Vail: Top-Rated Winter Vacation Paradise

Vail, Colorado is THE largest ski mountain in the United States. Vail has something for everyone; skiing, dining, shops, galleries, bookstores galore and everything in between. Vail offers some of the best skiing in the world. You don't have to be rich to enjoy Vail; there's something for everyone's budget at this top-ranked ski resort in the world.

Stretching seven miles from one end to the other, Vail, located in central Colorado in the middle of the Rockie Mountains, rising to nearly 12,000 feet, offers powdered paradise for domestic and foreign travelers every winter. Vail offers roughly 28% of slopes for beginners, 32% for moderate to intermediate skiers, and 40% slopes for expert/advanced skiers.

With an average of 346 inches of snow every winter and almost 300 days of sunshine, Vail is understandably one of the most sought after ski destinations in the world. Seven 'bowls' offer superlative sky opportunities to suit every aptitude level for skiers, but also offers a wealth of other entertainments as well.

Names like Simba, Blue Sky Basin and Rogers Run offer adventures and amazement to Vail first timers and veterans alike. Beginners at Vail should try the green trails on Golden Peak and shorter runs under Sourdough Lift. Obtain a trail map and stick to your skill level. Vail is unusual that one of its beginner runs is located on the top of the mountain. From the Eagle Bahn Gondola, beginners can learn the ropes and enjoy a fantastic view at the same time. There are also learning areas in the Golden Peak base area at Adventure Ridge.

For moderate skiers, endless trails offer multiple opportunities to increase your burgeoning skills. The Northwoods and neighboring runs end in Game Creek Bowl. To be specific, try LionsHead, which alternates between steeper and easier stretches. Simba run also caters to intermediates, as is Born Free, though both tend to get a little crowded at the end of the day as everyone heads down off the mountain, so you may want to complete these runs earlier in the day.

Advanced and expert skiers can enjoy slopes with such names as Genghis Kahn and the Blue Ox. You'll have to work a little harder to navigate the advanced slopes, and stay aware of your position at all times. While the majority of advanced slopes are just that, they're not dangerous unless you're being careless. Waist high moguls can be found at Highline. The best skiers prefer Prima-Pronto, as it's the ultimate endurance test. Snow conditions determine whether or not other advanced, black-diamond runs are open.

Veteran skiers shouldn't leave Vail without trying out the Black Bowls. Providing prime sky area of over six miles, skiers have a choice among almost 3,000 acres to pass their day. Blue Sky Basin offers the best in backcountry skiing on the northern face of the mountain.

After an exhausting, exhilarating day skiing to your heart's content and filled your belly with gourmet or rustic dining, hit the sack at any of a number of lodgings offered in Vail.

Be advised that prices drop from 25%-40% just before Christmas, and then in early January and then again in April, just before the season ends. Early season packages for 4 days of skiing and 4 nights lodging from the third week of November to the second week in December can range from about $300 per person.

Some luxurious options, priced at $1,100+ a night, include The Lodge at Vail, a historic building around which the remainder of the city was built, is located at the base of Vail Mountain. Old world charm meets Rocky Mountain beauty in this place. You might also want to consider the Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa, or the Vail Cascade Resort &

Spa. The Courtyard Room Main Lodge of the Vail Cascade Resort & Spa is offering rooms with a 4-night occupancy starting from $926 on January 7, 2007.

Landmark Tower offers two bedroom/2 bath lodgings for 5-night occupancy from $1330 starting February 25^th, 2007.

More moderately priced lodgings, $80-140, can be found at Vailglo Lodge and Antlers, or the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites - Apex Vail. Each of these offers very reasonable room rates.

Vail is a must-visit destination for any skier, domestic or foreign, with vistas, scenery and powder that can't be beat anywhere else in the United States.