Curator’s statement
There’s something magical about Vail. It has the energy of a bustling European ski village with the comfort of a luxury resort and the warmth of a mountain town that knows how to take care of its guests. I recently had the pleasure of visiting and discovered that Vail truly offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you're a first-timer craving ski-in simplicity, a family wanting space and services or a couple looking for spa days and snow-globe strolls. Vail Village remains my personal favorite, but each corner of this destination has its own charm. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect Vail escape, from arrival to après.
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Things to do in Vail
Designing Your Dream Hat Custom to You at Kemo Sabe
Hire a private ski guide: Make the most of your time on the mountain by booking a guide who can tailor your day to your skill level, show you the best runs and help fine-tune your form. It’s efficient, fun and completely worth it — especially for first-timers or those new to Vail.
Design your dream hat at Kemo Sabe: This iconic boutique offers a one-of-a-kind personal styling experience. Create a custom hat, get fitted for boots or add some flair to one you already own. It’s part Western fashion, part Vail tradition — and always unforgettable.
Start your day at Treff Café: Located in Sonnenalp, this cozy café serves up artisan coffee, fresh pastries and even après-friendly hefeweizen. It’s perfect for a quiet morning before hitting the slopes or a quick reset between activities.
Watch the sunset at Avanti F&B: This elevated food hall and cocktail bar in Golden Peak is the ultimate après-ski hangout. Great food, creative drinks and those sunset views — it’s a must whether you’re waiting for kids at ski school or meeting up with friends.
Unwind at Sonnenalp Spa & Oxygen Bar: After a long day in the cold, the spa and oxygen bar at Sonnenalp offer pure mountain relaxation. Float between the indoor/outdoor pool, a warm soak or a breath of high-altitude refresh — it's your alpine reset button.
Walk between villages: One of Vail’s best features? You can walk or shuttle between Vail Village and Lionshead in 10–15 minutes. Take in the snow-dusted lights, peek into galleries and shops and grab a bite along the way.
Places to eat & drink in Vail
Treff Café (Sonnenalp Hotel)
Makoto (Grand Hyatt Vail): Fresh, refined Japanese cuisine with an award-winning edge. Their sake flights and vegan-friendly dishes make it a standout — and the perfect way to end a day on the slopes in style.
Treff Café (Sonnenalp Hotel): Equal parts coffee bar, beer garden, and sweet treat haven. Start your morning with a cappuccino and pastry, or wind down with a hefeweizen and ice cream — it’s Vail comfort at its finest.
Avanti F&B (Golden Peak): A must for après-ski cocktails and casual bites with a view. Think elevated food stalls, creative drinks and a patio that glows at sunset. Bonus: it's ideal while waiting for ski school pickup.
The Red Lion (Vail Village): Classic Vail après. Lively, loud and full of charm. Grab a seat early, order a beer or hot toddy and enjoy live music with a side of crowd-pleasing pub food.
The Sebastian – Leonora Lounge: Cozy, elevated and ideal for a pre-dinner drink or a relaxed evening out. The mixologists here know their stuff, and the vibe is sophisticated without being stuffy.
Four Seasons Vail – Remedy Bar: Stylish yet inviting, with craft cocktails, upscale bar food and panoramic mountain views. It’s a great spot to mingle, sip a smoked old-fashioned and enjoy Vail’s finer side.
Vendetta’s (Vail Village): A local favorite for pizza and casual après, Vendetta’s has a great bar scene and a no-frills menu that delivers. Perfect for a relaxed night with friends after a full day outside.
Sweet Basil (Vail Village): One of Vail’s most iconic restaurants. This upscale yet approachable spot delivers inventive American cuisine, an excellent wine list and gorgeous plating in a warm, wood-accented setting.
Mountain Standard (Vail Village): Sister to Sweet Basil, this rustic-chic eatery focuses on open-fire cooking and bold flavors. Great for a hearty lunch or dinner that still feels refined.
Yeti’s Grind: For a quick morning coffee or casual breakfast, Yeti’s is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Their espresso drinks are top-notch, and the cozy setting feels like a neighborhood hug.
Need to know
Arrival day recommendations
After settling in, make your first stop at Kemo Sabe, an unforgettable shopping experience where stylists help you create a custom hat or personalize one you already own. It’s part shopping, part fashion event and all about celebrating your personal style.
Then, head to Epic Mountain Gear at Gondola One to get fitted for skis. The location at the base of Vail Mountain offers quick-access, storage and seamless transitions from rentals to the slopes.
Other accommodation options:
Vail Village
Sebastian: Sophisticated, centrally located and art-forward with an impressive cocktail program.
Lodge at Vail & Lodge Tower: Part of the Vail Resorts catalog. The Lodge at Vail is steeped in history — the first building on the mountain — while Lodge Tower offers wood-burning fireplaces and updated layouts.
Lionshead Village
The Lion & Montaneros: Spacious, private residence-style accommodations ideal for families or groups seeking independence with proximity to the lifts.
The Hythe: A Marriott Luxury Collection hotel with a sleek, stylish aesthetic and a lively energy that blends modern mountain vibes with premium service. The cocktail hour we experienced here was one of the best — elevated drinks, chic design and a youthful yet refined atmosphere. Great for guests who want a polished hotel stay with a vibrant social scene.
Beyond
Four Seasons Vail: Pure luxury with a residence chalet in Vail Village that includes valet, rental services and a private club. Touring both the public spaces and a residence showed off the elevated, family-friendly feel.
Arrabelle at Vail Square (Lionshead): Grand alpine style with ski-in/ski-out access. Feels like a European ski chateau. Loved this for multi-gen families or travelers who want it all — spa, shopping and direct access to the gondola.
Grand Hyatt Vail: Slightly removed from the villages, but with its own lift (weather permitting), ticket booth and beautiful mountain setting. Great for loyal Hyatt clients or those looking for tranquility with convenience.
Ski school & private guides
Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, book a private guide — at least for one day. It’s one of the smartest ways to explore the mountain. Guides tailor your day based on ability and conditions, and eliminate the guesswork on where to go.
Ski school is located at both Golden Peak and Lionshead, so families with young learners should consider lodging nearby for ease of drop-off and pickup.
Vail is incredibly walkable, but when you need a lift, the free Vail bus system makes it easy to navigate between neighborhoods. Most luxury hotels also offer private shuttles or house cars. If you’re staying further out (like at Grand Hyatt), shuttle service is a must — and it’s handled seamlessly.
Need to know
Weather matters: Flight delays can impact travel into EGE, and I-70 traffic from Denver can get backed up quickly during storms or holidays. Build in buffer time and plan with flexibility.
Book early: Ski school, private instructors and dining reservations all fill up fast during peak season.
Property selection is key: I’ll help match you with the right lodging — whether that’s full-service luxury or a spacious residence-style condo with views of the lifts.
Travel Advisor
Danielle Mutovic
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Vail page.