3 amazing mountains, all accessible on the one Epic Pass
With a Vail Resorts Epic Pass you can access 5 mountains in Colorado - Vail, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin. It's all too easy! This guide includes three of our favourites, and requires at least 7 nights but can easily be extended longer.
BRECKENRIDGE
Day 1
Arriving in Breckenridge is like taking a step back in time, you’ll find an authentic town with a rich mining history. Main Street is lined with buildings that have stood the test of time with many being over 100 years old. Add in friendly locals and some of the best skiing in Colorado and it’s easy to see why people visit Breckenridge and never leave.
Once you’ve settled into your accommodation take a stroll through Main Street and check out the lively dining scene, with over 80 restaurants to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice! We love Mi Casa’s for some of the best Mexican around. We’d also suggest paying a visit to The Goldpan Saloon, this bar dates back to 1879 and is the oldest in town.
Day 2
After breakfast it’s time to hit the slopes and see if Breckenridge Ski Resort lives up to its name (spoiler alert: it does). With 2908 acres to explore there is something for everyone here. The Peak T-bar is home to the steep stuff, or if you’re looking to progress into blue runs try Peak 7 & 8. Beginners are welcome here with a great ski school to help them progress.
After a big day on the slopes you’ve earned a soak in the hot tub and a massage. Most of the properties we sell have their own hot tub but if you’re looking to take it to the next level we recommend giving the Rejuvenation Centre in One Ski Hill Place a try. You can thank us later.
Day 3
Treat yourself to a hearty breakfast before heading back up the mountain. After a warm-up day it might be time to hunt for some secret powder stashes or give tree-skiing a go. Make sure you swing by the terrain park to see some seriously impressive stunts, Breckenridge boats one of the best parks in North America.
Finish up a little early and ski or snowboard down to the bottom of Peak 9 to Maggie Pond, one of our favourite après spots. The drinks will be flowing and live music playing; it’s hard not to love the atmosphere!
Head back to your accommodation and make the 45 minute trip to Vail. Settle in at your new home for the next couple of days and get ready to check out a brand new resort in the morning.
Other recommended activities in Breckenridge:
- Ice skating at the Stephen C. West Arena
- Silverthorne factory outlet – your next shopping fix is just 30 minutes outside of Breckenridge. You’ll find great discounts on well-known brands.
- Breckenridge Recreation Center - home to an indoor rock climbing wall, gym, pool and waterslide to name a few.
VAIL
Day 4
Wake up early to explore one of the largest ski resorts in the world, with over 5,200 acres of skiable terrain at your disposal. At the bottom of the slopes you’ll find a vibrant pedestrian village with dining and shopping options aplenty. We recommend basing yourself in either Vail Village or Lionshead Village if you want to be close to all the action.
The front face of Vail makes up about a third of the total acreage, offering terrain for every level. If you’re advanced and looking to test yourself head to the back bowl where there are no designated trails, anything is fair game!
In the afternoon, head down to The Red Lion in Vail Village for a well-deserved drink and a bowl of nachos. This bar & restaurant is always buzzing making it the perfect après hangout. If you’re staying in Lionshead we recommend giving Tavern On the Square a try.
Day 5
Take the morning off to explore the village; Vail has over 187 shops and boutiques so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Head back up the mountain for the rest of the day, if you’re looking to progress why not book into a group or private lesson to help you iron out your technique.
In the evening, test out the food scene in Vail. Some of our favourites as Russell’s for top notch steak and La Bottega for excellent Italian with well paired wines. We recommend booking in advance to guarantee you get a table.
BEAVER CREEK
Day 6
Take a day trip to Beaver Creek, located only 25 minutes’ drive from Vail. This luxury resort offers unrivalled levels of service and awesome terrain to boot! Don’t be surprised to be served a hot chocolate in the lift line or given cookies at the end of the day, it’s all part of what makes Beaver Creek such a stand out destination.
With immaculately groomed slopes (sometimes twice a day) and challenging tree-skiing there is enough to keep anyone entertained! Test out the on mountain dining options for lunch, we love Beanos if you want the full fine dining experience.
VAIL
Day 7
After a filling breakfast at your accommodation, get back out on the mountain for another day of skiing or snowboarding. Stop for lunch on the mountain at Two Elk Lodge, if it’s a sunny day get there early to grab a spot on the sundeck overlooking the back bowls. It’s the perfect spot for an envy inducing holiday snap!
Finish your holiday off in style at one of Vail’s fine dining restaurants. For a full breakdown on the best places to eat take a look at the Vail Dining Guide.
Day 8
It’s departure day, until next time!
Other recommended activities in Vail & Beaver Creek:
- Beaver Creek Ice Skating Rink
- Adventure Ridge in Vail – offers tubing, snowmobiling and ski bikes
