Plan the Perfect Colorado Getaway with 4 Days in Vail

4 day Itinerary Vail

Like Nothing On Earth: Four Perfect Days In Vail

Posted September 09, 2021
Skiing in the Back Bowls in Vail, CO.

Plan an unforgettable four day trip to Colorado filled with powdery slopes, breathtaking mountain vistas, and cozy alpine charm in Vail, Colorado. Four days at Vail gives you ample time to explore the resort and experience great skiing on the mountain. Make the most of your vacation to Colorado with our 4-day itinerary to Vail for an epic skiing adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime . From pristine runs to après-ski delights, discover how to spend your days to maximize your winter escape in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains.

Day One: 

Priority #1 after you get checked in is get on the mountain! Vail boasts 5,317 skiable acres, which you surely didn’t fully explore on your last visit. Take advantage of a private ski guide to discover parts of the mountain you’ve never seen. Our world-renowned pros will tailor their instruction to your skill and style. Are you searching for mostly moguls? Do you want to immerse yourself in our beautiful Back Bowls? Now is your chance to learn the mountain like a local. 

Reserve your ski guide now

Take your après scene to the next level by visiting one of Vail’s many outstanding watering holes, such as the 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company, Vail’s premier distillery. Its namesake honors the 10th Mountain Division, which trained for alpine combat at Camp Hale just south of the valley. You can pick your poison, as the distillery serves up vodka, whiskey, bourbon, moonshine and cordials, all crafted from locally sourced ingredients. 

Explore 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co. 

There are countless dining options near the distillery, from local pizza to pubs and fine dining. You can waltz over to Mountain Standard for dinner, located mere feet away from the distillery. Mountain Standard is quickly turning into a local favorite, coming from the same creators of the legendary Sweet Basil Restaurant. Mountain Standard prepares most of its menu over an open wood fire – the only restaurant in the valley to celebrate this age-old way of cooking. The creek-side restaurant’s innovative pub-style fare includes a raw bar with oysters, local draft beer and aptly named “creative sauce” cocktails. 

Make a reservation for Mountain Standard 

Day Two: 

After a morning of skiing, enjoy lunch with incredible views at Bistro Fourteen, right near Adventure Ridge. Named for it’s spectacular view of 14,000-foot Mount of the Holy Cross, it offers sit-down dining fit for the entire family.  When you’re done, you’ll be right at the gate to Game Creek Bowl, filled with skiing for the entire family. 

Drop your skis at your hotel and head over to Los Amigos for one of the liveliest après scenes Vail offers. But get there early – it is usually packed by 4pm, and for good reason. Los Amigos has one of the best margaritas in town and is located at the base of Gondola One with beautiful views. 

Explore Los Amigos’ après scene  

Post-après, take a culinary trip to Austria at Pepi’s, a Vail staple serving authentic Austrian fare. Pepi’s has been open since 1962, when owners Pepi and Sheika moved to Vail from Austria. Pepi was a member of the Austrian “Super” Ski Team from 1955-1960 and also operates PepiSports, located on their hotel’s property. The restaurant serves Austrian favorites such as Wienerschnitzel, Spaetzle and Bratwurst, along with Colorado-inspired dishes like the rack of lamb. 

Reserve a table at Pepi’s 

Downtown buildings at Vail

Day Three: 

After two full days on the slopes, take a break and stroll around Vail Village for a wide range of top-notch retail and dining options. Vail’s heated cobblestone streets and alpine-inspired architecture will welcome you with open arms. Gorsuch is a favorite of locals and visitors alike, selling everything from European ski gear to chalet-inspired gifts for your home. Vail also boasts numerous galleries with one-of-a-kind art and jewelry. The Golden Bear designs fine jewelry and accessories, and its exclusive bear design is known as The Symbol of Vail Valley. 

Explore the shopping at Vail Village.

Stay in Vail Village for lunch at Larkspur Restaurant, located at the base of Golden Peak. Larkspur is a great après and dining spot, and you may be lucky enough to see a celebrity or two while you’re there. Pro tip: if they have it, order the tomato soup. Larkspur creates one delicious, massive batch from Colorado tomatoes early in the season, serving that same batch until it runs out (usually in March or April). 

Book your next meal at Larkspur 

Take relaxation to the next level by visiting the RockResorts Spa at The Arrabelle. The 10,000 square foot spa provides stunning views of the mountains while you relax and rejuvenate with alpine-inspired treatments that incorporate natural ingredients and aromas indigenous to the area, like mountain juniper and white pine. RockResorts Spa offers facials, massages, hand and foot pampering, and endless therapies to fit your needs. 

Book your spa treatment at RockResorts Spa at The Arrabelle 

Make your way to Tavern on the Square. Tavern offers live music nightly, serving hearty fare and signature drinks such as the Bacon Bloody Mary. You can also explore one of the countless delectable options nearby. Sweet Basil has been a Vail favorite for more than 35 years, serving contemporary American cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences. Locals know to head to Lancelot for a slice of slow-roasted Prime Rib! 

Explore dining options near The Arrabelle 

Day Four: 

Time to get back on the slopes for your last day in Vail! If your head is still spinning with how big the mountain is, stop by the Legacy Hut to check out joining one of our free mountain tours.  We offer tours of the Back Bowls, Legacy Tours, Women’s Tours and more.  If you are feeling more confident, try and see if you can ski all of our Seven Legendary Back Bowls, Pete’s Bowl, Earl’s Bowl, and Game Creek Bowl all in one day.  Cap off the perfect afternoon with a glass of wine at Express Lift at the base of Gondola One. 

Explore women’s events and lessons at Vail  

On your last night in Vail, make your way to Game Creek Restaurant. Accessible only by snowcat in the winter, Game Creek is a true gem of Vail. The European chalet-style restaurant is nestled just below Eagle’s Nest and above the Game Creek chair lift, with magnificent views of the Game Creek Bowl – it’s the perfect way to celebrate your last day in Vail. It serves up five-star American cuisine and offers a prix fixe menu for the whole family, including a 3-course children’s menu. Delight in a variety of mouth-watering dishes, from Lamb to Hamachi and King Crab Chowder. Top off your enchanting dinner with a Pot de Crème or Beignets. 

Make your reservations for Game Creek Restaurant 

You may have experienced Vail before, but with these recommendations for the perfect 4 days, you’ll experience even more of our truly unique offerings that keep drawing our guests back. Join us here once again to explore and discover even more of what makes Vail like nothing on earth.


Start Planning with the Right Hotel: 

To make the perfect four days a reality, you have to start with the Vail hotel that’s right for you! Whether you choose ski in ski out options like the iconic Lodge at Vail steps away from Gondola One, or the luxurious Arrabelle located near Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead, or one of the myriad of townhomes and chalets, you can’t go wrong! Each one has their own niche and offers beautiful views and convenient locations. When deciding your vacation lodging, be sure to check out all our vacation packages at Vail.