Long Weekend in Vail

We flew direct from Chicago into Eagle airport, 40 minutes west of Vail. We take a car service to Vail as there is no need for a car! It's an expense, but less than a rental from Denver Intl., and you driving from Denver can be a traffic nightmare, especially if a winter storm rolls in. Love our condo complex just next door to the Lionshead Gondola, Lodge at Lionshead. Call direct for availability. Nightcap at the Sonnenalp bar ..great people watching!

Early morning, beakfast in the condo and headed up on Eagle Bahn Gondola just footsteps from our condo. Headed toward Avanti lift, our favorite warm-up groomers. Lunch at Wildwood Lodge with great views, and Game Creek after. Wonderul swim in the heated pool with numerous hot tubs–love Lodge at Lionshead for this! Dinner at Mountian Standard for best steak and whipped butter.

Motivated to get to our favorite part of Vail Mountian–Blue Sky Basin. We headed up mid-morning as it was cold, and we wanted things to soften up a bit. Give yourself 45 minutes to get to this area, at least, condition dependant. On our first run, we ended up on some awful crud, so some of us struggled to get down. After a warm-up in the rustic Blue Sky Lodge, we found some great skiing and our favorite Cloud 9 run. It's a family favorite as it's easy for most intermediate skiers and fun for the experts as well. Spaced-out tree run with whimsical twists and turns. Dinner at the Alpenrose is always a great experience!!! Next time, we will opt for their raclette and fondue dinner in their outdoor gondolas, which are winter-only experiences.

Best time skiing Northwoods lift. Love sharing the story of my college boyfriend dropping my car key in the midst of a very technical area under the chairlift. Oh, the memories of a lifetime skiing in Vail! Lunch at Mid-Vail, then fun times after back near Avanti. Soul cleansing, beautiful day at the most scenic resort in America. Dinner at the moderately priced Los Amigos Mexican in Vail Village.

Shopping day pre-flight. Almost walked away with the painted Louis. Still sad I didn't abscond with this. Subs for lunch at Joe's in Vail Village. We didn't forget our tradition of our picture with mom holding hands with the 10th Mountain Div soldier, just like my mother always did (rip). Blue skies behind the beloved covered bridge. We love you, Vail, be back in summer!!!