Vail or Aspen
Mar 8th, 2002 | 09:42 AM
#2
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Gretchen,
I would say your decision lies in whether you're going for the area or for the hotel. Although very different, your hotel choices for both Vail and Aspen are good (I'm not familiar with the option in Breckenridge).
Have you been to these three areas before? If you have, then you might want to pick based on which area you prefer. If you haven't, here's my take on them. Please keep in mind that these are simply my OPINIONS:
1. Vail--Kind of a faux replica (I know that's redundant) Alpen town. Very commercial, very expensive but with incredible skiing, restaurants and hotels. Don't get me wrong, I like it very much but it's kind of a Disney-ized version of what a Alpen town is (by the way, before any of you locals start in on me, I happen to love Disneyland and Disney-ized things).
Aspen--Different feel altogether. More of a glorified mining town feel to it. Still very expensive and commercial but not in as overt a manner as Vail. I used to live here and am still partial to it overall: to me it's much more diverse and interesting. Also features great hotels, restaurants and incredible skiing at four different ski areas--all in close proximity (although from Vail you can also visit Beaver Creek).
Breckenridge--Having owned a townhome in nearby Frisco I've spent a fair amount of time in Beckenridge. Although extremely popular, it is simply not to my tastes. Faux Victorian in style with some good restaurants, good skiing (IMHO though nothing compared to Vail or Aspen) and a few decent hotels. It is, however, only about 37 miles from Vail so it would be feasible to visit both in one trip (there's also Copper Mountain in between those two which also offers great skiing but I wouldn't stay there).
Again, these are simply my opinions and in no way reflect the opinions of this station, its management or of the corporartion
Hope this helps!
David
I would say your decision lies in whether you're going for the area or for the hotel. Although very different, your hotel choices for both Vail and Aspen are good (I'm not familiar with the option in Breckenridge).
Have you been to these three areas before? If you have, then you might want to pick based on which area you prefer. If you haven't, here's my take on them. Please keep in mind that these are simply my OPINIONS:
1. Vail--Kind of a faux replica (I know that's redundant) Alpen town. Very commercial, very expensive but with incredible skiing, restaurants and hotels. Don't get me wrong, I like it very much but it's kind of a Disney-ized version of what a Alpen town is (by the way, before any of you locals start in on me, I happen to love Disneyland and Disney-ized things).
Aspen--Different feel altogether. More of a glorified mining town feel to it. Still very expensive and commercial but not in as overt a manner as Vail. I used to live here and am still partial to it overall: to me it's much more diverse and interesting. Also features great hotels, restaurants and incredible skiing at four different ski areas--all in close proximity (although from Vail you can also visit Beaver Creek).
Breckenridge--Having owned a townhome in nearby Frisco I've spent a fair amount of time in Beckenridge. Although extremely popular, it is simply not to my tastes. Faux Victorian in style with some good restaurants, good skiing (IMHO though nothing compared to Vail or Aspen) and a few decent hotels. It is, however, only about 37 miles from Vail so it would be feasible to visit both in one trip (there's also Copper Mountain in between those two which also offers great skiing but I wouldn't stay there).
Again, these are simply my opinions and in no way reflect the opinions of this station, its management or of the corporartion
Hope this helps!
David
Mar 8th, 2002 | 09:45 AM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Gretchen,
I would say your decision lies in whether you're going for the area or for the hotel. Although very different, your hotel choices for both Vail and Aspen are good (I'm not familiar with the option in Breckenridge).
Have you been to these three areas before? If you have, then you might want to pick based on which area you prefer. If you haven't, here's my take on them. Please keep in mind that these are simply my OPINIONS:
1. Vail--Kind of a faux replica (I know that's redundant) Alpen town. Very commercial, very expensive but with incredible skiing, restaurants and hotels. Don't get me wrong, I like it very much but it's kind of a Disney-ized version of what a Alpen town is (by the way, before any of you locals start in on me, I happen to love Disneyland and Disney-ized things).
Aspen--Different feel altogether. More of a glorified mining town feel to it. Still very expensive and commercial but not in as overt a manner as Vail. I used to live here and am still partial to it overall: to me it's much more diverse and interesting. Also features great hotels, restaurants and incredible skiing at four different ski areas--all in close proximity (although from Vail you can also visit Beaver Creek).
Breckenridge-- Although extremely popular, it is simply not to my tastes. Faux Victorian in style with a few good restaurants, good skiing (IMHO though, nothing compared to Vail or Aspen) and a few decent hotels. It is, however, only about 37 miles from Vail so it would be feasible to visit both in one trip (there's also Copper Mountain in between those two which also offers great skiing but I wouldn't stay there).
Hope this helps!
David
I would say your decision lies in whether you're going for the area or for the hotel. Although very different, your hotel choices for both Vail and Aspen are good (I'm not familiar with the option in Breckenridge).
Have you been to these three areas before? If you have, then you might want to pick based on which area you prefer. If you haven't, here's my take on them. Please keep in mind that these are simply my OPINIONS:
1. Vail--Kind of a faux replica (I know that's redundant) Alpen town. Very commercial, very expensive but with incredible skiing, restaurants and hotels. Don't get me wrong, I like it very much but it's kind of a Disney-ized version of what a Alpen town is (by the way, before any of you locals start in on me, I happen to love Disneyland and Disney-ized things).
Aspen--Different feel altogether. More of a glorified mining town feel to it. Still very expensive and commercial but not in as overt a manner as Vail. I used to live here and am still partial to it overall: to me it's much more diverse and interesting. Also features great hotels, restaurants and incredible skiing at four different ski areas--all in close proximity (although from Vail you can also visit Beaver Creek).
Breckenridge-- Although extremely popular, it is simply not to my tastes. Faux Victorian in style with a few good restaurants, good skiing (IMHO though, nothing compared to Vail or Aspen) and a few decent hotels. It is, however, only about 37 miles from Vail so it would be feasible to visit both in one trip (there's also Copper Mountain in between those two which also offers great skiing but I wouldn't stay there).
Hope this helps!
David
Mar 8th, 2002 | 09:50 AM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Gretchen,
I would say your decision lies in whether you're going for the area or for the hotel. Although very different, your hotel choices for both Vail and Aspen are good (I'm not familiar with the option in Breckenridge).
If you haven't been to these areas before, here's my take on them. Please keep in mind that these are simply my OPINIONS:
1. Vail--Kind of a faux replica (I know that's redundant) Alpen town. Very commercial, very expensive but with incredible skiing, restaurants and hotels. Don't get me wrong, I like it very much but it's kind of a Disney-ized version of what a Alpen town is (by the way, before any of you locals start in on me, I happen to love Disneyland and Disney-ized things).
Aspen--Different feel altogether. More of a glorified mining town feel to it. Still very expensive and commercial but not in as overt a manner as Vail. I used to live here and am still partial to it overall: to me it's much more diverse and interesting. Also features great hotels, restaurants and incredible skiing at four different ski areas--all in close proximity (although from Vail you can also visit Beaver Creek).
Breckenridge-- Although extremely popular, it is simply not to my tastes. Faux Victorian in style with a few good restaurants, good skiing (IMHO though, nothing compared to Vail or Aspen) and a few decent hotels. It is, however, only about 37 miles from Vail so it would be feasible to visit both in one trip (there's also Copper Mountain in between those two which also offers great skiing but I wouldn't stay there).
Hope this helps!
David
I would say your decision lies in whether you're going for the area or for the hotel. Although very different, your hotel choices for both Vail and Aspen are good (I'm not familiar with the option in Breckenridge).
If you haven't been to these areas before, here's my take on them. Please keep in mind that these are simply my OPINIONS:
1. Vail--Kind of a faux replica (I know that's redundant) Alpen town. Very commercial, very expensive but with incredible skiing, restaurants and hotels. Don't get me wrong, I like it very much but it's kind of a Disney-ized version of what a Alpen town is (by the way, before any of you locals start in on me, I happen to love Disneyland and Disney-ized things).
Aspen--Different feel altogether. More of a glorified mining town feel to it. Still very expensive and commercial but not in as overt a manner as Vail. I used to live here and am still partial to it overall: to me it's much more diverse and interesting. Also features great hotels, restaurants and incredible skiing at four different ski areas--all in close proximity (although from Vail you can also visit Beaver Creek).
Breckenridge-- Although extremely popular, it is simply not to my tastes. Faux Victorian in style with a few good restaurants, good skiing (IMHO though, nothing compared to Vail or Aspen) and a few decent hotels. It is, however, only about 37 miles from Vail so it would be feasible to visit both in one trip (there's also Copper Mountain in between those two which also offers great skiing but I wouldn't stay there).
Hope this helps!
David
Mar 8th, 2002 | 09:54 AM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Gretchen,
I would say your decision lies in whether you're going for the area or for the hotel. Although very different, your hotel choices for both Vail and Aspen are good (I'm not familiar with the option in Breckenridge).
If you haven't been to these areas before, here's my take on them. Please keep in mind that these are simply my OPINIONS:
1. Vail--Kind of a faux replica (I know that's redundant) Alpen town. Very commercial, very expensive but with incredible skiing, restaurants and hotels. I like it very much but it's kind of a Disney-ized version of what a Alpen town is (by the way, before any of you locals start in on me, I happen to love Disneyland and Disney-ized things).
Aspen--Different feel altogether. More of a glorified mining town feel to it. Still very expensive and commercial but not in as overt a manner as Vail. I used to live there and am still partial to it overall: to me it's much more diverse and interesting. Also features great hotels, restaurants and incredible skiing at four different ski areas--all in close proximity.
Breckenridge-- Although extremely popular, it is simply not to my tastes. Faux Victorian in style with a few good restaurants, good skiing (IMHO though, nothing compared to Vail or Aspen) and a few decent hotels. It is, however, only about 37 miles from Vail so it would be feasible to visit both in one trip (there's also Copper Mountain in between those two which also offers great skiing but I wouldn't stay there).
Hope this helps!
David
I would say your decision lies in whether you're going for the area or for the hotel. Although very different, your hotel choices for both Vail and Aspen are good (I'm not familiar with the option in Breckenridge).
If you haven't been to these areas before, here's my take on them. Please keep in mind that these are simply my OPINIONS:
1. Vail--Kind of a faux replica (I know that's redundant) Alpen town. Very commercial, very expensive but with incredible skiing, restaurants and hotels. I like it very much but it's kind of a Disney-ized version of what a Alpen town is (by the way, before any of you locals start in on me, I happen to love Disneyland and Disney-ized things).
Aspen--Different feel altogether. More of a glorified mining town feel to it. Still very expensive and commercial but not in as overt a manner as Vail. I used to live there and am still partial to it overall: to me it's much more diverse and interesting. Also features great hotels, restaurants and incredible skiing at four different ski areas--all in close proximity.
Breckenridge-- Although extremely popular, it is simply not to my tastes. Faux Victorian in style with a few good restaurants, good skiing (IMHO though, nothing compared to Vail or Aspen) and a few decent hotels. It is, however, only about 37 miles from Vail so it would be feasible to visit both in one trip (there's also Copper Mountain in between those two which also offers great skiing but I wouldn't stay there).
Hope this helps!
David
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Mar 9th, 2002 | 11:52 AM
#8
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Gretchen,
Although I have not been to Aspen, I believe David's assessment of Vail and Breckenridge are right on. Having said that, let me give you another dimension to his opinion.
We stayed in Breckenridge and took a day trip over to Vail, and enjoyed Vail so much that we did so twice. However, we did not go during ski season but in May. Comparing the two towns, I would say that Breckenridge seemed as though it had had it's glory days some time ago, and that Vail was in the midst of them. Vail seem significantly newer and cleaner. All the shops were open for business and the resort I most definately plan on going back to is the Hyatt at Beaver Creek.
Breckenridge seemed more of a college town to me.
Although I have not been to Aspen, I believe David's assessment of Vail and Breckenridge are right on. Having said that, let me give you another dimension to his opinion.
We stayed in Breckenridge and took a day trip over to Vail, and enjoyed Vail so much that we did so twice. However, we did not go during ski season but in May. Comparing the two towns, I would say that Breckenridge seemed as though it had had it's glory days some time ago, and that Vail was in the midst of them. Vail seem significantly newer and cleaner. All the shops were open for business and the resort I most definately plan on going back to is the Hyatt at Beaver Creek.
Breckenridge seemed more of a college town to me.
Mar 11th, 2002 | 11:57 AM
#10
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Gretchen, David pretty much covered all the bases so I won't do much to compare your choices.
Two things I would point out are 1) that Aspen is a bit more glitzy and plastic (the people, not the town) than your other choices, and 2) the vast majority of Mexico's elite pick up and move to Vail during the holidays. I don't want to imply that you wouldn't want to be surrounded by either group of people (I have been to Vail many times with some Mexican friends of mine), but it may reflect the state of nightflife in each town, etc.
Also, if you are looking at the St. Regis in Aspen, have you considered the Little Nell? It has recently been redone and has gotten rave reviews. I believe its rates are also slightly cheaper than the St. Regis.
Two things I would point out are 1) that Aspen is a bit more glitzy and plastic (the people, not the town) than your other choices, and 2) the vast majority of Mexico's elite pick up and move to Vail during the holidays. I don't want to imply that you wouldn't want to be surrounded by either group of people (I have been to Vail many times with some Mexican friends of mine), but it may reflect the state of nightflife in each town, etc.
Also, if you are looking at the St. Regis in Aspen, have you considered the Little Nell? It has recently been redone and has gotten rave reviews. I believe its rates are also slightly cheaper than the St. Regis.
Mar 12th, 2002 | 02:24 PM
#13
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As a Colorado Native - I would pick Steamboat over any of your choices. But since it isn't an option - I would pick Breckinridge, then Aspen, and last - Vail. Vail is just a fake town planted right on either side of I-70. And the mountains on either side of I-70 aren't anything to look at. While the Skiing is great, there really isn't any historical or cultural reality in Vail at all.
Aspen has history, great skiing, (two areas - Snomass and Aspen)and beautiful scenery. Glenwood Springs is close by - with its fabulous hot springs. The beautiful Maroon Bells are right next to Aspen - The Maroon Bells are about the most photographed mountains in Colorado. BUT Aspen is really expensive.
Breckinridge has history and beautiful scenery. Those "faux" victorian homes aren't faux at all. The mining history behind Breckenridge's development is facinating. The skiing is diverse and expecially good for beginning skiiers - but the skiing really isn't the most important thing. Within 45 minutes of driving from Breckinridge, you can ski Copper Moutain, Vail, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin. You could even visit Winter Park with an hours drive. And finally, Breckinridge is the most reasonable place cost-wise to visit.
Have Fun!
Aspen has history, great skiing, (two areas - Snomass and Aspen)and beautiful scenery. Glenwood Springs is close by - with its fabulous hot springs. The beautiful Maroon Bells are right next to Aspen - The Maroon Bells are about the most photographed mountains in Colorado. BUT Aspen is really expensive.
Breckinridge has history and beautiful scenery. Those "faux" victorian homes aren't faux at all. The mining history behind Breckenridge's development is facinating. The skiing is diverse and expecially good for beginning skiiers - but the skiing really isn't the most important thing. Within 45 minutes of driving from Breckinridge, you can ski Copper Moutain, Vail, Keystone, and Arapahoe Basin. You could even visit Winter Park with an hours drive. And finally, Breckinridge is the most reasonable place cost-wise to visit.
Have Fun!
Jul 22nd, 2003 | 05:36 PM
#17
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
This was probably a winter question but as we just experienced the area I'd like to add my take on Aspen vs. Vail. We stopped at Vail last week on a weekday afternoon, looking for lunch. The parking was a nightmare. It wasn't too clear that we had to go to an underground garage so we circled the villages several times, trying to find the heart of Vail. Thought we'd left Vail when we saw other names. Finally, we asked a guard and parked and it was fairly close to the main drag. The garage was quite busy and hard to find a spot in. Had O.K.nachos at the Red Lion's patio where thunder and lightning drove us indoors--who wants to sit on metal chairs during that? Anyway, we were happy to leave and drive to Aspen where we stayed at our favorite hotel, The Little Nell, which is having a special Mon. thru Thurs. to the end of August. Perhaps our experience wasn't a fair test but we both much prefer Aspen.
Jul 22nd, 2003 | 06:57 PM
#18
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 26,499
Likes: 4
I realize this post is from March 2002... All this discussion about the town v. town, hotel v. hotel...
If you're going to ski, you cannot beat Vail. It has more of everything. More mountain, more diversity of terrain, more on-mountain activities.
We've been skiing Vail for more than 25 years. Every few years, some friends talk us into meeting them in Aspen, and we always regret it. We've had problems with cancelled flights and then terrible non-service from the airline. We've experienced bad attitude from lift operators, on-mountain staff, bus drivers and in-town restaurant servers. Everyone in a service capacity seems to be so dissatisfied and unhappy and not at all appreciative of how much it costs tourists to be there.
If you're going to ski, you cannot beat Vail. It has more of everything. More mountain, more diversity of terrain, more on-mountain activities.
We've been skiing Vail for more than 25 years. Every few years, some friends talk us into meeting them in Aspen, and we always regret it. We've had problems with cancelled flights and then terrible non-service from the airline. We've experienced bad attitude from lift operators, on-mountain staff, bus drivers and in-town restaurant servers. Everyone in a service capacity seems to be so dissatisfied and unhappy and not at all appreciative of how much it costs tourists to be there.
Aug 6th, 2003 | 09:31 AM
#19
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
Daph and Jean,
Thanks for the input. We are now thinking of going in March 2004 as we are going to Arizona in December now. Our main purpose for Vail/Aspen is of course skiing. Thank you again for the input and any more is appreciated!
Thanks for the input. We are now thinking of going in March 2004 as we are going to Arizona in December now. Our main purpose for Vail/Aspen is of course skiing. Thank you again for the input and any more is appreciated!
