1) we'll be flying in to Eagle County airport. What is the best way to
get into Vail from there, and then from Vail back into airport?
I understand there's a bus
(http://www.eagle-county.com/bus_schedules.cfm)
but it seems like it won't fit our schedule.

You can rent a car, hire a taxi, or take the shuttle. If you will be
staying in Vail (Village, Golden Peak, or Lionshead) you will not need
a car to get around as most attractions are within walking distance or
accessable by the free shuttle system.

2) will we need a car? I've heard several, and sometimes conflicting,
information about the Vail shuttle system. How good/convenient is it?
We don't have to go to other resorts.

I live and work in Vail, and use the shuttle frequently. It's quick,
easy, and reliable. Parking can sometimes be an added hassle and
expense on a busy weekend.

3) I'm thinking of taking the "Meet the Mountain: welcome tour". Is it
worth
taking? We're very good riders, just not familiar with this area.

The mountain tour is a good way to get your bearings (and to learn
about the natural and human history of the region), but will likely
not challenge your riding. If you weant to get to the action quickly,
bail on the tour and ask an instructor or patroller for 'secret stash'
recommendations.

4) Food: I'm not interested in the gourmet stuff, but not necessary
fast food
either. Any recommendations here?

Two Elk, Buffaloes and Wildwood offer a variety of good choices (so do
Eagle's Nest and mid-Vail, but IMO, the food at the former locations
is a bit better). Each is located at a mountaintop location, so you do
not need to ride to the base area so you can eat and keep charging.
The food is hearty, tasty, and nutritious. 12-1pm can be busy, and you
may want to schedule lunch either early or a bit later in the
afternoon. It's not inexpensive, but it is good.


5) Stuff to do when not riding/eating: thinking about seeing the ski
museum.
Any other things to see/do?

The ski museum is a great idea. Walk around Vail Village. Rent a
mountain bike and cruise the rec path. Adventure Ridge offers tubing,
snowbiking, and snowmobile rentals. Vail is scheduled to close for the
season April 18, and you can look forward to plenty of 'end of the
season' celebrations, both on the mountain and in town.

6) Riding: any advice here welcome. How are the snow conditions during
this time of year? Any places better than other (less crowds, better
snow,
etc.)? I wouldn't mind trying the trees, and some steeps. Is the pipe
still in good shape?

You simply can't go wrong. Vail is huge and you'll be super-stoked to
explore. The snow is soft spring 'hero snow', and we've been seeing
several inches of fresh snow on the mountain each day through the past
week. The Back Bowls are incomparable. The pipe is in good shape, as
is the terrain park (both at Golden Peak). Hike out to Ptarmigan Ridge
(off Wildwood Chair #3) for an untracked descent into Sundown Bowl.
Snag Park (in Nothwoods Bowl), Yonder (in Sunup Bowl), and all of Blue
Sky Basin offer well spaced trees and plenty of fun lines.

If the temps are below freezing, work with the sun: south aspects tend
to soften first. North aspects will be less affected by the sun, and
can offer faster snow when the going gets super-soft. Once you go up,
you do not need to go down to the lower mountain (where the warmer
temperatures in the lower elevations have melted back much of the
snow).

There is a pond-skimming event on Saturday (4/17) at Golden Peak, and
the energy will be high all over the mountain with locals and guests
celebrating the end of another great season.

If it'd be helpful, feel free to stop by the Vail Village Ski and Ride
School between 8:30-9am and I'd be more than happy identify the places
on the mountain map that will best meet your needs (you can also ask
any other instructor, patroller, or mountain information person).

Look forward to a great vacation!



Thanks in advance.