There’s a rhythm to Vail that I’ve never found anywhere else in the Rockies. Maybe it’s the way the mountains catch the morning light, or how the village slowly comes alive as the first lifts start to turn. Maybe it’s the fact that even after years of skiing around the world, few places capture that perfect blend of European alpine charm and modern luxury quite like Vail does.

What keeps me coming back to Vail isn’t just the skiing, it’s the way the whole place feels alive in every detail. Long days on the mountain fade into evenings beside roaring fireplaces with a glass of wine in hand. There’s a low buzz of après-ski conversation, and a faint trace of wood smoke in the cold air. Between those moments, the runs, the meals, the walks through snow-lined streets, there’s this unmistakable feeling that you’re part of something timeless. 

Vail isn’t just a ski destination. It’s a complete luxury experience; from the way you arrive to the way you unwind.

After many trips to the Rockies, I’ve learned one thing: it’s not just where you go, but how you get there. For me, that means flying into Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) instead of Denver. The difference is night and day.

Eagle County Airport sits just 30 miles from Vail, tucked right into the mountains. As your plane descends, you see jagged peaks and glistening valleys spreading out below. Unlike Denver International, which means hours of extra driving, EGE delivers you almost straight into alpine bliss. It’s easy to see why seasoned travelers and jet-setters choose this route.

From there, the best way to complete the journey is with a touch of luxury. I’ve found that for seamless comfort from the airport to my resort, it’s hard to beat booking a car service to Vail with Blue Sky Limo, they are the region’s gold standard for private transfers. Their chauffeurs are consummate professionals, their SUVs are plush and winter-ready, and the whole experience feels effortless.

That 40-minute drive from Eagle to Vail is one of my favorites. The road traces the Eagle River through open valleys framed by evergreens and rugged peaks, a stretch of highway that feels like a preview of what’s to come. The mountains rise and fall like a cinematic backdrop, and by the time you glimpse the first twinkling lights of Vail Village, you’ve already begun to unwind.

There are two sides to Vail’s magic: Vail Village and Lionshead Village. I love staying near Vail Village, where everything feels straight out of a storybook. Cobblestone streets, cozy cafés, and designer boutiques line the pedestrian walkways. Evenings come alive here, soft music drifting from bars, the glow of chandeliers spilling onto snowbanks, couples strolling arm in arm after dinner.

Over in Lionshead Village, the vibe is slightly more modern but no less charming. It’s the perfect blend of mountain chic and convenience, with its own gondola, world-class hotels, and easy access to the slopes.

If you’re looking for luxury, you’ll find it everywhere. These are some of my favorite places to stay when I’m in Vail:

• Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail – A sanctuary of understated elegance with a cozy mountain spirit. The rooms and suites are spacious and refined, the spa is among the best in Colorado, and the après-ski terrace with its firepits and views of the slopes feels like the heart of winter luxury.

• The Arrabelle at Vail Square – Grand, classic, and ski-in/ski-out perfection. Inspired by Europe’s great alpine lodges, The Arrabelle pairs opulent architecture with easy access to the Eagle Bahn Gondola, making it ideal for travelers who want to step directly from their suite onto the mountain.

• The Sebastian – Vail – Stylish, artful, and vibrant, with a great après scene. Contemporary interiors, a strong local art collection, and a lively bar make this one of Vail’s most social luxury hotels.

• The Sonnenalp Hotel – Timeless European hospitality that feels like home. Family-owned for generations, The Sonnenalp blends Bavarian warmth with Colorado comfort, offering plush suites, an inviting spa, and one of the coziest lounges in town to end a ski day.

After a day on the mountain, there’s nothing like wandering through the village with rosy cheeks and tired legs, the air crisp and clean, the smell of mulled wine hanging in the air. That balance of mountain energy and quiet comfort is what keeps me coming back.

Vail’s reputation as one of the world’s premier ski destinations is well earned. With more than 5,300 acres of skiable terrain, the resort offers everything from wide, meticulously groomed runs to steep, untouched back bowls that stretch endlessly toward the horizon.

For me, there’s nothing quite like those first few runs of the morning, corduroy snow under your skis, sunlight hitting the ridgeline, and the quiet that settles over the mountain before the crowds arrive. The Back Bowls are Vail’s crown jewel: vast, open expanses that make even seasoned skiers feel small against the scale of the Rockies.

Beginners and intermediates have just as much to enjoy. The Front Side and Game Creek Bowl offer smooth cruising runs and scenic routes that wind between glades and mountain vistas. And when it’s time to take a break, the on-mountain dining is exceptional, try The 10th for an elegant lunch with panoramic views, or Wildwood Smokehouse for something more relaxed but equally satisfying.

Whether you’re chasing powder days or just want the satisfaction of a perfect run, skiing in Vail captures everything that makes this destination legendary: space, beauty, and that unmistakable mountain rhythm that stays with you long after you’ve gone home.

Vail may be best known for its slopes, but the magic of this mountain town extends far beyond the winter season. Once the snow melts, the trails transform into a playground for hikers, cyclists, and fly-fishers, while the village hums with outdoor concerts, art festivals, and long, golden evenings on sun-drenched patios.

During the summer months, trails like Booth Falls reward hikers with waterfalls and alpine meadows, while Piney River Ranch offers canoeing, horseback rides, and some of the most photogenic mountain views near Vail. Set against the backdrop of the Rockies, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest botanical garden in North America, offers a peaceful spot to wander among wildflowers and mountain views.

Back in town, Vail’s culinary scene rivals that of major cities. I always make time for Matsuhisa Vail, an elegant outpost from world-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, where sushi and Japanese-Peruvian flavors meet.  For inventive American cuisine with mountain flair, Sweet Basil and its sister restaurant Mountain Standard are must-visits, each offering exceptional food, warm service, and a vibrant après-ski (or après-hike) atmosphere.

Wellness is woven into the rhythm of life here, too. Between the oxygen therapy lounges, luxury spas, and in-room treatments at resorts like the Four Seasons and Sonnenalp, recovery feels as indulgent as recreation. And as the day winds down, there’s nothing quite like sipping a cocktail by the fire at The Remedy Bar, watching the alpenglow fade across the peaks.

Whether blanketed in snow or bursting with wildflowers, Vail delivers a different kind of luxury each season, one built not just on comfort, but on connection to the mountains themselves.

I love coming to Vail, but I hate leaving. There’s always that moment on the last day, one more run, one more walk through the village, one more drink by the fire, when I start to wonder how soon I can come back. 

To me, Vail is a state of mind as much as a destination, refinement, nature, and quiet grace all in perfect balance. When it’s time to leave, that same calm follows me down the valley. I call Blue Sky Limo, a local car service, to take me back to the airport, or on to Beaver Creek, Aspen, or Breckenridge  if I’m not ready to go home just yet. It’s the perfect way to close one chapter of my mountain escape or start another.

There’s always that last look at the mountains, the quiet ride through the valley, and the thought that maybe next time I’ll stay a little longer or keep going and see what waits in Aspen. That’s the thing about Colorado: it always leaves you planning your return, long before you’ve even left.