I left Vail 2 weeks ago and I'm still depressed. I WANT TO GO BACK! Someone wrote that the people weren't friendly. What mountain did you ski? In seven days of skiing I did not have one unfriendly encounter; quite the opposite. I want to move out of my snotty Fairfield County, CT. town and move to CO! Everyone on the mountain, from our experience at The Lodge Tower to an unfortunate trip to the ER, was exceptionally friendly and professional. Plus, the ski conditions were extraordinary. It was my second time there; I counted the days until we could go back. I'm too spoiled to ever ski VT again! Go to Vail and enjoy every minute!

Some may complain that Vail is expensive, and it is, but it really does offer world class skiing experience. The terrain is huge- there is something for everyone And the snow has been absolutely fantastic this season. There may be a few pretentious people, but you'll find those anywhere, most of the people are happy to be there and are friendly. Definitely one of my favorite mountains

My son and I visited Vail for the first time early January 2008. I went as part of continuing education courses being held at the Lion Square Lodge. We stayed at this lodge as well. I am an intermediate skier in my mid 50's and my son is an intermediate/advanced snowboarder, 30. On this trip I decided to learn how to board. I did, and other than finding out why you should wear a helmet, I had a great experience. Two days boarding and one day skiing.

As for the Lion Square Lodge, it was very nice, wonderfully convenient to the Eagle Bahn gondola and ski run back down. We were treated very nice and have no complaints. It is not cheap, but I don't think you can expect bargain rates for the facilities and location.

As for the slopes, I think you can find something for every one. While we were there, it snowed most every day and night so finding powder was not an issue. We even found knee deep powder on part of a green slope.

As for the community, as one reviewer mentioned, there is quite a bit of construction, but that didn't cause us any problem. Since we stayed in the Lionshead area we mostly stayed around there. There are several shops and restaurants within walking distance. Some of the restaurants were excellant, some not so good. We could have hit one on an off night.

I haven't been to a lot of ski resorts and areas, but Vail has to be up high on any ones list.

Oh, one final thought. Fly into Eagle County airport rather than Denver. Not only is it closer, but the possibility of the roads getting closed to Denver are much higher than to Eagle County.

Will I go back, I sure hope so.

DC from Florida

Went to Vail during MLK week. Not crowded. The snow was great. It didn't just squeak, it screamed. All the bowls were open. You could not ski hard or fast enough to do them all justice. The gondola operators actually came out and talked us into riding up for free after 2PM the afternoon that we arrived. (Heavenly ought to that.)Great perk. Food is pricey at top but good. The greeters are a nice touch at 2 Elk, etc. Ski shop was wonderful setting up our 70 yr old mother with equipment. Weather was COLD. Need more lockers/ at Lionshead- badly. New contruction there has really changed the look. Escalators need to get running.

All of you haters are REDICULOUS!! Or wait maybe this is a plot to trick people in to not coming to Vail. First off i want to tell you that i was born and raised in CO but have skied and snowboared in almost every region of North and South America except for East Coast (why waste my time) a little more background, I lived in summit for like 15 yrs, South West Co for 5 and, spent a season at Mt. Baker, and now live in Tahoe. I have rode all threw Canada, Utah, Wyoming, Califorinia, Oregon, Washington, Chile and Argentina, so i know what i'm talking about. I'm not rich i make $12 hr, but love to ride and know how to use my money, so this is how it goes...

All of those people who complain about I-70 traffic, deal with it, dont be an idiot and drive up at 8-9 like everybody else on the weekend, get an early start or go during the week. Use your brain! Yes the paid parking is a down fall, but if you really wanted to you could park in the neighbor hoods where there is bus access and get a ride to the lift. As far as the tickets, your not smart if you pay full price. find someone with a season pass and ask them if you could use it to get a discount, or an employee could help you out get cheeper passes, many gas stations and grocery stores have deals too. Ok thats the lift ticket.
As far as lunch, ALL RESORT LUNCHES ARE EXPENSIVE DONT BE A SHMUCK!!! Pack a sandwich in your coat, or maybe you just like to complain, Apres drinks are cheap if you know where to go, many places have happy hour specials, (you wont find them in the main lodges so dont try) go to an actual bar!)

OK now that we got the price issue out of the way lets talk terrain, snow, and riding! Those comments on Vail not having any snow? have you actually skied their Dec-present? its been sick! yeah not every day has 12+ fresh but you can easily find it by dipping in to the trees. The reason the front side is packed is because thats where all the gapers and texans are, you know who you are jester hat wearing punks! I was back over christmas break and was able to basically ski up to the lift on Sun down bowl, yeah its a slow lift but the terrain is sick and the line is no where to be found (Maybe i'm giving to much info). Theres plenty of cliffs to huck, steepness in many places, and the park is really good (not as good as breck of course and the big park wasnt up yet).

I'll agree you might have more extravagant people walking around Lionshead with fur boots, tight black pants, and fur, but who cares, most of those hussies make for good eye candy, and their not bothering me while i'm killing it!!! I know i wont see them where i'm ripping,

So all you haters i'm glad you will never be coming back cause we dont need your negetive ATTITUDE!!! Theres up and downs but you just have to be smart about it! Vail is my favorite all around resort and its sick, i've skied over 50 resorts so trust me i know. I wish all of you who are coming to experience Vail have a great time and may the snow gods be with you.....HATERS STAY OUT!!!