Vail: Reasons to Love all the Seasons

Sure, it's the greatest ski resort in the West (or so some say, anyway). But if you think snow's all that this Alpine-chic mountain town has going for it, you don't know Vail. There's a reason to visit year-round... and with every season, something new to enjoy. Here's a few suggestions.

Spring: Festivals and Fun Events
New Orleans might have Mardi Gras, but Vail has Carnivail, complete with a Fat Tuesday Parade, to keep things festive in February. The Vail Film Festival is "getting better every year" to quote an insider... for skiers, the fact that you can hit the slopes in between flicks makes it all the better. And right before the snow starts melting, Spring Back to Vail marks the end of ski season with free concerts, snow exhibitions, and—don't miss it—the World Pond Skimming Championships.

America's Hometown: Vail, Colorado

Colorado's skiing crown rests firmly atop Vail resort, endowed with the United States' largest skiable mountain. But size is not Vail's only attraction. In addition to its 33 lifts, 193 trails, 3,450-foot drop, 5,289 skiable acres, and its three sister resorts, Vail also ranks high in services, ski schools, and après-ski distractions.

Photo Credit: Vail, Colorado (Jeff Cirro/Colorado Tourism)

Best Budget-Friendly Ski Vacations

These budget-friendly ski resorts offer amenities and activities for everyone from seasoned skiers to first-timers.

Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville, Michigan
With ski and spa packages starting at $139 per person per night and a variety of other wallet-friendly deals, this full-service ski and golf resort offers a variety of activities, lessons, childcare and more at reasonable prices. Voted top Midwest ski resort by SKI magazine in 2005, the resort offers 45 trails plus two terrain parks and a 700-foot halfpipe.

Vail Cascade Resort, Vail, Colorado
This AAA Four-Diamond resort at the base of Vail Mountain offers a variety of lodging styles and sizes, and an extensive list of attractions and activities for year-round fun. Take advantage of special packages catering to families, spa-lovers, foodies, and hardcore deal-seekers.