What comes to mind when you think about Vail, Colorado? For a lot of people, that might be skiing, snowboarding and hot chocolate! But, this past summer, my best friend and I planned a 4-day girls trip and were eager to discover the magic of this mountain paradise.

The drive from the airport in Denver to Vail is scenic and full of winding roads surrounded by a majestic landscape of vibrant green meadows and dense forests. When we arrived in Vail Village, we were immediately enchanted by its alpine charm. Quaint cobblestone streets, Bavarian style hotels and restaurants, all nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery. It’s truly magical. 

Our hotel was the beautiful Sonnenalp, a stunning hotel nestled right in the middle of Vail Village. Our room included 2 double beds, a large bathroom, walk-in closet, a fireplace and balcony. Every morning we would have breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, Ludwigs. They offered a wide variety of breakfast options, including alternatives for anyone with food restrictions/allergies.

One of the trip highlights was our full-day Llama Hike and Lunch with @Paragonguides. We were met at our hotel with some curious (non-spitting) llamas and the best guide we could have asked for! Once we were acquainted with our llamas, we started our hike through the backcountry trails while we marveled at the sheer beauty of the mountains. The hike was full-day and included a savory spread that was tailored to our dietary needs. 

Do you enjoy yoga? You should try Goat Yoga! Another highlight of the trip was our Goat Yoga at Vail Stables. We were led through the session by a fantastic instructor, while being surrounded by the cutest goats. It was a little hard to focus with all of the cuteness going on, but it was a special experience.

In between our outdoor adventures, we took time to explore the vibrant cultural scene of Vail. We attended a fun evening listening to the musical genius that is Sullivan Fortner, as part of the Vail Jazz Festival. We walked through the Colorado Snowsports Museum (free admission) and walked through the beautiful Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.

Memorable Moments:

• Lunch with Vail Picnic at Roger Staub park. A dreamy tablescape was created by our very own ‘picnic concierge’, right next to the water and under a large shady tree. 

• Sonnenalp Spa offers such a peaceful and tranquil environment. We both got to hang around the pool (indoor and outdoor) and both got massages that left us feeling so relaxed and restful.

• Shopping in Vail Village. A great selection of stores selling everything from clothing and cowboy hats to home décor and sunscreen!

• Try all the restaurants! The food scene in Vail is incredible. Some of our favorite places were Chasing Rabbits (such a cool experience) and Mountain Standard.

Travel Tip: This is a big one, and something we weren’t prepared for. Drink plenty of water! Coming from Toronto, there was a huge change in altitude, and during the drive to Vail, we noticed the change almost immediately. Altitudes of 8000ft or higher is usually when altitude sickness commonly starts. Vail is 8150ft high. Most of the spas offered oxygen (yes, you can buy oxygen) for this very reason. Between oxygen and lots of water and limiting our alcohol intake (sorry), we were able to manage our symptoms.

Thinking back to our trip to Vail, I can’t help but feel grateful for the unforgettable moments and adventures we experienced, and look forward to returning to this mountain paradise!