Vacation season has rolled around, and you’re dying to leave your responsibilities behind for a while. In past years you’ve done the ocean, the beach, and the big city, so this time you’d like to go somewhere new: up. Somehow or another (was it a picture, a brochure, or a friend’s testimonial?) you seem to have fallen victim to Mountain Fever. If this is the case, then Vail, Colorado would be the place to whet your appetite for altitude.

You’ve heard about the fantastic skiing conditions, the snowboarding, snow-biking, snowshoeing, and whatever else there is to do with boots on your feet and your scarf bundled around you. You’re excited to get out there and experience the chilly yet exhilarating wind in your face as you zoom down the slopes, and you can hardly wait to start packing all your cozy winter sweaters.

Before you get too carried away, have you looked into a place to stay? You’d like to be close to the ski lifts so you aren’t lugging your gear around on and off buses and such, and you’d also like to have a great view of the scenery. You’ve come too far a distance to stick yourself in a boxy hotel room with no windows, so go ahead and pick a place to unload that will bring out the best in this vacation.

Vail has a number of charming vacation rentals that will help you accomplish this feat. From luxurious condos in the middle of Vail Village to more modest, mountainside cabins, you’ll find the deal you’re looking for somewhere in this vacationer’s haven. The whole family will fit into a stylish, spacious, four bedroom home that has its own hot tub, a large, well-equipped kitchen, and beds for everyone. Enjoy dinner together at the oversized dining room table that looks out over the valley, and then gather around the fire place for some hot cocoa and much needed family bonding time.

A free shuttle runs right past the front door, so you’ll be dropped off at the lift within seven minutes of boarding. Not too shabby. Of course, if you’d prefer to do things a little differently, then sort through the entire array of homes online. Some have washers and dryers, some have maid services, and some have the ambiance you’ve been waiting to enjoy, so don’t be afraid to go after what you really want. It is your vacation, after all.

Vail makes a wonderful romantic getaway spot, so if you have in mind a quiet, private hideaway in the mountains then you won’t be disappointed by the offerings here. Pretend like you and your beloved are the only people in the world and catch up on your quality time within the walls of your rustic cabin hidden in the woods. Retreat from the world for a bit, and when you’re ready to hit the slopes or enjoy a world-class dinner, break the spell and rejoin the rest of civilization. You can have it both ways in a vacation rental, so keep that in mind as you plan your trip.

Winter isn’t the only season that the Rockies will call out to be seen; summer is a beautiful and perhaps more peaceful time to visit Vail. Traverse the mountains by foot or by bike, and take in the fragrant wild flowers and cool streams. Ascend to even greater heights in a hot air balloon, or embrace the mountaineer within you and climb your way to the highest peak you dare. If you feel like taking it easy, go shopping in the village for fine art or specialty souvenirs, and then hit the spa for a pedicure or a facial.

Fishing, golfing, white-water rafting, and horseback riding are a few other warm-weather activities that might draw you outdoors, but there will likely be an entertainment center, a heated pool, and tennis courts in or near your property. Don’t hesitate to relax by playing a game with your kids or catching a nap, as those are the things that will truly give you that post-vacation glow.

No matter when you come or what you do while you’re here, Vail is sure to live up to your expectations of a vacationer’s delight. Especially if you follow your instincts and reserve a vacation home that will accommodate you and your companions’ traveling needs, this will be a trip that rises above all others. Arrange for an ideal lodging set-up by going online and picking out the Vail Vacation Rental that will complete the picture you have in your mind of an incredible trip.