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Snowy Family Getaway: Vail, Colorado (Dec 26‑31, 2025)

Viewed by 123 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Vail

Morning: Depart Pensacola on a direct flight to Denver International Airport, where you’ll collect a rental car.

Afternoon: Enjoy the scenic 2‑hour drive to Vail Village, check into your family‑friendly hotel, and unpack.

Evening: Take a leisurely stroll through Vail Village, exploring the holiday lights, boutique shops, and a casual dinner at a local eatery.

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Day 2: Snow Play & Beginner Ski Lessons

Morning: Head to Adventure Ridge for a thrilling snow‑ tubing session that the kids will love.

Afternoon: After a warm lunch, enroll the family in beginner ski lessons at Vail Ski Resort, where instructors focus on confidence building.

Evening: Glide on the outdoor rink at Vail Square Ice Rink and enjoy hot cocoa by the fire pits.

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Day 3: Full Day of Skiing

Morning: Spend the morning carving gentle runs at Vail Ski Resort, taking advantage of the family‑friendly lift system.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the mountain’s beginner and intermediate trails, with a mid‑day break at the on‑mountain lodge.

Evening: Return to the hotel for a relaxed dinner and a family movie night in the lounge.

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Day 4: Snowshoeing & Sledding

Morning: Discover winter wonderland scenery on a guided snowshoe trek through the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.

Afternoon: Head back to Vail Village for sledding on the dedicated hill at the community park.

Evening: Dine at a family‑friendly restaurant and enjoy a quiet walk under the twinkling holiday lights.

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Day 5: Beaver Creek Day Trip & New Year’s Eve

Morning: Drive to nearby Beaver Creek Resort for a day of fresh powder skiing.

Afternoon: Lunch at the Alpine Bistro, then explore the charming Beaver Creek Village before heading back to Vail.

Evening: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a special dinner at Vail Village and enjoy fireworks over the mountain.

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Day 6: Departure

Morning: Pack up, enjoy a final brunch in Vail Village, and say goodbye to the snowy scenery.

Afternoon: Drive back to Denver International Airport, return the rental car, and catch your flight home to Pensacola.

Evening: Arrive back home with cherished memories of a magical winter family adventure.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Flights (Pensacola ↔ Denver) – 5 hrs total travel – $1,300
  • Car Rental (6 days) – 6 hrs driving total – $420
  • Accommodation (6 nights) – 6 hrs nightly stay – $1,800
  • Vail Ski Resort Lift Tickets (4 days) – 8 hrs per day – $2,480
  • Beginner Ski Lessons (2 days) – 2 hrs per session – $540
  • Adventure Ridge Snow Tubing – 2 hrs – $180
  • Vail Square Ice Rink – 1.5 hrs – $50
  • Betty Ford Alpine Gardens Snowshoeing – 3 hrs – $70
  • Village Sledding – 2 hrs – $20
  • Beaver Creek Resort Lift Tickets (1 day) – 8 hrs – $620
  • Total Estimated Cost – – $7,480

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, you can skip the Beaver Creek day and replace it with a relaxed morning in Vail before departure, saving both travel time and the $620 lift‑ticket expense. To extend the stay, add an extra day at the resort for a family snowmobile tour or a visit to the nearby hot springs, which would increase lodging by $300 and activity costs by roughly $150‑$200.

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