5 Snowriffic Reasons to Visit Vail, Colorado This Winter

Photo credit: Vail Resorts, Jack Affleck

As Indiana's winter shifts to cold with a smattering of snow here and there, our minds are turning to all things winter from cozy fires and hot cocoa to skiing and Christmas markets. While you can start to get your winter fix here in Indiana, to really do it up ride head to Colorado.

Vail is a resort down about two hours west of Denver that is awash in winter activities with an absolutely charming classic European-style village. It's easy to catch a flight on Southwest out of Indy to Denver and be sure to check out my tips on how to fly free like my family, using the Southwest Companion Pass.

Here are 5 reasons to head to Vail this winter:

1. Skiing Galore

HomeAway, a vacation rental company, lists Vail as its No. 5 top ski destinations with more than 4,800 rentals available. You'll find some 5,000 acres of ski and snowboarding landscape in Vail with options for all skill levels. It's also a great places for kids to ski, as Vail offers many Kids Adventure Zones with fun activities like tunnels, sculptures and more.

2. Get Your Snow Fix

While we may or may not have our share of snow here in Indiana, they'll have it in spades in Vail -- and they are prepared! In addition to skiing, you can enjoy snowcat rides in the wilderness, mushing with happy dogs pulling you along, horse-drawn carriage rides, tubing and snowboarding. There's nothing quite as pretty as a quaint village covered in snow.

3. Celebrate the Holidays

Vail offers a variety of ways to celebrate the holidays from the festivel-decorated Vail Village and Lionshead Village to the Kris Kringle Market with one-of-a-kind gifts to its large tree-lighting ceremony. Plus, there's nothing that sparks a holiday feeling more than ice skating on the village rink followed by a cup of hot cocoa.

4. Eat Your Heart Out

Vail offers a range of options for foodies. Families can enjoy fare at the popular Blue Moose Pizza or enjoy the ultimate gourmet dining experience at Game Creek Restaurant, set on Vail Mountain and with views of the Game Creek Bowl. Vail also has plenty of apres ski bars and even a Cinebistro where you can enjoy dinner, drinks and a movie. You can even take a wine-tasting class at Root and Flower in Vail Village.

5. Shop Till You Drop

Whether you're searching for the perfect holiday gift or a souvenir of Colorado, you won't want for ideas in Vail. Both Vail Village and Lionshead Village are home to many unique boutiques offering everything from gold-dipped aspen leaf ornaments to outdoor wear to chair hand-crafted from old skis.

Here are even more ideas for things to do in Vail, and while in the area, check out Beaver Creek Resort, just 10 minutes away. Here's a guide to Beaver Creek during the winter.