Where to Stay

Chalet-chic is the style of choice in this alpine town. You may have a hard time finding many accommodations that won't empty your wallet, but with so much luxury extant, it's hardly surprising. After all, what better way to relax after a long day on the slopes than by a warm fireplace to call your own?

Vail

The busy downtown section of Vail Village is home to many shops and restaurants, as well as a bevy of accommodations for those in search of a central location. For a quality stay that has the stamp of time to recommend it, check out The Lodge at Vail, which has retained its pioneering spirit while still modernizing itself for new waves of visitors. Only a short walk away from the major ski lifts, The Sitzmark Lodge offers all of the amenities of a full-service hotel, including its own restaurant, complimentary wine, and full breakfast. If your tastes run to smaller and more private establishments, you'll find a haven at the Savory Inn and Cooking School. Small and intimate, it has an open kitchen that allows guests to chat with the chef and learn some tricks de cuisine before meals. To get away from the flurry of activity in the Village, book a private condo at one of the many hotels out of town, such as the Evergreen Lodge at Vail. The Evergreen Lodge also has its own free shuttle running into town, so you don't have to worry about missing out on Vail's hustle and bustle.

Lionshead

This walkabout neighborhood is full of many high-class dining and shopping options, as well as the only gondola on Vail Mountain. If you want to be within a few steps of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, check out the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort, a charming resort that fits right in to the fashionable neighborhood. Antlers at Vail is a top location for full service condominiums, with a resort that includes a fitness center, business facilities, and saunas.

Avon

Ideally situated on the outskirts of Beaver Creek Resort, this town has a variety of options for visitors. If you enjoy having the complete package available from your doorstep, then the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch is right up your alley. This resort has the best deals on all sorts of outdoor fun for both the winter and summer seasons. Take a few steps outside in January and hop on the Beaver Creek resort's premiere ski lifts, or try out your swing in July on the area's top-rated golf courses. In the heart of Avon is Nottingham Lake, and the Falcon Point Resort has a variety of condominiums located by its shore. A free shuttle will take you from the comfort of your condo to the ski lifts nearby.

Beaver Creek

This homey neighborhood is a great place to go for a family-oriented trip, and the accommodations here are designed for it as well. The Beaver Creek Lodge is centrally situated and offers rooms for large parties, with full-service suites, a fitness center, and pool. For those who are in search of some leisure time, look no further than Creekside at Beaver Creek which has a fitness area, steam rooms, and outdoor grilling area. The suites also have private kitchens and fireplaces for greater privacy. East West Resorts has a full selection of one to four bedroom houses and town homes that are ideal for catching all the activities Beaver Creek has to offer, as well as being adjacent to major golf courses, white-water rafting depots, and ski runs.

Edwards

Just past Avon and Vail sits Edwards, a town with a great hideaway location for high-end resorts and spas. Luxury is the name of the game at The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera. This complete retreat is a year-round attraction, featuring a world-class golf course, privately owned ski runs, and an opulent spa package that includes pools, saunas, and whirlpool baths.

Eagle

For those who like to experience the outdoors in private, Eagle's Sweetwater Lake is a top choice in greater Vail. There are many open-air activities to experience around Sweetwater Lake, and A.J. Brink Outfitters Sweetwater Lake Resort is your one-stop outfitter for adventures in horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and boating. They also have a variety of rustic cabins that bring the charm of the old West to modern Colorado.

Photograph provided by Jack Affleck

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