Within a few years of opening, Vail Ski Resort quickly became the most popular in the state. In 1988, the resort opened China Bowl, another ski run, which made it the largest ski area on the continent. The average elevation of Vail is 8,150 feet above sea level, while the elevation on top of Vail Mountain is 11,570 feet. The municipality is fully surrounded by the White River National Forest, with the ski resort's land being leased from the U.S. Forest Service. Visitors and locals can catch a glimpse of Mount of the Holy Cross, a prominent mountain summit of the Rocky Mountains.
The economy of Vail relies heavily on tourism. Although much of the tourism comes from winter visitors, many people enjoy spending time in Vail during the other seasons as well. The municipality has grown over the past few years, establishing itself as a cultural center with various music venues, art galleries, and restaurants.
When should you plan a trip to Vail, CO?
Vail's climate is categorized by warm summers and cold winters. The low temperatures between October and May rarely rise above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure to plan ahead and bring plenty of warm clothing if you're visiting during the late fall or summer months. Vail also receives about 200 inches of snowfall per year, with more falling in the mountains that surround the municipality. During the summer months, the high temperatures are typically in the 70s, although they can get up to the 80s.
Hotel rates are drastically higher during the winter in Vail. Ski vacationers enjoy relaxing in nearby lodges and hotels, especially those that offer ski-in/ski-out access and don't require a car to get around. If you're looking to book a budget-friendly trip to Vail, you'll have to visit during the spring or summer months. Rates are quite a bit lower, although you'll see some increases when the municipality hosts specific events. Examples include the GoPro Mountain Games, the Vail Jazz Festival, Vail America Days, the Vail Film Festival, and Vail Oktoberfest.
The ski resort also serves as the host for national skiing and snowboarding competitions, as well as other winter events. For example, Vail will host the Burton U.S. Open this year.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Vail, CO:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average nightly cost trends by star rating class in Vail, CO. Analyze these illustrations to determine the least expensive months to stay in Vail for upcoming travels.
Are there luxury hotel options around Vail, CO?
4 Star Average Prices: $222.20
For luxurious travelers, the options in Vail won't disappoint. One of the nicest hotels in the area is Sonnenalp, which sits at the base of the resort. This European-inspired hotel boasts a full-service spa, offering facials, massages, and body treatments, a poolside bar, a sauna, a spa tub, concierge services, and three restaurants. A breakfast buffet is available each morning for an additional fee, or guests can dine on room service during select hours. The guestrooms are equipped with deep soaking tubs, designer toiletries, minibars, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players, video game consoles, and premium channels.
The Four Seasons Resort Vail is another five-star property in Vail. Relax in your room, which has an LCD TV, an iPod docking station, a deep soaking bathtub and separate shower, designer toiletries, and complimentary wireless internet access. You can also book a relaxing treatment at the full-service spa, take a dip in the outdoor pool, relax in the sauna, take advantage of the ski storage, or catch up on current events with the complimentary newspapers. Other amenities include a coffee shop, a restaurant serving lunch and dinner, a lounge, 24-hour room service, dry cleaning and laundry services, and a complimentary shuttle operating within a 3-mile radius.
Enjoy an upscale stay at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, located in Avon. This property is a few miles from Vail and has plenty of appealing amenities. Grab a meal at one of the three restaurants or order room service 24 hours a day. This hotel also has five bars, a coffee shop, a business center, outdoor tennis courts, an outdoor pool, and concierge services. The free shuttle operates throughout the day, offering service to guests. Rooms are well-equipped with complimentary designer toiletries, soaking tubs, minibars, Smart TVs, and free wired and wireless internet access.
What affordable hotel options can you find in Vail, Colorado?
3 Star Average Prices: $164.41
You can choose from several affordable properties for your stay in Vail. One option is Christie Lodge, located nearby in Avon. Each of the guestrooms has a flat-screen TV, a private patio or balcony, a fireplace, a kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher, and complimentary wireless internet access. This property also has two spa tubs, concierge services, and its own Vietnamese restaurant that also contains a lounge. Meals are also available at the coffee shop. Babysitting is available for an additional fee, while the free ski shuttle makes it easy to get to the slopes.
Beaver Creek Lodge is another reasonable property in the area. This beautiful hotel offers stunning mountain views, an outdoor swimming pool, concierge services, a spa tub, a business center, and a front desk with 24-hour service. Room service is available at any time, while the onsite restaurant offers a view of the nearby garden. Rooms boast fireplaces, flat-screen TVs with DVD players and premium channels, free wireless internet, and kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators. Ski-in/ski-out access is also available at the nearby resort.
If you're willing to travel a bit, book a room at Alpine Inn, located about 14 miles from Vail. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, free self-parking, a spa tub, and a picnic area. The inviting lobby features a fireplace and free newspapers each morning. Each of the 37 rooms on this cozy property has a flat-screen TV with cable channels, free local calls, a separate workspace, complimentary toiletries, a refrigerator, and plush bedding. Start your morning at the free continental breakfast buffet.
