Ski Vail Colorado - It's More Than Just a Mountain of Snow

Vail Colorado Ski Resort is the largest single mountainthem.
ski resort in the United States. Today, you're aboutRestaurants:
to learn more about the town that feeds visitors toWhen we said "influx of visitors" awhile ago, we
this magnificent mound of well groomed whitefailed to add "from all over the world". Because the
powder. The Town of Vail, which is located at theresort becomes a mish mash of diverse cultures
base, is a place that captivates the hearts of everyduring peak season, various restaurants have been
visitor the moment he sets foot on it and here youput up to cater to the varied discriminating tastes. As
will find out why.such, Vail has consequently evolved into a salad bowl
Lionshead and Vail Village:of excellent culinary concoctions. Some restaurants
The town has two major communities: Lionshead andhave specific specialties while others, particularly the
Vail Village. It is here that a greater part of thelarger ones, have different sections that serve
activity at the base takes place every day. Being theAmerican, Oriental, European, and Mediterranean
site of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, Born Free Express,cuisine.
Cascade Lift, Vista Bahn Express, and Riva BahnCultural activity:
Express all of the action starts here. It is thereforeVail is not all about skiing. All year round, various
not surprising that an overwhelming majority of thecultural activities dot the town's calendar. Here are
business establishments in town are found within thissome of the cultural spots as well as the activities
area.that reveal another face of the place. Named in
Hotels, condominiums, house rentals, restaurants,honor of Vail's most distinguished frequent visitor, US
bars, ATM's, ski shops, the Vail Valley Medical Center,President. Gerald Ford, the Gerald Ford Amphitheater
and the Shopping Center comprise the core ofhas been the venue for the concerts of the likes of
businesses in this part of the base area. Since longElton John and Billy Joel. A few steps to the left of
lines at the jump off points of the lifts are common,the amphitheater is a small building that houses a
you would naturally want to find a place to lodge incomprehensive collection of information on skiing and
any of these two communities. Being a rather smallits rich and exciting history - The Colorado Ski and
town, every important place is within walkingSnowboard Museum and Hall of Fame.
distance. Perhaps this is one of the more appealingDuring Thursday nights throughout the summer,
essentials that add to the drawing power of theBeaver Creek, which is just a 13 minute ride away,
resort. It's as if the whole place is one big backyard.hosts the Vail Beaver Creek Rodeo, where visitors
Lodging:can savor authentic Western BBQ while watching the
Every winter, an influx of visitors, most of whom arecompetition.
from the who's-who in entertainment and business,Other cultural activities are the Bravo! Music Festival,
converge here. It is therefore understandable thatFarmer's Market, Tuesday Night Concerts, and the
the business establishments, primarily the hotels andVail Dance Festival. Since the resort started building
condominiums, are upscale. You'll therefore findup its summer activities, visitors' traffic has steadily
luxurious amenities such as state-of-the-art spa andincreased for the warmer months. Thus, the place is
fitness facilities, on-site gourmet restaurants, on-sitenow slowly turning out to be a year-round resort;
ATM's, fully equipped business centers with freeone that no longer relies solely on snow for its
Internet access, and heated indoor and outdoor poolsdrawing power.
with a fantastic view of the mountain in many of