Lion Square Lodge

Nestled in the Rockies at the base of Vail Mountain and Gore Creek, Lion Square is a blissfully convenient ski-in/gondola-out stay. So you can pop on your skis and slow-shush your way to the nearby Eagle Bahn Gondola in minutes. A recent multi-million dollar renovation not only overhauled the lodge, but also gave it a fab new (also ski-in/ski-out!) Latin-inspired restaurant on the lobby level. Breakfast leans more toward traditional American, with a zesty Latin twist, while the lunch menu is like a greatest hits album of street-cart favorites from various regions. Dinner goes all-out Latin American, starring classics like Snapper Veracruz – and you’ll want to take your time perusing the bar menu with its specialty selection of tequilas, rums and piscos, not to mention an entirely separate menu dedicated to variations on the beloved mojito. For fitness buffs, there’s an onsite fitness center and dry sauna – and if you’re here to ski, Charter Sports makes equipment rental as effortless as it gets, and offers ski valet services, so you don’t have to haul your gear anywhere. Outdoor pool and hot tubs are a guest-magnet year-round, thanks to the stunning mountain backdrop. So when you ask your crew who’s up for a swim, expect a unanimous “Meee!”

Settle into your one- or two-bedroom condominium, stashing all those base layers, helmets, goggles and gloves out of the way – grouped by wearer, so it’s easy to mobilize in the morning. Go-getters will want to put the First Gondola Challenge out there: see if everyone can eat breakfast in the well appointed kitchen, and get bundled up in time to make the earliest gondola up. (The reward? First tracks powder and no crowds.) Mountain and village views out your windows inspire you to spend more time outside than inside – whether it’s skiing/riding, hiking/biking or just poking around town. Walk to shops and restaurants or hop the free in-town shuttle if you’re with tired-out little ones (or overdid it on the slopes).

In addition to being steps from the ski area, Lion Square is right on the perfect-for-summer bike path, if you want to see what’s beyond the charmer of a downtown (stopping for ice cream on the way back, of course). And if you spot an excursion flier that looks intriguing, the concierge can make it happen. Summer offerings range from Jeep/Hummer tours and whitewater rafting, to horseback riding and hot air ballooning, while winter is full of snow-centric options, from tubing and snow biking, to snowmobiling and sleigh rides.