Population: Vail 4,500
Road and weather conditions: (970) 920-5454, www.cotrip.org
Snow report: (970) 476-4888
Average Annual snowfall: 346"
Ski season: Late November-mid-April
Tourism and Convention Bureau: (970) 476-1000
Employee Housing: Limited availability
Cost of adult 1-day lift ticket: $85
Local newspapers: Vail Daily, (970) 949-0555, www.vaildaily.com; Vail Trail, (970) 949-4004; Vail Valley Times, (970) 949-4402

Vail & Beaver Creek Area Profile

Vail is one of the ski world's quintessential "mega-resorts."

The vastness of the village offers every modern convenience, and many visitors liken Vail to a well-oiled machine pushing crowds of skiers through high-speed lifts and systematically satisfying the diehard ski expert and the most indiscriminate resort bum. Vail is the largest single ski resort in North America. The resort is located in a valley beneath the breathtaking Gore Range and the towering Sawatch Mountains just 120 miles west of Denver. Its sister ski-area, Beaver Creek (just eight miles down the road), is more secluded, leans toward the more extravagant (it has no budget accommodations), and attracts international visitors because of its reputation for world-class service and European elegance.

Winter Activities

The skiing on Vail Mountain has been called the greatest in North America, and the variety of terrain will delight skiers of all levels. Vail boasts 5,289 skiable acres, 193 ski trails, a vertical drop of 3,250 feet and the longest run is 3 miles. Beaver Creek has predominantly intermediate runs and is the perfect training ground for the greater challenges of Vail. In addition, Vail caters to the Nordic skier, offering plenty of cross-country, backcountry, and telemark skiing trails. Contact the Holy Cross Ranger District Office at (970) 827-5715 for backcountry trail information. Vail is within thirty minutes of Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, and Keystone.

Visitors to Vail should not expect to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, but rather to participate in the "scene." Don't be surprised to see lifestyles of the rich and famous in action, on and off the slopes. Non-skiers will have plenty to do in Vail, including Vail International Holidays from mid-November until Christmas, (800) 525-3875, snowmobile tours, sleigh rides, ice skating, bobsledding, and wildlife tours.

Summer Activities

In summer, whitewater river rafting, kayaking, horseback riding in the White River National Forest, hot-air ballooning, hiking, golfing, and mountain biking through the mountains are just a few outdoor options. Of course there is incredible window shopping at the 227 legendary shops and art galleries of Vail Village.

Apr�s-ski

Vail's nightclubs and restaurants are almost as legendary as its skiing. It takes serious thought to decide between the hot spots of Vail Village and nearby Lionshead. There are 111 bars and restaurants to tempt your taste buds and dance until the break of dawn. Twentysomethings congregate at Nick's for DJ music. Those who are a little older go to the Red Lion, The Club, or Sheikas. If live music is more appealing, there are piano bars, acoustic guitar and jazz concerts, and authentic Austrian music performed nightly.

Transportation

Vail/Beaver Creek Resort is located 120 miles west of Denver and 140 miles east of Grand Junction on I-70.

The closest airport to the resort is Vail/Eagle County Airport, thirty miles west of Vail. American Airlines, Northwest, United, and Delta offer non-stops and connecting flights from all major U.S. cities. Ground service from the airport to Vail/Beaver Creek is available from Colorado Mountain Express, (800) 525-6363, or Vans to Vail, (800) 222-2112. If you wish to fly into Denver International Airport, Colorado Mountain Express can take you to the resort from the airport.

Getting around Vail is a cinch. A free shuttle service routinely runs between Vail Village, Lionshead, and other outlying areas. Call (970) 479-2172 for the shuttle schedule.

Housing

Some employee housing is available for full-time (thirty to forty hours weekly) seasonal employees. Employee housing consists of shared furnished rooms. Call the Vail Housing Office at (970) 845-2478 for more information. Other housing options can be found in the local newspapers, but be prepared: Vail has a higher cost of living than the other ski resorts. On average, expect to pay over $500 for a one-bedroom apartment. The most economical way to live is to find a roommate and split expenses. Subscribing to the local papers will give you an idea of how much you'll have to spend for apartments and what employment exists.

Vail Ski Resort & Beaver Creek Ski Resort Employment

Tourism is the mainstay of Vail's economy. About 80 percent of all jobs in the Vail area are directly or indirectly related to tourism. Seasonal jobs are abundant, especially in the peak ski season, which runs from the last week of November to mid-April. Winter hiring begins in October with an in-person employee screening. The ski season usually requires about 4,000 additional employees, so this is your best bet for employment. Read the following listings and contact the resorts for more information.

Vail Ski Resort Employment Website

Beaver Creek Ski Resort Employment Website

Winter Park Ski Resort >>>