Vail Recommendations?

So, I'm going to Vail in the middle of February with some friends and am hoping to gather some recommendations.

What restaurants/bars are good?

What about a nice, more upscale restaurant?

Snowmobile rentals possibly? (Faster the better)

Anything else anyone would like to recommend is much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Texas,

So much to cover in the Village on Bridge Street alone...

LOTS of choices. For Apres, Red Lion and Pepi's are musts. Los Amigos if the weather is good and you want to watch the slide for life on Pepi's face. The Sonnenalp's Bully Ranch has great Mudslides. Alpenrose for a good Brat and Beer special. High end ($$$$) restaurants include Sweet Basil, Left Bank, La Tour, Flame (Four Seasons), Ludwig's (Sonnenalp), Wildflower (The Lodge), Block 16 (Sebastian Hotel), and Kelly Liken (off the beaten path, but definitely worthy). Larkspur at Golden Peak also should be on that list. Lesser-expensives include Russell's and Lancelot (very strong on Prime Ribs, both) and Up the Creek . Locals tend to go to Russell's, Blu's and the Marketplace Tavern. Now, you also have the opportunity to try Bol, the new bowling alley at the Solaris. Bowling's about $100 a lane/hour. Can have up to 6 bowling at a time. MAKE A RESERVATION. If you like Sushi, the newcomer is Yama. If you want the best, try Osaki's.

If you're venturing to Lionshead, more choices. Great fish at Montauk. Arrabelle is owned by Vail Resorts, and it's more corporate (Chop House and Centre V).

Here's the dining guide...http://www.vailvalleydiningguide.com/

Can't recall who we've used for sled rentals in the past, but they're usually pretty controlled (lead sled sets the pace and no passing), so it's not as exciting as it sounds. However, it's been a LONG time since I've done a rental. See if you can't go up to Piney Lake on the sled tour. They serve lunch. Nice, 12-mile (IIRC) tour in.

If you have specific questions...ask.

CW

 

Thank you for your response. So much information. I appreciate it!!!

Bummer about the snowmobile rentals. If we decide to, we may have to go where we went a few years ago. It was pretty much free-reign for 3 or 4 hours.

I'm forwarding this to my friends. Thanks!

 

Dude, Vail is "upscale" between the two City Limits signs.......I doubt mere Texans can AFFORD the top tier places!!!!

I think they have outlawed us, via Zoning or something....

 

LMAO! That's what I told my friends, but they said **** them we're gonna run that town.

 

TX and CO have always had a strained relationship. Witness the great TX-CO Tomato War in Aspen each year (although, I think that may have been wound down).

However, Vail was at some level backed by Texas oil. The Bass Brothers and the Hunts have several homes in the right locations. And, so does Ross Perot (and son). As well as a few others. Just try to blend in with the AMERICANS and you'll be welcomed by the locals.

The bigger problem these days is the MEX Pesos that come North on private planes. F'in aholes. A-HOLES. Seriously self-centered, rude, loud and obnoxious. I know this sounds borderline racist, but it's g'damned true. Those folks think they OWN the town. Last year, I overheard some 10-year-old kid telling a bartender that if he didn't serve him, his Father was a drug kingpin and would come back and kill the bartender. Nice manners, son...

CW

 

Fine dining in-town I would go to Restaurant Kelly Liken or Larkspur. Splendido in Beaver Creek is a great place as well and definitely worth the 10 minute drive.

Apres ski and bars/clubs you should go to bridge street. Also check out Bol, this is next to the ice skating rink - outside of the Solaris building next to the parking garage.

 

If you want to add BC into the mix, Mirabelle is also excellent. +1 on Splendido.

CW

 

Thanks guys!

As far as CO-TX relationships....never had a problem last time we went.

 

Almost forgot...

If you want to dine on the mountain, have a look at both Game Creek Club (Vail) and Beano's (BC). You ride up to the restaurant by gondola and cat or by cat-drawn sled. Both are great.

CW