FAQ'S - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Which airports serve the Vail/Beaver Creek area?

Denver International Airport (DEN) is about 100 miles east of Vail near Denver, CO. Although the drive is primarily on I70, there are two mountain passes between Denver and Vail. Rental cars are readily available at the airport in Denver, but many visitors in the winter are more comfortable taking a shuttle service like Colorado Mountain Express. The Vail/Eagle (EGE) Airport is about 35 miles west of Vail near Eagle, CO. Rental cars are also available at the Vail/Eagle airport. Colorado Mountain Express also provides airport shuttle service directly to your hotel or rental home. Reservations are required. CLICK HERE for more information on CME and 10% off airport shuttles. ECO Transit also provides bus service to/from the Vail/Eagle airport.

Where do I access the ski slopes?

Vail has 3 "base areas" for lift access. The easternmost point is Golden Peak, home to the Riva Bahn Express, Kid's Ski School and the Golden Peak Lodge. Vail Village is the town center with the pedestrian village and ski access via the Vista Bahn at the top of Bridge Street. Lionshead Village is the westernmost access point with its own pedestrian village, ski school, and access to the slopes via the Eagle Bahn gondola and Born Free Express.

Can I park my car and walk to the slopes?

Vail has public, paid parking in Vail Village and Lionshead Village. Parking for skiing is expensive and can cost up to $25 per day. On peak days, the parking structures often fill up and parking is limited to the frontage road which is less convenient. For more information on parking, CLICK HERE to visit the Town of Vail's parking information paid. If you are not staying in a "walk to lifts" location, we recommend the Town of Vail bus system. The Solaris complex next to the Vail Transportation Center also offers skier parking for $22 per day. Parking prices vary by season and are subject to change without notice.

What is the free shuttle system?

The free shuttle system is operated by the Town of Vail. The "intown" bus route runs between Golden Peak, Vail Village and Lionshead Village, primarily on Meadow Drive. A number of other bus routes serve the local neighborhoods in Vail. Most run every 15 to 30 minutes during peak periods and begin/end at the Vail Transportation Center. Routes include East Vail, West Vail, Golf Course, Sandstone, Lionsridge Loop. CLICK HERE for schedules and bus route map. The Town of Vail buses are free with ski racks on the outside of the bus. Snowboards are allowed inside the bus. The shuttle system was designed with tourists and skiers/snowboarders in mind. Its a great way to get to the slopes, go out for dinner or take advantage of Vail's nightlife. Most routes operate throughout the evening with the last departure from the Vail Transportation Center at 2 am when the local bars close.

How do I get between Vail and Beaver Creek?

ECO Transit provides bus service between Vail and Beaver Creek. Routes also service Avon and other communities (including the Vail/Eagle airport) in the Vail Valley. Buses arrive and depart from the Vail Transportation Center. CLICK HERE for schedules and more information.

Where can I get a taxi?

There is a taxi stand at the Vail Transportation Center. Local taxi services include 970-476-TAXI, Hummers of Vail 970-977-0028 and High Mountain Taxi 970-524-5555.

Where can I shop for groceries and liquor?

Vail has two large grocery stores, Safeway and City Market, in the West Vail shopping center. For beer, wine and liquor there are several options. In Vail Village, Grappa is located in the Village Inn Plaza near La Bottega. In Lionshead, Lionshead Liquors is located in the Montaneros building. There is also West Vail Liquor next to Safeway and Alpine Wine and Spirits next City Market.

Should I buy lift tickets in advance?

The answer is YES! Rates are higher and the lines are longer if you wait and buy tickets when you arrive at the ticket window in Vail. Vail Voyage offers advance purchase discounts and free delivery to your rental home or condo. CLICK HERE for more details.

Where can I get internet access?

Most hotel properties will have internet access at minimum in the lobby area and most will have it throughout the hotel. For individually owned homes and condos, it is up to the individual owner to provide dedicated internet access. If internet access is important to you, you should always check before booking. Some businesses offer wireless internet including McDonalds in West Vail. Throughout Vail Village and Lionshead, most coffee shops and businesses will have access to the Vail WI-FI Public Network which is a wireless network sponsored by the Town of Vail and operated by CenturyTel. The first hour at basic speed is free and additional usage and/or bandwidth may be purchased. Reception varies depending on your exact location.The Town of Vail Library also has a wonderful, free wireless network if you have your own laptop or device. It is a comfortable, quiet environment if you need to get some work done during your holiday. The Library also has internet workstations which are complimentary but require a reservation.

What is the weather like in Vail?

If you don't like the weather, just wait a minute because it will change! This is the local saying to describe the weather. Vail has over 300 sunny days each year, but averages about 350 inches of snowfall, too. It is always a good idea to be prepared and dress in layers. In the winter, expect to ski in 20 to 30 degree weather unless a storm system brings colder weather. In late March and April, temperatures are generally warmer. Sunscreen is always recommended. When the sun goes down, the temperature will drop dramatically. In summer, temperatures are usually a very pleasant 70 to 80 degrees during the day. Late afternoon thunderstorms are very common. In late July and early August, Vail will frequently have a monsoon weather system that will bring much needed rain to the area. Even when days are sunny and warm, the nights cool off quickly and temperatures are usually in the 40's and 50's depending on your elevation. Air conditioning is rare and jackets are usually required in the evening. The further west you travel from Vail, the lower the elevation and higher the temperatures. Edwards, Eagle and other towns west are generally warmer. If you are a skier from the Northeast or Midwest US, you will find Vail's winters to be refreshingly mild. If you are from a hot and humid summer climate, you will find Vail's low humidity and blue skies to be extremely pleasant. CLICK HERE for the Vail Weather Report.

Vail is very expensive. How can I save money?

Vail is an expensive resort destination, however there are a number of ways to save money:

1. Get the Epic Pass if you are making more than one ski trip this year, or if you plan to ski 7 or more days. Don't forget, the Epic Pass is also valid at Beaver Creek, Keystone, Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin and Heavenly, CA. Many guests make a trip to Vail and a trip to Heavenly to enjoy two unique environments while using the same ski pass.
2. Travel during the value seasons. Rates are lower from January 3 to February 12 and the skiing is great! April is also a great time to visit Vail with warm weather, sunny skies, and lots of fun activities including free concerts and Spring Back to Vail. From April 10 to closing day, you can ski up to 10 days for only $199!
3. Stay on the free shuttle system. The Town of Vail operates one of the largest free shuttle systems in the country. Rental homes and condos located on the shuttle route are much less expensive than ski in/out or walk to lift options. Sandstone and the Golf Course are the most convenient neighborhoods served by the shuttle and the ride is typically 10 minutes or less. East Vail, West Vail (Red and Green), and Lionsridge Loop routes are also convenient but the time to the lifts varies depending on the location of your rental home or condo. Some properties, including Simba Run and Eagle Point, offer private shuttle services. Ask Vail Voyage if you have specific questions or check out the shuttle route map.

Is Vail kid friendly? What about babysitting and children's activities?

Vail is a fantastic family friendly destination. Children can start ski school at the age of 3 in either Lionshead or Golden Peak. Read the Tips for Parents for more information. If your child is too young or just needs a day off, there is also a Child Care Center and Nursery at Golden Peak adjacent to ski school. Reservations are required. Need a baby sitter? Ask at your ski school because many kids instructors moonlight as babysitters in the evening. Or make a reservation online with Mountain Sitters. The Parents Handbook offers many family friendly activities and events. Don't forget about Adventure Ridge with snow tubing, laser tag, ski biking and more at the top of the gondola at Eagles Nest.

Where can I get maps, bus schedules, restaurant info and other local information?

Vail has two Visitor Information Centers. One is on the South Frontage Road at the entrance to the Lionshead Parking Structure. The other is next to the Vail Village Parking Structure near the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum. The Information Centers are staffed with knowledgeable volunteers and well stocked with Town maps, Vail Ski Area maps, brochures, dining guides, parking and bus information, local newspapers and publications and souvenirs.

Where can I workout when I am in Vail?

Vail has several great gyms where a day pass can purchased for a nominal fee: Vail Athletic Club, Aria Club and Spa, Vail Racquet Club and Avon Rec Center.