Vast ski resort with European-style village, shops, eateries























Vail, CO 81657 Get directions
"Tyrolean‑inspired villages are trimmed to perfection each season, and everything from the skiing to the boutique shopping helps make Colorado’s largest ski resort a standout for the holidays. Expect a tree lighting, a New Year’s Eve Torchlight Ski Down, and fireworks." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Roughly two hours from Denver, this winter haven has been drawing snow seekers since 1962 and caters to non‑skiers as much as those on the slopes. Up on the mountain, more than 5,300 skiable acres and a four‑mile‑long run await—don’t miss the Legendary Back Bowls—while at the base you can wander heated cobblestone streets and chalets that wouldn’t look out of place at a European resort. Après‑ski is easy here thanks to plentiful dining and drink options." - Brandon Perlman Brandon Perlman Brandon Perlman (also known as Mr. Luxury Ski) is one of the world’s foremost experts on luxury travel, specifically the upper echelons of ski, alpine culture, and outdoor lifestyle. Brandon has been an editor at notable publications like Departures. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Vail is known for luxury with its mountainside hotels and upscale town. It has 5,317 acres of skiable terrain, world-class instruction, and a scenic gondola. Off-mountain activities include backcountry skiing, ice skating, tubing, sledding, lavish spas, and lively hockey games." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"Requiring mountain access reservations for all 33 resorts."

"Vail Ski Resort is great in all seasons. Head to Gondola One at the base of the faux-Bavarian Vail Village, or the Eagle Bahn gondola in nearby Lionshead Village, and ride the lifts 2,000 vertical feet up the mountain. In summer and early fall, you can mountain bike, hike, and explore the activities at Epic Discovery—adventure courses, ziplines, a mountain coaster, tubing hills, and a climbing wall await. Come winter, it’s all about (duh) skiing. Vail’s 5,289 skiable acres are some of the best in the state, with back bowls, trees, and well-groomed beginner areas." - Megan Barber
