Vail: Family Vacation Planning - 3

A Resort For All Seasons

Talk with any group of locals or regular visitors and you can generate a healthy debate about which season is best. Winter. No, summer! Bottom line: It’s all good.

Summer

In addition to near-perfect mountain temperatures, you’ll end the day exhausted after sampling the long list of adventure activities. There are scores of great hiking and biking trails. Go rock climbing, kayaking, river rafting, horseback riding or lift off in a hot air balloon. You’ll find top-rated golf courses and blue-ribbon fly-fishing streams, even Jeep and Hummer tours. (Additional summer activity details can be found in our Vail Summer article.)

If pure relaxation is on your agenda, check out the spa schedule at one of the many great resorts or hotels in the valley. One of our traditions has been “robe therapy” most often held at the Sonnenalp Resort in Vail Village. Translation: a leisurely lunch, followed by a soothing massage and then a good long “catch-up” chat with participating family members.

Winter

You may initially head to Vail for the world-class skiing and snowboarding. But consider the alternative winter play activities like tubing, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, sleigh riding and ice skating. (Our Vail Winter article gives the scoop on winter resort news.)

 

• A still photo look at a cool ski jump trick on the Vail slopes.

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There are plenty of cultural activities to further stimulate the vacationer’s enthusiasm. Check out the many concerts and music performances underway throughout the season.

Year Round

Throughout the year there are various festivals, markets, great restaurants and shopping options to pique everyone’s interest.

Truth be told, my favorite season is fall. The crowds are thin and the locals have breathed a collective sigh of relief and cheerfully enjoy their hometown. As the aspens turn burnt yellow and orange and winter whispers its chilling intent, there is no better time to hit the hiking and biking trails and relax in uncrowded cafes.

With so much to do, you’ll want to visit in each season. And before you depart, you’ll be inclined to raise your glass and share in our traditional family toast: Hail Vail!