Gore Creek just off the back deck, Free Bus, Wi-Fi, Hot Tub, Summer Pool
No matter the season, this quiet, secluded location with trees, mountain views, and the sound of Gore Creek, located only 20 feet off the back deck, will fit the bill for your next vacation. You can ski any of eleven Colorado resorts (Vail, Beaver Creek, Copper, Breckenridge, Keystone, A-Basin, Steamboat Springs, Aspen's three mountains, and Ski Cooper) and still drive home for the night to a cozy fire and comfortable king-size beds.
The Ptarmigan complex has 38 townhomes, many of which are lived in by permanent residents. The covered bus stop for the free Town of Vail Shuttle is only a two-minute level walk from the front door. A three-minute ride gets you to the Cascade ski lift; ride a little longer and get off at Lionshead or the Vail Transportation Center and Vail Village itself, offering numerous quality restaurants, night spots, and incomparable shopping.
However if you to stay in, you will also be content. This townhouse boasts a kitchen with granite counter tops, rustic cherry cabinetry, and new appliances. It is furnished down to the wine glasses! The glass-topped dining room table seats six, but there is also a second table in the sunken den which seats four. Turn the gas fireplace on to take the chill off of an early morning or to quickly warm up the home and mood after a day of outside activity. The spacious upstairs front bedroom and creek-side bedroom boast comfortable king-size beds and flat-screen TVs and the middle sleeping area has a queen-size bed with TV/VCR/DVD player. The unit has a ladder to the loft above the stairs. It has a queen mattress and desk lamp. Finally, the den couch is a sleeper sofa which adds to your sleeping options.
The Ptarmigan complex's location within Vail is something mentioned by many guests. Vail's primary necessities shopping area is less than a half mile away; a two-minute drive, five-minute bicycle or 10-minute walk from the unit. It includes two large grocery stores (Safeway and City Market), liquor stores, dry cleaner, fast food and much more. The unit is a three-minute walk from the Gore Valley Recreation Trail, a fun path where walkers, runners, and bikers can enjoy a jaunt into Vail along beautiful Gore Creek or perhaps a ride all the way to Avon or Breckenridge. The summer outdoor pool and year-round enclosed hot tub are a one minute level walk across the parking lot from the front door.
Rates are lower for this unit due to owner management. Owner management is visible throughout the unit in a friendly, cozy environment, rather than a sterile cut-out cookie. Art work, mirrors, and bathrooms with intricate tile work all point to ownership who also enjoy their visits here!
Free highspeed wireless and ethernet connection, HDTV and Flatscreen TVs
NO PET, NO SMOKING IN THE UNIT.
Town of Vail MuniRevs Acct #003618 Sales Tax License 2831833-0001
Keywords: Townhome
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
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Max overnight cars: 2 in the unit's reserved slots. Guest parking area daytime use only
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
A car is not required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Vail
Located in West Vail, a neighbourhood in Vail, this holiday home is in the mountains and on the waterfront. Vail Ski Resort and Beaver Creek Ski Area are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Vail Tennis Center or Beaver Creek Tennis Center. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the sledging and ice skating.
Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater - 3 min drive - 5.9 km
Getting around
Vail, CO (EGE-Eagle County Regional) - 37 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 13 min walk
Gore Creek Market - 3 min drive
Qdoba Mexican Eats - 13 min walk
Margie’s Haas - 4 min drive
Subway - 13 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Does Gore Creek just off the back deck, Free Bus, Wi-Fi, Hot Tub, Summer Pool have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Gore Creek just off the back deck, Free Bus, Wi-Fi, Hot Tub, Summer Pool?
As of 31 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Gore Creek just off the back deck, Free Bus, Wi-Fi, Hot Tub, Summer Pool on 11 May 2026 start from AU$369, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Gore Creek just off the back deck, Free Bus, Wi-Fi, Hot Tub, Summer Pool pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Gore Creek just off the back deck, Free Bus, Wi-Fi, Hot Tub, Summer Pool?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Gore Creek just off the back deck, Free Bus, Wi-Fi, Hot Tub, Summer Pool?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Gore Creek just off the back deck, Free Bus, Wi-Fi, Hot Tub, Summer Pool?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Gore Creek just off the back deck, Free Bus, Wi-Fi, Hot Tub, Summer Pool located?
Located in West Vail, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Vail Ski Resort and Cascade Village Lift. Vail Recreation Path and Adventure Ridge are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great property, conveniently located to the ski hill. Lots of room, well appointed. Some toiletries supplied. Kitchen well stocked with cooking supplies, spices pots and pans etc. very good communication with host, parking right in front of unit and nice hot tub on the property (pool looks big but we were here in winter). We enjoyed our stay and would recommend this property.
We had a great ski vacation, using the property as a homebase. The place is quiet and clean, two parking spaces is nice, bus stop is nearby. Would stay here again.
erik a.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dave W.
6 July 2018
Great Stay in Vail
Nicely furnished, clean, good location, and you'll love the Vail Creek in the back yard.
Dave W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
Dave,
We are always happy to hear that our guests enjoyed their stay. Ptarmigan’s location on Gore Creek is a beautiful setting. We look forward to hosting your group again!
We really enjoyed our stay at this condo on our ski trip to Vail. The house was well stocked with everything we needed and the host was responsive to our requests and questions. Thanks!
This is likely the best/nicest unit I have ever stayed at. We were a party of 6 ladies and this absolutely lovely home had everything we needed. In addition to the King beds in both of 2 big BR, there were 2 other beds tastefully tucked into the upstairs hallway and loft such that all 6 of us had beds and no one slept on the couch. The furnishings were also lovely and keen little touches were everywhere from an extra table and chairs under the stairs, to a readout of external temps and weather info, to a fully stocked kitchen. Easy to use and cozy gas fireplace, washer dryer, ski racks, racks for helmets, great hot water in the showers. The hot tub is a short walk away, indoors, and positively lovely and well-maintained. The owners were communicative and helpful. The bus to the slopes is also a short walk away and the trip back and forth to the mountain wasn't bad at all. The reduced price of this place due to the fact that you need a bus to the mountain made it quite the bargain given how perfect the unit was. We plan to return.
Ellen B.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Feb 2026
We thank Ellen for taking the time to write such an extensive review. Not everything will ever be perfect, but we try!
So happy our guests enjoyed!
Jim
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jamie H.
26 Feb 2019
Very comfortable stay and great location to slopes!
We came here with the family for a fun ski getaway and had a great time. The location is so close to a quick shuttle ride to Vail which made it easy to get out on the runs. The place was clean and exactly what we were looking for. The owner's take very good care of it and were very responsive. They also were helpful with Vail knowledge since it was also our first time there. Thank you for a great stay!
Jamie H.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
Thank you! Always glad to hear that our guests enjoyed Vail! We started coming to Vail in the ‘70s. If guests are interested, we send them guides to navigating Vail/Beaver Creek and guides to restaurants. As most reviews mention, Ptarmigan is an excellent location for enjoying Vail at a moderate price.
We loved being right on the creek. The kids enjoyed the loft bed upstairs. Kitchen was fully equipped to cook meals. House was well stocked with laundry detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, soap shampoo, hair dryer and much more. We will definitely stay here again.
Kitzi S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Eric P.
12 Aug 2017
We loved Ptargmigan #15!
Spacious and Super clean! Our family loved the close location to the river. I would high recommend this location. The whole experience was seamless.
Eric P.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
Eric,
Thank you for choosing to stay in our townhome and for taking the time to write a review. It was our pleasure meeting you and your family. Signe and I spent about two weeks in our unit next door (VRBO 499342), refreshing both units and completing upgrades that we had been wanting to accomplish for years. Retirement does grant more free time. We hope you and your family become one of our many annual returnees!
Best regards,
Jim and Signe
We enjoyed our stay at this Vail condo. It was a super short walk to the bus to Vail and the hot tub. The condo was very spacious with lots of room to spread out. We loved the huge laundry room right off the front door to store our skis. Also, James was great to work with.
Well kept and comfortable condo with Gore Creek in the back yard. The creek was rotating from snow melt and rain, and saw several kayakers and rafters go by. Enjoyed the hot tub after each of two 14er climbs. Highly recommend.
James was so easy to communicate with. The location was perfect for the cascade lift. First stop on red line and no wait at the lift. Second stop on the green line back. Kitchen had everything we needed. The room set up was so fun for the kids. Would love to stay here again.
End of summer stay. Mid-week. Very quiet. Our goal was met with the river outside the back door, a very busy little gray squirrel darting about, and a fireplace to keep it cozy on the inside. Very nice location for a quick Fall get-a-way.
We truly enjoyed our 5 nights at Ptarmigan #15. The place is homey and quite comfortable - well stocked with everything we needed. And the fact that Gore Creek is only steps from the back patio is such a selling point. We loved watching and listening to the water from the living room with the sliding door open, from the patio, and while reading in chairs by the water. Beds were comfortable and bathrooms were very nice! We will stay here again for sure. Appreciated all the communication and details from the owner. We used the free shuttle bus several times, but it's also a lovely walk into Vail Village!
Jill S.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jan 2021
Glad to hear that Jill and her group enjoyed their stay in our townhouse. The Ptarmigan Townhouse complex is a great out-of-village location with the rec path and the free bus into Lionshead and Vail Village.
This townhouse is large enough to sleep and fit lots of people! The owners have included everything you would need during your stay! This is so close to the transportation system and a quick stop to everywhere we needed to go. The beds are awesome and lots of space for the kids to spread out and relax after a long day of skiing. Loved the loft and the bedroom with the folding doors! The hot tub was also so welcome each day after skiing. Owners were a pleasure to work with. We'll definitely look this place up if we come again! Would work great for 2 families with children since there are 2 king size rooms and plenty of space between them for the kids.
Kathy L.
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
Kathy, thank you for taking the time to write a review, and a good one at that! Signe and I are always happy to hear that our guests enjoyed their stay.
Archival
8/10 Good
Casey I.
10 Jan 2016
Good value, okay place
This place was fine. Loved the river out the back door, the bus stop at the end of the parking lot and the hot tub. It was clean, everything worked, no problems.
I should have looked a bit closer at the 2nd bedroom. It's tiny and has an accordion door across one whole wall. Also, all 3 upstairs bedrooms, share one bath. Though, there is another on the first floor. It's all their in the owner info if you look it, but it eluded me.
I have no regrets about renting the place, just wanted to point out the info re the bedroom configuration.
Casey I.
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
Thank you for your review, Casey. Guilty as charged: great location and view of Gore Creek, convenient bus stop, nice hot tub, clean and neat condition, good working order, two bathrooms, two large bedrooms and one small. All Ptarmigan units were initially built with the same floor plan with two large upstairs bedrooms. The middle sleeping area did not exist. The second floor was open from the ground floor dining room area through the second floor to the vaulted ceiling and skylight. Over the years most units have dropped in a floor above the dining area, usually creating a sleeping area. Some have also added a permanent wall and some nothing at all, leaving the area open to the hallway. We installed an accordion door to give some privacy and, if desired, to allow the hall to be a part of the room space. Regardless, it is a small area, but we feel it is well represented in our pictures, picture narratives, video, etc. The middle bedroom fits much in the limited space with a dresser, hanging rack, bedside table with reading light, flatscreen TV and DVD player.
Thank you, Casey, for also pointing out what really makes Ptarmigan Townhomes a great value: its location. The bus stop at Ptarmigan's entrance is a three-minute ride to the non-congested Cascade Lift bus stop and then a two minute walk from the free bus to the lift. If you do not get off at Cascade, the next stop gets you into Lionshead and then into Vail Village. We have repeat guests who stay for a week to a month and do not rent a car because of the bus option and walkability to stores, restaurants, etc.. Finally, Ptarmigan nightly rates are significantly less than Vail Village prices. Our location on Gore Creek is frosting on the cake!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Evelyn S.
18 Mar 2015
Great Location...Very nice owners
This was our first time renting in West Vail, and both the location and the condo were great! The bus stop is right at the entrance of the Ptarmingan Development (about a 2 minute walk) and a couple of stops past the Cascade Village area. Very convenient to the food markets also. Staying in this area really added to our Vail vacation experience.
The beds were very comfortable and there was lots of good lighting, especially for reading. Plenty of storage area for clothes in the bedrooms. The kitchen area was well stocked with cookware, plates, glasses and silverware. Additionally there was plenty of soap and laundry detergent supplied. The laundry room had space for the skis, boots and poles.
The owners made renting the unit a very easy experience and were very responsive. They even provided a humidifier for us while we were there, which is a life saver. They definitely have put thought and care into the property even though it is a rental. Plan to rent again!
Evelyn S.
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
We are always happy to hear that guests have enjoyed their stay In our townhome. The complex's location and access to Vail's free bus is something we too enjoy. We plan to retire in our rental unit next door. We do strive to keep the unit well stocked and to be responsive to the questions and complaints of our guests, which we solicit. Even though we live in Philadelphia, one or both of us visits our units every three-to-four weeks during ski season (I work for an airline) to restock, repair, etc.; things our maid doesn't have on her list of things to do during the quick turn-arounds of the ski season. Our guest's comments help us know what to address. We look forward to having Evelyn and her group return!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Cindy J.
6 July 2017
Five Stars! We Loved This Property!
This town home is practically on Gore Creek. I enjoyed getting up early and having coffee while the creek ran by just outside the back door.
We had a large group and also rented this owners other property, right next door. It made for easy coordinating and visiting back and forth.
The property has a hot tub house with showers and is great after a long day of activities. We have not stayed here in the summer but the pool is close and looks lovely.
Aside from the views, one of the best things about our stay was the easy access to Vail Village, Lionshead and other areas of Vail Resort. The shuttle owner posted a shuttle bus schedule which runs very regularly and is free. These shuttle buses accommodate skis and snowboards on the outside.
This town home has A LOT of room for relaxing, cooking, eating and sleeping. The bedrooms are quite large and there were plenty of blankets and extra beds for babies and children. The decor is lovely and comfortable.
I can't say enough - the price was right and we will definitely return!
Cindy J.
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
Must be Mike or Cindy...thanks for the nice review and for finishing the ski season with us. I really can't add much to your thorough review. We love Vail and our Ptarmigan location and, now being retired, look forward to spending more time there ourselves! Come visit in beautiful summer or fall and use that pool (or maybe tube Gore Creek when spring runoff subsides). Remember the saying, "People come to Vail for the skiing in the winter but stay because of the beautiful summer and fall!"
Thanks again,
Jim
Good communications, everything worked as it should and the place was accurately represented in the post. Good access to the ski bus and to nearest lift.
I had actually been to the exact unit 6 years before with my grandparents and cousins. I just remember having the best time. Enjoying the creek right in the back yard the younger ones enjoying the loft area. So fast forward 6 years I now have a daughter and I was fortunate enough to bring her out here to celebrate her birthday. We had a great time and just like her cousins before her she loved the loft area and having the creek just steps away. Just being a bus ride from anywhere and having the grocery store so close was nice. We had a great time and definitely want to come back
Very pleased with the space and layout. Easy access to the mountain.
Bill A.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2022
About the host
Hosted by Jim and Signe Donaldson
We have been married since 1976. Jim is a 1974 United States Air Force Academy grad, who, after pilot training, served a total of seven years. Jim flew for USAirways/American from 1983 until retirement in 2017. Signe is a 1972 graduate of Baylor University. She taught high school English, drama, speech and debate classes until 1983. We have three sons; one a 2003 USAF Academy grad and infantry Lt. Colonel in the Marine Corps with four combat tours (3 Iraq, 1 Afghanistan); one a 2011 UCLA Law School grad and partner in a California law firm; one a 2012 West Point grad and captain in the U.S. Army with one combat tour in Afghanistan.
Why they chose this property
Jim loved the Rockies since he went to school in Colorado. A roommate's parents lived in Vail so he skied Vail and other ski areas as a cadet. Jim skied all over the country and in Europe and found Vail to be among the finest of ski resorts. We loved the charm of the village and surrounding area when we visited Vail together. Finally, we thought it would be a place where our children would always look forward to vacationing with us, no matter the season of the year. It has been true. We have purchased the next-door Unit 16 vrbo 499342 for our expanding family. We are also renting unit 16.
What makes this property unique
If you are looking for accommodations for up to 12 overnighting people, we also own and rent Unit 16 vrbo 499342 Our townhomes' positions on Gore Creek are some of the most charming benefits of these two properties. The backs of the units have stunning views of the creek. The view and sound of the creek change with every season. The gas fireplace in 15 makes having a fire at any time, effortless, safe and pleasurable. The Unit 16 fireplace is traditional wood-burning. The units are comfortable, quiet and very well appointed, requiring little more than your own foodstuffs. Finally, location is an asset. Vail's free shuttle stops 125 level paces from the front door. It is a three-minute ride to the closest ski lift and a 10 minute walk, if you choose, to the Safeway and City Market grocery stores, among other businesses (hardware, gas, fast-food, restaurants, wine/liquor, etc.). The beautiful Gore Rec path close to Gore Creek is just a three minute walk away!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests