Your Guide to Booking a Colorado Ski Trip [2024]

Known worldwide as where winter begins, Colorado’s Vail Valley is home to top-tier skiing at Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek Mountain 

Bringing about 1.5 million visitors yearly, a trip to Vail Mountain requires a bit of pre-season planning and local tips and tricks to avoid the crowds and make the most out of your stay. As a boutique hotel in Edwards, we’re here to share a guide to navigating ski travel and provide the ins and outs to make your next trip to Colorado stress-free and all downhill (in the ski kind of way).

Booking Your Trip

The first and most important step in bringing your winter travel dreams to reality is booking the necessities. These are the top three priorities. Start with these and the rest of your trip planning will become much easier:

1. Book Your Travel
2. Book Your Hotel Stay
3. Get Your Lift Ticket

It’s important to review traffic trends and your options before booking travel. For those driving into the Vail Valley from the Denver area, it’s a two-hour drive on weekdays (Monday through Thursday). However, Friday through Sunday in winter brings skier traffic of 3-5 hours if you aren’t careful. To avoid the great Denver exit of skiers on Friday afternoon/evening and Saturday morning, we recommend driving during an off-time- like Friday morning or Saturday afternoon. As long as you keep an eye on traffic conditions and incoming weather, you should be just fine. When planning your stay, it can also be smart to leave the Vail Valley on Monday instead of Sunday, to avoid heavy traffic on I-70 towards Denver.  

A rental car is by no means necessary in the Vail Valley. The town is easily accessible by bus, and if you are staying in a walkable area like Edwards, you’ll be able to walk outside of your hotel to a ski shuttle or fine dining. Shuttles are also available from Denver via Bustang. Epic ski pass holders can receive discounts traveling on the Epic Mountain shuttle from Denver. Renting a car? Get 4-wheel drive if you can, the roads can be slick, and added traction is always a plus.

Our beautiful mountain area does have a regional airport – Eagle County Regional Airport, with flights to and from places like Dallas, Denver, Salt Lake, San Francisco, and New York. While you’ll likely have a layover in Denver, it can be worth the second flight to avoid rental car costs in Denver and weekend traffic. 

Maybe a lesser-known fact is that the best time to book your ski travel is about six weeks to three months before your travel dates. For busier dates like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s, consider booking your travel three months in advance. This will help you save on costs and secure your trip for exciting events coming to the Vail Valley. 

We know that you’ll be exploring more of the Vail Valley than just the airport and your hotel room. There are some things you’ll want to book before you get here and others that can wait till you are in town, or do not even need a call ahead.

• What’s Essential 
  • Booking Car Rental or Car Service
  • Lift Tickets
  • Ski or Snowboard Rentals
  • Ski or Snowboarding Lessons

• What’s Optional:
  • Restaurants (especially for popular spots)
  • Spa Treatments
  • Activities
  • Book a Pet-Friendly Room
  • Reserve Your Spot on the Hotel’s Ski Shuttle (call ahead or email the front desk)

Not sure what you need for your ski trip? Consider getting into contact with Black Tie Ski. They offer door to door ski outfitting, and the best part is you can make a booking ahead of your arrival to the Vail Valley. The Inn at Riverwalk guests receive 10% off their rental at Black Tie Ski. 

Where to Stay

The Vail Valley is composed of nine unique towns- Vail, Beaver Creek, Minturn, Red Cliff, Avon, EagleVail, Edwards, Eagle, and Gypsum. The popular Vail is home to bustling restaurants and aprés ski culture. As you venture into Beaver Creek, the streets are surrounded by inspired architecture, and their central ice skating rink is open throughout the winter season. In nearby Edwards, the town’s mountain charm is at its peak on the Edwards Riverwalk with local businesses, restaurants, spas, and The Inn at Riverwalk.  

Where to Dine

For a casual yet gourmet experience, Craftsman Brew Co.’s offers incredible sandwiches, parmesan truffle fries, and a great craft beer selection. If you’re looking for a more formal setting, Zino Ristorante’s serves amazing Italian cuisine in a romantic atmosphere. Read our full guide to dining in Edwards, CO. 

Local Recommendations

The Valley is home to more than just skiing. Winter truly brings the snow globe with snowshoeing, fat tire biking, snowmobiling, and walks along the frosted Eagle River.

Planning your winter trip around a staple annual event like the Birds of Prey World Cup races or Winterfest can elevate your vacation and help you explore more Colorado mountain culture. 

• Experience Aprés: Vail and Beaver Creek have legendary après scenes. Red Lion and Los Amigos are always buzzing with live music and margaritas by the pitcher, perfect for unwinding right off the slopes. For a true taste of Vail’s history, head to Pepi’s, a classic Austrian pub founded by a local legend. It’s cozy, convivial, and often has live music – a great spot to soak in the mountain atmosphere. 

If you want to rub shoulders with the locals, Main Street Grill is your spot. It’s always packed after work and après, and their midweek happy hour deals on drinks and pub grub are unbeatable.

• Schedule an Outdoor Adventure: Aside from skiing, the Rockies is a great destination to book a snowmobiling guide and see the Vail Valley from a new perspective. There are also well-groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails for those looking to get some exercise in.

Local Tip: Guests of The Inn at Riverwalk receive discounts when they book with preferred partners. See The Inn’s full list of guides and partners. 

• Attend an Annual Event: 

The Vail Valley comes alive with annual events throughout the winter season. Thrill-seekers won’t want to miss the Birds of Prey World Cup Races, the event has expanded this year to span two weeks of activities, while January brings the lively Winterfest and unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebrations. Beginning in December, Eagle Colorado becomes host to Ice Castles, with ice sculptures, slides, and tunnels. Finally, February honors Vail’s rich history with the Vail Legacy Weekend.

Between dining, skiing, and hitting the hot tub- make sure to factor in time for hydration. The Vail Valley sits at 8,000 feet, and altitude sickness is not uncommon. Watch your alcohol intake, always following up your aprés time with water to stay on top of dehydration and avoid a bad day on the slopes.

With your reservations made, your itinerary filled with exciting events, and your dining experiences planned, you’ll be more than ready to embark on your unforgettable winter ski adventure in the Vail Valley.