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| Vail is located in Colorado, USA, and lies pretty much in the middle
of the Rockies. It's situated just of Interstate 70, and stretches alongside
I70 as it passes through Vail Valley. Two airports lie nearby, and it's
this choice that determines who you fly and how you go about getting there.
Denver International Airport is about 21 miles east of Denver, and about
140 miles east of Vail. It's served by direct flights from Gatwick on British
Airways, and connecting flights from Heathrow on American, United, and
other major carriers.
Eagle Airport is about 40 miles west of Vail in the heart of the Rockies.
It's only served by connecting flights from the UK, and you might have
to make more than one connection en route. Both American and United Airlines
fly into Eagle, American connecting through Dallas, and United through
Denver.
Unfortunately, here is where it starts to get a bit complicated if you're
on your own… |
| Option 1 - Fly into Eagle (EGE)
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Flying into Eagle somewhat simplifies matters. There is a van service
operated by Colorado Mountain Express that meets all flights. It's around
$40 per person each way, but does make sure you're comfortably in Vail
soon after your flight lands, and can get some sleep to recover from your
flights.
Whilst various airlines fly into Eagle, there's a limited number of
connections for flights from the UK.
American Airlines have a seasonal service of connecting flights from
Dallas, Newark and San Francisco. The quickest way to get there is on the
9:55 to Dallas from Gatwick, flights from Heathrow require more than one
connection. Flights from Manchester go via Chicago and San Francisco.
United Airlines have five flights a day from Denver to Eagle during
the main ski season, and you have to change planes twice. Flights depart
from Heathrow or Manchester, and the quickest routing is via Chicago from
Heathrow, and Washin9gton from Manchester. Interestingly, it's not that
much more expensive to fly to Eagle than just Denver, despite being an
extra return flight.Tip - if you do do this, sign up for United Airlines mileage plus program
- you'll fly enough miles to get a return trip to Paris or Brussels on
Eurostar.)
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| Option 2 - Fly into Denver
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There are three ways to get to Vail from Denver:
a) Hire a car - it's around three hours from Denver Airport to Vail.
You probably won't need your car much if you're staying in central Vail,
as a free bus service runs throughout the town all day. But if there's
a group of you it might be a cheaper way of getting to Vail than using
shuttle vans or the Greyhound. Plus you'll be able to get to Keystone and
Breckenridge to use your lift pass there (though again, in midwinter there
is a bus). Check your hotel offers free parking, and think twice if you're
not happy to drive over mountain passes if it's snowing.
b) Take the Colorado Mountain Express shuttle, which leaves directly
from Denver airport to Vail. It costs $60 per person each way (no discount
for round trip), and takes two and a half to three hours. Shuttles leave
regularly throughout the day between 8am and 11pm, and you can make reservations
online at http://database.cmex.com/
c) Finally you can take the Greyhound. There are four daily departures
from Denver airport to Vail, the trip taking three and a quarter hours
and costing around $20 single. Companion fare discounts might be available,
which allow two to travel for the price of one, but require a week advance
purchase in the States. Afternoon buses depart/arrive at 4:50/8:10pm and
8:55pm/12:10am. The return journey is 8:15/11:40am. Views are more spectacular
on the left hand side of the bus from Denver. To make the 4:50, you'll
need to fly Lufthansa via Frankfurt...
n.b. All flight times and other prices were correct at time of writing.
US Customs can take some time to clear, and Chicago O'Hare airport can
become snowbound in winter. The author is not responsible for any missed
connections incurred due to people following the suggested routings above.
If in doubt, consult a travel agent or ring the airlines direct.
If you want a day to acclimatise to the altitude and rarefied atmosphere,
you could spend an evening and morning in Denver. This gives you the chance
to wander around 'Mile high City', see the historical district, and get
some shopping in down the 16th Street Mall. Sometimes you can also pick
up discounted Vail lift tickets, around $10 a day cheaper than you'd pay
in the resort. If you need any ski gear, there's Gart sports, which has
a big equipment sale every year (though before the ski season begins),
but whilst clothing is generally cheaper, boots and skis are not, so make
sure you know how much you'd be paying in the UK before you splash out
on that bargain pair of boots or skis.
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