Our everyday, family lives are filled with early mornings, conference calls, late-night homework; sometimes we just need to get away from it all.  We need fresh air, wide open spaces, and some spectacular scenery to help us rejuvenate.  There’s nothing better than traveling with your family and making memories that will last a lifetime. And there’s no better place to do that than Vail! When it comes to family-friendly mountain getaways, put Vail at the top of your list.

You and your kids will be able to enjoy precious quality time together, whether you’re skiing down the mountain or strolling through the quaint villages filled with world-class restaurants, shops, and fun activities for all.

I remember the joy I felt when I witnessed my children learning to ski for the first time.  Vail’s seasoned ski instructors were dedicated to helping my family with all of our skiing desires.  My kids were excited but very nervous when it came time to learn how to ski.  Luckily, at the Vail Ski & Snowboard School, you have the choice of putting your child in a class with other children or private lessons.  In our case, private lessons were the perfect way for my children to feel extremely comfortable in this new learning environment.  The fun and independence they gained from learning their way around the mountain was priceless.  It is these types of memories that I so cherish, and ultimately, the reason why we return to Vail for family vacations.

If you don’t want to be separated from your children for too long, don’t worry! Private family lessons are offered as well, and these lessons are a great way to share the Vail experience together. You’ll have an instructor who will guide you around the mountain, help you work on your ski or snowboard skills, and offer access to dedicated lift-lines to make the most of your day. Nothing will bring a family closer together than a day of quality time, fun, and exploration!

Picking the right hotel for your family vacation is so important. You want somewhere spacious yet cozy, and special amenities that will make you feel like you’re at a home away from home. The Arrabelle at Vail Square is well known for their complimentary gourmet hot chocolate in the afternoon. For those kids (and adults!) with an insatiable sweet tooth, gourmet hot chocolate includes an array of toppings like whip cream, chocolate chips, toffee, and a great selection of cookies. If you’re traveling in big numbers, The Ritz-Carlton Residences will be perfect. It has the perks of a hotel, but the comforts of home with its spacious residences and common areas like their year-round pool and teen room.

A family trip to Vail wouldn’t be complete without visiting two picturesque villages: and Vail Village.  Both are perfect for a family stroll through the cobbled streets. Despite the snow, it is easy to walk around thanks to amazing snowblowers which keep the streets clear. I should buy my East-coast family one’s like these! The first place the kids will probably want to stop at is the ice-skating rink located in Vail Square.  This timeless activity will definitely bring the family together, especially if you need someone to hold onto!

After a nice stroll and some lunch, head to Adventure Ridge where you can bike on snow, catch big air off a trampoline, fly through the forest on the Forest Flyer, an alpine coaster, or ride the Adventure Skyway.  Here you don’t have to be a kid to grab a tube and glide down Vail Mountain for an unlimited amount of times. For my family, not only were these activities incredibly fun, they were also a great bonding experience.  Our kids enjoy us letting loose and having fun just as much as we enjoy seeing them have the time of their lives!

After spending an afternoon tubing, you will surely work up an appetite.  Bol Vail offers a unique dining and family entertainment experience, with a full-service dining room, sixty-foot bar, and ten lanes of bowling glory! My son in particular really loved Bol’s sleek and modern design, and wanted to plan a gathering here with seven of his friends. This is the type of place where they encourage everyone to try many different plates, offering smaller portions to be shared as well as individual entrees. In other words, you’re eating family-style!  Him and his friends really loved the fact that you don’t have to sit at the bar or tables to eat because they also serve their full menu in the bowling lanes!  They enjoyed hours of fun at Bol and I know it’ll be the first place my son asks to go next time we’re in town.

Spending time as a family is the best part of any vacation and there are countless opportunities to do just that in Vail!

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