Visiting Vail, Colorado
We are five families with young kids (ages 3-10) planning a trip to Vail, Colorado, in mid-January over the MLK weekend for four nights. While we plan to ski, we are looking for suggestions on other kid-friendly activities and sightseeing options. Additionally, we need advice on affordable accommodations. Is it worth staying at a resort, or should we consider hotels or condos? Please recommend decent, affordable places to stay and any itinerary suggestions you might have. Thank you!
Visiting Vail in mid-January over MLK weekend can be a wonderful experience for families with kids, offering a mix of skiing, winter activities, and kid-friendly entertainment. Since your group includes children aged 3–10, it’s a good idea to balance ski time with other activities that keep younger kids engaged and allow adults to relax.
Kid-Friendly Activities and Sightseeing in Vail:
- Adventure Ridge: Located at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola, Adventure Ridge offers tubing, snowball fights, a climbing wall, and easy snow play areas perfect for younger children.
- Ice Skating: The outdoor rink in Vail Village is a fun activity for kids and adults alike. Skate rentals are available, and the festive village atmosphere makes it especially enjoyable.
- Alpine Coaster: At Adventure Ridge, older kids may enjoy the alpine coaster for a thrilling ride down the hill.
- Sledding/Tubing: If you don’t want to go to Adventure Ridge, there are other small hills around Vail Village suitable for sledding with little ones.
- Children’s Ski School: Vail offers ski lessons for kids as young as 3, which is great for getting the youngest family members introduced to the slopes safely.
- Vail Village Stroll: Even non-skiing days can be spent exploring Vail Village’s shops, galleries, and hot chocolate stops.
- Scenic Gondola Rides: For a less active but scenic option, take the gondola up the mountain for panoramic views, snow play, and photo opportunities without skiing.
Accommodation Options:
For a group of five families, condos or vacation rentals are usually more cost-effective and convenient than full-service resorts, as they offer kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and space to gather. Here are some options to consider:
- Condo Rentals: Look for condo complexes such as the Vail Racquet Club, Lionshead condos, or Vail Village vacation rentals. These often provide ski-in/ski-out access, full kitchens, and laundry facilities.
- Budget-Friendly Hotels: Consider places like the Vail Run Resort, Evergreen Lodge, or the Sonnenalp Hotel for more affordable family-friendly options. Check for packages that include lift tickets or breakfast.
- Resorts: Staying at a full resort offers amenities like pools, kid’s programs, and on-site dining, but typically at a higher cost. It can be worth it for convenience if your group wants shared facilities and ski school access, especially with young kids.
Sample 4-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive, settle into accommodations, explore Vail Village, grab dinner, and enjoy a short stroll around the village.
- Day 2: Skiing for adults and older kids; Adventure Ridge or ski school for younger children. Ice skating in the evening.
- Day 3: Family snow activities—tubing, sledding, or more Adventure Ridge fun. Option for scenic gondola ride. Group dinner in the village.
- Day 4: Optional ski day or non-skiing winter activities, shopping, or relaxing at your condo. Consider a short drive to nearby attractions if desired.
- Day 5: Pack, quick morning stroll or final ski session, and departure.
Additional Tips:
- Book accommodations and ski lessons early, as MLK weekend is a popular time for families.
- Pack layers, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly in January, especially for children.
- Consider grocery delivery or local markets to stock your condo with kid-friendly snacks and meals, which can save time and money.
- If skiing, stagger lessons and ski time so parents can rotate supervision and everyone gets some time on the slopes.
Overall, combining condos for convenience and affordability with a mix of skiing, snow play, and scenic activities will make for a memorable Vail trip for your families.
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