Vista Bahn Ski Rentals (VBSR) is full of friendly faces and ski industry experts who live for Vail adventure. When you come in for Vail ski rentals and ski tuning services, please also ask us for tips and advice about what to do around town. The VBSR staff includes several rare Vail locals and others who have lived in Vail for decades. And we’re always happy to share ideas about restaurants, events, and family-friendly fun. With this collection of favorites from the VBSR staff, we hope to help you elevate your Vail adventure this winter.
Family fun in Vail. Photo Credit: Cooper Le
Family-Friendly Vail Adventure Favorites
VBSR is a family business, and skiing’s in the family. Brother-sister duo Sacha Gros and Dominique Underhill are the owner-partner team behind VBSR, and since they both have young kids, they’ve got a good sense of where to go for family-friendly Vail adventure. Their top picks include:
On-mountain Fun: Vail is known for its kid-friendly ski zones, and kids love skiing the sweeping turns of Chaos Canyon. This area can be accessed from Gondola One, which is just steps away from VBSR. So get youth ski rental demo packages from VBSR, and then get out on the mountain. Other kid-friendly ski zones are marked on the Vail frontside trail map with the Kids Adventure Zone smiley face. These include Magic Forest and Porcupine Alley—plus many more.
Kid-friendly Food: Blu Cow and Vendetta’s are two places that VBSR staff love to go with kids—and adults, too. Both are close to the shop, so use our Vail ski storage services, and set off in search of food. Blu Cow is known for its legendary Swiss hot dog. And the fun starts at Vendetta’s for après-ski, but if you want a quieter, sit-down experience, head downstairs for dinner to get the best of this restaurant’s Italian cuisine.
Vail Family Activities: Vail adventure can also be found elsewhere around town all year long. Vail has three ice rinks open in the winter: Solaris, Arrabelle, and Dobson Ice Arena. Ice skate rentals are available. In the summer, Vail’s bike paths make for great family biking excursions. Plus, kids love to scooter around town. Summer concerts and events at the Ford Amphitheater are a good reason to plan a family picnic on the lawn.
BBQs on the mountain. Photo Credit: Andrik Langfield
Turn Dining into a Vail Adventure
When you come in to VBSR for ski tuning and repair services, be sure to ask Matt and Barclay for restaurant recommendations. These guys know the Vail dining scene. And they’re all about extending the Vail adventure into food and drink. Some of their favorites include:
Top Vail Restaurant Picks: Just around the corner from VBSR is Almresi, which features alpine-inspired cuisine. Almresi has a fun vibe (yes! staff in traditional clothing), and the food is outstanding. At Almresi, you’ll discover generous charcuterie boards and entrees you won’t find elsewhere. Try White Bison for standout steaks, fish, and chops. Or settle in at the White Bison bar for its excellent après-hour food and drinks. If you’re feeling more casual, set out for Bully Ranch at the Sonnenalp. At this hidden gem, you’ll find elevated comfort food: great burgers, chicken pot pie, and its famous mudslides.
Prime Time Snacks: Big Bear Bistro is open all day, and this small but mighty restaurant is the place to go for sandwiches, salads, and crepes. If you’re on the go, stop by La Cantina, located in the Vail Transportation Center. You’ll find very affordable Mexican food–and margaritas—here. Blu Cow is the place to go for the famous Swiss hot dog and a warm-up bowl of chicken noodle soup. Finally, we all love Vendetta’s. Extend your Vail adventure here for après-ski pizzas and beers. Or stick around for dinner to get a taste of Italy with this restaurant’s beloved Northern Italian cuisine.
Extend the Vail Adventure: Nightlife and Events
Our Argentinian staff Yuri and Francisco know how to find Vail adventure at all hours. Vail is full of places where you can listen to live music or dance the night away. Plus, concerts, sports games, and special events are happening around town all year long. Here are a few of Yuri and Francisco’s top picks:
Sports and Nightlife: Vail’s The George Restaurant & Pub is the place to go if you like to play pool and hang out with friends. The George is located on the bottom level of Vail’s Mountain Haus and features anything from pub grub to king crab legs and filet mignon. Head over to Dobson Ice Arena to watch a Vail Yeti hockey game and get the excitement of live sports action. Bridge Street Bar is a top choice for live music and Vail’s late-night scene.
On-mountain Decks: The asado (barbecue) scene is important to Argentinian culture. And being from Argentina, Yuri and Francisco love Vail’s on-mountain decks. Three of them are equipped with gas grills, so you can bring your own grillings and enjoy the fun. The deck at the top of Chair 4 is easily accessible, and it’s a great place to meet and eat with friends. Find out more about Vail’s on-mountain decks here.
Events and Concerts: Vail adventure can be found year-round with a steady line-up of concerts and events. The Burton U.S. Open brings snowboarding pros and parties to town each spring. Pink Vail, the world’s largest ski day to conquer cancer, also happens on the mountain each spring. A free concert series is ongoing in Vail during the winter, with most events happening outdoors at the Solaris. And in the summertime, not-to-miss music events include the Vail Jazz Festival, the Hot Summer Nights free concert series, and Bravo! Vail.
Vail hosts many free concerts year round! Photo Credit: Justin Clark
VBSR: The Hub of Vail Adventure
Vista Bahn Ski Rentals is the place for ski and snowboard rentals, demos, repair, waxing, and more. Plus, it’s possible to reserve rental skis in advance with VBSR. Some of our ski services can also be done overnight while you’re out enjoying Vail nightlife. You can pick them up just in time for another day on the slopes. With our Vail ski storage options just steps from Gondola One, you can leave your gear in a locker overnight. Vista Bahn Ski Rentals offers longer-term ski storage options, including seasonal slots and secured gear baskets.
