own airport, getting to Vail is about as easy as it comes. But, as with everything in Vail, upscale convenience has its price. If you are trying to do Vail as cheap as possible, you may want to fly into Denver and make the two-hour drive. Do check the Vail ski resort website, as they occasionally offer free lift tickets to people who fly direct.
So, if you're more interested in amazing "downhill", than a wild "downtown", Vail is probably for you. It's perfect for those looking for an upscale retreat from the rigors of college life.
These valuable Vail vacation tips were provided by Ken Clark.