Vail is something to everyone, and that doesn’t just apply to the skiing. A Vail budget ski vacation is completely in the realm of possible, thanks to its varying and numerous lodging and dining options. Vail vacationers on a budget can find everything from affordable hotels to spacious, reasonably priced condos. Vail’s dining scene does trend towards expensive eats, but there are plenty of affordable (and delicious) options, you just need to know where to look.

Vail Budget Hotels

With Lion Square Lodge at Vail’s convenient locale, you’ll hardly know you’re staying there on the cheap. The property is just steps away from the Vail Eagle Bahn Gondola and the Born Free Express Quad chairlift. It is also adjacent to shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Lion Square Lodge gives you the option of spacious lodge rooms or 83 deluxe one, two and three bedroom condos to suit the number of people in your party.

Vail Cascade, located on the Western periphery of the resort, is another affordable Vail lodging option sure to impress. This property is located just steps from the Cascade Village chairlift, making it both convenient and quick to get on the mountain and ideally secluded. Vail Cascade offers a wide array of amenities including a spa and fitness club, pool and hot tub. Antlers Lodge is also a great option for Vail ski vacationers on a shoestring. This affordable lodge offers full-size kitchens, private balconies, fireplaces and main service and is conveniently located less than 250 yards from the chairlifts.

Affordable Vail Restaurants

If locals can afford to eat and live in Vail year after year, then you can surely do it for a couple days. Head to the local hot spots for inexpensive and good eats. For heart pies and cheap brews, head to Vendetta’s or Pazzo’s Pizza, both in Vail Village, just don’t tell them you went to the other spot. There’s an unofficial, but lighthearted rivalry. For Mexican, you can’t beat La Cantina’s price or quality. Don’t be deterred by its location in the Vail Village parking structure. You can have a good Mexican meal for $12 at Los Amigos. Share one of their house margarita pitchers: the price is right if you’re with a group.

For a more formal, affordable and unforgettable evening head up on the new Gondola One, to Vail’s newest on-mountain restaurant, the 10th. While the resto-lodge is open during the day for lunch and après for skiers and snowboarders, guests can take the gondola up in the evening for dinner at the restaurant. There’s a roaring fire near the bar where you can enjoy a local Colorado microbrew and dinner menu items don’t exceed $30.