A Haven for Multi-Gen Vacations
With concerts, performances, festivals, and epic discovery, who wouldn’t love Vail?
When cookbook author and “Happy Simple Living” blogger Eliza Cross planned a vacation for extended family—including her son, two aunts, two uncles, a pair of grandparents and one dog—she knew location would be key to keeping ages 12-77 satisfied.
“Vail offers a perfect mix,” says Cross, “with breathtaking scenery, hiking trails, galleries, restaurants and shopping—all within walking distance of our hotel.”
Just 90 miles from Denver, the town of Vail covers 4.5 square miles surrounded by White River National Forest. Summer events include Bravo! Vail, jazz and dance festivals and Vail Kids Adventure Games (complete schedule at vail.com).
Photo courtesy Antlers at Vail
Wanting everyone under one roof, Cross and family settled on a four-bedroom condo at the Antlers at Vail in the family-friendly Lionshead neighborhood. The hotel’s full kitchens and loaner “library” of gourmet gadgets were a plus for Cross. “At breakfast, much of our conversation was what we’d cook for dinner,” she laughs. “Several evenings we grilled fish and steaks on the balcony.”
And other fun was close at hand. “We had four artists in our group, so we took the shuttle to art galleries. We walked to Lionshead Plaza for live music, and riding the Lionshead Gondola was a thrill for all.”
Kim Orlando, family travel expert (founder of travelingmom.com), agrees variety of activities is crucial. Orlando also chose Vail for a multigenerational vacation, but her group included her 45-year-old cousin and 17-year-old daughter.
First-time visitors to Vail, Orlando and family enjoyed Epic Discovery’s zipline and mountain coaster, and a guided backcountry hike. “The guide was fantastic because he pointed out history, forestry and survival tips,” says Orlando.
For lodging, they chose one of the Sebastian-Vail Residences. “It was elegant and casual, with split levels, so we had plenty of space,” she says. “I especially loved the living room with fireplace, where we gathered at the end of the day to recap, share stories and laugh.”
Orlando recommends asking each family member for a “must do” item to work into a multigenerational travel plan. She also encourages young travelers to do at least one thing on older relatives’ lists and vice versa.
Her group appreciated “the opportunity to discover new things together. And a bonus,” Orlando adds, “my daughter now knows the words to two Lynyrd Skynyrd songs.”
Photo courtesy Sebastian-Vail
In the heart of Vail Village, the Sebastian offers families the perfect home away from home.
Photo courtesy Sebastian-Vail
The Sebastian’s pool provides guaranteed fun.
Photo bu Jack Affleck
Vail’s scenic hiking trails provide an outdoor excursion for all ages and abilities.
Photo courtesy Vail Resorts
During summer months, you can find an outdoor concert or performance almost every night of the week.
Photo by Jack Affleck
The acclaimed Vail Dance Festival takes place on stage in the scenic Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater.
Photo by Jack Affleck
No need to bring your own bikes—there’s a bevy of bike shops to set up the family in gear.
Photo by Jack Affleck
Many Vail restaurants have embraced sustainable practices and the farm-to-table movement of locally sourced products.
Photo by Jack Affleck
An iconic corner of Vail Village—Pepe’s Gasthof Gramshammer.
Photo courtesy Sebastian-Vail
Young chefs have a blast at the Sebastian’s Battle Mountain Kids’ Camp.
Suite options:
Accommodations with ample space and abundant amenities are the key to a successful multigenerational vacation.
With condominiums ranging from studio suites to four-bedroom penthouses, every Antlers at Vail suite enjoys a fully equipped kitchen, fireplace, balcony, daily maid service and complimentary Wi-Fi and parking. Families enjoy such complimentary amenities as the year-round outdoor pool and hot tubs and a variety of guest “loaners” including bicycles, snowshoes, sleds and GoPro cameras. Recent luxurious upgrades earned the Antlers the “Platinum” ranking from Vail Valley Partnership. For additional information visit
antlersvail.com.
Also Vail Valley Partnership Platinum-rated, the Sebastian-Vail offers a variety of traditional hotel rooms as well as luxury Residences. Guests staying in a Residence may request guest services appropriate for various ages, including In-Residence Meals and Battle Mountains Kids’ Camp. Amenities include Bloom Spa, Leonora restaurant and Frost Bar.
For additional information visit thesebastianvail.com.
