Okay, what would I like to do in Vail on Valentine’s Day? It lasts a whole weekend this year!
Here are some thoughts for a simple but delightful getaway. Not necessarily to be done in the order listed below.
1. If it’s a sunny day, a little walk along Gore Creek after breakfast puts you in touch with what winter is all about. There’s no end to the visual pleasures along the way.
2. Skier or not, if it’s a sunny day a ride up the LionsHead Gondola would give an unmatchable view of this snowy Colorado haven and beyond. It says “possibilities” to me. You can get lost in them and get dreamy with your lover or dream on your own about what “you” want in this life.
3. If you love java, take a coffee or tea tasting tour at Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea Company. It’s free, and it will perk you up no matter the time of day.
4. Stop for lunch at Pepi’s, find some chocolate at Alpenrose, or watch the skiers tumble down Giant Steps from the Los Amigos deck – all for love.
5. To warm up, find your way to the Sonnenalp piano bar and slip into the library behind the fireplace. Order a hot chocolate or some champagne. Sonnenalp hot chocolate tastes like it comes direct from Europe, all chocolate, well served. If some other star-crossed lovers are there before you, walk over to the bar or living room couches for a great place to perch, even momentarily. They serve bratwurst and crisp German beers.
6. Need more activity than that? Start off the day with a skate ski at the Vail Nordic Center, an ice skate or some fine skiing in Vail’s back bowls. Cuddle on the chairlift. Plan a sleigh ride and then dinner at Balata Restaurant in Edwards. If you want to take a day trip, check out the 2-for-1 ski prices at Ski Cooper and make a lunch reservation at the Tennessee Pass Yurt. You can snowshoe or xc ski in from the Nordic Center next to the ski area.
7. Go back to your hotel room at the Gasthof Gramshammer, Sonnenalp Resort, Vail Cascade or Vail Mountain Lodge & Spa for a nap. Wake up in time for your massage; just ask the concierge on arrival or when you reserve.
8. You have time this weekend, so check out the latest in ski equipment, snowboards, snowshoes. Maybe you need a headlamp for a moonlight snowshoe – you can remember the fun you had on Valentine’s Day while you’re suffering through the 5k. Window shopping or buying each other a gift puts smiles on faces.
9. Find a little nook at an apres-ski bar and listen to the music. Whisper sweet nothings. The Fitz Piano Bar in Manor Vail is on the east side of Vail Village. There’s the Fireside Bar in the Vail Cascade; take the free bus. Pepi’s Bar is lively, and Rob Powell will have you singing along in no time.
10. Think about dinner. Buy each other a rose or just hold hands. For a decidedly French celebration, try La Tour next to its namesake clock tower in Vail Village. They will guide you through an evening of delicious food and drink.
Then … Smile all the way back to your hotel.
Tomorrow, you could go horseback riding at 4 Eagle Ranch and have a western lunch there. Stop at Loaded Joe’s in Avon for coffee or go there at night to mix with the younger set. You could drive to Gypsum and take in the beauty of the length of the Vail valley. Make a reservation at Rittenhouse Restaurant for lunch or dinner. Ideas will add to the pleasure of your weekend Valentine getaway.
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