Vail and Beaver Creek: Tips

Mix it up Lift tickets may be pricey but they’re interchangeable at both Vail and Beaver Creek. Bonus: they also gain you access to nearby mountains like Keystone, Breckenridge, and Arapahoe Basin.

Take the shuttle The town of Vail has a shuttle bus service that runs every 3-5 minutes from 6am-2am daily (www.vailsoft.com/vail/bussched.html). Eco-Transit also runs shuttles from 6am-2pm between Vail and Beaver creek (www.eaglecounty.us/eco_transit).

Learn the mountain Mid-day lines are inevitable on the popular, central runs. For smoother cruising, carry a map and head to bowls or backside trails during peak hours.

Stay in school Vail’s stellar ski school offers group or private lessons for all levels. Special workshops are also available for fine-tuning fortes like mastering moguls. 970-476-3239; vail.snow.com/winter/ss.asp