Smart Meetings

The community was built around skiing and took off as a skier’s dream in the ’60s, never looking back as its popularity snowballed for decades.

At the heart of it is North America’s largest single ski peak, Vail Mountain, which spreads across more than 5,000 acres of terrain and seven natural bowls. But groups will also appreciate a host of other activities. Hiking and biking are popular spring, summer and fall pursuits on the mountain’s approximately 50 miles of scenic trails. Vail also provides a variety of shops and numerous dining options, ranging from casual grills to fine cuisine.

“There is something for everyone, with wonderful weather—300 days of sunshine a year—and a variety of activities from gondola rides to white-water rafting to mountaintop events,” says Chris Romer, director of marketing for the Vail Valley Partnership. “And the Town of Vail is a pedestrian mountain village that is easily accessible for everyone, with direct flights all year in and out of Eagle County Airport.”

Romer adds that while Vail is best-known for its wonderful winters and splendid summers, his “personal favorite time of year is the fall timeframe, with events such as Oktoberfest, the beauty of the aspen leaves changing colors, golf courses and other activities without the peak summer crowds.”

Cindi Williams, director of events for the Western Home Furnishings Association near Sacramento, recently brought a group to the Vail Plaza Hotel & Club, a new property just off Vail Village. She chose Vail, she says, because of “the natural beauty...the seclusion: The level of service to be had is certainly a plus for any high-end group.”

And, she says, “The value in the summer months is crazy good—there is just as much to do in the summer, if not more [than the winter].”

So whether your group is visiting Vail to bear down for business, focus on fun or a combination of the two, the town is among the best in the West all year-round.

MAJOR MEETING VENUES
Vail Cascade Resort & Spa is an upscale enclave of 292 guest rooms and suites (plus 72 condo residences) and 35,000 sq. ft. of high-quality event and meeting space. The resort also includes a 78,000-square-foot spa and fitness club complete with indoor basketball and tennis, professional spa treatments and much more.

Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa, with a Swiss chalet look and feel, has 283 guest rooms and 61 suites—plus 21,000 sq. ft. of premier meeting space spread across 21 rooms. The Antlers at Vail is a condominium property with 98 lodging options that run the gamut from studios to four-bedroom units—plus about 2,500 sq. ft. of meeting and conference space.

And at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch—less than 10 miles away in cozy Avon—the high-end lodge showcases 180 guest rooms and more than 13,000 sq. ft. of space. Another Avon property worth consideration is the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa, which provides 190 suite-styled guest rooms and about 20,000 sq. ft. of combined indoor and outdoor event space.

UNIQUE VENUES
Romer’s personal favorite “hidden gem” is the 4-Eagle Ranch. “This is an authentic western homestead with some original buildings; yet it provides a wonderful group venue for activities, meetings and events,” he says, of the handsomely revamped old ranch about 20 miles west of Vail. “They specialize in group events and dinners, and it’s an unforgettable group venue.”

Touting itself as the “highest public botanic garden in North America,” the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a picture-perfect paradise of high-altitude flowers and other plants. While it’s a fine place for a group visit and tour, the gardens additionally contain some splendid event settings, including a rock garden terrace, the Ford Amphitheater and a picnic pavilion.

FUN ACTIVITIES
Even if you’re not visiting in cold weather, you can experience the region’s renowned skiing scene—by stopping at the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum and Hall of Fame. The bastion of old photographs and skiing artifacts is a short, fun stop, and illuminates visitors with plenty of info they probably didn’t know about the region—or the sport.

And for those who consider shopping a sport, the village is the perfect arena for it. While you won’t find any bargain-basement deals here, the depth and variety of stores for a small community is exceptional, from fine art and jewelry shops to trendy galleries to elegant clothiers.

The nightlife for a town of about 5,000 is outstanding as well. Bridge Street is at the heart of it all, and the highlights include Samana Lounge, where attendees can kick up their heels to DJ tunes in an L.A.-chic atmosphere; The Tap Room, a casual stop with a large array of beers and spirits; and The Red Lion (theredlion.com), a fun and festive bar and grill with frequent live music, plus no-frills but delicious meals like their locally famous spaghetti.

GROUP DINING
Undoubtedly one of the best eating establishments in the region, Kelly Liken serves creative, seasonal fare your group will be lovin', like elk carpaccio, roasted beet salad and potato-crusted trout filets. While there’s no private seating area, buyouts for groups of up to 70 are available. Chap’s Grill & Chophouse, in the Vail Cascade Resort, is a likeable combo of country comfort and delicious dining. While you’ll find the expected tasty steaks and meats, a pleasant surprise are the vegetarian and lighter choices, including oven-roasted sea bass and cast iron-skillet trout.

Another top-notch dining destination for groups is La Tour Restaurant & Bar, with an easy-going ambience that belies its classy cuisine. Group options include a private back dining room that seats 40, and the faultless French cuisine is complemented by an award-winning wine selection of more than 350 varietals. Back to Top

Getting There

Vail is approximately 90 minutes west of Denver via I-70. The town is also served by Eagle County Airport, with daily nonstop flights arriving from 12 major cities including Denver and Los Angeles. Back to Top