You’re looking at a map of Eagle County and everything seems to revolve around the "V" word. Vail. It’s the glitz, the glam, and the $40 burgers. But honestly, if you’re planning a trip to the Rockies and you haven't looked at the Sheraton Mountain Vista Avon, you might be overpaying for a lot of hype you don’t actually need.
Location matters. It’s basically everything when you’re hauling skis or hiking boots around at 7,400 feet. The Sheraton Mountain Vista in Avon sits in this weirdly perfect sweet spot. It isn't tucked away in some remote corner of the woods where you need a GPS and a prayer to find a grocery store. It’s right there. You've got the Westin Riverfront Express Gondola just a short walk or shuttle ride away, which zips you right up to Beaver Creek Resort.
It’s easy. It’s functional. And it doesn't feel like a stuffy hotel room where you’re afraid to set down a wet pair of mittens.
What People Get Wrong About Staying in Avon
A lot of travelers think if they aren't "ski-in/ski-out," the vacation is ruined. That’s a total myth. Staying at the Sheraton Mountain Vista Avon gives you access to Beaver Creek without the "Village Premium" price tag. You’re essentially paying for the same snow but getting a kitchen and a living room.
Think about the math.
If you stay in Vail Village, you’re looking at cramped hotel rooms. At the Sheraton, these are villas. We’re talking one-bedroom and two-bedroom setups. Most of them have these little kitchenettes or full kitchens. Do you know how much money you save when you aren't eating out for three meals a day in a resort town? It’s massive. You can hit the City Market—which is right down the street—grab some eggs, some local coffee, and actually relax in your pajamas instead of rushing to a $30 breakfast buffet.
The vibe here is different too. It’s more "local adventurer" and less "fashion show." You'll see families, groups of friends who’ve been skiing together for twenty years, and couples who just want to hike the Eagle River Trail without a crowd.
The Layout Is Kinda Genius
One thing that surprises people is the "lock-off" feature some units have. It’s basically a way to divide a larger villa into two separate living spaces. It’s great if you’re traveling with in-laws or another couple. You have your own door, your own space, but you’re still "together."
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The rooms aren't minimalist or ultra-modern. They feel like a mountain lodge should. Think warm woods, gas fireplaces that actually kick out some heat, and balconies where you can watch the sunset hit the peaks. Most units have a washer and dryer too. If you’ve ever tried to dry four sets of soggy ski socks over a hotel radiator, you know that a real dryer is basically a luxury amenity.
The Logistics of Getting to the Slopes
So, how do you actually get to the mountain? You have options.
- The Shuttle: The resort usually runs a shuttle that drops you right at the base of the Beaver Creek Bear Lot or the gondola.
- The Walk: It’s about a 7-to-10-minute walk to the Riverfront Express Gondola (Lift 7). It’s doable. If you’re in sturdy boots, it’s a breeze. If you’re carrying three pairs of kids' skis? Take the shuttle.
- The Bus: Avon has a great public transit system (the "Avon Transit") that is free and remarkably reliable.
People often worry that being in Avon means they're "far" from the action. You aren't. You’re actually closer to "real" life. There’s a Walgreens, a liquor store with a decent craft beer selection, and restaurants like Vin48 or NorthSide Kitchen that the locals actually go to.
Summer Is the Secret Season
While everyone obsesses over the winter, the Sheraton Mountain Vista Avon is honestly better in the summer. The heat in Denver or the Midwest gets oppressive, but up here, it’s 75 degrees and sunny.
The resort has a rooftop pool. It’s not huge, but the views of the valley are incredible. There are also whirlpool spas on the roof. Sitting in hot water while looking at the stars at this altitude? It hits different. There’s a fitness center too, but let’s be real—if you’re in Avon, your workout should be happening on the trails.
The Reality Check: What to Expect
Let’s be honest for a second. This isn't the Ritz-Carlton. If you’re looking for white-glove bellman service and a marble-clad lobby with a harp player, you’re in the wrong place. This is a Marriott Vacation Club property. It’s designed for efficiency and comfort.
The parking can be a bit of a squeeze. It’s underground, which is a lifesaver when it snows two feet overnight, but the spots are tight. If you’re driving a massive dually truck, you might have a stressful time navigating the pillars. Also, because many people own timeshares here, the check-in process on Friday or Sunday afternoons can get a little backed up.
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But once you’re in, it’s easy.
The staff usually knows the area inside and out. Ask them where to find the best tacos (it’s Rocky Mountain Taco, by the way) or which hiking trail is currently muddy. They won't give you the "tourist trap" answer; they’ll give you the real one.
Dining and Food Scene Around the Resort
You don’t have to cook in your villa every night. Avon has evolved.
- Bob's Place: It’s a classic sports bar. Great burgers, loud TV, very chill.
- Maya: Located in the nearby Westin, it offers high-end Mexican flavors if you want to dress up a little bit.
- Agave: Good for late-night vibes and solid food.
If you’re staying at the Sheraton, you’re also within walking distance of Nottingham Park. In the summer, they have free concerts and a lake where you can paddleboard. In the winter, they often have ice skating. It’s the heart of the town and it’s basically your backyard.
Comparing Avon to Vail and Edwards
If you look at the valley as a whole, you have Vail to the east, Avon/Beaver Creek in the middle, and Edwards to the west.
Vail is expensive and crowded.
Edwards is cute but further from the primary ski lifts.
Avon—and specifically the Sheraton—is the functional middle ground.
You can jump on I-70 and be in Vail in 12 minutes if you want to do a day of skiing there (your Epic Pass works at both, usually). But then you get to come back to Avon where the pace is a little slower and the prices are a lot more reasonable.
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Why Families Love It
Kids need space. Putting two teenagers in a standard hotel room for five days is a recipe for a bad vacation. Having a separate bedroom and a living room with a pull-out sofa changes the entire dynamic.
The Sheraton Mountain Vista Avon also has an activities center. They do stuff for kids—crafts, movie nights, that sort of thing. It gives parents a second to breathe. Plus, there’s a marketplace in the lobby for when you realize you forgot milk or need a quick snack at 9:00 PM.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you’ve decided that the Sheraton Mountain Vista Avon is the move, here is how you handle the logistics to make it a smooth run.
Book your rentals in advance. Don't wait until you arrive. There are shops right in Avon like Charter Sports or Beaver Creek Sports. Often, if you book through the resort’s links, you get a discount. Some places will even deliver the skis to the resort for you.
Check the shuttle schedule immediately. The "Village Connect" app is a lifesaver for getting around Beaver Creek, and the Avon Transit site will give you the exact times for the red and blue bus loops. Download these before you leave the airport.
Stock the kitchen. Hit the City Market on your way in. Get the heavy stuff like water, milk, and beer. The resort provides some basic dish soap and paper towels, but if you’re planning on doing real cooking, bring some extra spices or olive oil from home in small containers.
Pack for layers. Even in the summer, the temperature drops the second the sun goes behind the mountains. You’ll want a fleece for the rooftop hot tub run.
Mind the altitude. Avon is high. Drink twice as much water as you think you need. The Sheraton provides coffee, but maybe skip the caffeine and alcohol for the first 24 hours while your body adjusts.
By choosing a spot like this over the high-pressure environment of the main villages, you’re basically giving yourself permission to actually relax. You get the world-class terrain of Beaver Creek and Vail, but you get to come home to a place that feels like a home, not just a room. It's the smarter way to do the Rockies.