Vail Travel Essentials: Getting Here, Parking, Activities and Where to Stay
By Patrick W. Davis, Director of Sales & Marketing
Vail is a year-round Colorado mountain destination with two distinct seasons. Winter centers on skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and village dining. Summer brings hiking, biking, gardens, outdoor concerts and long evenings in the village.
Manor Vail Lodge is a luxury condominium lodge at the base of Golden Peak, steps from the Riva Bahn Express lift at Chair 6 and a five minute walk to Vail Village. The lodge has 90 condominium residences, each with a full kitchen, a gas fireplace, a private patio or balcony with a gas grill and a private ski locker.
Getting to Vail
Guests typically arrive through Eagle County Regional Airport or Denver International Airport.
Eagle County Regional Airport is about a 40 minute drive from the lodge. Check flyege.com for the current flight schedule.
Denver is about 100 miles east. The drive along I-70 takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Mountain weather and holiday traffic can lengthen any transfer, so allow extra time and confirm road conditions before you leave the airport. Guest Services can help arrange transportation, and a complimentary in-town shuttle is available once you arrive.
Altitude affects every traveler differently. Keep your first afternoon unhurried, drink plenty of water and pack layers for changing weather.
Parking in Vail
Parking at Manor Vail Lodge is available for a nightly fee that varies by season. Confirm the current rate when you book.
If you plan to ski or ride, check vail.com for current public parking information. Rates, availability and rules can change by date and by event.
A Golden Peak stay can reduce daily driving. The lift, the village and the in-town shuttle are all close to the lodge.
Mountain Conditions and Lift Status
Conditions change through the day. Before you head out, check the official snow and weather report and the lift and terrain status on vail.com. Check again if wind, snowfall or visibility shifts.
Build a flexible plan. If a lift opens later than expected, use the time for breakfast, lessons, rentals or a walk through Vail Village. Follow mountain signage and ski patrol guidance at all times.
Where to Stay in Vail
Start with how your group spends a day. Families and multigenerational groups often value separate bedrooms, a full kitchen and shared living space. Couples often value a comfortable setting close to dining.
Compare these points before you book:
- Bedrooms, bathrooms and bedding for your group
- Kitchen and dining space for flexible meals
- Access to the lift and to Vail Village
- Pools, hot tubs, fitness and spa access
- Parking and transportation
Studios and One-Bedroom Residences: Suited to Couples and Small Families
Studios and one-bedroom residences are about 700 square feet and sleep up to four. Each has a full kitchen and a private balcony or patio.
Two- and Three-Bedroom Residences: Suited to Families and Shared Trips
Two- and three-bedroom residences are about 1,400 square feet, include three bathrooms and sleep up to eight. Separate bedrooms and a shared living area suit families, two couples traveling together and friends gathering for a festival or ski week.
Children under 12 stay free using existing bedding.
Penthouses 454 and 470: Suited to Multigenerational Groups
Penthouse 454 offers three bedrooms plus a den and 3.5 baths, with private elevator access and a deck with a fireplace and grill. Penthouse 454 has its own outdoor jacuzzi and is open year-round.
Penthouse 470 offers four bedrooms plus a loft and 4.5 baths, and sleeps up to ten. It is seasonal and usually not open in summer, so confirm availability for your dates.
Review all residence types on the accommodations page.
Location at Golden Peak
The lodge is steps from the Riva Bahn Express lift at Chair 6. It is not ski-in/ski-out. Complimentary ski valet at Chair 6 is provided by Vail Sports.
The Vail Ski and Snowboard School Golden Peak campus is a very short walk across the street.
Golden Peak places you steps from the lift and a five minute walk from Vail Village, with Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater close by. Read more about where to stay near Golden Peak.
Amenities for the Whole Stay
- Two heated outdoor pools and four shared heated hot tubs, open year-round
- A fitness facility and BioMed Spa Vail on property
- A daily hot breakfast buffet included for registered guests
- A guest laundry room on property, where fees apply
- A complimentary in-town shuttle
- Ridge + River Mountainside Kitchen and The Fitz: Elevated Bar + Bites on property
Confirm current days, hours and reservations for both restaurants when you book.
A resort service fee applies in addition to the room rate. Confirm the current resort service fee and inclusions when you book.
ADA accessible rooms are available. Call the front desk at 970.476.5000 to confirm your needs.
Winter in Vail
Skiing and snowboarding shape winter itineraries. Lessons, snowshoeing, a Nordic outing, ice skating, spa time and village dining give mixed groups plenty to enjoy.
Reserve lessons, rentals and dinner early for holidays and busy weekends. Plan recovery time each day: a long lunch, a soak in a heated hot tub or a village walk makes a multi-day ski trip more comfortable.
Explore more ideas in Things to Do in Vail.
Summer in Vail
Summer in Vail is built around the outdoors. Hiking, biking, garden visits, village dining and evening concerts are popular summer outings.
Start outdoor plans early, because afternoon weather can change quickly at elevation. Pack layers, sun protection and a reusable water bottle.
Festival evenings pair well with a daytime outing. Planning around the music season? See the Bravo! Vail Music Festival guide. Event schedules change each year, so check the current calendar before you book.
A Summer Day With Children
A simple rhythm keeps family days relaxed:
- Morning: a short hike or a visit to Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, while energy and temperatures are right
- Midday: lunch in Vail Village
- Afternoon: pool time at one of the two heated outdoor pools
- Evening: an early dinner in Vail Village, or an outdoor performance at the Ford Amphitheater
Keep the plan flexible. If weather moves in, shift to a village walk or an indoor break.
Plan Your Stay
Choose your dates, then match the residence to your group. Book early for holiday weeks and summer festival weekends. Availability and rates depend on your dates, so confirm both when you book.
Check availability for your dates at manorvail.com.
