Curator’s statement
Nestled at the base of Vail Mountain in the White River National Forest lies Vail Ski Resort, the fourth-largest skiable terrain in North America. This Bavarian-style town appeals to families as well as intermediate and advanced skiers, and it is especially known for its legendary Back Bowls, which boast some of the best powder skiing in the country. With three distinct villages, it’s important to understand the nuances of each before you go—and which one might be the best fit for you.
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Where to stay in Vail
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I’ve had the chance to ski Vail a few times, as well as to visit on a familiarization trip with a group of Fora Advisors in April 2025. Over the course of three days, we toured more than a dozen hotels and condo-style properties, which helped me build a clear sense of which ones to recommend to clients. Here’s a breakdown of Vail’s three villages—and my favorite property in each.
Vail Village
This is the quintessential, European-inspired village most people picture when they think of Vail. It’s lively and bustling, with the widest variety of shops, bars, and restaurants. Gondola One is easily walkable from many properties, providing convenient access to mid-mountain and beyond. While prices are typically higher here, staying in Vail Village puts you in the heart of the action, with everything within walking distance.
Top hotel pick: Sonnenalp—A family-owned, Bavarian-style luxury property just a short walk from Gondola One. Rich in character and thoughtfully designed, it features an incredible European spa and plenty of on-site amenities.
Lionshead Village
Just a short walk from Vail Village, Lionshead offers a family-friendly and well-appointed base. With both the Eagle Bahn Gondola and Born Free Express Lift, visitors have easy access to beginner and intermediate terrain, with ski school runs nearby. Dining and shopping are more limited here, but the village is walkable and well-connected by shuttle, making it easy to split time between Lionshead and Vail Village.
Top hotel pick: The Hythe—A 344-room property, recently reimagined from a Marriott Luxury Resort, that pays homage to the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division ski combat unit in its design. This modern mountain resort is less than a 10-minute walk from the Eagle Bahn Gondola and offers a slopeside ski valet for guests.
Cascade Village
Quiet, secluded, and relaxed, Cascade Village is ideal for travelers who want to escape the buzz of the other villages and unwind after a day on the slopes. With direct access to the Cascade Village Lift, it’s especially appealing to intermediate and advanced skiers looking to avoid crowds. Resort-style properties are popular here, encouraging guests to spend more time on property enjoying dining, wellness, and spa amenities.
Top hotel pick: Grand Hyatt Vail—A true ski-in/ski-out property surrounded by serene alpine scenery. Guests can enjoy multiple on-site dining options, a beautiful spa offering alpine-inspired treatments, and a resort-style pool—making it a great choice for travelers looking to incorporate wellness into their stay.
Need to know
Vail is so much more than just a ski town. With year-round activities like hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and more, this family-friendly destination is just as magical in the summer months as it is in winter.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Vail page.
Travel Advisor
Connie Norwell
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