The most famous of all Summit County Colorado ski resorts would be Vail Ski Resort, with a rich history of adventure, drawing winter enthusiasts worldwide.
Vail is one of North America’s largest ski resort areas (owned and operated by Vail Resorts), with every type of lodging you can imagine to suit your slope-style.
I wrote this article to help you minimize decision fatigue and maximize excitement for trip planning. Enjoy luxury that suits your dream winter getaway during your stay in Vail. After booking your lodging, start planning what to do in Vail!
When to go to Vail in Winter
Vail Ski Resort’s season typically starts mid-November and runs through mid-April. My favorite time to go is the end of February or the beginning of March, depending on the snowfall that season. Most folks are ready for spring at that point, so I find the crowds to be thinner. Plus, it tends to have a better base later in the season.
How to get to Vail
While Vail is super walkable (with heated streets!), consider renting a car for excursions in Summit County. Otherwise, Denver and Eagle County Airport have easy options for reaching your destination.
| ✈️ | 🚏 | 📲 | 🚘 |
| Denver | Fly into Denver. Rent a car, or book a shuttle or private driver. | Denver Airport Transportation Overview | ~118 miles ~90-120 minute drive |
| Vail | Fly into Eagle County Airport. Rent a car or book a shuttle or private driver. Taxi and bus options are also available. | Vail Airport Park and Transportation | ~35 miles ~30-35 minute drive |
Where to stay in Vail
Vail offers many types of accommodation, each with distinct charm and an array of amenities based on your personal preferences. If you’re like me, you’re optimizing for convenience to the slopes. While ski-in/ski-out hotel rooms are available, other luxury options with slope-side clubs for overnight gear storage are also great! So you get the best of both worlds – easy village and slope access without the hassle of dragging your gear around town. Staying outside the village may appeal to some skiers who want to decompress from regular life or use Vail as a home base for other nearby winter adventures.
Regardless, Vail has everything from charming ski chalets and quaint villas to boutique hotels and high-end all-inclusive resorts located by the slopes, in the heart of the village, or in more secluded surrounding areas.
Considerations when staying in Vail
Well-researched lodging is key for a solid home base when choosing where to stay in Vail since there are so many options! Below is everything you should consider for where to stay in Vail during a ski trip:
✅ Location: Vail has various villages and neighborhoods with unique lodging options.
- Best Boutique Hotels = Vail Village, Lionshead Village
- Best Condos = Cascade Village
- Best All-inclusive = Triumph Mountain Properties
✅ Ski-In/Ski-Out Access: If you want to catch the first chair of each ski day, make it easy on yourself and consider accommodations that offer ski-in/ski-out access.
✅ Lodging Types: It may be easier to list the types of lodging that Vail doesn’t offer! You can find anything from hotels, lodges, resorts, condos, and vacation rentals.
✅ Amenities: If easy access to the slopes plus amenities such as on-site restaurants, spas, and fitness centers are important to you, then choose to stay in the village. If you’re opting for more of a secluded retreat, stay nearby with a rental car or accessible transit to the Village.
✅ Group Size: Hotels are great for small groups and couples, while condos and vacation rentals are best for large groups or families. Even if you pack minimally, skiing requires a lot of bulky gear, so opt for places outfitted for the mountains.
✅ Booking in Advance: Vail is incredibly popular during peak season, so I recommend booking as far out as possible to secure your top choice for where to stay in Vail.
✅ Transportation: You can enjoy walking Vail’s heated streets should you choose to stay in the villages or slope-side nearby. Alternatively, check your preferred lodging options to see if they offer free shuttles to the slopes.
✅ Local Attractions: If your Vail vacation includes time on and off the slopes, ensure your lodging has easy access to your chosen activities.
✅ Ski Packages: If you want to simplify your planning even more, some accommodations offer all-inclusive experiences. Explore Vail Vacation Deals that are packed with perks to learn more.
Where you stay can make or break your ski trip experience. With this guide, I have no doubt you can find the perfect place to stay in Vail, ensuring your ski trip is the picturesque mountain getaway you deserve.
Neighborhood Recommendations in Vail
Vail Village
Feels the most like vintage Vail.
Hotels in Vail Village
Gravity Haus Vail: Modern mountain membership club.
Sonnenalp Resort of Vail: Boutique lodge and spa highlighting European elegance.
The Lodge at Vail: Vail’s first hotel and lodge, located by Gondola One.
Solaris Residences: Luxury private residences overlooking Vail Village and the Mountain. Offers stays over 30+ days.
Hotels in Lionshead Village
Arrabelle at Vail Square: Inspired by Europe’s old-world charm and grand ski resorts, the hotel is a Vail institution. The Arrabelle features an ice rink, shopping, and dining just steps from the Eagle Bahn Gondola.
The Hythe: A proper mountain haven awaits you at The Hythe, just a five-minute walk from the Eagle Bahn Gondola. The Well & Being spa is elite!
The Lion: One of the newest luxury properties in Vail, The Lion does not disappoint! Complete with a concierge team and thoughtful amenities, such as pre-arranged grocery delivery. The Lion is one of the best options to fully maximize your time in the mountains.
Hotels in Cascade Village
Grand Hyatt: This is an excellent option if you have status with Hyatt or have credit card point strategies. Ski-in/ski-out access via Chairlift 20 and pet friendly!
Luxury Vacation Rentals in Vail
- Airbnb: Slopehacker luxe list!
- Vrbo: The list-sharing feature seems to not be available at the moment. However, VRBO is easy to search!
Conclusion
With the help of this guide on where to stay in Vail, you’ll be sure to make the most of your accommodations in the mountains. If you’re trying to choose between mountain resorts for your ski vacation, remember that adventure, luxury, and refinement await you in the picturesque Vail Valley. For the casual skier to the mountain maximalist, there is no shortage of places to stay in Vail to enjoy your dream ski vacation.
