The iconic, throwback-chic Lodge at Vail represents a couple of noteworthy “Vail Firsts.” Steps from the new ten-passenger Gondola One (which commemorates the original), it was Vail Village’s very first hotel. Fast forward several decades, and the outdoor pool was the first to feature two side-by-side hot tubs with fire pits, surround sound and a full-service bar open year-round. (Post-slopes pro tip: peruse the warm drink menu or try the bar’s legendary Moscow Mule at après ski.) The resort’s polished ambiance is reminiscent of the warmth and charm of classic European chalets, and The Lodge remains a cornerstone of downtown Vail Village even today. It’s home to two of Vail’s best-known restaurants, Elway’s and Cucina, which have both perfected an upscale spin on mountain comfort food, while the neighboring Yama dishes up flavorful Japanese fare. Taking a day off from the mountain? Wind your way through the rich mahogany and marble interior until you reach the luxe 75,000 square foot spa and disappear for a few hours. As late afternoon approaches and you start getting “We’re on our way” texts from your ski crew, head back to your residence to see if you have the fixings to make anything that would qualify as dinner. (Pre-made pesto or a frozen lasagna and bag salad are totally fair game.) Or declare it a night on the town and ask the concierge for a point in the right direction.

Spacious, welcoming studios, and one- to three-bedroom residences give you plenty of space for stashing all those ski layers when you’re not bundled up and lift-bound. Full kitchens are up for helping with dinner, but first, a catnap in front of the wood-burning fireplace may be in order. Individually decorated condos each have a unique look, but all stick with the overall mountain getaway theme. Slide open your balcony door to see what the weather feels like – that beaming sun can be deceiving. But if it’s indeed warm enough, pour wine or mix drinks for the grownups in your group, and head outside before the sun dips behind the peaks.

World-renowned Vail is best-known for its winter skiing and riding, Instagram-worthy downtown, and easy access from the Denver International Airport. That said, summers know how to draw the crowds as well, with signature annual events like Blues, Brews & BBQ, Vail Arts Festival, America Days, Beaver Creek Rodeo Series, Jazz at Vail Square and enough other festivities to make you practically forget you thought this was just a ski town. (Flower-filled meadows and over 300 days of sunshine a year certainly don’t hurt either.) Golfers will want to toss their clubs in the car and head for the Tom Fazio designed Red Sky Golf Club, pronto. Meanwhile, the rest of your adventurers may want to head for the zip lines and Forest Flyer alpine slide.