Places

Spring Break: Tips for Vail

Don’t Miss:

Blue Sky Basin Overlook:

If you are looking to take in the views that the Vail Valley has to offer, there is no better place than Blue Sky Basin. At the very far end of Vail at the top of Skyline Express (#37) there is a magical area known as Blue Sky Basin with steep trees, cliff drops, and a famous cornice known as Lovers Leap. Aside from the amazing skiing in this area of vail, they have grills that run throughout the ski season at Belles Camp if you are looking to cut some costs on food, or just looking to have a grill session at 11,480 feet.

top-of-headwall

Garfinkel’s:

A quintessential part of Lionshead Village on the west end of Vail lies Garfinkel’s Sports Bar. With an amazing patio and food that does not disappoint, Garf’s is definitely a key mid-afternoon stopping point when the sun is shining, or a great Après option to end a day of legendary skiing at Vail. Be sure to stop inside and check out the legends who have made the stop at Garf’s on the back wall behind the bar.

orient-express

Hairbag Alley:

For the more adventurous skiers and riders take a dive into Hairbag Alley, named for the longhaired ‘hairbag’ skiers that frequented this area in the 1970s. This gully that runs alongside Flapjack can be accessed from either the Northwoods Lift (#11) or the Sourdough Express (#14). Be sure you’re ready for this one, because it’s a long hike out if you don’t like the tight turns and unsuspecting trees that grace this run.

vail-secret-stash

The Red Lion Inn:

Get here early if you want to secure a seat at this famous bar and après destination. At the top of Bridge Street just before Gondola One (which is complete with Wi-Fi and heated seats), this bar has been pouring pints since 1963 and has been a post-ski meeting spot for over 50 years. These days the live music scene is always kicking, and when the weather is right, their front patio puts you right in the heart of Vail Village.

Minturn Mile:

Disclaimer- no lift access back to Vail, suggest parking a car in Minturn or rely on hitch-hiking back to Vail. Another adventurous option is to take on the Minturn Mile, a backcountry trail that is actually a little over 3 miles leads you down to Minturn, Co. To access this trail, start out at the top of Game Creek Bowl and follow Lost Boy Trail staying left until getting to Ptarmigan Ridge and heading up the short hike the top. Once at the top head out of the backcountry gates on Ptarmigan Ridge this route follows a drainage down the side of Game Creek Bowl and turns into an old jeep road/hunting trail that gets narrow at points. Follow this trail all the way down to Minturn, where you need to park a car or take the hike across the railroad tracks to the Minturn Saloon. The Minturn Saloon opens at 3:30PM during the winter, so plan accordingly and enjoy some margaritas to end this backcountry adventure.

top-of-northwoods

 

Comments

Similar Posts