Editor's Blog -- On the Road with Blakeney, Vail Ski Resort

The 2009-2010 season marks the 47th anniversary of the sterling megaresort, the brainchild of founder Pete Seibert. Unlike some of its Rocky Mountain neighbors, Vail was never a mining town; it was designed to be a world-class winter resort.

The massive Vail Mountain has become the largest single mountain ski resort in North America with 33 lifts, 193 trails and 5,289 skiable acres. It is best known for its skiing and riding across three distinct mountain experiences: Front Side, Back Side and Blue Sky Basin. The Front Side offers a conventional trail design with terrain for every ability.

Vail's seven legendary Back Bowls on the Back Side feature 2,724 acres of expansive terrain that is a "must ski" on a powder day. Blue Sky Basin provides lift access to the back country. After the lifts close, the Bavarian-styled village is legendary for its après scene and energetic nightlife, a hot spot of conspicuous consumption and glitter.

What's New: Snowmaking upgrades on Vail’s Golden Peak will allow for an earlier season opening for Vail’s flagship Fly Zone terrain park and for training trails.

Where to Stay: The Vail Marriott, already a crown jewel, has undergone a $45 million facelift.

Morsels: Larkspur Restaurant, the most popular dining spot in Vail Village, is rated as a “don't miss” by USA Today.

Cool Hangout: The Kaltenberg Castle offers Bavarian brews crafted from recipes in Europe. It's a great spot to warm up with a Dunkel beer and a plate of brats and sauerkraut.

Did You Know: The name of the town was taken from the pass between the Gore Valley and Summit County, named after Charles Vail, the chief engineer for the State of Colorado in the 1930s.

ESSENTIALS
Phone: (970) 845-2500
Snow report: (800) 404-3535
Website: www.vail.com
Skiable acres: 5,289 acres
Terrain: 18% beginner; 29% intermediate; 53% expert