wear this there: what to wear for a ski trip in vail, colorado
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Updated December 2021
a comprehensive style and travel guide for a ski trip in vail, colorado
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being from colorado, it only made sense that i do a post on ski trips, so i put together a winter style guide for a ski trip to vail, colorado and i include an insider’s travel guide for vail. before you pack your bags, check out my comprehensive guide for what to wear on a ski trip in vail, colorado. (note, if you’re going to aspen, you can dress up more than this, and if you’re going to breckenridge or keystone you should dress a little more on the casual side. park city is a similar vibe to vail, but maybe slightly more casual.)
i’m lucky enough to have vail, colorado right in my backyard, so i can jaunt (yep, i used that word) up for a weekend ski trip most of the time. because of this, i think i’m especially qualified to give advice on what to pack for a ski trip to vail.
to be honest, growing up, i wasn’t a huge skiier. it wasn’t until i met my boyfriend that i began going a lot and improving my skills. i’m still no heli skiing, backcountry expert, but i can hang pretty well and am now comfortable skiing black diamonds.
anyway, i’m here to tell you that no matter what your skill level is, you can have a great time skiing. if you’re a beginner, i recommend giving yourself at least four days to get the hang of things and definitely take lessons. also, the mountains are extremely high in elevation, so beware that altitude sickness is a real thing. drink TONS of water, take it slow – make sure you’re not over-exerting yourself, and eat carbs (yes that’s an actual recommendation for avoiding altitude sickness, you’re welcome). if you need to take a break, you can indulge in my favorite activity on the mountain, drinking a hot cocoa and or alcoholic beverage while you warm up and recharge. (please note: they do not recommend alcohol if you are experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness.)
also, a ski trip is not only about skiing. most importantly, it’s about apres, one of my favorite activities in life. after a long (or short) day on the slopes, there’s no better way to unwind than with a (spiked) hot beverage, here’s looking at you peppermint schnapps hot cocoa. every mountain has plenty of places to do so.
post apres, head to the hotel for a soak in the hot tub and prep for a night out on the town. most ski towns have great restaurants and nightlife. just note that usually things get started a little earlier and end earlier (which you’ll be thankful for) because ski exhaustion is for real. if you’re not feeling up for hitting the town at all, cozying up by a fire and making s’mores is always a good option.
ok, so you’ve booked your tix and are imagining yourself as some chic ski bunny gliding down the slopes but, to be honest, most skiers in the US don’t really wear those furry sleeved jumpsuit ski outfits and they’re not very practical. i know, i know, i’m dashing your hopes and dreams of looking like all the major influencers who wear $4,000 outfits, take a few snaps looking amazing and then proceed to roll down the mountain. no one actually wants to be that person. but don’t panic, there are still plenty of ways to look chic on your ski trip. read on for a full guide on what to actually pack for a ski trip in vail, colorado, plus at the end i include my recommendations for the best restaurants, bars, hotels, and more, so you can experience vail like a local.
what to wear on a ski trip: a full packing list for a ski trip to vail, colorado
sadly, i don’t think there is a way to pack for a ski trip with just a carry-on if you’re bringing a lot of your own gear and not renting. if you rent all of your gear and helmet and wear your heaviest items on the plane, you may actually be able to pull off a carry-on.
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also, check out my vail travel guide here
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jackets for winter in vail
i highly recommend bringing at least one other jacket besides your ski coat. it’s nice to have a bit of variety, plus some ski coats are shells only, so you’ll want something much warmer for the evenings in vail.
warm down coat
a warm down coat with a hood is a staple for every ski trip. nights get very cold in the mountains, so if you want to stroll around the picturesque vail village and admire the lights on the trees, or even just walk from your hotel to the restaurant. i definitely recommend bringing a warm down coat for your ski trip. vail village and lionshead are almost completely pedestrian only. everything is very close together, but you should still prepare to be outside for a little bit of time.
shearling moto jacket
if you want to be a little more fashion-forward, you can wear a shearling oversized moto jacket. i love this style and it definitely will fit right in with the mountain vibe. just make sure if you aren’t bringing another very warm coat that this one is heavy enough to keep you warm in single-digit temps.
down puffer
another perfect trendy option for your ski trip is a down puffer jacket. this sporty yet fashionable style will also keep you warm in a spring snow storm. again, if this is your only warm coat, make sure you pick one with good down fill power.
wool coat with fur hood
for something dressy, you could do a wool coat with fur trim
neutral cozy sweater
i know, this is a no brainer. bring a warm sweater (or three) to cozy up in. here are some of my favorite neutral toned options:
cozy festive sweater
another great option for cozy days lounging around in vail is a chunky festive sweater
chic turtlenecks
a good go to outfit for an evening out in vail is a chic turtleneck with a fur vest and leggings. you can also wear the turtleneck alone on another night with a skirt, tights, and boots as an alternative outfit (more on that further down).
dressy black top
a dressy black top is perfect for a fancier night out in vail. i’d recommend pairing this with either high waisted black shorts with tights and boots or just with a pair of leather leggings.
fur vest or coat
a fur vest or coat is super chic and definitely acceptable for a dressier night out in vail. as noted above, pair it with a turtleneck and leggings to keep the outfit simple and not over the top.
aprés ski
you don’t have to change out of your ski gear for aprés ski. a lot of people just go straight from the mountain to the bar. because of Covid this year, we did all aprés ski outside, so i chose to wear cute outerwear like this fun puffer, but for indoors you can opt for a cute sweater or wear one of these options below your ski gear / jacket!
leggings
literally, i don’t think i travel anywhere without a pair of black leggings. if you want a dressier pair, go for leather. i’ve also linked some that are fleece-lined for extra warmth!
black leather shorts
a chic dressier option for a night out. pair leather shorts with tights a chunky sweater, boots and a big coat and you’re set!
shearling boots
these boots are so in style right now, you can’t go to the mountains without a pair like this! i’ve linked my exact boots on a few different websites, in case they don’t have your size on one website.
chic black boots
the super trendy western boot is a perfect option for mountain chic (just be very careful and look out for any icy patches, as these styles tend not to have much traction). note: i do not recommend a high heel for any occasion in vail. these boots will be as dressy as you need to go.
beanie
you’ll need one. (or two.) gotta hide that helmet hair after a day of skiing. get a couple of different colors to mix it up.
wool wide brim hat
i love a good wool hat for the mountains. these add an extra touch of style to any outfit.
sunglasses
believe it or not, colorado is one of the sunniest states in the u.s., so you’ll need to bring some sunglasses. here are my top picks:
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ski (snowboard) gear
onto ski and snowboard gear. i’ve listed everything you need to bring (or rent) for a successful day on the slopes. nothing ruins skiing more than being too cold. if you’re not very familiar with layering for skiing, here’s a handy link explaining some of the basics. you’re going to need a base layer, a mid layer, and your ski jacket and pants. plus, warm socks, a gaiter, gloves, and a helmet. i’ve listed everything in more detail below.
base layer
the first and most critical item in your ski outfit is the base layer (long underwear – top and bottoms). a good base layer is so important for staying warm as well as not sweating too much. when buying a base layer, look for sweat wicking, quick dry, breathable fabrics. cotton is the enemy here. you will work up a sweat when skiing and when you do, you don’t want your base layer to stay soggy and wet all day. that’s why it is so important to have a good, high quality base layer. i’ve listed some options below and here’s a helpful guide on choosing layers.
mid layer
your mid layer is what keeps you warm. depending on your coat, this can be a heavier fabric, like a fleece, or can even be as warm as a lightweight, packable down coat, especially if your ski jacket is shell only.
ski jacket
there are so many different styles and options for ski jackets. i’ve included a variety below that are still appropriate for skiing in colorado (i.e. not a giant fur coat.) pick whatever style suits you best, just make sure to be aware of how heavy your jacket is so you can pick your mid layer accordingly.
ski pants
again, lots of options for ski pants. personally i like the slim cut with a small flair. i think it’s a good classic style. a lot of boarders wear a little bit looser pants, but it’s really just up to you. i’ve also included some skinny pants. these are definitely more popular in europe than in the u.s. but you can wear them if that’s the style you’re going for. one thing i would warn against is picking an all white outfit if you are a beginner. it will be harder for other skiers to see you and therefore dodge you if you’ve taken a tumble.
ski suit
as a blogger, i felt like i had to include these. they are pretty amazing, but at the same time, a bit extra. almost all bloggers seem to wear these when they go on their ski trips, and while being super fabulous they aren’t really the norm in most US ski resorts (maybe a little more common in Aspen and European ski resorts). so be prepared to stand out if you decide to wear one. also, they are a bit of hassle for bathroom breaks on the mountain.
helmet
you 100% need to wear one.
goggles
goggles are definitely needed as they obviously protect your eyes and help you see in different weather conditions, but they also help protect your face from wind and sunburn. just make sure to put on lots of spf, so you don’t get that raccoon, goggle tan look. again, there are soooo many options out there. smith and oakley are the best brands and i’ve linked some of my favorites below.
ski socks
just like the base layer, picking good ski socks is super important. make sure they’re breathable, quick dry, and sweat wicking. wool is a great option.
gloves
my hands get super cold, so a good pair of gloves is key for me. sidenote: in my humble opinion, i think mittens are warmer than gloves.
balaclavas & gaiters
i know, you’re probably thinking what the eff is a balaclava? no, i’m not referring to a greek pastry. a balaclava is a type of ski mask, which you will see below. these are so important in helping keep you warm! you seriously need one. and now with covid, you have to wear a face-covering over your nose and mouth in lines and on the lifts, so this can double as that but make sure you bring a face mask with you too!
last but not least, here is a list of all the other items you should pack
swimsuit – for the hot tub
spf – trust me, it is so easy to burn in the mountains in the winter
spf chapstick – your lips will take a beating from skiing
vaseline – to put on your lips at night for recovery
hand & foot warmers – if you tend to get cold extremities
scarf – if so desired for the evenings
black tights – for your fashionable outfits
skis/snowboard – you can rent
ski/snowboard boots – you can rent, they should be snug fitting
poles – come with skis if you rent
reusable water bottle – because you’ll need to drink a TON of water, so don’t be the asshole who buys a bunch of plastic water bottles and destroys our planet
face mask! – they’re required throughout the resort
now onto my insider’s guide for vail
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an insider’s travel guide for vail, colorado
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eat this there: the best restaurants in vail, colorado
sweet basil: $$$-$$$$
one of my favorite restaurants in vail and probably the most popular in the village serving upscale, creative, modern american cuisine. make sure to make reservations in advance – call for parties of 5 or more.
mountain standard: $$$
under the same ownership as sweet basil, mountain standard is it’s more casual but still stylish sister restaurant. the food is rustic yet sophisticated (don’t miss the coal roasted olives, southern pimento cheese, and wood roasted bone marrow for starters – i didn’t even particularly like olives until i had them here) plus the cocktails are divine. make reservations in advance.
osaki’s: $$$$
this is truly one of vail’s hidden gems. it’s an intimate, no frills space, with the sushi bar taking center stage. they have daily sushi and sashimi specials which are prepared delicately and beautifully. my friend, who is a vail local, and sushi snob swears by this place. word is starting to get out, so make reservations in advance.
from the famed owner of nobu, this high end sushi restaurant with posh decor, high ceilings, and sweeping windows looking out onto the village is definitely one of vail’s most “sceney” spots. make reservations in advance.
up the creek: $$$
set right along the creek in vail village, this farm fresh american restaurant is a vail staple. it’s simple, classic food but always delicious. if you go early, you probably don’t need reservations, but for prime time, i recommend having them. up the creek is also great for lunch or aprés on a nice day, as you can sit on the patio overlooking the gore creek.
almresi: $$
this quaint, rustic mountain cottage is the perfect setting to enjoy german/austrian fare. the owners, coming from germany, serve quality and delicious alpine classics in a warm and inviting atmosphere. don’t miss the glüwhein (hot mulled wine).
vendetta’s: $
another vail staple, vendetta’s is a lively, casual place to enjoy pizza and a beer. if i’m being honest, there is really no good authentic, italian food in vail, but this place is just a classic with good pizza (can’t really go wrong with pizza). go here for a casual night out and to experience one of vail’s lively and best known locales.
pepi’s bar and restaurant: $$$
truly a vail classic, this austrian restaurant is set right in the middle of the village with decor that hearkens back to it’s european alpine roots. the menu features wild game and austrian classics like schnitzel and käsespätzle.
normally, i steer clear of this place (as it seems a bit gimmicky) but we went recently when i had a craving for späztle (i’m a carb fiend) and a friend ordered the trout, which turned out to be one of the best fish dishes i’ve tasted in a long time. go here for a casual night out in one of vail’s iconic restaurants, especially if you’re craving rich food.
bully ranch: $$
a casual western themed restaurant with great comfort food. a perfect spot for a casual night out serving southwestern and american cuisine.
aprés this there: best spots for aprés ski in vail, colorado
root & flower: $$-$
this cozy-chic wine bar is my favorite place to grab a drink aprés ski. they have an exquisite wine list, offering over 50 wines by the glass, plus inventive craft cocktails and small plates.
the red lion: $$
right off the mountain, in the heart of the village, the red lion is a quintessential vail restaurant and bar. it’s been around since the 60’s and has been the aprés spot for locals and tourists alike ever since. while it’s not my top place to go, as i like a bit more of a laid back scene, if you’re visiting vail, you can’t miss having an aprés beer and some chili at this iconic bar.
mountain standard: $$$
mountain standard is also a great place to grab cocktails aprés ski. they have an eclectic craft cocktail menu with a classic margarita that can knock you over. the food is rustic yet sophisticated (don’t miss the coal roasted olives, southern pimento cheese, and onion rings for starters – i didn’t even particularly like olives or onion rings until i had them here). grab a seat at the bar if you can or make reservations in the dining area in advance for guaranteed seating.
elway’s: $$-$$$
tucked away in the lodge at vail, this restaurant has one of the best happy hours in town. plus, on your way in, stop by the fire pit and make yourself some s’mores which are put out daily by the lodge from 2:30 – 3:30 pm (one of my favorite local insider tips).
as noted above, vendetta’s is a hotspot in the village where you’re always sure to find a hopping scene. they serve up pizza by the slice with beer and wine to wash it down. the patio out back is the perfect spot on warm days to wind down from a day on the slopes with views of the mountain.
the four seasons has a beautiful bar looking out through floor to ceiling windows with sweeping views of the mountain. and the adjacent terrace has fire pits where you can sit outside and enjoy your cocktails overlooking the scenic pool and slopes above – one of the best views in town.
just steps from gondola one in vail village, enjoying a drink here on a sunny afternoon and watching skiers and boarders navigate treacherous pepi’s face is a long-standing vail tradition. as the name indicates, los amigos offers mexican fare. but go for the atmosphere and drinks, not as much for the food.
dream this there: where to stay in vail, colorado
the four seasons vail: $$$$
the four seasons vail is a modern, beautiful, luxury mountain resort. though not right on the mountain, it offers sweeping views of the slopes that are hard to beat. plus they have a five star spa including steam rooms, saunas and roman baths that are perfect for unwinding after a long day of skiing.
the lodge at vail ( a rock resort): $$$
just steps from gondola one and a ski valet that makes your life so much easier, the lodge at vail is a perfect choice for your stay in vail. offering a nice spa as well as thoughtful touches like complimentary coffee and tea in the mornings and coffee, hot cocoa, and fresh baked cookies in the afternoon, you’re sure to feel pampered.
the arabelle at vail square ( a rock resort): $$$$
the arabelle is located in lionshead, close to the eagle-bahn gondola. it offers luxury amenities ranging from rooftop pools with incredible views and lavish guest rooms.
hotel talisa – a luxury collection resort: $$$
offering a fireside lounge with breathtaking mountain view as well as blissful and invigorating treatments at the alpine spa, hotel talisa is a five star experience. most notably, hotel talisa’s on-property chairlift provides for vail’s only true ski-in/ski-out luxury resort, with on-site rentals and ticket office, aided by a world-class ski concierge.
the sebastian: $$$$
a confluence of approachable chic and high mountain comfort, the sebastian – vail is an alpine oasis with enticing experiences. they offer a luxury spa, an art collection, and library as well as easy access to the slopes.
the doubletree vail is 4 miles from the slopes, but offers a shuttle that will take you right into the village. it’s an updated property with modern mountain decor and is one of vail’s best values.
fallridge at vail: $$
full disclosure, my boyfriend owns a property here, so i am obviously biased but it is a great value for your stay in vail. adjacent to the vail golf club and nordic center and just a 5 minute drive from the village with shuttle service that drops you off right at the slopes. fallridge offers 1, 2, and 3 bedroom condos with full kitchens and cozy fireplaces. if you’re interested, feel free to contact me directly and i can try and get you special pricing!
airbnb: $$-$$$
one of the most affordable options for a stay in vail will be through airbnb or vrbo. be sure to check out these websites far in advance for the best options.