Your Mountain Guide.
Travel tips, ski conditions, local recommendations, and insider knowledge from Vail's longest-running family-owned luxury car service.
The Vail Kids Adventure Race: A Local Family's Guide
Where the whole series started, and where both our kids raced the original course. The dates, the ages, the course, the mud, and getting here. By George Sink.
Vail 4th of July: America Days Parade, Flyover and Fireworks
Thirty years on the curb, the America Days parade route, the F-16 flyover, the fireworks off Vail Mountain, and how to skip the parking nightmare. By George Sink.
A Life on Gore Creek
From the Jersey Shore to a Therm-a-Rest on the floor in West Vail. The origin story of Vail Powder Cars, by George Sink. 32 years in the valley.
Who's Driving You Up the Mountain
A Vail Ski Patrol member, a ski patroller at Silver Mountain, and a mogul skier who grew up on Cookshack. Meet the family that actually drives you up the mountain. By George Sink.
A History of Bachelor Gulch From a Chauffeur's Perspective
From the hot dog stand at the Bachelor Gulch Express in 1996 to today's Ritz-Carlton, Bear Paw, Hummingbird, Horizon Pass, and beyond, by the chauffeur who helped build the bones of the village.
What We Tell Our Guests: Vail Restaurants Not on the Concierge's List
Where George and Kyla actually send their guests to eat. The Little Diner. La Cantina. Rocky Mountain Taco. Bart and Yeti's. Vendetta's. Russell's. And more, by people whose kids we know.
More from
the Insider.
Vail to Aspen, Aspen to Vail
A spring day on Highway 82, 104 miles down, 101 back, past every Aspen front door I've ever pulled up to. By George Sink.
Loveland Pass: Over the Continental Divide at 11,990 Feet
A wet-road ride up US-6 over the top of the Continental Divide, past A-Basin and the avalanche-blasting signs, the fuel tankers that can't take the tunnel, and a winter whiteout in the Suburban when I-70 shut down. By George Sink.
Ever Heard of Creede, Colorado?
Two-lane highway 210 miles south of Vail, down the Silver Thread to a real silver town, the Bachelor Loop, the Commodore Mine, and a fire station blasted into the canyon wall.
Grand Junction to Vail: What's Actually Out There
A guided tour of 147 miles of Western Colorado interstate, Storm King, Glenwood Canyon, the Bookcliffs, the Monument, and the year we lived in Mack on R Road. By George Sink.
Every Park in the Town of Vail: A Local's Complete Guide
Ford Park, Donovan, and every neighborhood and pocket park in town, including Intermountain Park, the one the town's own website forgets. With the history behind the names, by George Sink.
The Leadville Loop: 82 Miles Through Starvation Valley
An 82-mile ride from Vail over three mountain passes, through the highest city in America, and back past an abandoned company town on a cliff. Climax Mine, Leadville, Camp Hale, Gilman, Mango's, and The Clinic in Minturn. By George Sink.
10th Mountain Division Hut Trips: A Vail Family's Guide
Uncle Bud's, 10th Mountain Hut, Margy's, Janet's, Shrine Mountain Inn. Five winters with our kids in the 10th Mountain Division huts. Family stories, history, and what hut trips are actually for. Includes a first-person account by our daughter Senna.
How Far Is Vail to Steamboat Springs?
About 100 miles. Around 2.5 hours. The local's route through ranch country up Hwy 131, past 4 Eagle Ranch, State Bridge, Yampa, Stagecoach Reservoir, and into Steamboat.
How Long Is Vail? End-to-End Mileage and Drive Time
10.5 miles. 12 to 15 minutes on I-70. The actual drive across the Town of Vail, house to house, exit to exit, with real mileage to Donovan Park, Main Vail, and the end of Main Gore Drive.
What to Pack for a Colorado Ski Vacation
Our complete packing checklist covers everything from layering essentials to the gear most visitors forget. Plus, what you can rent on-mountain instead.
Eagle County Airport vs Denver: Which Should You Fly Into?
Comparing flight options, costs, and ground transportation from both airports to help you decide the best route to the Vail Valley.
Eagle Airport vs Aspen Airport: Which Should You Fly Into?
EGE vs ASE for an Aspen trip. Aspen Airport is 3 miles from town when it works. Eagle County is about 70 miles but lands far more often. The real trade.
The Best Après-Ski Spots in Vail Village
From lively beer halls to upscale wine bars, our guide to winding down after a day on the slopes in Vail's pedestrian village.
Planning a Corporate Retreat in the Colorado Mountains
Everything you need to know about organizing group transportation, venue options, and team-building activities in the Vail Valley.
I-70 Winter Driving Tips: What Every Visitor Should Know
Chain laws, traction requirements, and real-time conditions -- a no-nonsense guide to navigating Colorado's most important mountain highway.
Beaver Creek vs Vail: Which Resort Is Right for Your Family?
A side-by-side comparison of terrain, village amenities, kid programs, and overall vibe to help families choose the perfect ski destination.
Vail's Hidden Gems: 10 Local Spots the Tourists Don't Know About
Discover Vail's best-kept secrets, local restaurants, trails, and hidden spots that most tourists never find. Insider picks from the Vail Powder Cars team.
The Ultimate Guide of Things to Do in Vail, Colorado
The local's guide to Vail, winter and summer. Skiing, hiking, the restaurants we send family to, and day trips, written by a family that's lived here since 1994.
Do You Really Need a Rental Car in Vail?
George Sink on the real cost of a ski week rental, what the Denver airport pickup actually involves, why mountain driving is a skill, and when renting a car is the right call.
5 Reasons to Choose a Private Car Over a Shuttle for Your Ski Trip
Shared shuttle or private car for the airport run? Five reasons the private car wins for families and groups heading to Vail and Beaver Creek.
The Complete Guide to Getting from Denver to Vail
Everything you need to know about the trip from DIA to Vail, driving routes, transportation options, what to expect on I-70, and how to make the trip stress-free.
❄ Current Ski Conditions
Vail Mountain
Beaver Creek
Breckenridge
Aspen Snowmass
⚠ I-70 Corridor & Route Conditions
Live weather alerts from the National Weather Service for our three service routes. Alerts update automatically.