The mother of back bowls and après. It’s no secret, we strongly favor Vail over any of the other mountains on I-70 – Keystone (snowboarders), Copper (meh), Breck (our Roxy jackets don’t fit anymore), ABasin (there’s a time and a place for beach days). Vail is exactly what we like: bougy, but never above a classic Bud Light.

S T A Y : hopefully you know someone

Vail is expensive… with that being said, opt for an AirBnB. Check out THIS rental – 5 beds, 4 baths – it’s a steal and stumbling distance from The Red Lion. Or this renovated modern loft. And Vail has the free bus route dialed; if you don’t stay directly in the village you’re a quick ride away. If you have a fat wallet and fancy hotels are your thang, The Sebastian has our vote. Ski-in, ski-out at the base of Gondola 1, this resort has it all: full-service ski valet serving up fresh cookies and hot chocolate between runs, steaming private outdoor pools and tubs, and a library with classy art for mingling with your BudLatte before dinner. Can’t take it with ya – YOLO.

S L O P E   H O T   S T O P S : all they way up

WildWood : Craving authentic BBQ two miles high? Us too. Located at the top of Wildwood and Game Creek Express, this spot serves up some damn good brisket. Meats are smoked on-site and the sauces and rubs are created in-house.

Bistro Fourteen: Worth a stop for the almond-glazed donut float with house-made Palisade plum soda.

Two Elk : At 11,240 feet at the top of Sourdough Express Lift #14, Sun Up Lift #17 and Tea Cup Express Lift #36, the views are insane. This incredible mountaintop restaurant is reminiscent of the old great lodges one would find in Yosemite and Glacier. Cheesy fries anyone?

The 10th : Located at the base of Look Ma, this is the swankiest spot to grab a drink – there are even complimentary slippers if you want to give your dogs a rest. We order the Lavender French 75, Bangs Island mussels, and truffle fries.

Grill at Belles Camp : On bluebird days the scene at Belle’s Camp is poppin’. Located at the end of the ride on SkyLine Express Lift #37 are a couple hundred of your newest friends basking in the sunshine. Pack a backpack full of brats, buns, relish, Cheez-its and bevvies. Or up your game. This IS Vail. We’ve seen spreads featuring everything from cedar plank salmon to racks of lamb served on fine china. BYOWhatever. Free public grills and cooking tools are provided. Remember what your mama taught you, sharing is caring.

A P R É S : can’t stop won’t stop

Our favorite hour (or 4) of the day. Time to pop off the skis and bop around Vail village.

Red Lion : It’s shoulder to shoulder babes in here and who doesn’t love a rowdy après crowd, oversized pint glasses and live cover bands? Careful. This place is like Vegas. It’ll suck you in and spit you out way after the sun goes down. The last time we walked out a lovely, established gentleman kindly reminded us, “après ended 2 hours ago girls, make sure you change out of your boots before dinner.”

If it’s sunny, head to Pepi’s and grab a table on the patio. A prime spot for people watching and you may even get to meet Pepi himself – though older and a bit slower moving these days, he regularly comes out to greet everyone. Check out his trophy case inside. LEGEND.

Cap off the day at 10th Mountain Whiskey and Sprits. Straight up.

D I N N E R : if you make it

Sweet Basil : Kim K eats here. A local favorite; Sweet Basil has been the top dog since it opened in 1977 thanks to a dedicated team delivering a delightful and ever-evolving menu and impeccable service.

Vendetta’s : the pizza slingers are assholes but the pie is delicious. Order a brew and slice at the bar and don’t get offended. It’s just their style. Oh, and this is the perfect pre-game to Shakedown.

L A T E   N I G H T : RED BULL

Shakedown Bar : Where the cougars come out to play; studded in diamonds, these ladies know how to work a crowd. No shade, we’ll all be there someday (hopefully). This is Vail’s best live music joint, you can see some awesome shows at this tiny 160-person underground venue. The dance floor is always jammed and the rum ‘n cokes are served stiff if you need the liquid courage.