(Ed note: Updated March 2009)

Of course, the most important things - the ski mountains - are Vail and Beaver Creek, both of which have an abundance of shops and restaurants conveniently packed around them.

Avon, at the base of Beaver Creek, is home to many of the valley's locals, replete with Wal-Mart, Home Depot, City Market and a series of non-resort-style bars and restaurants.

The cute, former mining town of Minturn is rich in character if not in assets ... yet. Ginn and Company, the developer that has moved in with a vision of a private ski area surrounded by mini castles, is likely to change all that in the next few years. Still, Minturn remains home to a handful of friendly and tasty restaurants and bed and breakfasts.

Edwards, 12 miles to the west of Vail, is a booming residential area for locals and also home to Cordillera, one of the valley's most luxurious neighborhoods. The Riverwalk is a great place for shopping, fine-dining and entertainment (upvalley's only movie theater is located here).

You're probably not sure where to sleep, where to eat, what to buy or what sort of silly hat will get you laughed at on the slopes. Let us help you. Here are some recommendations for all of the above that will make your first experience in Vail as memorable and enjoyable as possible.

SLEEPING: GET COMFORTABLE

If you want to be completely pampered, you've come to the right place. The valley has plenty of posh spas where facials, massages and fine dining are only a few steps away. If you're in for a truly high-end lodging setup, complete with all of the above, plus slope views and super-cushy bathrobes, head to the Park Hyatt at Beaver Creek. In Vail, you've got the entire spa setup, an athletic club, a four-star restaurant and, in our opinion, a 10-star tapas bar, not to mention a semi-private chairlift at the Vail Cascade Resort & Spa. Then there's the castle on the hill West of town, better known as the The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera. The little Cordillera neighborhood sits atop the western part of the valley, complete with the area's most jaw-dropping mansions, elegant restaurants and 17 miles of cross-country trails.