Family · · Peak Oxygen, Vail
Vail's size can feel daunting with children in tow, but it is one of the most family-friendly mountains in Colorado once you know how it fits together. There are dedicated kids' ski school bases, gentle learning terrain, play areas at the top of the gondola and plenty to do in town on a day off. Here is how to plan a Vail trip that keeps the whole family happy.
Choosing a ski school base
Vail runs children's ski and ride school from more than one base, and picking the right one makes mornings much easier. Golden Peak, at the east end of Vail Village, is the main home of the children's programs, with its own learning areas and a calmer base than the busy village core. Lionshead also has a ski school base, which is handy if you are staying on that side of town.
Choose the base closest to your lodging, since carrying kids' gear through the village in ski boots is nobody's favorite part of the day. Group lessons, private lessons and age ranges vary, and the popular dates fill up early in the season, so book as soon as your trip is set. Check Vail's website for the current programs and drop-off times.
Fun at the top of the mountain
Some of the best family fun at Vail does not require skiing at all. The Eagle Bahn Gondola from Lionshead rises to Eagle's Nest, where winter activities have included snow tubing lanes and other games on the snow, along with a lodge for hot drinks and big views across the Gore Range. Activities, hours and age or height limits change from season to season, so check what is running before you promise anything to the kids.
On the mountain itself, look on the trail map for the kids' adventure zones: short, playful trails through the trees with themed features that make a ski lesson feel like an expedition. They are a great way to keep young skiers excited on day two or three.
Family days off the slopes
Most kids need a break from skiing at some point in a week, and Vail is a good town for an easy day. Ideas that families enjoy:
- A slow morning, then a walk along Gore Creek and through the village shops.
- A trip to the library or one of the indoor play spaces in the valley on a stormy afternoon.
- A sleigh ride or dinner outing booked ahead, which turns an ordinary evening into a highlight.
- Building a snowman or sledding on a small hill near your lodging, which younger kids often love just as much as the ski lessons.
Days off also give parents a chance to ski together while the kids are in a full-day program, or to take turns.
Helping kids feel good at 8,150 feet
Vail Village sits at about 8,150 feet, and kids are often so excited that they forget to slow down. Some simple habits help everyone enjoy the trip:
- Plan an easy arrival day with no lessons, and keep the first evening quiet.
- Hand out water bottles and refill them at every break. Kids rarely ask for water in the cold.
- Pack snacks in every pocket. Little skiers burn energy fast and get cranky when they run low.
- Watch for tiredness and call it a day early rather than late.
Talk to your family doctor about any medical questions before the trip. Our FAQ answers more questions about planning a Vail stay.
Oxygen for the family
Some families like to have oxygen at their Vail lodging for the first nights of the trip. Peak Oxygen delivers in-home and portable concentrators to Vail Village, Lionshead, Cascade Village, West Vail and East Vail. They are for recreational use at altitude and no prescription is needed. Deliveries do not require you to be present. Call (970) 368-9190 with any questions.
