by Erica Green

Created on: August 22, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Unveiled in 1962, this spectacular mountain retreat quickly gained national and international prominence as President Gerald Ford used Vail as his western White House. It features all the amenities of a city with the feel and setting of an elegant ski village, providing access to some of the most dazzling mountains in the world. This fame established Vail with first-class status and international appeal.

Vail sits nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and prides itself as the largest single mountain ski area in North America. Visitors can swish across 5,289 acres of skiable terrain with 193 trails. SKI Magazine named Vail the number one ski resort by its readers 13 times since 1988. Vail provides the perfect location for your holiday retreat.

A magical holiday destination, Vail offers guests numerous ways to celebrate the holiday season. Visitors can participate in the lighting of the town Christmas trees, view holiday parades and listen to the harmonies of local carolers. Kids delight in the appearance of Santa. Of course, Vail always offers a winter wonderland of snow, full of outdoor activities including sledding, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, horseback riding and ski biking.

The holiday season presents visitors with a plethora of events to enjoy. The annual Ski Swap in November gives skiers the chance to find everything they'll need for the upcoming season. The Vail Tannenbaum Festival showcases stunning store fronts and wreaths, lighted Tannenbaums, a visit from Santa, children's activities and holiday music. Another yearly tradition, the Vail Snow Daze celebrates the start of winter with concerts and family activities. The Street Beat offers a variety of free concerts starting Wednesday's in December. Throughout the holiday season, Vail supplies an endless list of concerts, plays and festivals to keep visitors entertained.

Vail transports visitors to a charming Bavarian village nestled against the mountain. Over 25 miles of tiny twinkling lights gleam in the moonlight, creating a quaint, undisturbed serenity. This enchanting getaway features world class shopping, restaurants and lodgings. The design of the village accommodates pedestrians so slow down and enjoy the view.

Vail sits at an elevation of 8,150 feet and temperatures during the winter dip down into the teens and crawl up into the 40's for highs. However, it can drop to 30 below during the winter. Generally, the mountain opens mid-to late November. On average, Vail receives 345 inches of snow annually and 275 days of sunshine. During the winter, the city offers free parking after 3 p.m., but always offers free bus service to different areas of the village.

Escaping to Vail during the holiday season involves early planning. Some guests make reservations up to one year in advance of their holiday stay. Vacationing around Christmas can hit the pocket book pretty deep. Plus, many lodges require a minimum night stay. This time tends to be the most crowded and December can be extremely cold. Another option to consider, visit Vail in January; it's less crowded and less expensive.

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