Why Vail, Colorado Is One of the Best Ski Resorts in Colorado for Families

Largely known as one of the biggest ski resorts in the world, Vail Ski Resort is a true melting pot of mountain experiences. Boasting 5,289 skiable acres, seven legendary back bowls, and three world-class villages, there's truly something for everyone, especially families. Vail's pedestrian-friendly layout and easy-to-navigate terrain make it one of the best ski resorts in Colorado for families looking to maximize their quality time together.

With expert advice from Mountain Travel Expert Eve Boyd—who’s planned hundreds of family ski getaways and knows Vail like the back of her glove, this five-day itinerary lays out the perfect Vail, Colorado ski vacation.

Day 1: Arrival Day - Let the Vail family vacation begin

Fly into Eagle County Regional Airport (just over 30 minutes away) or Denver International Airport, then hop on a convenient shuttle straight into town. Once you’re in, ditch the car—Vail’s free in-town bus system and walkable villages make getting around stress-free.

Check into the Arrabelle at Vail Square, A Rock Resort. It’s a luxurious yet family-friendly stay with ski-in ski-out access to the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Kids love the rooftop hot tubs and the nearby Lionshead Ice Skating Rink, while parents can sneak off to the on-site spa or sip something warm on the plaza.

Day 2: Take a free mountain tour and visit the Arrabelle Spa

Fuel up at Tavern on the Square (bottomless mimosas, anyone?) and then get the kiddos checked into Vail Ski School. With locations at Lionshead and Golden Peak, this world-class ski school has instructors from around the globe—including former Olympians—and programming for all ages.

Pro tip: Little ones aged 3–6 will love learning with new friends, while kids 7–14 can take part in race day, terrain park adventures, and the All-Terrain Program.

While they’re off shredding, take a free General Mountain Tour (intermediate level) from the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola or Gondola One to get the lay of the land.

For lunch, head to the Marketplace at Eagle’s Nest. No need to worry about feeding the kids—lunch is included in ski school. After lunch, and while the kids are taking on the afternoon portion of their lesson, sneak over to the Arrabelle Spa for a little R&R time with your significant other.

Cap off the evening with dinner at Pepi’s in Vail Village, serving up authentic Austrian fare and alpine vibes.

View

View

View

Day 3: Explore Vail's front side before visiting Adventure Ridge

Start your day off right with a hearty breakfast at The Little Diner, located in Lionshead Village. From there, you can easily get your youngsters back at their ski-school meeting spot and then take off on your own to enjoy Vail’s front side, which is a groomer-lover's paradise, from the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Iconic intermediate runs off this gondola include Born Free, Bwana and Simba. We recommend Avanti for rolling, intermediate runs, Mountaintop Express for excellent tree skiing and the Northwoods area for steeps, moguls, and more leg-burning runs.

For lunch, check out Buffalo's Restaurant at the top of Northwoods Express (#11) for some heart-warming beef and bean chili before continuing your day around Vail's best groomers.

View

View

View

+1 more

Show all photos

After your day is done, don’t peel off your ski layers just yet! Instead, take the family over to Adventure Ridge, located at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, which is free to ride after 3:30 p.m. The size of a football stadium, this snow park has it all! Race your kids on the multi-lane tubing hill, experience the unique thrill of ski biking, and let your kids unleash their need for speed on a children’s snowmobile. Those traveling after February 28 can also ride Vail's 3,400-foot Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster. Afterward, stay for dinner at Bistro Fourteen, which offers sit-down dining, a full bar, and incredible views of Mount of the Holy Cross.

Day 4: Ski Vail's legendary back bowls and Blue Sky Basin

Head over to Vail Village via the free town bus to start your day with a breakfast burrito from Big Bear Bistro. From there, check your kids into ski school and hop on Gondola One for a warm-up run before heading over the mountain to Vail's legendary back bowls. Offering 3,000 acres of wide-open skiing and spectacular views, the back bowls offer something for everyone.

For less-experienced skiers, we suggest you start with China Bowl, which offers the only groomed intermediate runs. Otherwise, start with the Sun Down Bowl, and then make your way through the Sun Up and Tea Cup Bowls, which offer more steeps and cliffs. For those truly seeking a challenge, head to Mongolia Bowl, the farthest bowl, and try your hand at the T-Bar-style lift (#22), which leads skiers and riders to deep powder stashes in the Inner and Outer areas.

Take a break for lunch at Two Elk Lodge at the top of China Bowl before venturing over to Blue Sky Basin, located across the drainage from the back bowls and accessible via the Skyline Express (#37). Known for its glades and meadows, Blue Sky Basin is seven miles from Vail Village, but you can easily familiarize yourself with the area on one of Vail's mountain tours. For powdery tree skiing, head to the Heavy Metal Run, or check out Lover’s Leap cornice to really get your heart pumping.

Day 5: Take some morning runs and then visit the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame

For your last day of fun in Vail, opt out of ski school for the kiddos so you can enjoy the morning skiing together as a family, and see what they've picked up from ski school. Afterward, once you've returned your rentals and gear, head over to the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum in Vail Village.

The free museum ($3 donation suggested) offers visitors six themed galleries that display artifacts, narratives, and film documentaries to delight the whole clan. Featured topics include the 10th Mountain Division training for World War II at Camp Hall, Spirit of Americans in the Winter Olympics, skiing and snowboarding history, Vail’s first 50 years, and of course, the Hall of Fame.

Finish the night with ice skating in Lionshead Square and dinner at one of Vail’s many sumptuous restaurants.

Things to Do in Vail with Kids (Beyond Skiing):

• Ice skating in Lionshead Square
• Tubing, snowmobiling, and ski biking at Adventure Ridge
• Riding the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster

Ready to plan the perfect family getaway to Vail, Colorado? Fill out a free quote today and be matched with a Mountain Travel Expert who can take care of everything including flights into the Vail Valley, lodging, ski school, lift tickets, and much more.