amwosu

Please give skiing another try with a private instructor.

My two boys had a terrible group lesson experience at 9 and 11. By lunchtime when I came to check on their progress they vowed never to ski again. They were nearly hysterical because they were in class with four girls ages 6-8 who could ski circles around them which only made them more anxious about the experience.

For the next two days I hired a private instructor who turned the whole situation around. When I visited the ski school desk to reserve an instructor I explained how poorly things had gone in the group lesson and they paired my kids with the kindest, most patient woman that they loved.

We've been skiing together as a family for the past 8 years and its our favorite activity. My kids will chose a ski vacation over a beach vacation everytime. They still ask me to give them at least one day with a private instructor every time we ski.

cmeyer54

Try a lesson; go snowmobiling, go to piney river ranch, stroll thru Vail, go to a spa, ice skate, see a movie, read, relax, take the bus to
Beaver Creek. There is so much to do - we fit a lot in along with 5 or 6 days of skiing. Just don't write off skiing without a lesson or two.

travelforliving

Thanks for all the suggestions! We leave tomorrow and we're very excited. It doesn't look as though I'll run out of things to do, and who knows....you may even see me on the slopes!
Oh one more request....how about simple/inexpensive bar/resturant type places.....very causual - thanks

bugswife1

Hope I am not too late. Just got back from Vail yesterday.
The Gondola opens up at 2 pm for non-ski persons. The ride up and down the mountain is beautiful.
I also met my husband up there for lunch (burgers are not bad), and then went tubing (also at the top of the mountain). We had a blast. I had never been tubing before and would go back in a second.
Also, the Sonnenalp resort has an amazing spa. If you book a spa session (50 min facial is $135), you get to use the spa all day. They have a very decent gym, sauna, steam room, indoor hot tub, outdoor hot tub (fab), and an indoor to outdoor pool. They also have a fireplace pit to hang out and relax with tea. I loved it and felt very comfortable there.
There are 2 movie theaters in the area as well.
Shopping in Vail Village was not so hot. Very overpriced and nothing on sale. Each store carried the same exact stuff. Enjoyed the art galleries the most.
Beaver Creek has a nice set up with the shops, but the same scenario as Vail Village.
Had Sushi in Beaver Creek one night at the Foxnut. Very good. Also liked Campo di Fiori in Vail Village for pasta, and Ludwig's at the Sonnenalp for fine dining. Whatever you do, stay away from Zacca Za Restaurant in Avon.

Coskier

It is probably to late but perhaps you will cheack in while at Vail. Try

http://www.sandbarvail.com/