Christmas in Vail (or thereabouts)

[Ski Spirit]

Colorado Divas (or anyone in the know)....since my husband and I will both have epic passes next year, I'm looking for every opportunity to ski out there. However, money is definitely not unlimited and I'm sure Xmas is high season. I may scrap this idea but my hubby has never been to Colorado to ski and he's overdue, not to mention that is one of the few times that we plan a definite SKI
VACATION (yippee!).

Any suggestions for Xmas condo rental shopping?? If we pull it off, we may not be able to stay in Vail...but if were possible to stay somewhere that doesn't require driving over the Vail pass, that would be better. We would like to ski any of the 5 resorts covered by the epic pass but would definitely spend some time at Vail.

Any suggestions for how to look for less expensive alternatives at that time of year would be very much appreciated!!!! Like Persee, I try to get things arranged sooner if I can.....

 

[Shellski]

Avon and Edwards are alternative places to stay, both a short drive from Vail, at the foot of Beaver Creek actually, which you shouldn't miss either. Go, Christmas in Vail is absolutely devine.

Local members will be able to give lots of advice, I will just give you encouragement!

 

[SkiNurse]

www.vrbo.com

Vacation Rentals By Owners are usually less expensive d/t the owners are managing their own condos and not using a company.

 

[Little Lightning]

Do you have to ski at Christmas?

Disadvantages, Vail will be more crowded without the blackout dates on the Epic pass.

Christmas is high season, therefore more expensive and crowded everywhere including Summit county.

Staying around Vail will mean driving over Vail pass to get to Keystone, Breck and A-Basin.

Snow conditions may not be as good as later in the season.

Yes, Vail and Breck are charming at Christmas as long as you're willing to put up with crowds and higher prices.

 

[pinto]

Renting in Vail during Christmas can be twice as expensive as other times (or more), depending on the property. It would be divine, though.

I'd look in East Vail ... better deals, and only a shuttle ride away. Plus, if you decide to go east, it's a little bit closer.

Can you go just before Christmas? It usually isn't that crowded until afterwards. I think it's on Thursday this year, which might make it a little more crowded during that week, but it's a thought.

 

[Native Vail Gal]

I would go at Christmas if you have the chance and money. It is so wonderful.

Forget the crowds....who cares! :D

It will be a little more expensive, but as Pinto & SkiNurse stated, going east and using VRBO will help a lot! Eagle is not too far! Minturn is another option.

I would also encourage you to call any hotel you may be considering and ask to speak to a manager. If you just ask, sometimes a discount can be had quite easily!

Driving Vail pass isn't as "HORRIFIC" as people paint a picture. Truly, it's not. It can close if there's a storm, but then you're stuck in Vail! :cheer: I'd, personally rather be snowed west of the pass rather than east of it....but that's just me!

 

[Robyn]

I concur. Once I deal with Eisenhower I really don't worry as much about Vail Pass. Take it easy if you need to but I've sen far more disasterous crashes and traffic from Copper east than I have from Copper west.

 

[Little Lightning]

How many days do you plan to ski Vail vs the other resorts? If you plan most of your days at Vail/Beaver Creek then staying at Vail, Edwards, or Avon makes sense.

Christmas means about a 20% increase in lodging. Vail is the most expensive, then I'm guessing Avon, Edwards, Breck, Frisco, Silverthorne, not necessarily in order. Avon, Edwards, Eagle and Minturn puts you farther away from the Summit County resorts (Keystone, Breck and A-Basin).

I'm also guessing that Vail will be more crowded this Christmas because the Epic Pass is sold outside of Colorado and has no blackout days allowing more skiers than normal to ski there at Christmas.

Your best bet is to start searching for lodging and decide which area will work for you.

When I was a tourist and used to ski at Christmas I enjoyed skiing all the resorts rather than spending a week at one. Vail is large enough that you can easily spend a week there but the others are nice too.

I agree with Pinto that you will get better rates if you can come a week or two before Christmas.

 

[Ski Spirit]

Thanks for all of the replies...surfacing from work again! All of your suggestions make sense. I know it would be easier/more practical to ski a different time...and a week or two before Xmas would be easier.
The issue is getting away/time off for Mr. Ski Spirit. He has yet to ski in Colorado (land of amazing snow) but maybe I can figure out a way to get him out there at another time. He's been to Jackson Hole multiple times and loves it.....but insists that the best time to go is late January. Probably true everywhere.....

 

[Native Vail Gal]

One thing....Mr. NVG and I have skied on Christmas Day for the past few years....NOT A SOUL ON THE MOUNTAIN!!!!! Perfect!

If you can find a pretty reasonable deal, I would go around there. Everyone is right, though....with the Epic pass, more people may be going when they couldn't before.

 

[mollmeister]

We've used these guys:

https://www.3vhomes.com/

Their properties in Minturn are very reasonable and well-managed, and easily walkable to the Minturn Mile, Minturn Saloon, Turntable, Chilly Willy's, etc.

Lion's Retreat is very new and clean and actually quite nice. I'd contact them soon if you want the holidays, though. We worked with a woman called Alice Faye.

 

[Ski Spirit]

Wow, thanks for all of the suggestions, particularly specific tips. I will follow up on pricing to see what can be worked out..East Vail may work.

I know it will be crowded....so is Tahoe...although we always ski on Xmas day too and it's usually better that day.

With the epic pass, it probably will be worse than usual..
at any rate, it comes down to where Mr. SS agrees to go. As long as we ski, I'm happy!

But many thanks again for all of the responses. I did get spoiled by CO snow when I was there several weeks ago.....!!!!