Holidays in Vail

The top 10 reasons to the holidays in Vail are special:

#10 Travel & Leisure says so.

Photo courtesy Tom Green, Vail Resorts

Photo courtesy Tom Green, Vail Resorts

# 9 Entertainment galore. Vail is known for not only its epic skiing, but also epic events and festivals. Many of these occur preceding, throughout and following the holidays. Mid December sees the return of Snow Daze with free concerts featuring bands such as 10,000 Maniacs. Holidaze returns this year on December 21 & 31 with the Vail Tree Lighting Ceremony,  Vail Lantern Walk and annual New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks. And, New Year Eve celebrations abound. Schedule doesn’t work to spend the holidays in Vail? Well there is plenty more to enjoy throughout the winter from the 2015 World Championships to one of my favorites, Spring Back to Vail.

#8 Fresh Rocky Mountain air. In Vail we embrace the winter. We don’t stay indoors, but rather get out and breathe it into our lungs whether alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing or just riding sleds down a hill.

Photo courtesy Jack Affleck, Vail Resorts

Photo courtesy Jack Affleck, Vail Resorts

#7 Winter mountain vistas. Whether you take in the views while heading up the chairlift or from a mountain top restaurant, you are sure to enjoy the majestic scenery of the Rocky Mountains during the winter. There’s not much that can compete with snow capped mountain views Vail has to offer, except maybe the luscious green Rocky Mountain views during the summer.

 

#6 Cozy fires. While we don’t spend the winter indoors we do enjoy curling up to a cozy fire in the fireplace. What is better than just getting to relax and curl up in front of the fireplace whether with friends or while just enjoying a good book or cup of hot coco? Every Antlers at Vail condo has a gas fireplace for guests to enjoy.

#5 Holiday lights. So, so many twinkling lights everywhere, and that stay on all winter.

Photo courtesy Jack Affleck, Vail Resorts

Photo courtesy Jack Affleck, Vail Resorts

#4 Mountain village ambiance. From walking over the wooden covered bridge and cobblestone streets while taking in amazing outdoor art or watching kids ice skate, it is a luxury to be able to be able to enjoy a vacation without needing to get into a car.

#3 Snow. So, we can’t promise that it will snow on Chanukah, Christmas, New Year’s or whatever occasion is special to you but it’s pretty darn likely AND we can promise that you can enjoy plenty of snow, and get to do any of the super fun activities that go along with it like skiing, sledding, tubing, snowshoeing, skating, riding in a horse-drawn sled, etc., etc. Vail is truly a winter wonderland and fantastic place to create holiday memories.

Winter wonderland view from Antlers at Vail condo 405.

Winter wonderland view from Antlers at Vail condo 405.

#2 Snow. I know I already said it, but it deserves at least two spots on this list. Not only does the snow provide a venue for fun activities that you can’t find in warmer climates, but it also adds an ambiance to the town. It is an experience to walk down the cobblestone streets lined with twinkling holiday lights with soft snowflakes falling.

#1 Making memories. Whether you chose to spend the holidays in Vail with your family, or a special loved one, you will have the opportunity to experience something new and special. We hope that you will consider the Antlers at Vail hotel for your Vail holiday visit and we will do our very best to make your vacation one to remember!

This list is the opinion of the Antlers marketing gal, Liana.

Dynamic Skiing at the Antlers Dec. 14-18

[2015 UPDATE! – December 13 – 17, 2015]

Ski Vail MountainWant to experience for yourself the joy and freedom of “dancing with the mountain” or “playing with gravity”? Shortly after ski season kicks off for Vail Mountain, Margaret McIntyre brings her highly successful program, Dynamic Skiing for Life, to the Antlers at Vail hotel. This program, now in its 22nd year, specifically teaches skiing movement awareness indoors, before going out on the slopes.

Margaret blends her extensive knowledge of skiing and ski teaching with The Feldenkrais Method® of sensory/motor re-education to give your body and mind ski specific awareness. This awareness turns into action by dramatically improving balance, control, symmetry, coordination and movement efficiency.

We are glad to have Margaret and her program back to the Antlers December 14 – 18, 2014 !

Vail Family-Friendly Winter Activities

Vail family-friendly winter activities

The Antlers at Vail hotel is the perfect home base for families coming to ski Vail or coming to enjoy all of the other exciting mountain activities in Vail.

The Antlers at Vail hotel is the perfect home base for families coming to ski Vail or coming to enjoy all of the other exciting mountain activities in Vail.

The Antlers at Vail hotel loves families! Our spacious studio to four-bedroom condominiums are perfect for families of all ages and sizes. And, we even have pet-friendly lodging for those who don’t want to leave that important member of the family at home. Our location is perfect for those looking for something to do instead of – or in addition to – skiing Vail. Here are our family-friendly top five ways to have winter fun outdoors – including stepping out in the snowshoes that we provide free for guests.

Make like Bigfoot: Those who’ve never tried snowshoes might worry about learning curve, but the sport really is as easy as strapping them on and walking outside and the Antlers recently added snowshoes to the many complimentary amenities the hotel provides for guests. We love catering to families, and snowshoes are an easy family-friendly activity – and a great spontaneous way to enjoy Vail’s snow and scenery. Vail golf course has good beginner trails – and snowshoe rentals for those not lucky enough to be staying at Antlers – or just stroll along the Gore Creek path right outside our door.

"Arches" by local artist Paul Wertin on display now at the Vail Triumph Winterfest

“Arches” by local artist Paul Wertin on display now at the Vail Triumph Winterfest

Frozen Arches: Travel through undulating walls sculpted from 36,000 pounds of ice by Vail artist Paul Wertin along the Gore Creek Promenade in Vail Village. Inspired by the work of Christo, Wertin’s “Arches” is illuminated by programmed LED lights, and is the second Art in Public Places ice sculpture installation of this year’s Triumph Winterfest – on display until the ice melts.

The New Home Movies: Capture winter outdoor adventures as they happen with a GoPro camera. Playing in the snow is just that much more fun with a video record to share with friends and family. To help guests remember Vail’s epic snow, the Antlers at Vail provides complimentary GoPro loaner cameras at the front desk – and might just post your first-person video debut on its Facebook page.

Tube Time: Nothing says hair-raising fun in the snow like flying down a mountain on an oversized inner tube. Adventure Ridge on Vail Mountain offers a multi-lane tubing hill with an easy-access surface lift for a quick ride back to the top. And the perfect for families tubing hill is only one of the winter activities at Adventure Ridge, which also include ski biking, kids’ snowmobiling, and a new winter zipline.

Fun tubing on Vail Mountain. Photo courtesy Vail Resorts, Bob Winslett

Fun tubing on Vail Mountain. Photo courtesy Vail Resorts, Bob Winslett

Holiday on Ice: Vail Valley has several facilities for ice skating – both indoors and out – with perhaps the most picturesque experience to be had at the outdoor oval Alderhof Rink in the heart of Lionshead’s Vail Square, just steps from the Antlers. Ice skate rentals are available at the rink, which is open daily from 1:00 – 8:30 p.m.

With a policy of “The answer is ‘yes,’ now what was the question?” the Antlers offers a famously personalized guest experience. Want a cappuccino machine in your suite awaiting your arrival? Need a babysitter for a parents’ night out without the kids? Want groceries delivered before your arrival or during your stay? Just ask.

Families of all ages appreciate the Antlers at Vail’s comfortable condominium suites. Full-service kitchens allow families to serve homemade meals – with additional amenities including gas-fired barbeque grills and a “lending library” of upscale appliances from that cappuccino machine to a breadmaker. Large families can reserve a spacious multi-room suite, while smaller families may want to take advantage of the Antlers’ cozy one-bedroom condominiums – with a separate bunkroom included at no additional charge.

Check out special rates on an Antlers’ stay – including the opportunity to book a spring night April 7 – June 15, 2014, for $99 with any night’s stay during ski season.

Dynamic Skiing for life seminar back at the Antlers for 2nd year

Dynamic Skiing for Life Program with Margaret McIntyre is coming back to the Antlers at Vail this December 15-19, 2013!

The Antlers at Vail will be hosting for a second year, a program that helps get the body ready for the ski season or any other activity. Margaret McIntyre owner of Integrated Movement has been practicing the Feldenkrais Method for over 30 years and is bringing her knowledge and skills back to the Vail Valley for a four day class. What is the Feldenkrais Method you ask? Great questions! According to Margaret, “The Feldenkrais Method® is not medicine, not chiropractic, not massage and not yoga; instead it is a powerful, innovative and effective learning system. You learn how to replace old redundant movement patterns with newer more useful ones. You will discover that you have the capacity to become more skillful and improve your quality of life as you mature and age.” Margaret lived and worked in the Vail Valley for 20 years, now based out of Maui (not too shabby of a relocation!) Margaret comes back to Vail once a year to continue teaching her seminars.  The Antlers is so pleased to have Margaret and her students back with us!

Margaret McIntyre

 

One for the Record Books: Ski Season Extended!

With two feet of new snow since closing day, and more than three feet over the past three days, Vail will reopen for skiing and snowboarding Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21.

With two feet of new snow since closing day, and more than three feet over the past three days, Vail will reopen for skiing and snowboarding Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21.

Today, two days after the ski season ended, Vail Resorts made an announcement that set social media abuzz–they are extending the ski season and reopening the mountain for one additional weekend! What a fantastic way to close out the 50th anniversary. With two feet of new snow since closing day, and more than three feet over the past three days, Vail will reopen for skiing and snowboarding Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21. Here are the details…


As of today, Vail plans to provide skiers and snowboarders access to more than 2,400 acres of terrain and the following lifts this weekend:

 

  • Gondola One
  • Avanti Express Lift (#2)
  • Wildwood Express Lift (# 3);
  • Mountaintop Express Lift (# 4);
  • High Noon Express Lift (#5);
  • Born Free Express Lift (#8)
  • Northwoods Express Lift (#11)
  • Eagle Bahn Gondola

Lifts will open at 9 a.m. There will be no beginner terrain available.

Skiing and snowboarding at Vail this weekend will be free for 2012-2013 season pass holders. Lift tickets will be available for purchase at the Lionshead Children’s Ski School office and at the ticket office in Mountain Plaza for $50. A special $25 ticket will be available for guests who hold season passes from non-Vail Resorts owned and operated resorts. Guests will have the opportunity to apply their weekend ticket purchase towards the purchase of a Vail Resorts 2013-2014 season pass.

Vail Ski & Snowboard School
The Vail Ski & Snowboard School will be open for private lessons only based out of Lionshead and Vail Village.

On-Mountain Dining
Dining will be available at Mid-Vail, Marketplace at Eagle’s Nest and Buffalo’s.

UPDATE: In honor of this 50th anniversary ski season extension the Antlers is offering an extended winter special of $139 per night for Studio, 1 Bedroom  or 1 Bedroom Bunk Condo (Valid 4/19 – 4/22).

Access to the Best of Vail

After a visit from the Easter Bunny, kids enjoy a hunt for eggs in Lionshead.

After a visit from the Easter Bunny, kids enjoy a hunt for eggs in Lionshead.

 

Today I am marking my two and a half week anniversary here at the Antlers at Vail with my second blog post. This is my first experience working in the lodging industry and while I have had the fortune to work with the Antlers as the official condo hotel of both the Bravo! Vail music festival and Vail Symposium, there has still been a lot for me to take in.

I feel very fortunate to be working here as a part of the Antlers family, and to get to experience to some extent what our owners and guests get to experience. My first week here our Grand Poobah (aka Rob) shared an informal SWOT analysis with me. The top item on the strengths list was “location”. But I don’t think that does it justice. It is really more like the very best access to all that Vail has to offer, and that is a lot.

The antlers-bedecked cruiser bikes are free for guests. A fun way to tour the village!

The antlers-bedecked cruiser bikes are free for guests. A fun way to tour the village!

 

Two weekends ago my family came into town for the Vail Rec District’s Easter egg hunt. We parked here at the Antlers, enjoyed the Easter activities and then stopped back in at the lobby to enjoy some conversation, coffee and hot chocolate for our daughter before heading home. Last weekend we took our daughter up skiing. Of course, everyone knows the convenient proximity of the Antlers to the gondola. Earlier this week I needed to run to the bank. Instead of getting in the car and driving, I grabbed one of the free antlers-bedecked cruiser bikes and enjoyed a refreshing ride through town. As a long-time Vail local, working here reminds me of all the reasons that I live here. I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to bringing my hiking boots in and enjoying some impromptu Vail hikes this summer!

Posted by: Liana, the new marketing gal

Its Starting To Look A Lot Like Christmas…..(Dec. 18-25)

The holidays in Vail can be a magical combination.  This year looks to be better than ever with Vail’s, week long,  Holidaze celebration.  The holiday activities include Snowman decorating, kids glow stick parties, and free concerts by Milkshake and Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could.  Got a sweet tooth?  I hope so, because Brownies and Candy Canes will be given away at the base areas all week.  All these fun, family activities, along with some great early season snow, promise to make Vail “the place to be” this holiday season.

These Are The Daze (Dec. 6-12)

It’s Vail… it’s Snowing…. and the Daze are growing shorter.  That must mean that Vail’s Snow Daze are nearly upon us.  This annual event kicks off December 6th and runs thru the 12th.  Activities include concerts, street and apres party’s,  and the return of the Dummy Demolition Derby.   A nice variety of top musical talent will bring sweet music to everyones ears.  Musical acts include Mix Master Mike(Dec. 9) at the Solaris, Dwight Yoakam(Dec. 10) in Vail Village, O.A.R.(Dec. 11) at Ford Park, and finally Weezer(Dec. 12th) at Ford Park.  The price is right too, as all of the shows are free.  So come out and help us celebrate the 2010/11 ski season in grand Vail style.  Check out the Vail Snow Daze website(www.vail.com\snowdaze) to get specific details and more info.

Midweek Visit to Vail Mountain

Since I had been feeling better  I took to the slopes February 2nd Tuesday morning. Wow, was I reminded of how great it is to be on Vail Mountain when there are no crowds! The Gondola, Game Creek, Chair 5, Chair 11 and Chair 4; no lines! It was heaven for those who have only hours before they have to work. My runs were in the glistening sun and as though I was all alone; it was one of my favorite days on the mountain. I hope your upcoming days here in Vail mirror my Tuesday morning and if you haven’t booked your accommodations here at the Antlers at Vail, well we’re here waiting 🙂

Going up Game Creek Express

Going up Game Creek Express

Taking in the sights on Lion's Way

Taking in the sights on Lion's Way

Happy, happy, happy

Happy, happy, happy

~ Aisha