Book 10 for Spring Break '08, Go Free!
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The dictionary says the definition for "vail" is to lower. The only thing that will be lowered after visiting Vail, Colorado will be your bank account. The snow brings the people to Vail in masses, but it's the prices that send the poor college kids running for the hills. This is an expensive sport to take part in, and if you want to go big in Vail than you will have to have more than determination to get there.
There is a certain vibe in Vail that can't be found anywhere else. The Vail valley is home to a range of restaurants alone, from ski bum sandwich shops to five-star dining. The shopping is on a level all its own. Outings become expensive when trying to stick to a budget, so stick to a game plan. No shopping at all would be best. Well, maybe a key chain or sticker, but don't try to compete with the big dogs out there that are in it to win it. Vail does have a great nightlife that draws you in after a hard day on the slopes. The city is a host to bars, nightclubs, local music and jazz bars. Happy hour is a welcomed and widely known event in Vail. Although there is an abundance of alcohol, keep in mind you will not be taking body shots in these bars. The average age of visitors might not be too kind to you and your friends turning the jazz club into a wet t-shirt contest Mexico night-style.
There is one thing hands-down that draws the people: the skiing. Vail has two world-class ski resorts. At these resorts, you have to go big before you can go home. There are nonstop things to do if skiing gets old – which it never should – or if you want to just mix it up a little.
March and April have concert events, ski and snowboard competitions and clinics, and a calendar filled with activities for the rich and not so famous. You don't have to be famous to get in on a good deal to Vail though. Check online and plan ahead; spring break time is bang in the dead of ski season so there will most likely be lots of people and higher prices, but also great snow. If all you want is to play in the snow and window shop, you might just be able to pull Vail on a budget. If not, at least remember some skiing/snowboarding etiquette while hittin' up the slopes.
Keep in mind if you want to score with any of the snow bunnies – male or female – do put sunscreen on, because the raccoon look is not a trend that is catching on. Don't wear the one-piece neon 1982 jumpsuit that you are hoping might be a big hit. Do get your money's worth by still obeying the rules, finding the powder runs and taking advantage of those. Whenever you get a chance to ski 14,000-foot mountains that are renown throughout the world, have fun. Do plan ahead, if you are going to be at a resort for a few days they usually have multiple day passes that are cheaper than buying a lift ticket every day.
When all else fails, get a little money and go a lot crazy. After all, how many times will you be in Vail, Colorado for a spring break of amazing skiing or snowboarding?
