Blog | Best Colorado Ski Resorts

There’s something in the air in Vail, Colorado. It isn’t just the crisp mountain breeze or the soft hush of snow falling at dusk—there’s a subtle invitation: to lean in, to hold hands, to share a meal that lingers in the memory. In the heart of the Rockies, nestled amid soaring pines and alpine charm, Vail invites lovers, dreamers and gourmands alike to experience romance on a plate and in a panorama.

Vail Ski Resort is one of the destinations that helped define Colorado as a world-class ski region. Located in the central Rocky Mountains, Vail combines an extensive mountain landscape with pedestrian-friendly alpine villages, restaurants, lodging, ski schools, equipment rentals, and a wide range of winter activities. For someone planning a first trip to Vail, however, the size of the destination can make it difficult to know where to begin.

Traveling from Denver to Vail is one of the classic journeys through Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The route takes you west from the Denver area into the mountains, following I-70 through a landscape that changes dramatically as you gain elevation. For visitors arriving at Denver International Airport or spending time in Denver before heading to the mountains, understanding the different transportation options can make the trip considerably easier.

There are many ways to experience Vail, Colorado. You can spend the day exploring Vail Village, hiking through the mountains, riding the trails, dining at an alpine restaurant, or simply walking along Gore Creek. But there is another experience that allows you to see the destination from an entirely different perspective: a scenic gondola ride up Vail Mountain.