Lift House Lodge

Awarded a 2016 Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor, the pet-friendly Lift House Lodge is located in Lionshead at the base of Vail Mountain. In play since skiing’s heyday in the early 1970s, the Lift House is right next door to Chair Lift #8 and the Lionshead Eagle Bahn Gondola. The ski school, staffed with ridiculously patient instructors for learners of all ages, is also next door (so there’s no time to change your mind on the way there). Thaw out after a long day on the slopes in the 12-person indoor hot tub, while debating onsite dinner options. You could cook (maybe tomorrow), or hit Bart & Yeti’s, a local favorite known for its Bart Burger, kids menu and pets-welcome patio. There’s also the nautical-themed Montauk – Vail Valley’s #1 Seafood Restaurant. The Hawaiian Ahi is a must-order, and tablecloths are topped with white paper so kids can sketch cartoony, stick-person versions of their terrain park triumphs or the day’s winning wipeout.

Inviting studio condos are 430 square feet and comfortably sleep up to four guests. Some residences are pet-friendly, so your four-legged family member won’t have to miss out on the big adventure. Daily housekeeping frees you up for more of the fun stuff. And well appointed kitchenettes include a mini-fridge, microwave, three-burner stovetop, oven and basic dishware and utensils. Keep meals low-key – and establish a help-yourself-to-breakfast policy, so you can snooze a little later. There’s a flat screen TV with HBO, so you won’t miss any of your must-sees. Or go old-school, and gather around board games, a giant (seemingly impossible) puzzle or fierce round of Crazy Eights. Or just sit fireside and one-up each other with tales from the trails, and Go-Pro video-proof to back up your stories.

Overlooking the ski run and Lionshead Village Mall, Lift House Lodge has ski/snowboard and bike rental shops onsite – and even more boutiques and restaurants right outside. The Blue Moose is known for its New York-style pizza. And Tavern on the Square’s Lobster Mac & Cheese is a crowd-pleaser. Try the Mahi Fish Tacos at Garfinkel’s (“Garf’s” if you want to sound like a local). And Miguel’s Chicken Enchiladas await at El Sabor. Ready to venture beyond Vail’s 33 chairlifts and over 5,200 acres of terrain? Go cross-country skiing, lace up ice skates or book a sleigh ride dinner at Four Eagle Ranch. You can also hop on the Lionshead Gondola and head for Adventure Ridge, where the kids can go snowmobiling, tubing or try snow bikes. Summer is ideal for the ziplines and adventure courses at nearby Epic Discovery. Or you can hike the trails, go mountain biking or try your hand at fly fishing. Pro tip: secure your status as Best Vacation Planner Ever with a hot air balloon ride.