Vail Village vs Lionshead: Where Should You Stay?
Planning a family ski trip to Vail, Colorado? When choosing your Vail lodging, one of the first decisions you'll make is where to stay: Vail Village vs Lionshead.
Although the two pedestrian-friendly Vail villages are just a five-minute drive (or a short walk) apart, they each offer a distinct atmosphere, different Vail vacation rental options, and their own advantages for families.
Choosing the right village shapes your daily routine, your après-ski plans, and the vibe of your vacation, so it's worth understanding what each has to offer.
What's the difference between Vail Village and Lionshead? Let’s take a closer look:
Vail Village
Location and Skiing
Vail Village is located at the base of Vail Mountain, with easy access to Gondola One, the Riva Bahn Express Lift 6, and Gopher Hill Lift 12.
With more direct access to the advanced back bowls and more intermediate terrain, Vail Village skiing is best for older kids and strong skiers.
Atmosphere and Activities
A walkable, alpine-style village lined with charming mountain architecture and a vibrant atmosphere, Vail Village is the center of the action and is ideal for families with teenagers who want to be out and about in the evenings.
There’s a large variety of dining options in Vail Village, from casual spots to fine cuisine, including family-friendly Pazzo’s Pizzeria, or the casual Western Bully’s Ranch.
The village also has plenty of shopping, from outdoor gear to fine art, as well as a busy nightlife scene, with bars, lounges, and live music that take you from après ski into the nighttime. Our favourite all-ages entertainment options include the arcade at Chasing Rabbits, bowling at DECO + Bol, or the Solaris Plaza Ice Skating Rink.
Lodging
Vail hotels are abundant in the village, with many just steps from the slopes, restaurants, boutiques, and the après-ski scene. Hotels are a great fit for families who don't need as much living space, have older kids who will spend most of their time exploring the mountain and village, and plan to dine out for many of their meals.
While accommodations in Vail Village typically come at a premium, you’re rewarded with easy walkability to lifts and the convenience of having everything right outside your door.
The Lodge at Vail: Charming, elegant, and luxuriously personal, The Lodge at Vail is located at the base of Vail Mountain and offers studios, rooms, residences, and chalets up to 6 bedrooms.
The Lodge has ski-in, ski-out accommodations, walkable lift access, and shared amenities including hot tubs, an outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness facilities, two on-site restaurants, a breakfast buffet (for a fee), as well as a ski valet and babysitting service.
Property Amenities at The Lodge at Vail
- Outdoor Heated Pool, 4 Common Hot Tubs
- Laundry Service
- Ski Storage and Valet
- Ski-in / Ski-out or Walk to Lifts
Lionshead
Location and Skiing
Located a 5-minute free shuttle or drive, (or 20-minute walk) west of Vail Village, Lionshead surrounds the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola.
With the Eagle’s Nest and Adventure Ridge beginner’s areas and ski schools and the intermediate Game Creek Bowl at the top, Lionshead is an excellent ski location for families with younger children or beginning skiers.
Atmosphere and Activities
More tranquil, less crowded, and more laid-back than Vail Village, Lionshead has a contemporary, pedestrian-friendly village with Bavarian architecture.
It's a great location for families with younger children looking for quiet nighttimes who don’t need to be in the center of the dining, shopping, and nightlife scene. Lionshead also has small supermarkets which are convenient for those with condo kitchens looking to self-cater.
For meals out, there are restaurants in Lionshead for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including family favourites like Blue Moose Pizza and The Little Diner for not-so-little breakfasts.
In terms of entertainment, Lionshead has the outdoor ice rink at the Arrabelle at Vail Square (rentals and hot chocolate available) and a variety of kid-friendly activities, such as the experimental playzone at Imagination Station.
Lodging
Families with young kids often find Lionshead easier thanks to its abundance of condo-style lodging. With separate bedrooms, full kitchens, living areas, and in-suite laundry in many properties, there is flexibility to prepare meals, stick to nap and bedtime routines, and spread out after a day on the mountain.
Lionshead is also known for offering more space and better value for money than Vail Village, while still providing convenient access to shops, restaurants, and the gondola.
The Arrabelle at Vail Square: Centrally located in Vail Square at Lionshead, The Arrabelle is only a short walk from the Eagle Bahn Gondola. The property offers elegant hotel rooms and suites, along with spacious condominium-style residences that accommodate groups of up to 10 guests.
Blending luxury with the romantic charm of the European Alps, The Arrabelle delivers one of Vail's most distinctive mountain lodging experiences.
Its location is equally appealing for families with kids of all ages, with the Vail Square Ice Rink right outside the door and the playground at Sunbird Park just across the Lionshead Mall.
Property Amenities at The Arrabelle at Vail Square
- Outdoor Heated Pool
- Sauna, Spa and Steam Room
- Walk to Lifts
- Babysitting
We hope this guide has helped you decide which neighborhood will best complement your vacation experience, whether your family is looking for a lively après experience and proximity to the action at Vail Village or a quieter, more spacious, and beginner-friendly ski experience at Lionshead.
Still looking for advice? Contact The Lodging Company, your guides to skiing, lodging, and activities at Vail.
About the Author Marina Starck is a skier, adventurer, and professional writer living in Vancouver, BC. She fell in love with skiing at the age of three, and hasn’t stopped since.