Vail is essentially owned by Epic, and Epic is a fitting example of what can go wrong when when…read morecapitalism goes too far. if you want proof, do a search on "Epic Pass Ruins Skiing."). Gone are the days when renting skis/snowboards were part of the fun experience and we chatted with locals who loved their jobs. Now, Epic grossly understaffs their rental services and their ski lift employees. As a result, many of the workers appear to have stopped caring and the excitement we may have felt about skiing/snowboarding is washed away by a growing frustration that we may pick up from the stressed workers. The ski lift experience--that was once run by fun people who were as excited to be there as we were--is now understaffed and some of the workers seem to take it out on the customers. We witnessed workers harass customers with accusational questions, as if they were certain that the customers were using someone else's pass. They made big deals about it, calling security in a loud, attention-seeking manner that seemed to intentionally intimidate, and I wondered if these workers would be good candidates for ICE agents. One of the people I witnessed them harass was a special needs young man that was alone in line. he simply shut down and it was awful to see. Their prices are ridiculously high and are no refundable. we had 2 family members that couldn't go because they had the flu and Epic said they required proof. After we sent a doctor's note, they still did nothing. Epic is a chaotic, angry nightmare and put profit over people, ruining an otherwise fun ski trip with their poor customer service.

If you know, you know. And even if you do, here's a breakdown of an European-themed community in…read morethe Alps of Colorado. Some call them the Rockies. Lolzsies. After spending summers and winters in Vail for the better part of 20 years, it is a place that grows on you like an old friend you can't quite quit. Some times there is comfort in familiarity. It can, however, be so bubbled going in to town possesses the jarring feeling of juxtaposition - like waking from a dream on a bed of clouds to having to run blocks for the last cup of coffee at your favorite Midtown breaky booth. Rant aside the terrain is vast, even with current limited terrain, and après-ski festivities can have a warmth that keep you out of the house past the "holy hour" as I call it, lift closing at four. Après, of course, officially begins at 4:00:00:01. :) And yes, it and everything else draws you back year after year. There's something to be said for routine in a resort town, knowing exactly what you're going to get. But after near-decades of visits, Vail's habitual charm, though solid, can't always beat the polish of Aspen. While Vail is unquestionably comforting and consistent, Aspen offers something more refined: quality service pretty much 100% of the time. There's an undeniable level of attention from instructors to high-end retail staff. The experience is tailored, not transactional. In Vail, by contrast, service is oft hurried even indifferent. At worst, it can drip with envy. The t-shirt girl who ignores, the hostess offering crass commentary to a coworker about guests. Even though you know it's about someone else it's so fun to stop and ask: "What, wait. I'm a seasonal sojourner. Are you talking about me?" Talk about a master class in making a person's face go flush! Aspen, however, always seems to maintain a small-town elegance, more authentic personas, or at least better (worthy of an Oscar) acting. And, it makes all the difference. Then there's the familiar, quietly loaded question you hear most often in Vail - from attendants, gallery owners, even bartenders: "How long are you in town for?" It's not really about your itinerary; it's about your wallet. Locals and seasonal workers tend to gauge your response to place you in their hierarchy of visitors. It's an odd ritual, and it always stops them cold if you reply, "We have a home here." Suddenly, the conversation shifts. No follow-ups. No small talk. Just instant deference. In the end, Vail remains a beloved habitat, but Aspen's refinement and superior service give it undeniable edge. Still, both stand so far above other ski destinations that comparing them to lower elevation or lower design standards, kinda feels unnecessary and, at worst, unfair.

We love Vail anyway, but this place made our trip SO much better. From the moment we walked into…read morethe lobby, Jasmine and Sarah elevated our day at the desk. We had the AMEX upgrade deal, and our suite in the 180's was awesome. Considering we were coming in on Thanksgiving, having that awesome room was convenient since not much would be open in town. Our suite had two bathrooms, a reclining sofa (which we will be shopping for at home and was SO relaxing), a murphy bed, really comfortable main bed, a fireplace, and a big patio. Our fireplace had a problem in getting going, but Jacob came immediately and helped us out...on the holiday night. We needed some food, but were over Thanksgiving food for the day, and Amanda and Ben helped us out in Fitz's lounge in getting some mac and cheese off the shown menu. They have two heated pools. The other one had a waterfall feature, but we never really went to that one just because of convenience. We liked ours with two hot tubs of varying levels of heat, and apparently redone in the last year. The steam room was busted during our visit, but they have that and a sauna available, along with a spacious fitness facility that we never used. Their cool ceiling fans are pictured below also...very unique looking ones in each of our rooms. The parking onsite is underground, and I liked it because I didn't have to ask to get something in or out of my car through a valet person. We had an included breakfast, and it was high quality food, and even had an omelette station. The lobby had a great Christmas tree, along with a side room with a piano (which they allowed me to play at night). I love everything about this place, and it was a short walk to Vail Village and anything you needed or wanted to partake in. I highly recommend this place, and see you there next time...

One of the best resorts in Vail. Huge and spread out complex. Excellent staff. Don't have to deal…read morewith valet parking. Great free breakfast. Very close to lifts. And excellent staff.

Had a great stay over here. The room was nice and big. We loved how close to the slopes it was…read more It is a short walk to the Eagle Bahn gondola! Best part was the evening events for adults and kids. We liked making s'mores and the cool hot chocolate station. You could add butterfingers, chocolate pieces and whip cream in the hot chocolate! The restaurant on the second floor served a nice breakfast buffet but it was an expensive. Worth it if you like a lot of selection and are hungry. The hotel also had a coffee shop where you could buy snacks. There was a ski rental place in the hotel. Overall very satisfied with our stay here!!

Very nice hotel if you can afford the price tag! Or, if you're like me, using hotel points makes it…read moreeasier on the wallet. Everything about the stay was impeccable, from the service to the overall experience. It's a top-notch hotel that delivers a smooth, stress-free stay. Highly recommend if you're looking to splurge. Bonus: my kids absolutely loved the complimentary s'more-making over the fire pits outside.

We absolutely love everything about The Arrabelle. It's clean, the residence was awesome, the…read morebreakfast and food was great! Just so pleased! I'm hoping to make this a place a home away from home at least a few times a year The staff we met are all amazing and I can't wait to see them again! I totally loved Helen, Natalie, Kevin, Ben, Dunia, Joe, Jeff and Julia! They were all so nice and helpful! I consider them all my friends! See yall in July if not sooner

The gentlemen staffing the skate rental place on the night of 12/31 was one of the best customer…read morestaffers I have seen in a while. What a nice guy, super friendly and helpful. Great attitude, I was really impressed.

We had a fantastic 5 day stay at the Sitzmark. The location is perfect, right in Vail Village near…read morethe International Bridge and Gore creek. The breakfast was delicious with fruit yogurt, fresh croissants and pastries from France. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly! Can't wait for a return trip!

Great small hotel! The staff is very friendly and helpful. The hotel and rooms were fully remodeled…read morelast year! Short 5 minute walk to Gondola 1. In the heart of vail village with all it has to offere just outside the door. Mountain or creek view rooms. Opening the patio door to hear the creek is wonderful!

Great experience staying at The Sebastian. We stayed for 2 nights in December and had a great time…read more Room was clean and bed was super comfortable!

Avoid This Hotel at All Costs…read more If you value cleanliness, good service, or honesty in advertising, do not stay here. The hotel's listing claimed "luxurious mountain retreat", "elevated experience, "recent renovations" and showed beautiful photos, but my experience was nothing like what was advertised. We booked a 5-night stay for New Year's week to celebrate my birthday, paying $10,000 during peak pricing. We chose this hotel for its location over newer and less expensive options, only to be met with a room that was outdated, dirty, and poorly maintained. Room Conditions: * Stained carpets and walls * Damaged headboard and cracked bathroom tiles * Moldy, peeling wallpaper and a musty, moldy smell in the bathroom * Dirty towels, scratched lamps, toothpaste spatter on the mirror, and stained sink and counters * A broken deadbolt on the door Service: The service was equally disappointing. At check-in, I immediately reported the room's condition, but the front desk staff refused to assist, telling me to speak to a manager the next morning. Over the next two days, I spoke with several staff members, including those claiming to be managers, yet nothing was resolved. I was told no other rooms were available, and they could not do anything. I asked to check out early and cancel my remaining days of my prepaid stay. They did agree but I am still waiting for refund. One manager, Bryanna, was especially rude and dismissive, showing no willingness to help. The staff seemed inexperienced and untrained, which I later learned was due to new management. Final Thoughts: This stay has been a nightmare. I've wasted days of my trip trying to resolve these issues with the hotel and Expedia, and I am still waiting for a refund for the unused nights. On top of that, the bed and pillows were extremely uncomfortable, with no alternatives offered. This hotel is overpriced, poorly managed, and far from the luxury experience it advertises. Avoid it at all costs--it's not worth the money, the frustration, or the disappointment.

We stopped here to grab the viral hot chocolate! Was pleasantly surprised by the delicious burger…read more The $30 hot chocolate is pretty good! But idk about $30 good...

Stopped by the remedy in the four seasons to try their famous hot chocolate!…read more It was a cool experience. Super rich & creamy.

We've had such a positive experience with Vail Ski & Snowboard School. We've trusted both of our…read morekids with their instruction, and every time the instructors have been incredibly supportive, patient, and encouraging. It's clear they know how to make kids feel comfortable while also helping them build skills and confidence on the mountain. Every year we put them in atleast one lesson so they remember the basics. The entire process is also very easy to navigate, which makes a huge difference. Especially on that first day when things can feel a little hectic. From check-in to getting them settled, everything runs smoothly and takes away any stress. Another big plus is the pick-up and drop-off location. It's centrally located on the mountain, making it super convenient to get the kids where they need to be and meet up afterward without any hassle, cause some days get very busy.

The instructors are mostly fine and mostly competent. Our multi-generational crew skis blacks and…read moreblues. Kiddos in the mix ski whatever is best for them at that time. Period. Some instructors apparently need be reminded they are in a hired role. Their position is to be of service, to follow instruction. Their's is not the role of principal, extended family leader or guest. They are not equals in the equation, they are staff contracted. Ski in. Ski out. Buh bye. While expectations may be different in class settings, what I've outlined should be the standard dynamic when an instructor is assigned to a family.

Went to Christy's on two occasions looking to buy a full new setup: set of boots, skis, poles and…read moreboard bag. Both times the employees were condescending to my questions and curiosity about their products. I dealt with Alex - who was very cold and uninterested. I had to engage him and drive the whole convo as wasn't greeting anyone. And also dealt with a heavier set gentleman with glasses (wearing a polo shirt).. who was condescending and gave a know it all vibe. I asked him to try on a pair of boots, and he basically said no, and shut down the conversation. I took my business elsewhere and spent $2200 (including the same boots I wanted - and for $100 less). I would recommend either shopping with Ski Mountain All-Stars (Avon) or Vail Sports (next door) - both super friendly and actually have better prices for same items.

Very disappointed in the exchange policy . My wife received a gift from the store from some guests…read morethat we're staying with us. Unfortunately, it was the wrong size. The tag is still on the shirt with the Christie sports information but unfortunately she was told there's no exchanges without a receipt.. We will not shop there anymore. There's many other stores in Vail Village that offered the same brands and services they do.