Mountains Of Summer Fun

When my fellow New Yorkers find out that I grew up in Colorado,
invariably the first question they ask is, “Did you ski?” And, yes, I did (some),
but my happy little secret is that I much prefer the mountains in the
summertime. Clear blue skies, emerald green peaks and brilliant starry nights
make the mountains a natural antidote to the sweltering city. Lower
accommodation prices than peak ski season doesn’t hurt either. —

I recently spent a gorgeous July weekend in Vail, Colorado
and came away more convinced than ever that folks who want to escape summer in
the city should skip the sweaty beach trips and head to the mountains instead.
For families, Vail is the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway. Need more
convincing? Check out my complete list of the Top Ten Things to do in Vail
in the summer:

10) Take a breath of fresh air. When the mercury is
hovering near 100 degrees in muggy New York,
and the smell of rotting garbage is perfuming the air, a sunny, 75-degree day
under gorgeous, crystal-clear skies really can’t be beat.

9) Ditch the car. Whether you fly directly into Denver
International Airport
(2 hours away) or into Eagle (a mere 25 minutes away), skip the car rental
lines and take a Colorado Mountain Express shuttle to Vail. Once you’re in
town, a car will only be a liability. Instead of wasting any time searching for
parking, walk along Gore Creek, take a ride on a free Vail village shuttle, or
rent bikes for a more personal experience of the town. If you choose to stay at
the Lodge at Vail, Austria
Haus, or the Arrabelle, one of the resorts’ Cadillac Escalades will happily
chauffeur your party anywhere you want to go in town.

8) Sleep well—on any budget. From the charming,
centrally-located Austria Haus ($139 a night) to the penthouse suite in the
Lodge at Vail ($469 a night), offering a “nanny suite” approximately the size
of my Brooklyn apartment, there’s something for
everyone. (Get a jump on the penthouse while you can… in winter, the price
jumps to $1,199 a night.) For catching some Zs somewhere in between, try a
standard room at the Lodge ($179 a night) or one at the Arrabelle ($199 a
night) in the picturesque Lionshead section of Vail, right at the base of the
mountain.

7) Ride the rapids. For a great introduction to the
region, go whitewater rafting. Gear up in a wetsuit and helmet and paddle down
the Eagle River
with a friendly, knowledgeable guide from Sage Outdoor Adventures. The guides
will customize a trip for you based on your children’s ages (3 and up), your family’s
experience level and zest for adventure. You’ll see beautiful rock formations,
get soaking wet and feel worlds away from the big city. Best of all you’ll have
instant, outdoorsy Colorado cred.

6) Get Rocky Mountain high.
Take the Lionshead gondola up the mountain for beyond-stellar views of the Gore
range. While you might not be able pry your eyes away from gorgeous green and
purple peaks your kids will be clamoring to go horseback riding, jumping on the
bungee trampoline or mountain biking. A nature center offers short,
family-friendly hikes.

5) Explore the region. Tony Beaver Creek,
family-friendly Glenwood Springs, and fabulous Aspen
are just a hop, skip and a jump away. Adding a few days onto your trip to see
some fabulous neighboring towns is never a bad idea.

4) Eat at Farmer’s Market. Make sure you’re in town
on a summer Sunday when Vail becomes a gourmet’s paradise hosting Colorado’s
largest farmer’s market and art show. Sample itinerary: Buy succulent peaches.
Snack. Buy sweet local cherries. Snack. Purchase homemade cookies. Snack. Don’t
forget to browse the stands selling art, jewelry, toys and clothes. Note: This
is a good way to work up an appetite for another snack.

3) Savor family togetherness. Whether your kids are
curious toddlers or “been there, done that” teens, there’s something for
everyone in Vail. The younger set will go ga-ga over the creative and sprawling
playground near the serene Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Older kids will beg you to
make reservations at the swanky new bowling alley/restaurant Bol or to take in
dinner and a movie at CineBistro.

2) Then lose the kids. Once you’ve savored enough
family togetherness, drop the kids off at a day camp organized by Vail
Recreation District. Kids ages 4-11 love Camp Eco Fun, while kids up to age 13
dig Extreme Camp Vail. While the little ones make friends and play in the great
outdoors, you’ll be free to shop, golf and indulge at the RockResorts spa at
the Arrabelle. If both Mom and Dad want to be pampered, sign up for a couples
massage. (Just don’t forget to pick up the kiddos from camp.)

1) Snap Away. Whether it’s shots of the jaw-dropping
vistas or your family’s smiling, happy faces, take lots of photos. You’ll want
to remember your Vail vacation for a long time.

For more information, visit vailresorts.com.