You Haven’t Skied Until You’ve Skied Vail

Home to some of the most legendary back bowls in the United States, Vail, Colo., is a must-visit for the skiing enthusiasts in your family. While the quiet town does not have quite the grandeur of Aspen, locals brag that it has the best actual skiing of any resort in the country.

Vail is the nation’s single largest resort, with nearly 5,300 acres of skiable terrain, 10,000-plus-foot-tall peaks and the most groomed slopes of any resort in the world. It is no wonder that those who know say, “you haven’t skied until you’ve skied Vail.”

When arriving in Vail, you will notice the distinct Germanic feel embraced by the town. Many of the buildings have a Bavarian, chalet-like feel and embody a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Though, as in Aspen, you will find five-star restaurants, clothing boutiques and over 100,000 square feet of spa services spread across Vail’s Lionshead and Vail Village, you will also encounter a community that truly puts skiing first. Vail is a place where Olympic champions are bred and trained.

Stamped with European sentiment, Vail is the closest you can get to the Alps. But there’s an added bonus: Colorado Champagne Powder. The fluffy goodness will provide an extra cushion as you charge down the mountain through trees, over steep rock faces and into the immense backside. Though it takes some time getting used to, it will surely subdue your fear of careening down icy faces.

Vail’s slopes are comparable in breadth to those at the leading alpine resorts in Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy without being above the tree line. The average snowfall of nearly 350 inches will not be blown away as quickly as on the bald faces of St. Moritz.

In early February 2015, Vail and its sister resort, Beaver Creek, will host the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. This will be the third time the two have hosted the celebrated event, and only the fourth time it has been held in the United States. Held every two years, the event only plays second fiddle to the Olympics. Racers will compete in the downhill, alpine combined, giant slalom and slalom. Olympic gold medalists Mikaela Shiffrin and Lindsey Vonn, both Vail’s own, are slated to compete alongside 600 athletes from 70 nations.

If you are looking to take your ski passion to the next level, and rub shoulders with the best in the business, keep Vail in mind.