Vail is a town that is still young enough to be finding itself. This is a company town, known for its exceptional ski conditions and luxury accommodations, but it has been turning itself into a year-round destination as well.

Located along either side of I-70 in a mountain valley, Vail enjoys increased allure due to its proximity to smaller towns to the west, such as Edwards and Minturn, that don’t make it into the travel guidebooks but that are part of the scene. It’s all becoming part of the greater Vail Valley and giving visitors and locals more to do.

Getting to Vail

Just hop on I-70 from downtown Denver and head west 120 miles. In the winter the traffic and road conditions can be dicey, sometimes making the two-hour drive take much longer. Check in at www.cotrip.com or dial 511 for the latest road conditions.

The Vail/Eagle County Airport (219 Eldon Wilson Dr., Gypsum, 970/524-9490 or 877/204-7881, www.snow.com/flyvail or www.eagle county.us/airport) is a 30-minute drive from Vail and has year-round service from major airlines that fly in from around the country. There are several car rental agencies based at the airport.

From Denver International Airport, Colorado Mountain Express (970/926-9800 or 800/525-6363, www.ridecme.com) provides shuttle service to the Vail Valley.

The ECO Transit System (970/328-3520, www.eaglecounty.us) has bus service that serves the greater Vail Valley. There is a good bike trail system too that is quite scenic.