We went to Vail for the first time last year with the kids (you can read that guide here) but loved it so much we decided to come again this year & bring our friends this time! When you travel with young kids its hard to experience all the town has to offer with dining and experiences most of the time. This year I took full experience in and made sure we at breakfast, lunch and dinner at new spots! Below is an updated guide on everything we loved this time around.
Things you need to know 2021:
- Covid updates: The town does stop serving alcohol at 10pm and businesses shut down. The town of Vail Village is pretty quiet and masks required at all times. Regarding Ski reservations, you need to purchase your lift tickets in advance here and schedule your reservations. Boarding the chair lifts the employees will require you to have face masks for loading as well.
- Getting there: Highly recommend flying into Eagle airport for the view and ease of being just 30 minutes from the town. Our plane actually got delayed so we had to fly into Denver, rent a car, and take the two hour drive into town which was a decent drive. Just don’t try leaving Vail to head back to Denver at peak times, there seemed to be a ton of traffic the other way around 4pm.
Where to Stay:
- Four Seasons Vail: This is our second time staying at FS Vail and for good reason! The location is perfectly located in town, you can walk to vail village, the rooms have fireplaces, and the spa + pools are ideal! Make sure you get the famous hot chocolate from the Remedy Bar.
- Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon: We ventured over to check out Avon/Beaver Creek area our last two days and loved this area! The pools and hot tubs here have the most incredible views! The resort also has a gondola with direct access to the slopes which is perfect for families!
Where to Eat: (all these places are at 50% capacity and you need to reserve 2+weeks in advance!)
Vail Area:
- Remedy Bar (FS Vail): Their grilled cheese, soup, and hot chocolate are my go-to here daily!
- Flame FS Vail & (Out of Bounds room): Reserve the private dining area for an exclusive experience in the back room of Flame restaurant! We got to meet the chef and it was ideal for our small group!
- Matsuhisa Vail: Sushi!
- the 10th (Vail Mtn): My favorite spot on the mtn to stop!
- Alpine Rose: Great for brunch/lunch! You can reserve a private gondola to dine in!
- Mountain Standard/Sweet Basil: We did Mtn Standard this time, but heard Sweet Basil it’s sister restaurant is more fine dining.
Beaver Creek Area:
- Maya (Westin Riverfront): Mexican, great for dinner!
- Buffalos (The Ritz Bachelor Gulch): live music outside and fun place to Apres ski! Get the pretzel, nachos, and famous peppermint hot cocoa.
What to do:
- Snowmobile: We did an entire group of 15 people with Vail Backcountry Tours and loved it!
- Ski/Snowboard: Vail Mtn & Beaver Creek at the closest slopes.
- Dog Sledding: We did this last year which you can see in my previous guide!
- Ice Skating: One located right in Vail Village, you rent the skates on site!
- Shop Vail Village: Tons of shops!
You can shop all my Snow outfits from this post or my entire feed here!
