The perfect ski holiday is so much more than time on the slopes.  In addition to miles and miles of runs flanked by beautiful mountain vistas, after the ski day is done, we require much more to round out the holiday.

Europe is known for amazing ski holidays wrapped in glitz and glamour where tradition meets opulence in places like St Moritz, Chamonix and Megeve. But beyond the Alps, haute ski holidays can be found that rival those in Europe.  On the other side of the pond is such a place, known for its own brand of American glitterati where celebs and the uber well-to-do come for winter fun.

America’s king of the mountain and powerhouse of the north America skiing is found among the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in the tony ski resort of Vail, and there is simply nowhere in the world quite like it.

Vail ski resort sits high on Vail Mountain, the crowning peak of the Colorado Rockies.  Set in the heart of the White River National Forest, the town is surrounded by lush rolling valleys, crystal-clear lakes and a host of highland wildlife.

The U.S’s biggest ski resort, thrill-seekers travel for miles for a chance to glide over Vail’s groomed slopes and take a stab at the tumultuous backcountry. Vail Village makes a beautiful base for any winter holiday-lover, with its Tyrolean-style timbers and delicately decorated buildings bringing the warmth of the Austrian Alps to this all-American retreat. Known for its luxury hotels, lively après bars and decadent décor; visitors enjoy strolling through luxurious Lionshead and taking in the fresh mountain air as they go. With a unique atmosphere and endless activities, it’s easy to see why Vail is known as one of the best ski resorts in the USA.

Built onto virgin soil in the 1960s, the founders of the mammoth Vail ski resort crafted a “little Bavaria” in Colorado, inspired by their experiences in the Alps when serving in the 10th Mountain Division of the US Army. 38th president Gerald Ford famously vacationed here in the 1970’s, bringing international exposure and creating the sophisticated reputation Vail is proud to bear today.

Following the influx of the rich and famous, Vail constructed its luxurious Lionshead Village to cater for these well-heeled travellers. Despite stretching across seven miles along the I-70 highway, the original Vail Village has retained its humble historic charm and proudly cares for its cluster of Tyrolean-style buildings.

Gentle Valleys and Brutal Bowls: Adventurous Vail Skiing

Vail ski resort is home to some of the biggest and most varied ski slopes in the U.S, with 5,317 acres of runs with terrain tailored to suit all levels of ability. Across three linked sectors guests can spend days touring the region by gondola, never seeing the same slope twice.

In the morning skiers can choose to cut into the freshly-groomed corduroy of the flagged pistes, or delve into the unpredictable, unblemished back country of Vail’s steep bowls. With an endless choice of slopes and unbeatable views of the Rocky Mountains, visitors return year on year to feel the rush of one of the best ski resorts in the USA.

Best suited to intermediate and expert level skiers, there is a huge variety of challenging terrain in Vail to thrill even the most daring visitors Dusted with Colorado’s dry, light and plentiful powder snow, Game Creek Bowl is usually the first port of call for thrill-seekers. Guests can follow Lost Boy for an undulating tour of the bowl with gorgeous valley views, or head straight to Ouzo for a fast—paced slalom between the trees. With 200 acres of steep terrain and untouched powder piles, adventurous types love to spend all day exploring Game Creek’s wild environment.

Experts in search of an exhilarating off-piste experience head straight to Blue Sky Basin for their fix. With wide open meadows featuring perfectly-spaced evergreens and groomed glades; skiers can enjoy an adrenaline-fuelled rush on the steep gradients all while taking in some of Vail’s best vistas.

The rock park combined with the sharp drop of Lover’s Leap make for an exhilarating challenge where visitors can feel the icy wind blowing through their hair as they are explore this highland habitat alone. With similar terrain and sharp turns, many head to Siberia & Mongolia Bowl to continue their adventure after conquering Blue Sky Basin.

One of Vail’s all-inclusive slopes, China Bowl has runs to suit all abilities. Advanced and expert skiers enjoy some of the mountain’s steepest runs racing down towards the village, and beginners and intermediate levels take advantage of the low-angle tree glades and wide-open plains of Poppyfields West. Nearby Sun Up & Sun Down Bowl offers similar gentle curves but feature stunning panoramic views of Vail, perfect to watch the breath-taking sunset.

The perfect place for beginners, Mid Mountain is known for its versatile, painstakingly-groomed slopes. Experts enjoy the world-famous mogul run Look Ma while learners glide over the gentle curves of Chaos Canyon and Porcupine Valley. Intermediates challenge themselves to Lodgepole’s twisting turns and race down the steeper gradients.

With plenty of fun runs and a practice parkway with beautiful views, Mid Mountain has something for everyone. Nearby Golden Peak is host to similar slopes, holding lessons for first-time skiers and home to Ruder’s Run; a wide intermediate trail through fantastic highland forest.

Those hoping to escape the crowds head to the secluded Northwoods Bowl. Featuring pristine tree skiing and a central trail within stunning, intermediate glades, expert and advanced skiers enjoy burning off some morning adrenaline on the short yet steep pitch at South Rimthat before the droves descend in the early afternoon.

Tantalising Tipples: Vail Après Ski

A remedy to its adrenaline-fuelled slopes, Vail ski resort invites guests to relax and recline in its cosy après ski venues. Sitting in the spirited centre of Vail Village, Red Lion is renowned as the major après venue of Vail ski resort.

First opening its doors in 1963, the bar has a long history at the heart of the community and is enriched with a proud, regional spirit visitors simply cannot find at Vail’s newer, swankier establishments. Guests enjoy joyous afternoons of live music while sitting on the sun-soaked deck drinking refreshing glasses of local wine. Taking on the style of a traditional American sports bar, visitors can watch the sport and ski action on the big screen while reposing from a day on Vail’s exhilarating slopes.

The historic hub of après ski, those hoping to bend the elbows with locals and to have a beer in lively environment look further than Pepi’s and Garfinkels, ideal for an uplifting and jovial evening. Travellers looking to relax can put their feet up in one of Vail’s cosy après ski venues, the perfect remedy to its adrenaline-fuelled slopes.

Owned by the impressive Sebastian Hotel in Lionshead, Frost is a chic cocktail bar with a charming ambiance. Behind the intricate, Tyrolean-style exterior, guests are drawn in by the icy, blue décor enhanced by cool lighting and modern furniture to complement Vail’s powdery peaks. Offering tasty-tapas style bites and classy cocktails, visitors unwind here for a memorable evening of live music and chatter in a harmonious setting.

A contemporary wine cave in the historic centre of Vail Village, Root and Flower pride themselves on their vast selection of regional wines and bespoke cocktails. Ideal for an extended après ski evening, guests can sink into the swanky, modern chairs and select their ideal wine from the bar’s ‘Aroma Wheel’;

A sophisticated, detailed chart matching each diner to the flavours perfect for their palette. With a calm and romantic atmosphere, Root and Flower is the perfect location for a relaxed evening sipping drinks by candlelight, following an energetic day in the vast Vail ski resort.

Chic Chalets and Vibrant Villages: Staying in Vail Ski Resort

First-time visitors to Vail ski resort are often fascinated by luxurious Lionshead’s array of five star hotels. In a sea of alpine spires, peaked roofs and glowing streetlamps all intricately decorated with wooden detail, guests become the main characters in a magical fairy-tale. Snow-dusted, decadent exteriors give way to gastronomic restaurants, chic cocktail bars and the welcoming warmth of private ski clubs. Vail’s well-heeled visitors flock to Lionshead well-aware that this is the perfect place for a luxurious, peaceful stay away from the babble of the ski crowds.

The awe-inspiring Austrian façade of The Arrabelle at Vail Square astounds passers-by with its stunning spired roof, meticulous balconies, traditional shutters and vintage-style clocks. One of their guests’ favourite pastimes is skating under The Arrabelle’s magnificent arched bridge while taking in Vail’s majestic mountain views. Right at home in the centre of sophisticated Lionshead, this boutique hotel is well-known for its luxurious amenities.

The lobby welcomes visitors with a warm embrace of cosy lampshade chandeliers, muted country-style furniture and a labyrinth of wood detailing on every ceiling. Bedrooms feature crisp white sheets softened by cashmere throws with sleek marble bathrooms and sun-soaked terraces. As well as a rooftop pool and hot tub with panoramic views, the 10,000ft spa and fitness centre has a sauna, steam room and plenty of treatment rooms to promise guests a peaceful and pampered experience.

For travellers seeking a more secluded stay, The Arabelle offers private residences including a gourmet kitchen, vintage-style fireplace and jet tub to ensure a luxury experience with plenty of privacy.

Featuring unspoilt vistas from the bottom of Eagle Bahn Gondola, Tavern on the Square offers delectable breakfast, lunch and dinner with live music all day and a joyous ambiance to make guests feel at home. With even a slope-side valet to suit the most committed winter-sports enthusiasts, The Arabelle at Vail Square treats guests to the very highest standard.

In-keeping with the excellent rapport of one of the best ski resorts in the USA, Vail’s Four Seasons Hotel is a towering architectural feat at the epitome of prestige. With peaked roofs and quaint balconies showcasing Tyrolean décor on a mammoth scale, the hotel is a proud acknowledgement of the region’s early beginnings.

The sumptuous chalet style is replicated throughout the hotel in the form of wooden accents, flickering fireplaces and warm tones of cream, brown and red putting guests instantly at ease in their surroundings. Spacious suites feature hickory wood floors, stone accents and gas-burning fireplaces complement Vail’s mountainous landscape; allowing visitors to sink into comfy leather armchairs and appreciate the peaceful highland ambiance.

For travellers searching for something more intimate, the Four Seasons offer private retreats with exclusive personal ski services, separate living spaces, with a personal concierge and room service included.

After a tiring day on Vail’s relentless slopes, guests of the Four Seasons can curl up with a refreshing glass of regional wine in the cosy Remedy Bar, or head to Flame for a gourmet steak and the chance to sample the acclaimed winter black truffle “Cacio e Pepe.” The hotel has made wellness a priority and welcome guests to repose in the spa area, with the outdoor pool and relaxation garden offering unspoilt panoramas of Vail’s rolling valleys.

In the quiet neighbourhood of Bachelor Gulch, The Ritz Carlton is a five-star hotel which exudes grandeur and modern comfort. The chalet style exterior features Vail’s signature Tyrolean inspiration, and the theme carries through to the delightful interior. With stone detail, dark wooden flooring and soft lighting throughout, guests of the Ritz Carlton feel instantly at home in the lodge-like living spaces.

Warm tones of cream, brown and burnt orange are further softened by touches of leather and simplistic art pieces of Vail’s local wildlife. Bedrooms are spacious and feature stone fireplaces and sweeping mountain views, topped off by crisp, white sheets that guests can’t wait to dive into. The Ritz Carlton’s mountainside location allows visitors to connect with nature away from the chatter of the main ski crowds, still within walking distance of the lively après ski venues.

Guests of The Ritz Carlton are delighted to discover fantastic fine dining experiences on their doorstep. The hotel’s WYLD restaurant showcases Colorado’s culinary bounty through reinventing classic dishes with bold flavours.

Using a combination of local produce and seasonal ingredients, the chefs produce vibrant regional cuisine to give diners an evening to remember. Guests can settle into the cosy indoor area or head out onto the mountainside terrace, softly lit with flickering flames and rows of fairy lights. With a romantic ambiance and delectable dishes, WYLD welcomes visitors to a romantic evening of gourmet cuisine.

A Feast of Flavours: Fine Dining in Vail

A celebration of the melting-pot that is America, guests can enjoy a whole hose of cuisines and diverse flavours at Vail’s elegant eateries.

Ski in, Ski out, The 10th is at the pinnacle of fine dining experiences and the perfect place to re-fuel after an adrenaline-fuelled race down Look Ma run. At the base of the mountain, guests can enjoy stunning panoramas of Vail and the surrounding peaks while they delve into their delicately-prepared plates. Offering a wide range of luxurious dishes from Wagyu beef burger to lobster ravioli, the chefs at The 10th enjoy showcasing rich flavours through hearty meals.

Diners bask in the mountain light in the airy dining room, complete with easy chairs, a fireplace and an impressive terrace to make them feel right at home. Built in traditional chalet style, the restaurant proudly honours the region’s history and is named after the 10th Mountain Division, in which the founders of Vail fought during the Second World War.

Sitting just below Eagle’s Nest above the Game Creek chair lift, visitors to Game Creek Restaurant can enjoy a delightful evening of fine dining while overlooking the spectacular Game Creek Bowl. Featuring five-star American cuisine, Game Creek is known for its gourmet food and an award-winning wine list. A truly exclusive establishment, this European chalet-style restaurant is only accessible only by snowcat in the cold winter months but is certainly worth the icy journey. Cocooned in the warm ambiance enhanced by glimmering chandeliers and wooden furniture, diners enjoy an evening of delectable flavours while gazing at Vail’s magnificent views.

An ode to Vail’s alpine inspiration, Swiss Chalet is a warm and inviting nook in the impressive Sonnenalp Hotel. Coated in unbelievably-accurate Swiss décor, the restaurant is embalmed with intricate wood carvings, elegant arched windows and vintage-style furniture. Topped off with authentic cow bells which dangle in a higgledy-piggledy fashion from the ceiling, the Swiss theme is truly carried through to every aspect of the restaurant.

With touches of the red and white flag throughout, guests are invited to an evening of hearty traditional cuisine including classic fondue and schnitzel. Always host to a cosy and upbeat atmosphere, Swiss Chalet offers a light-hearted and humble experience in-keeping with Vail’s sophisticated rapport.

Known for its twists on classic dishes, Sweet Basil is a sophisticated modern American restaurant in the heart of Vail. Guests are welcomed into a classy dining area, coated in sleek contemporary décor that oozes simplistic prestige. The chef’s specialties never fail to impress diners, with duck breast with braised peach, Alaskan halibut pistou and saffron seafood linguini being some of the most popular dishes.

With a busy bar and buzzing restaurant, Sweet Basil is always host to an amicable atmosphere and invites Vail’s visitors to an evening of imaginative cuisine and great conversation.

Sumptuous Spas: Reach Peak Relaxation in Vail Ski Resort

With some of the most challenging slopes in North America, Vail has made wellness a priority to ensure their guests enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating stay.

Famed for its gorgeous mountain views, The Sonnenalp Hotel allows welcomes visitors to soak in their bespoke Water Worlds; glimmering pools bathed in the alpine sunlight. The 14 pools come together to form gentle lakes where guests can float and experience the weightlessness of feeling on top of the world.

Despite its calming stone features and lengthy list of treatments, The Lodge at Vail is well-loved for its Dream Pod Float Experience. Visitors step into a private, oversized tub filled with soft warm water saturated with 800 lbs. of Epsom salt. Floating in the soothing soak helps to reduce pain, muscle tension and anxiety, helping guests to feel at their very best throughout their visit.

The Four Seasons at Vail is also home to an oasis of calm, in the form of its spa and wellness centre. Stone walls and soft lighting create a utopia of serenity where guests can rest for hours on end. Known for its bourbon-themed treatments, visitors can also sample an array of massages and beauty treatments.

A rite of passage for anyone visiting the Colorado Rockies, Vail ski resort is the hill-top haven to astound every winter sports-enthusiast. With gently groomed slopes and unforgiving backcountry, the endless choice of runs makes for the perfect adventure holiday.

The luxurious town centre creates the ideal antidote to its challenging gradients, with prestigious hotels, bustling après bars and secluded spa areas waiting to cure those aching ski-legs. With a harmonious ambiance that follows visitors wherever they wander and beautiful valley views over the White River National Forest, Vail is certainly up there with the best ski resorts in the USA.