We have stayed at the Cascade in the past and have always been thrilled with the attentive staff and variety of amenities, especially the ski shop and chair lift right on property! However, we were a little apprehensive about traveling with our three children over Christmas, for fear we might miss out on some of the "Santa traditions". Little did we know that the Cascade had a ton of great activities planned for the holiday. One night we made gingerbread houses...and not with little graham crackers and some icing. These were real, good sized houses which gave us all plenty of room to be creative with all of the goodies the hotel provided. Another night the kids decorated stockings but the best part was that the hotel FILLED the stockings the three nights prior to Christmas with all kinds of great gifts and treats. The kids were THRILLED!! There were also movie nights planned, smores around the fire pit, an incredible magician, contests...the list goes on. We had asked the kids if they wanted to do some of the activities in Vail Village after skiing and every night they wanted to go back to the hotel and take part in their activities. We could not have scripted a better Christmas away from home!! The Cascade staff truly made it a special occasion for all of us! The Cascade will continue to be our resort of choice in Vail!

From the time you enter the property and see the roaring flames in the stone fireplace, you know it's something special. Spent three nights there in a king suite - very roomy with all the amenities. The parking was a reasonable walking distance and I was able to find a parking space near the entrance every time. The staff was very helpful, although the concierge did not have the updated information on the tube sledding (yes, you CAN make an advanced reservation now). The only improvements I would note are 1) improved signage (it's a very confusing property layout, with many twists and turns to the elevator for our wing - can't get to some rooms on the same floor without going through lobby, etc.) and 2) improved lighting for the outdoor hot tub entrances - it was hard to see where to put your key into the gate, it was so dark.

Loved the lodge feel and charm of the place. My husband and I had always used the ski lift near the hotel when we came to vail. We then decided to book a family trip at Vail Cascade Resort & Spa and are going back a second time this winter. The food at their restaurant is also reasonable and tasted great! We also loved that their is a walking trail behind the hotel which follows the creek. We definitely recommend this hotel to our family and friends.

I visited the resort with my two children, ages 10 and 12 in Dec-Jan. This was our fifth time. Our experience keeps bringing us back. Some relevant facts:

1. Personnel: best asset. From arrival to departure; from the entry to the front desk; from the restaurant to the ski valet, everyone tries to help with a smile. Ask for anything and someone will make it happen.
2. Ski experience: the hotel has its own lift (#20). It is an 8 minute ride to a path connecting to chair #26 and on. Take the chair back or ski back to the hotel via a picturesque path.
There is a ticket office at the base of the lift. Ski instructors will meet you at the hotel if you ask.

Charter Sports will fit you with all the equipment. You will pick it up in the morning and the ski valet will return boots and skis/boards to the appropiate location, ready for the next morning.
Effortless.
3. Food/bar: there is a nice bar with fireplace and nice windows. Atawater restaurant serves B/L/D. Breakfast has a buffet choice ($24 adults/$10 children+tax). Pretty pricey overall.
There is a cafe with sodas, wine, beer, sandwiches, fruit, etc. Reasonable.
4. Pool/Hot tubs: one heated pool ad multiple tubs. Very nice and not crowded.
5. Kids entretainment: one WII console/TV. There was a larger center next to the Spa but it is not there any longer. They could do better considering that so many families come with their children.
6. Housekeeping: we had some minor issues: cups left, no tissues, time they came, etc. Rapidly corrected.

I already made reservations for December 2013.
Cascade remains our choice destination. You will not go wrong.