Springtime in the Rockies invites warmer weather and fewer crowds. Inspirato offers a large portfolio of spacious luxury condos—along with an exclusive Inspirato Member Lounge—right in the heart of Vail Village, making it an ideal home away from home in the mountains. Read on to discover why Vail, Colorado, is the perfect place for an extended spring vacation.
Where to stay
Located in the heart of Vail Village, each of Inspirato’s spacious Solaris Residences offer mountain views, inviting fireplaces, and lavish accommodations. Solaris features world-class amenities, including the Solaris spa, fitness center, as well as a heated indoor pool and hot tub.
Choose between three-, four-, and six-bedroom abodes, all within minutes to world-renowned skiing, restaurants, and upscale shops and entertainment. With fully equipped gourmet kitchens, you’ll be able to cook your own five-star meals with ease. Start your morning with a cup of coffee on the terrace taking in the views of the mountains and storybook village, make memories around the fireplace after a day of adventuring, and wind down with a soak in your opulent bathtub.
Traveling with a car? Your stay with Inspirato guarantees a complimentary (and highly coveted) parking spot in downtown Vail—making getting around easier than ever.
What to do
Though there are year-round adventures to be had in the chic mountain town, springtime hiking in Vail is highly underrated. With less foot traffic than nearby mountain towns, some of the absolute best hikes in Colorado are in Vail’s Gore Range mountains. Get out on the trail with novice and experienced hikers alike to see the stunning locale with aspen groves, waterfalls, and springtime blooms. Here are just a few of our favorites:
- Strawberry Lane: Easy, 2.7 miles round-trip
- Shrine Ridge: Moderate, 4.3 miles round-trip
- Booth Creek Falls: Moderate, 2 miles round-trip
Check with your Destination Concierge for more hiking suggestions and information.
For those chillier days when you’re looking to stay indoors, but want to change up the scenery, the Vail Public Library provides a surprisingly cozy space to enjoy. Curl up with a book near the library’s fireplace on one of the comfy sofas or entertain young ones in the fun children’s space. Impressive views of Gore Creek await your arrival.
For some retail therapy, head to Vail’s premier shopping hub. Between Vail Village and Lionshead, there are hundreds of shops from boutiques to art galleries for you to explore. Treat yourself with some new outdoor gear to use on adventures during your stay—Patagonia, Helly Hansen, and The North Face are just a few iconic brands you’ll find here, each with their own store. Or perhaps you prefer art; check out favorites like Raitman Art Galleries and Vail Village Arts for inspired sculptures and paintings from incredible artists.
Gather friends and family at DECA + BOL, an upscale bowling alley in Vail Village with a contemporary restaurant featuring American-inspired fare and creative cocktails. Make a reservation before you go to ensure you and your party have a lane waiting for you, and let the good times roll!
Located just a 5- to 10-minute walk from Vail Village, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens sit at over 8,000 feet and are open for enjoyment year-round. Explore the Mountain Meditation Garden, Children’s Garden, Alpine Rock Garden, and gorgeous 120-foot waterfall. Offering guided and unguided tours, seasonal scavenger hunts, art exhibitions, bird-watching activities, and more, spend the day strolling these beautiful grounds with the whole family.
Vail Valley’s much anticipated annual springtime bash Spring Back to Vail features free live concerts, a world-famous pond-skimming championship, après parties, giveaways, and more. Check their official website for dates and event updates as this is a party you won’t want to miss.
When you’re looking for family-friendly mountain activities outside of Vail, you can drive about an hour west to enjoy the thermal waters of Glenwood Springs’ hot springs. This is the perfect activity for groups with kiddos and adults alike. Take restoration and relaxation to the next level at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort or Iron Mountain Hot Springs—both offer wonderful amenities, natural spring pools, and gorgeous mountain views.
Where to eat
Conveniently located right inside Solaris is the award-winning Japanese seafood and sushi restaurant, Matsuhisa. This urban upscale restaurant beckons with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of Vail Mountain. Inside dining features a limestone fireplace—the perfect setting for those chillier days—while outside seating offers an expansive patio with heaters, just in case. Taste chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s incredible blend of flavors, like his black cod miso soup or rock shrimp tempura—inspired by dishes around the world, from Japan to Argentina, and beyond.
Hot chocolate: that après treat that fills you up with warmth and satiates that sweet tooth cultivated by a day of mountain fun. For a truly spectacular version of this celebrated delicacy, head to The Remedy Bar in the Four Seasons. The menu at this upscale lounge features their luxurious “haut chocolat.” Your cup will arrive with a chocolate lattice and house-made marshmallow on top. The staff will steam the milk and chocolate in a French hot chocolate pot right in front of you before pouring the mixture on top to melt the chocolate into the drink—eh voila, Haut Chocolat.
Venture to the Swiss Chalet located inside the Sonnenalp hotel for their delicious Schnitzel and exciting fondue experience. The authentic and hearty fare, along with warm and welcoming staff, make this a dazzling dining option for small and large groups alike. Feast on their meat fondue with beef tenderloin, vegetables, and dipping sauces. For the cheese-lovers, choose between a blend of Swiss cheeses and herbs or their cheesy raclette with crispy prosciutto.
If you’re searching for the best Italian food in town, La Nonna Ristorante is the spot. Executive chef and owner Simone Reatti will transport you to Italy with his rustic homemade dishes made with local and Italian-imported ingredients. From rich antipasti of authentic meats and cheeses to warm seafood risotto and pasta dishes, head to La Nonna for the freshest, most mouthwatering fare in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Spend your weekend brunching at Vintage—Vail Village’s award-winning French brasserie. This chic spot is known for their champagne brunch, offering a slew of champagne cocktails as well as the classic mimosas and bloody marys. Choose between sweet and savory dishes like their French beignets, huckleberry bacon French toast, Maryland crab benedict, and more. Because they are dedicated to their brunch specialties, this restaurant is only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday each week.
Just a 4-minute walk from your residence at Solaris is Pepi’s Restaurant and Bar, a casually charming restaurant specializing in Austrian fare. This establishment was named after Pepi Gramshammer an internationally-known and acclaimed Austrian skier—heavily involved in the ski-race circuit—who opened the Gastof Gramshammer Hotel in 1964. This quaint hotel, ski shop, and restaurant will make you feel transported to a sweet little European hideaway where the food is good and the staff makes you feel right at home. Choose between their main dining room, outside patio, and bar to feast on authentic wiener schnitzel, Hungarian bratwurst, and more.
Make Vail your home with an extended visit this spring. Discover luxury stays for 30 days or more at Inspirato’s Solaris Residences with JauntLiving.
