Where to Stay in Vail for a Family Ski Trip

By Patrick W. Davis, Director of Sales & Marketing

Stay Where Ski School Begins

For a family ski trip, stay close to ski school. Manor Vail Lodge sits at the Golden Peak base, and the Vail Ski and Snowboard School's campus is just across the street. Vail's own beginner guide describes Golden Peak as the primary beginner learning area and Ski and Ride School hub, at the eastern edge of Vail Village.

A group of children dressed in winter gear and helmets receiving ski instruction.

At a Glance

Ski school: just across the street
Lift: steps from the Riva Bahn Express Lift at Golden Peak, with complimentary ski valet
Vail Village: a five-minute walk
Residences: full kitchen, gas fireplace and private balcony or patio

How Children's Ski School Works

Vail publishes the schedule for children's programs on its know-before-you-go page. Half-day lessons for ages 3 to 4 run from 9:30 a.m. to noon, full-day lessons for ages 3 to 6 run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and full-day lessons for ages 7 to 15 run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lunch is included with full-day child group lessons. Confirm current-season times with the school.

A few practical notes from Vail's guidance: guests should arrive at least 15 minutes before the lesson to check in, children must be potty-trained to take part, and helmets are required for everyone in child lessons. Vail's Golden Peak Children's Center Lobby is across the upper parking lot from the main Golden Peak Lodge.

Three children in ski helmets and goggles smiling on a snowy slope.

Rental Gear and Lesson Timing

Manor Vail Lodge partners with Vail Sports, which operates a ski shop at Golden Peak. Vail Sports lists its Golden Peak store at 458 Vail Valley Drive. Vail advises that if you are picking up rental gear, you should arrive 60 minutes before your lesson's start time. Confirm rental details with Vail Sports and lesson details with the Vail Ski and Snowboard School before you travel.

A Home Base for the Whole Family

Each residence has a full kitchen, so a snack, a late lunch or a family dinner can be made at home. Studios and one-bedrooms are about 700 square feet, and two- and three-bedrooms are about 1,400 square feet. Children under 12 stay free using existing bedding. A guest laundry room is on the property, and laundry fees apply.

Four people sitting around a glass table playing a card game in a condominium residence.

The lodge offers complimentary ski valet at Chair 6 (the Riva Bahn Express Lift), and a private ski locker comes with every residence. After ski school, two heated outdoor pools and four hot tubs are open year-round, and apres-ski cookies and hot chocolate are included. A resort service fee applies in addition to the room rate. Confirm what the fee includes when you book. The Fitz: Elevated Bar + Bites lists a kids menu on its dining page; check current dining details and reservations before you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Manor Vail Lodge from the Vail Ski and Snowboard School?

The Vail Ski and Snowboard School's Golden Peak campus is just across the street from the lodge.

What ages does children's ski school serve?

Vail's published programs cover ages 3 to 4 for a half day, ages 3 to 6 for a full day and ages 7 to 15 for a full day. Confirm current details with the school.