The gap between Vail and Denver, Colorado, is roughly 97 miles or 156 kilometers. Driving time usually ranges from 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours and half-hour, relying on visitors circumstances, notably on Interstate 70 which is the most typical route. Different elements, similar to climate and highway closures, may also considerably influence journey time.
Realizing the journey time and distance is important for planning journeys to Vail, whether or not for snowboarding, snowboarding, or different mountain actions. Correct journey data permits guests to schedule flights, e book lodging, and organize transportation effectively. Traditionally, entry to Vail was more difficult, however the growth of I-70 considerably decreased journey time and opened up the area to tourism. Understanding the proximity of Denver’s worldwide airport and the sources it gives vacationers is essential for accessing this widespread mountain resort vacation spot.
This understanding of proximity informs selections associated to transportation choices, lodging selections, and total journey itineraries. Subjects similar to different routes, seasonal visitors patterns, and the provision of public transportation warrant additional exploration.
1. Distance
The assertion “Distance: Roughly 97 miles” offers a direct reply to the question “how far is Vail from Denver, Colorado.” This seemingly easy determine types the premise for quite a few journey selections and has vital implications for anybody planning a visit between these two areas. Understanding the assorted sides of this distance is important for environment friendly and pleasing journey.
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Journey Time Estimation
Ninety-seven miles interprets to a driving time of roughly 1.75 to 2.5 hours underneath best circumstances. Nevertheless, this baseline should be adjusted primarily based on real-world elements like visitors congestion, notably prevalent on I-70, the first route connecting Denver and Vail. Weekday rush hour visitors in Denver, weekend ski visitors, and vacation durations can considerably enhance journey time. Correct time estimation, accounting for distance and potential delays, is important for scheduling departures, arrivals, and actions.
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Transportation Mode Choice
The 97-mile distance influences transportation selections. Whereas driving is frequent, the period and potential challenges related to I-70 may lead vacationers to contemplate options. Shuttle companies, bus routes, and even flights to Eagle County Regional Airport (nearer to Vail than Denver Worldwide Airport) turn out to be viable choices. Value comparisons, comfort, and journey time preferences are all affected by the gap.
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Gasoline Consumption and Budgeting
The gap instantly impacts gasoline prices for these driving. Realizing the mileage permits vacationers to estimate gasoline consumption and finances accordingly. Gasoline effectivity of the automobile, present fuel costs, and potential detours or delays contribute to the general value calculation. This issue turns into more and more vital during times of excessive fuel costs.
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Logistical Planning and Itinerary Growth
Understanding the gap allows efficient itinerary planning. Vacationers can decide life like day journey prospects versus the necessity for in a single day lodging in Vail. The gap additionally informs selections concerning actions, eating reservations, and total time administration in the course of the journey. Balancing journey time with desired actions requires cautious consideration of the 97-mile baseline.
In conclusion, whereas “roughly 97 miles” succinctly solutions the query of distance, its implications prolong far past a easy numerical worth. This distance acts as a cornerstone for planning all points of journey between Denver and Vail, influencing selections associated to time administration, transportation, budgeting, and total itinerary growth. Cautious consideration of this distance, alongside variable elements like visitors and climate, ensures a smoother and extra pleasing journey expertise.
2. Driving time
Driving time between Denver and Vail, usually starting from 1.75 to 2.5 hours, represents an important part in understanding the sensible distance implied by “how far is Vail from Denver, Colorado.” Whereas mileage offers a static measurement, driving time displays real-world circumstances and instantly influences journey planning. This seemingly easy period encompasses varied elements that considerably influence journey experiences.
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Site visitors Congestion
Interstate 70, the first route between Denver and Vail, experiences vital visitors fluctuations. Weekday rush hours round Denver, weekend ski visitors, and vacation durations can simply prolong journey time past the estimated vary. Understanding peak congestion durations permits vacationers to regulate departure occasions or discover different transportation strategies.
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Street Situations and Climate
I-70 traverses mountainous terrain, making it inclined to closures or delays attributable to inclement climate, notably throughout winter. Snow, ice, and accidents can add vital time to the journey. Monitoring climate forecasts and highway circumstances earlier than departure is essential for secure and well timed journey.
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Time of Yr and Day
Journey time varies significantly relying on the time of 12 months and day. Summer season usually gives extra predictable journey occasions, whereas winter introduces extra variability attributable to climate. Journey throughout daylight usually offers higher visibility and doubtlessly sooner journey occasions in comparison with nighttime driving.
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Particular person Driving Habits and Stops
Private driving habits, similar to pace and adherence to visitors legal guidelines, together with deliberate stops for relaxation, meals, or scenic overlooks, affect the general period. Factoring in private preferences and crucial breaks ensures a extra life like journey time estimate.
The variable driving time of 1.75 to 2.5 hours reinforces the complexity of the seemingly simple query, “how far is Vail from Denver, Colorado.” This period is not merely a perform of distance; it is a dynamic interaction of visitors, climate, time of 12 months, and particular person driving practices. Correct planning, knowledgeable by an understanding of those elements, proves important for a profitable and stress-free journey to Vail.
3. Route
The route, designated as Interstate 70 West, represents the first artery connecting Denver to Vail, Colorado, and types an integral part in understanding the sensible implications of the gap. Whereas different routes exist, I-70 West dominates journey between these two areas attributable to its comparatively direct path and established infrastructure. This reliance on a single main route creates a direct hyperlink between the route’s circumstances and the general journey expertise.
I-70 West’s traits considerably affect journey time and planning. The freeway traverses mountainous terrain, presenting challenges associated to elevation adjustments, curves, and susceptibility to weather-related closures. Throughout winter months, snow and ice continuously influence driving circumstances, usually necessitating slower speeds and elevated journey occasions. Avalanche mitigation efforts may also result in non permanent highway closures. Even throughout summer time months, development initiatives or accidents can create vital visitors bottlenecks. Understanding these potential disruptions is important when estimating journey time and planning departure schedules. For instance, a seemingly minor fender bender throughout peak ski season can create hours-long delays, drastically impacting arrival occasions and deliberate actions. Conversely, clear circumstances exterior of peak journey occasions can permit for a smoother, sooner journey nearer to the minimal estimated driving period.
The dominance of I-70 West as the first route underscores the significance of real-time data and preparedness. Checking highway circumstances, climate forecasts, and visitors studies earlier than embarking on the journey permits vacationers to anticipate potential delays and make knowledgeable selections. Options, similar to using the Eisenhower Tunnel or contemplating less-traveled backroads (although doubtlessly including vital journey time and requiring acceptable automobiles), may turn out to be crucial underneath sure circumstances. Understanding the restrictions and potential challenges related to I-70 West ensures a extra life like evaluation of the effort and time required to journey between Denver and Vail, whatever the acknowledged mileage.
4. Site visitors
Site visitors congestion considerably impacts the sensible distance implied by “how far is Vail from Denver, Colorado.” Whereas the bodily distance stays fixed, journey time experiences appreciable variability attributable to visitors circumstances, notably on Interstate 70, the first route connecting the 2 areas. This congestion stems from a number of elements, together with the excessive quantity of automobiles touring to and from mountain resort areas, particularly throughout peak seasons like winter for snowboarding and summer time for mountain climbing and different outside actions. Weekend and vacation durations expertise amplified congestion as Denver residents and vacationers flock to the mountains.
The influence of visitors congestion transforms a nominally two-hour drive right into a doubtlessly for much longer ordeal. Delays can stretch for a number of hours throughout peak durations, inflicting vital disruptions to journey plans. For instance, a household meaning to arrive in Vail for a day of snowboarding may discover their schedule severely impacted by sudden visitors, lowering their time on the slopes or forcing them to reschedule actions. Equally, vacationers departing Vail for Denver Worldwide Airport should think about potential visitors delays to keep away from lacking flights. Understanding the prevalence and potential severity of visitors congestion turns into essential for life like journey planning. Relying solely on the acknowledged mileage with out contemplating visitors patterns can result in vital miscalculations and journey frustrations.
Mitigating the consequences of visitors congestion requires proactive methods. Consulting real-time visitors information earlier than departure permits vacationers to anticipate potential delays and modify plans accordingly. Departing throughout off-peak hours, exploring different transportation choices similar to shuttles or buses, and even contemplating in a single day stays to keep away from peak journey occasions can reduce disruptions. Recognizing “visitors: usually congested” as an integral part of “how far is Vail from Denver, Colorado,” shifts the main target from static distance to dynamic journey time, enabling extra correct planning and a smoother, much less hectic journey expertise.
5. Climate
Climate circumstances characterize a important issue influencing journey time between Denver and Vail, Colorado, including a layer of complexity to the seemingly easy query of distance. Whereas mileage offers a static measure, climate introduces dynamic variability, instantly impacting the period and feasibility of journey alongside Interstate 70, the first route traversing the mountainous terrain connecting the 2 areas. Understanding the affect of climate is important for secure and environment friendly journey planning.
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Snow and Ice
Winter climate, characterised by snow and ice, considerably impacts I-70. Decreased visibility, slippery highway surfaces, and elevated accident charges contribute to slower speeds and potential highway closures. Chain legal guidelines, requiring automobiles to equip snow chains, could also be carried out, additional impacting journey time. A journey usually accomplished in two hours can simply prolong to 3 or 4 hours, and even longer, throughout extreme winter storms.
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Rain and Fog
Even throughout hotter months, rain and fog can create hazardous driving circumstances alongside I-70. Decreased visibility and decreased traction contribute to slower speeds and elevated danger of accidents. Whereas much less disruptive than winter storms, these circumstances nonetheless warrant warning and might add time to the journey.
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Excessive Winds
Excessive winds, notably frequent in mountainous areas, pose dangers to high-profile automobiles and might create difficult driving circumstances. Sturdy gusts can influence automobile stability, requiring decreased speeds and elevated driver consideration. In excessive circumstances, excessive winds can result in non permanent highway closures for security causes.
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Avalanche Mitigation
Avalanche mitigation efforts, important for sustaining security alongside I-70 throughout winter, contain deliberately triggering managed avalanches to cut back the danger of bigger, uncontrolled occasions. These mitigation efforts necessitate non permanent highway closures, usually lasting a number of hours, impacting journey time and requiring cautious planning and monitoring of highway circumstances.
Climate’s affect on journey time underscores the dynamic nature of “how far is Vail from Denver, Colorado.” The acknowledged mileage serves as a baseline, however precise journey time hinges considerably on prevailing climate circumstances. Consulting climate forecasts, highway situation studies, and avalanche forecasts earlier than embarking on the journey, and remaining adaptable to altering circumstances en route, turns into important for secure and environment friendly journey between Denver and Vail. Ignoring the potential influence of climate can result in vital delays, disruptions, and security issues.
6. Options
Shuttle and bus companies provide viable transportation options between Denver and Vail, Colorado, instantly addressing the sensible implications of distance. Whereas personal automobiles stay a standard selection, these companies present distinct benefits and affect journey selections associated to value, comfort, and environmental influence. Understanding these options broadens the scope of “how far is Vail from Denver, Colorado” past private automobile journey.
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Value-Effectiveness
Shuttle and bus companies usually current a cheap different to driving, particularly when factoring in gasoline prices, parking charges in Vail, and automobile put on and tear. For solo vacationers or small teams, shared transportation can considerably cut back particular person bills in comparison with personal automobile operation.
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Comfort and Decreased Stress
Using shuttle or bus companies eliminates the stress related to navigating unfamiliar mountain roads, notably throughout difficult climate circumstances or durations of heavy visitors. Passengers can chill out and benefit from the scenic route with out the obligations of driving, permitting for a extra comfy and fewer demanding journey expertise.
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Environmental Concerns
Choosing shared transportation contributes to decreased visitors congestion and decrease carbon emissions in comparison with particular person automobile journey. This environmentally aware selection aligns with sustainable journey practices and advantages the general mountain atmosphere.
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Accessibility and Flexibility
Shuttle and bus companies provide varied pick-up and drop-off areas, together with Denver Worldwide Airport and varied factors inside Vail, offering flexibility for vacationers with completely different itinerary wants. This accessibility caters to a wider vary of vacationers, together with these with out entry to a private automobile.
Contemplating shuttle and bus companies as options reframes the query of “how far is Vail from Denver, Colorado” from a purely distance-based question to a multifaceted consideration of journey choices. These companies provide sensible options for cost-conscious vacationers, these searching for a extra relaxed journey expertise, and people prioritizing environmental accountability. Evaluating these options alongside personal automobile journey offers a extra complete understanding of the journey between Denver and Vail, empowering vacationers to make knowledgeable selections primarily based on particular person wants and preferences.
7. Flights
Denver Worldwide Airport (DIA) serves as a serious entry level for vacationers searching for to achieve Vail, Colorado, including one other dimension to the query “how far is Vail from Denver, Colorado.” Whereas driving stays a standard choice, the gap, usually compounded by visitors and climate circumstances on Interstate 70, makes air journey a viable different, notably for these touring longer distances or searching for to attenuate journey time. DIA’s position turns into essential in understanding the general accessibility of Vail.
The connection between DIA and Vail includes a trade-off. Flying into DIA gives the comfort of quite a few flight choices and doubtlessly shorter preliminary journey occasions, particularly for vacationers originating from distant areas. Nevertheless, DIA’s distance from Vail necessitates additional floor transportation, usually a two-hour drive, doubtlessly negating a number of the time saved by flying. Elements influencing this resolution embody flight schedules, floor transportation prices, and the potential for delays associated to climate or visitors. As an example, a traveler arriving at DIA throughout a snowstorm may expertise vital delays reaching Vail, doubtlessly exceeding the overall journey time of driving instantly from a more in-depth origin level. Conversely, a traveler arriving throughout optimum circumstances may discover the mixed flight and drive time considerably shorter than driving the whole distance. Understanding these variables permits vacationers to make knowledgeable selections primarily based on particular person circumstances and priorities. A enterprise traveler prioritizing pace may go for a flight to DIA and a personal automobile service to Vail, whereas a budget-conscious household may select to drive instantly from a regional location, accepting an extended however doubtlessly extra economical journey.
DIA’s significance as a gateway to Vail extends past particular person journey selections. The airport’s capability to accommodate a big quantity of passengers contributes considerably to Vail’s tourism trade. DIA’s intensive community of home and worldwide flights permits vacationers from around the globe to entry Vail with relative ease, supporting the native economic system and fostering Vail’s fame as a world-class vacation spot. Nevertheless, this reliance on air journey additionally introduces challenges associated to floor transportation infrastructure and the environmental influence of elevated automobile visitors. Subsequently, understanding the connection between DIA and Vail requires a holistic perspective, contemplating each the advantages and challenges related to air journey as a main entry level to this mountain resort neighborhood.
8. Significance
Environment friendly planning turns into paramount when contemplating journey between Denver and Vail, Colorado. Understanding the gap, roughly 97 miles, is barely step one. The query “how far is Vail from Denver, Colorado” necessitates a complete strategy to planning, encompassing journey time, route circumstances, potential delays, and different transportation choices. Environment friendly planning instantly influences the general journey expertise, remodeling a doubtlessly hectic journey right into a easy and pleasing one.
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Time Administration
Correct estimation of journey time, accounting for visitors, climate, and highway circumstances, types the cornerstone of environment friendly planning. Whether or not allocating enough time to achieve a ski resort earlier than lifts shut, making certain well timed arrival at Denver Worldwide Airport for a departing flight, or coordinating check-in occasions for lodging, exact time administration hinges on a sensible understanding of journey period. Underestimating journey time can result in missed actions, appointments, and even flights, whereas overestimating may end up in wasted time and pointless stress. Environment friendly planning empowers vacationers to optimize their itineraries and maximize their time in Vail.
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Budgeting and Useful resource Allocation
Environment friendly planning extends to budgeting and useful resource allocation. Understanding the gap and related journey time informs selections associated to gasoline prices, transportation choices, and potential lodging bills. Evaluating the prices of driving versus using shuttle companies or contemplating the monetary implications of potential delays permits vacationers to allocate sources successfully. This foresight prevents sudden bills and ensures a journey finances aligned with life like expectations. As an example, factoring in potential eating bills throughout an prolonged visitors delay on I-70 or budgeting for different transportation in case of inclement climate demonstrates prudent monetary planning.
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Contingency Planning
Recognizing the potential for unexpected circumstances, similar to highway closures attributable to accidents or adversarial climate circumstances, necessitates contingency planning. Having different routes in thoughts, figuring out backup transportation choices, and sustaining flexibility in itineraries minimizes disruptions attributable to sudden occasions. Environment friendly planning accounts for the inherent variability of mountain journey, making certain vacationers can adapt to altering circumstances with out undue stress or inconvenience. For instance, having the contact data for a shuttle service available in case of a automobile breakdown on I-70 demonstrates proactive contingency planning.
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Stress Discount and Enhanced Enjoyment
Finally, environment friendly planning contributes considerably to emphasize discount and enhances the general enjoyment of the journey. By anticipating potential challenges and creating methods to mitigate them, vacationers can strategy their journey with confidence and deal with the expertise quite than logistical issues. A well-planned journey permits for a extra relaxed and immersive expertise, maximizing the enjoyment of Vail’s sights and minimizing the frustrations related to sudden delays or disruptions.
In conclusion, “how far is Vail from Denver, Colorado” represents greater than a easy question about distance; it underscores the significance of environment friendly planning. Understanding the interaction between distance, journey time, potential challenges, and obtainable sources empowers vacationers to strategy their journey with foresight and preparedness. Environment friendly planning transforms the query of distance into a possibility for a seamless, pleasing, and memorable journey expertise.
Regularly Requested Questions on Journey between Denver and Vail
This FAQ part addresses frequent inquiries concerning journey between Denver and Vail, Colorado, offering concise and informative responses to help with planning and decision-making.
Query 1: What’s the typical driving time between Denver and Vail?
Driving time usually ranges from 1.75 to 2.5 hours, contingent upon visitors circumstances, climate, and time of 12 months. Peak journey durations, similar to weekends and holidays, usually expertise considerably longer journey occasions attributable to elevated visitors quantity.
Query 2: What’s the finest path to drive from Denver to Vail?
Interstate 70 West is the first and most direct route. Different routes exist, however they usually contain longer journey occasions and might not be appropriate for all automobiles or climate circumstances.
Query 3: How does winter climate have an effect on journey between Denver and Vail?
Winter climate, together with snow, ice, and excessive winds, can considerably influence journey time and highway circumstances. Street closures attributable to inclement climate or avalanche mitigation are attainable. Monitoring climate forecasts and highway circumstances earlier than departure is important, and carrying chains could also be required.
Query 4: Are there transportation options to driving between Denver and Vail?
A number of transportation options exist, together with shuttle companies, bus routes, and flights to Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), positioned nearer to Vail than Denver Worldwide Airport (DIA). These choices provide various levels of cost-effectiveness, comfort, and journey time.
Query 5: How does visitors congestion influence journey time between Denver and Vail?
Site visitors congestion, notably prevalent on I-70 throughout peak journey seasons and weekends, can considerably enhance journey time. Departing throughout off-peak hours or contemplating different transportation strategies can mitigate the influence of visitors.
Query 6: What are the benefits of flying into Denver Worldwide Airport (DIA) when touring to Vail?
DIA gives quite a few flight choices, doubtlessly lowering total journey time for long-distance vacationers. Nevertheless, floor transportation from DIA to Vail nonetheless requires roughly two hours. Weighing the comfort of air journey in opposition to the extra floor transportation time and value is important for environment friendly planning.
Understanding these elements permits for knowledgeable decision-making and contributes to a smoother, extra predictable journey expertise between Denver and Vail.
For additional data concerning particular journey circumstances or transportation choices, consulting real-time visitors and climate updates is really useful.
Suggestions for Touring Between Denver and Vail
Planning a visit between Denver and Vail requires greater than merely figuring out the mileage. The following pointers provide sensible steering for navigating the journey successfully and minimizing potential disruptions.
Tip 1: Examine Street Situations and Site visitors Earlier than Departing
Consulting real-time visitors and highway situation studies earlier than embarking on the journey permits vacationers to anticipate potential delays attributable to congestion, accidents, or weather-related closures on Interstate 70. This proactive strategy allows knowledgeable decision-making concerning departure occasions and different routes.
Tip 2: Contemplate Different Transportation
Exploring different transportation choices, similar to shuttle companies, bus routes, or flights to Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), can mitigate the challenges related to driving I-70, particularly throughout peak journey durations or inclement climate. Evaluating these options primarily based on value, comfort, and journey time contributes to knowledgeable decision-making.
Tip 3: Pack for Diversified Climate Situations
Mountain climate can change quickly and dramatically. Packing layers of clothes, together with heat outerwear, waterproof gear, and durable footwear, ensures preparedness for a variety of circumstances. This adaptability enhances consolation and security all through the journey.
Tip 4: Enable Ample Journey Time
Constructing buffer time into journey schedules accounts for potential delays attributable to visitors, climate, or unexpected circumstances. This flexibility reduces stress and permits for changes to plans with out vital disruption to itineraries. Arriving early usually offers alternatives for extra actions or rest.
Tip 5: Keep Hydrated and Take Breaks
Sustaining hydration and taking common breaks in the course of the journey, particularly when driving, combats fatigue and promotes alertness. Stopping at relaxation areas or scenic overlooks offers alternatives to stretch, refresh, and admire the mountain surroundings.
Tip 6: Be Conscious of Altitude Illness
Vail’s excessive elevation may cause altitude illness in some people. Staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous exercise upon arrival, and permitting time for acclimatization minimizes the danger of altitude-related discomfort.
Tip 7: Winter Driving Preparedness
Throughout winter months, guarantee automobiles are outfitted for mountain driving. Carrying snow chains, checking tire strain, and sustaining a full tank of fuel enhances security and preparedness for difficult highway circumstances.
Implementing the following tips enhances journey effectivity, reduces stress, and contributes to a safer and extra pleasing expertise when touring between Denver and Vail.
By understanding the nuances of this journey and planning accordingly, vacationers can deal with the vacation spot and maximize their time exploring the wonder and leisure alternatives provided by Vail.
Conclusion
The inquiry “how far is Vail from Denver, Colorado,” although seemingly easy, necessitates a multifaceted understanding of distance past mere mileage. This exploration has highlighted the dynamic interaction of things influencing journey between these areas, together with driving time, route circumstances, visitors patterns, climate variability, and different transportation choices. The nominal 97-mile distance transforms into a posh equation involving time, value, and potential challenges, notably throughout peak seasons and inclement climate. Recognizing these dynamic parts permits vacationers to strategy the journey with life like expectations and knowledgeable preparedness.
Efficient planning, knowledgeable by a complete understanding of those influencing elements, proves important for a profitable and pleasing journey to Vail. Contemplating different transportation, consulting real-time visitors and climate updates, and constructing flexibility into itineraries empowers vacationers to navigate potential disruptions effectively. Finally, the query of distance evolves right into a name for knowledgeable decision-making, enabling vacationers to optimize their journeys and totally admire the experiences awaiting them in Vail.
