Vail, Colorado, is one of the premier ski destinations in the world, offering a perfect blend of challenging terrain, stunning scenery, and family-friendly amenities. Planning a family ski trip to Vail can be an exciting adventure, but it requires some preparation to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. From choosing the right ski runs to finding family-friendly accommodations, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for a memorable family skiing vacation in Vail.
Choosing the Right Ski Terrain
Beginner and Intermediate Slopes
Vail is known for its vast and varied terrain, making it an ideal destination for families with skiers of all skill levels. The resort offers a range of beginner and intermediate slopes that are perfect for children and those new to skiing.
Golden Peak: This area is ideal for beginners, featuring wide, gentle slopes. The Gopher Hill and Buckaroo Gondola provide easy access to these beginner-friendly runs, making it a great starting point for families with young children.
Lionshead: Home to excellent intermediate terrain, including trails like Born Free, Lionshead Village offers a mix of gentle slopes and slightly steeper sections. It’s perfect for families looking to build confidence on the slopes.
Vail Village: Take Gondola 1 out of Vail Village to access variety of blue, green and even black runs.
Advanced Terrain for Thrill-Seekers
While Vail is family-friendly, it also offers plenty of challenging terrain for advanced skiers. For families with older children or teens who are more experienced on the slopes, Vail’s Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin provide thrilling options.
The Back Bowls are famous for their wide-open spaces and deep powder. While some areas are advanced, there are sections that can be tackled by confident intermediates, allowing adventurous families to experience the bowls together. Blue Sky Basin, known for its off-piste terrain and scenic glades, offers a backcountry feel within the resort, making it ideal for advanced skiers seeking a challenge.
Ski School and Lessons
Importance of Ski Lessons for Families
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or new to the slopes, ski lessons are a great way to enhance your skills and ensure everyone in the family is comfortable on the mountain. Vail offers excellent ski schools with programs tailored to different age groups and skill levels.
The Vail Ski & Snowboard School provides group and private lessons for all ages. Younger children can benefit from specialized programs like Small World Nursery, where they can learn the basics in a fun and supportive environment. Older kids and adults can join advanced lessons to focus on technique and confidence-building.
For a more personalized experience, consider booking a private family lesson. This option allows the entire family to learn together with a dedicated instructor who can tailor the lesson to your group’s needs and abilities.
Childcare and Kids’ Programs
If you’re traveling with very young children who may not be ready to ski, Vail offers excellent childcare and kids’ programs to keep them entertained.
Small World Nursery: Located in Golden Peak, this nursery provides professional childcare for children aged 2 months to 6 years, offering a safe and nurturing environment.
Kids Adventure Zones: These fun areas around the mountain feature themed trails and interactive elements, making learning to ski an exciting adventure for older children.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Choosing the Right Place to Stay
Finding the right accommodations is key to a successful family ski trip. Vail offers a variety of family-friendly lodging options that cater to different budgets and preferences.
Staying in Vail Village or Lionshead Village puts you close to the ski lifts, shops, and restaurants, making it easy to access everything you need. Many of the accommodations in these areas offer amenities like ski-in/ski-out access, family suites, and kid-friendly dining options.
For families looking for more space and the comforts of home, renting a condo can be a great option. Condos often come equipped with full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and living areas, making them ideal for families.
On-Site Amenities
When choosing accommodations, consider the on-site amenities that can enhance your family’s stay:
Pools and Hot Tubs: After a long day on the slopes, there’s nothing better than relaxing in a heated pool or hot tub. Many family-friendly hotels and condos in Vail offer these amenities, providing a perfect way to unwind.
Dining Options: Look for accommodations with on-site dining that offer kid-friendly menus, making mealtimes easier, especially after a day of skiing.
Shuttle Services: Complimentary shuttle services to and from the slopes or local attractions can be especially helpful for families with young children.
Safety Tips for Family Skiing
Preparing for the Slopes
Safety is paramount when skiing with family, especially with young children or those new to the sport. Proper preparation can help prevent accidents and ensure a fun day on the mountain.
Make sure everyone in the family has the appropriate gear, including helmets, goggles, and layers to stay warm and dry. Renting gear from a reputable shop like American Ski Exchange ensures a proper fit and up-to-date equipment. Encourage everyone to ski within their ability level and take regular breaks to stay hydrated and rest. Skiing at high altitudes can lead to dehydration and fatigue, so make sure everyone drinks water throughout the day and takes time to rest.
On-Mountain Safety
Understanding and following on-mountain safety practices is crucial for a safe skiing experience. Teach your children the importance of staying in control, yielding to others, and respecting signs and closures. When skiing as a family, stick together, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the mountain. Choose meeting points in case someone gets separated, and make sure everyone knows the trail names and directions back to your base area. Also, remember to use sunscreen, as the sun’s rays are stronger at higher altitudes, and the reflection off the snow can cause sunburn.
Après-Ski Activities for Families
Off-Slope Fun
A family ski trip to Vail isn’t just about hitting the slopes—there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy off the mountain as well.
Adventure Ridge: Located at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, this area offers tubing, snowshoeing, and even a mountain coaster, making it a great place to spend the afternoon or evening after a day of skiing.
Ice Skating: Vail has several outdoor ice skating rinks, including one in Vail Village and another in Lionshead, offering a fun and festive activity for the whole family.
Exploring Vail Village: Take some time to explore Vail Village, where you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The village’s pedestrian-friendly layout makes it easy to stroll around, and there are often events and live music to enjoy.
Dining with the Family
Vail offers a wide range of dining options that cater to families, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants: Spots like Blue Moose Pizza in Lionshead and The Red Lion in Vail Village are popular choices for families, offering hearty meals that kids will love.
Après-Ski Treats: After a day on the slopes, treat the family to some après-ski snacks. Stop by The Remedy Bar in Vail Village for hot chocolate and other cozy beverages.
Vail offers a unique blend of world-class skiing and family-friendly amenities, making it an ideal destination for your next winter getaway. By choosing the right terrain, taking advantage of ski school programs, and selecting accommodations that cater to families, you can ensure that your trip is both fun and safe. Whether you’re exploring the mountain or enjoying après-ski activities, Vail has something for every member of the family. For all your gear needs, visit American Ski Exchange in Vail, where our team can help you find the perfect equipment and offer expert advice to make your family’s skiing experience unforgettable.