Vail and Beaver Creek

Vail is the USA's biggest ski resort, but also one of its best, particularly since a multi-billion dollar investment program has transformed both centers - Vail Village and Lion's Head. Vail celebrated 50 years in 2012 and now has gondolas from both bases and can justifiably claim a place among the world's premier ski resorts. The quality of skiing, both on and off piste is now easily matched by the superb range of accommodation, restaurants and other facilities and Vail boasts a charismatic, bustling center which is rare in American ski resorts.

Beaver Creek is Vail's little sister just a few miles away and is home of the 2015 Downhill World Cup. It has five mountain sectors; Beaver Creek, Grouse Mountain, Larkspur Bowl, Arrowhead Mountain and Bachelor Gulch. Ideally suited to families, Beaver Creek has an excellent ski school, most hotels are ski in / ski out and at the heart of the resort is an outdoor ice rink, this small village belies the big mountain but the friendly and safe environment cannot be beaten if your children are learning to ski.  With the Beaver Creek motto being 'not exactly roughing it' the ethos of Beaver Creek is all about making it easy including complimentary cookies and s'mores as well as the 'Dial a Ride' complimentary resort shuttle buses.