Emily & Alec
Emily & Alec
Know Before You Go
PREPARING FOR THE TRIP
Vail’s slogan is “VAIL - Like Nothing on Earth”, and believe us, we think that’s true. We want you to enjoy every second of your stay! Here are some recommendations when preparing for your trip.
High Altitude
Vail is more than 8,000 feet above sea level and guests may struggle with altitude sickness. Altitude sickness can hit anyone regardless of physical condition or age. The most common symptoms include: headache, dizziness and nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep. Staying hydrated is essential! We also recommend enjoy some healthy sugars and carbohydrates during the first day or two of your stay. We promise this will help as well! If you can, consider arriving early to give yourself time to adjust. We usually feel back to normal after 24 hours have passed.
Also, please note that alcohol is more potent at high altitudes. Don’t find out the hard way! When drinking, we recommend you alternate between a drink and a glass of water. One drink here = two drinks there!
Weather
Before your trip, we recommend checking the weather forecast for Vail, Colorado (zip code 81658) at www.weather.com. Colorado has more than 300 days of sunshine each year, so we are hopeful for a beautiful, sunny wedding weekend, but the weather is often unpredictable and can quickly change in the mountains. The temperature during the day may reach up to 80 degrees or even warmer, but nights on the mountain can get quite chilly (40-50 degrees).
At 10,000 feet, the top of Vail mountain, exposure to the sun is 40% greater than it is at sea level. Sunscreen (at least SPF 30) is recommended for all exposed skin, particularly the face, lips and neck. Be certain to protect your eyes with sunglasses. You will find Vail to be an arid climate, so hand lotion and lip balm are essential.
PACK YOUR BAGS
It is very important that you pack your suitcase with the appropriate apparel. Remember, you can always take off layers, so it’s better to “over pack.”
Suitcase Must-Haves
Warm socks
Bathing suit
Shoes that are practical
Shorts and t-shirts
Comfortable pants
Sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
Sunglasses
Hand lotion
Lip balm with SPF
A hat to screen the sun
We want you to have fun during your time in Colorado, and there are a variety of optional activities you can do on your vacation. Below are suggested apparel items for those of you who will be participating in outdoor activities.
Pieces to layer from light to heavy: tank tops, t-shirts (short-sleeved and long)
Comfortable shoes
Jeans
Rain and/or Warm jacket
Hat for sun
Sunglasses
Water!
Remember, cotton stays wet when it gets wet. Therefore, it is not recommended you wear cotton for outdoor activities.
Hiking
Backpack with snacks and plenty of water!
Medium weight synthetic jacket or pullover
Waterproof, breathable jacket and pants
Gloves or mittens
Synthetic or wool liner socks
Warm winter hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Vessel for water: large water bottle or hydration system
Hiking boots or appropriate shoes
Golf
Appropriate shirt and shorts/pants
Golf shoes
Waterproof, breathable jacket and pants
Synthetic or wool liner socks
Sunglasses
Sunscreen and Water!
Rafting
Wetsuit, helmet, paddles, life jacket and splash jacket are provided
Warm socks (wool works well)
Shoes that stay securely on your feet and that you don’t mind getting wet. Sport sandals (that strap on), tennis shoes or water shoes all work well. FLIP FLOPS NOT RECOMMENDED.
Swimsuit to wear under wetsuit or to wear with personal nylon short or pant.
Sunglasses and strap to secure them
Sunscreen
Extra layers such as lightweight polypropylene or quick dry clothing.
Change of clothes and water
We recommend you NOT where cotton on the river as it stays WET and will make you cold.
Horseback Riding
Long pants, like jeans
Sunscreen
Hat
Appropriate shoes (no flip flops) like tennis shoes or hiking shoes
A long sleeve shirt
Layers
LOGISTICS
Free Bus System
Vail has an amazing in-town shuttle bus service running from village to village. In fact, the town's bus service is considered to be the largest free transportation system in the country offering its guests timely service to and from Vail Mountain and throughout town. Please ask your concierge for a printed schedule.
Cab Services
The cab companies listed below offer 24-hour door-to-door service and have six-passenger minivans available.
High Mountain Taxi – 970.524.5555
Vail Valley Taxi – 970.476.8294
Ride Taxi – 970.949.1111
Uber is newer to Vail, and therefore has a shortage of drivers and surge pricing at peak times.
Event Transportation
There is no need for transportation for anyone staying in Vail Village, The Gondola is a 2 minute walk from the Lodge at Vail and 5 minutes from the Sebastian. The Welcome Party is at the Base of Gondola One on Thursday night.
For anyone staying outside of Vail, you can park in the Main Vail Parking structure and walk 7 minutes to Gondola One for the events on both Thursday and Friday night.
Kids + Childcare
Vail is a fabulous adventure destination for a family; it makes for the perfect vacation! While we welcome kids to enjoy Colorado, we do ask that our wedding be a child free event so all attending can relax and enjoy! If you need a sitter, below are a few great options
There are several babysitting services that come highly recommended. These babysitting services will ask you about your children’s ages and specific needs so they may bring age appropriate toys and pair you with the perfect nanny for the evening. All our vetted, experienced and we highly recommend!
Care 4 Kids
Ryan and Amy Mahoney
970 748-0857
Resort Sitters
(970) 748-3012
Activity Sitters
970.376.6398
Mom’s Best Friend (Vail Sitters)
970.476.5437