Where to Stay, Eat And Apres in Vail

With summer well and truly behind us, it’s time to embrace the cooler weather and start planning your next snow holiday.

Like most snow-enthusiasts, I have an extensive list of resorts that I'm slowing managing to work my way through; as quickly as my bank balance and 9-5 job will allow that is.

So naturally when news that Vail resorts had acquired Perisher hit my radar last year, my interest was well and truly piqued.

As a Sydney resident, Perisher is where I get my snow fix during Southern Hemisphere winter, but most seasons I struggled to justify the lump sum payment of a season pass. However the acquisition of Perisher by Vail resorts suddenly opened up access to all the resorts under the Vail banner: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Breckenridge, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Northstar and Park City.

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So after a solid local season under my belt, and keen to back out there I decided on a trip to Vail, and it's easy to see why Aussies are flocking there; the snow is incredible (and consistent), the locals are friendly and the facilities are second to none.

Here are a few recommendations to help you start planning your trip to Vail.

SKI TICKETS:

Depending on how many days you plan on skiing, a season pass will often work out more economical, and gives you much more flexibility (and as mentioned the new Epic pass will open up access to resorts across the US).

Head to either Snow.com or Perisher.com.au to purchase your ticket now.

June 13 is the last day to buy the Epic Australia Pass for $899.

WHERE TO STAY:

The Lodge at Vail offers luxury accommodation with that rustic alpine charm that makes a ski holiday different from any other. Nestled right at the foot of the mountain and just a stones throw from Gondola 1 and the centre of town.

After a tough day on the slopes, drop your gear off at the ski valet and head on over to The Lodge's cosy fire pit where you'll find complimentary s'mores on offer daily.

After that it's time to hit the hot tubs and sooth those weary muscles, or if that just won't cut it, then head to the The RockResorts Spa for more intense relaxation.

Visit The Lodge at Vail for more information.

WHERE TO EAT:

There are so many restaurants to choose from in Vail, however the best ones will book out so it pays to book in advance.

Mountain Standard:

Mountain Standard was the buzziest restaurant in town during our stay, and while so often I find I’m disappointed when places are over hyped, thankfully this place didn't.

From the friendly staff (did I mention it pays to book in advance; or otherwise make chums with the lovely gentleman who works on the front desk who managed to squeeze us in on a busy night!), to the modern American cuisine, this upmarket restaurant manages to maintain that relaxed and rustic feel. The bustling atmosphere and delicious food won't disappoint.

Located inside The Lodge in Vail Village, Elways has a great vibe, high quality food and an extensive wine list. They also have a fantastic cocktail selection, so make sure you head in a little early for Happy Hour in the bar before dinner.

Game Creek is a must-do for any visitor to Vail, not just for the delicious five-star cuisine, but as an experience to remember. A private members club by day, Game Creek Restaurant is a cosy European-style chalet serving high-quality modern American cuisine to the public by night. Located in the scenic Game Creek Bowl, the restaurant is only accessed via the Eagle Bahn Gondola before a snowcat ride up and across the mountain.

When it comes to on-show eats, 10th Mountain Restaurant is by far a stand-out. Not your typical on-snow cuisine, this is a fully functioning fine-dining restaurant, which makes for a welcome break from some of the fast-food that you become accustomed to at the snow. Located at the top of gondola one, means that if you end up indulging a little too much and don't feel like skiing down, you can always hitch a ride down the lift.

Other eats worth a mention:

Matsuhisa - the place to see and be seen in Vail.

What is a trip to the snow without a little fondue? The Swiss Chalet has a warm cosy charm, lovely staff and melted cheese- what more could you want?

Pepi's Restaurant & Bar located in the Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer, smack bang in the centre of Vail Village is a quaint, European-style restaurant and is the perfect place to grab a lunch and soak in the afternoon sun on their deck.

WHERE TO APRES:

Let's face it, the reason we love a skiing holiday so much is the après, and in Vail there's no shortage of bars to rehydrate and debrief on the day's action. Garfinkels in Lionshead has an awesome atmosphere and also serves up delicious, reasonably-priced pub food or if you want even more atmosphere, head to the The Red Lion in the heart of Vail village which has live music most days.

If a sophisticated tipple is more your après style, then you can't go past Root & Flower in Vail Village, offering a wide range of wines selected by their friendly sommelier, who is more than versed to help you pick your drop and answer your questions.

However if hard liquor is more your thing, then 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company is for you. Sit and the bar and try their selection of Whiskey, bourbon, vodka and moonshine, all locally crafted and sourced in the name of the mountain lifestyle. A word to the wise though, taste testing their moonshine is best done on a full stomach…

WHERE TO GET THE BEST COFFEE:

Like most Aussies one of the first things we like to do when we visit somewhere new is suss out the coffee sitch. We personally narrowed it down to two places.

Loaded Joe’s has a hipster vibe, keeping us Aussie’s caffeinated with quality flat whites or, for those with a sweeter tooth the snickers latte is a must-try! When you’re done with coffee for the day this place also turns into a buzzing nightspot with music pumping, light snacks and drinks flowing; so definitely worth a look in.

Yeti’s Grind is the other contender for the best brew in town; with a cosy atmosphere, friendly staff and looking out to the ice-skating rink, it’s the perfect place to sit and have a cuppa.

However if hot chocolate is more your thing, you can’t go past the signature hot chocolate Frost Bar in The Sebastian. A word of warning though, this is not your typical hot chocolate, for starters it will set you back around $22! However if watching the handmade gold-dusted sphere of milk chocolate with marshmallows and chocolate pearls become immersed in dark hot cocoa; which has been infused with cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, vanilla and cloves, turn into the most decadent of warm beverages doesn’t mesmerise you, then the taste will.