Family travel a passion for our family!  The past two summers we have visited Vail and Beaver Creek. We were lucky enough to be in Vail during the Oktoberfest celebration this summer.  Vail Oktoberfest is a family affair, with events my parents, my brothers and I and the kids enjoyed. The event is free and open to the public. This year we watched Klement’s Bratwurst Eating Contests (I think the winner ate 11) and the Stein Lifting and Keg Bowling.  My aunt raved about Keg Bowling and wanted my cousin Chelsea and I to do it.  We tried to sign up but it was already full.  Which was a good thing because kegs are heavy and let’s be honest we are girls and not strong enough to knock over 10 kegs.  After the bratwurst eating contest and keg bowling we took the gondola to the top of Vail Mountain.

If you plan to have a beer or two while at Oktoberfest I recommend purchasing the official Vail Oktoberfest mug, it is only $20 and it is a great memento of your trip.  There is no money exchanged it is all tokens, we purchased about $50 of tokens for beer and food and it was plenty for my cousin and I.  My brothers no doubt went through more tokens than Chelsea and I due to their advanced beer drinking skills.
If you are adventurous you may attempt to hike up Berry Picker Trail there is no charge for this but advise allowing at least 2-3 hours.  We had too many people with different ages to attempt the hike.  The gondola ride to the top is beautiful with views of mountain peaks and wildflowers as far as you can see.  Children 4 and under are free, 5-12 year olds are $7 and adults are $28 per person. We always go to the top of Vail when we visit, the view is just as amazing year after year.  Below is a picture of my cousin and I at the top of Vail last summer.

After the gondola ride to the top of Vail the Adventure Ridge awaits you.  To access Adventure Ridge via the Eagle Bahn Gondola, you must purchase a lift ticket.  Aside from the most incredible views you will ever see there are fun activities for all ages at over 10,000 ft! My son loves the climbing wall, (pictured below) he did it three times!  My niece loved the rebound trampoline she did it twice.  There are also pony rides, miniature golf, kids zip line and low ropes course.

If your children would like to do multiple activities I would recommend purchasing the adventure ridge action pass.  With the pass you may choose three activities from pony rides, climbing wall, rebound trampoline, miniature golf, or disc golf for only $25.  The adventure plus pass allows up to four activities for only $35.  We regretted not purchasing the adventure action pass because our kids loved all the fun activities.  We have already started looking forward to next year.