How To Spend A Perfect Weekend In Vail

Want to get out of town for the weekend? Head to Vail for a unique and memorable break from the Bay.

En route to Vail

Photo Credit: GMCGet there: Flights from SFO to Denver are frequent—select one that arrives on the earlier side of the day. Rent a GMC Yukon Denali, the premium SUV manufacturer is the exclusive vehicle of Vail Resorts, and the best way to get around. It’s a scenic two-hour drive to the hotel.

A suite at the Arrabelle

Photo Credit: Vail Resorts

Stay: The Arrabelle at Vail Square is a charming and sumptuous retreat that looks like it could be out of a storybook. A bronze bear greets guests in the lobby, and there is a relaxed, but refined vibe. Brass chandeliers, stone floors, roaring fireplaces, and furniture with carved wood details give the Arrabelle an old-world elegance. The plush beds are incredibly welcoming after a long day on the slopes—as is the rooftop hot tub and 10,000 square-foot spa. Arrabelle’s restaurant, Tavern on the Square is located at the bottom of Vail Mountain, and it’s a scene-y spot to apres.

The wine wall at Sweet Basil

Photo Credit: Aubrie Gerber

Eat: For a memorable fine dining experience, book a reservation at Sweet Basil, the iconic restaurant in Vail Village. Sweet Basil has that je ne sais quoi that can only be found in a restaurant that was ground-breaking when it opened, and forty years later, is just as good. Order a martini and the saffron linguine with lobster, shrimp, and scallops. You won’t be disappointed. For a more informal vibe, visit Mountain Standard, Sweet Basil’s sister restaurant. The unpretentious tavern overlooks Gore Creek and has a bustling open kitchen. The cuisine is new American with a Southern focus. The buttermilk biscuits with Benton’s country ham are a must try.

Apres-ski happy hour at Tavern on the Square

Photo Credit: Vail Resorts

Do: Outdoor activities are on the agenda. Skiing, snowmobiling, winter horseback riding, ski biking or tubing, ice skating—you name it, Vail Square’s got it. From the ski rental shop to the ice skating rink, everything is conveniently near the Arrabelle.