Recreation

The reason Vail [1] is on the map at all is because of the incredible skiing, with almost 200 trails over 5,289 acres and a mountain peak of 11,500 feet. What makes Vail so appealing is that there is something for every skill level and activity—downhill skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding. And that’s just in the winter. To find out more about year-round activities, lift ticket prices, gondola and chairlift rides, mountain biking, hiking, ski lessons (offered in many languages) and more, go to www.vail.snow.com [2] or call 970/476-9090.

Even though the terrain makes for a challenging course, golf is still popular in Vail, such as at the Vail Golf Club (970/479-2260, www.vailgolfclub.net [3] or www.vailrec.com [4]), with a stunning 18-hole course at 8,200 feet, where golf balls supposedly fly 10 percent farther than at lower elevations.

In the summer, Gore Creek Fly Fisherman (970/476-3296, www.gorecreekflyfisherman.com [5]) offer free casting lessons every day at 10:30 a.m. at their three locations, as well as guided fishing trips arranged in advance.

If you are seeking the latest adventure craze, try Zip Adventures (970/926-9470, www.zipadventures.com [6]), where for $125 you zoom (or zip) down a cable seeing the canyon scenery at a high speed. There is a bit of hiking involved.