About Me.

Greetings and a warm welcome to my blog, VailVacay.com! Allow me to introduce myself: I'm Michael Gonzales, an ardent devotee of the Vail lifestyle, and I proudly call this breathtaking location my part-time home. A place that is, in my words, "unlike any other on earth". Alongside me in this journey is my radiant wife and three incredible children who have quite literally grown up with skis attached to their feet, thanks to the wonderful Vail slopes. Our romance with Vail has been a long-standing affair, dating back to 2005, and in 2017, our love for the place propelled us to make a permanent mark here, in the form of a property in East Vail.

When I Learned About Vail

The first brush I had with Vail was as a freshman at the University of Colorado in 1990. I recall meandering through Vail Village, consumed by a sense of having stepped into a charming European ski hamlet. It was as if I had been whisked away to a different world. My second rendezvous with Vail was in 2001, when I had the honor of serving as the Best Man at my college roommate, Adrian's wedding. The wedding took place at the Vail Interfaith Chapel, a few days before the infamous events of September 11 unfolded.

An Unexpected Call to Duty

We returned to San Diego on the night of September 10th, just hours before the world changed forever. The morning of September 11th brought a frantic call from my sister, Mercedes, whose building in New York's Meat Packing District was being evacuated due to the catastrophic collapse of the World Trade Center. Luckily, she escaped unscathed, albeit with a long walk across the bridge to her apartment in Forrest Hills.

In the wake of the events of September 11, I was summoned back to duty by my Navy S-3 Viking Squadron. The subsequent weeks were spent flying at NAS Fallon Nevada and aboard the USS John C Stennis aircraft carrier (CVN-74), as we prepared for Operation Enduring Freedom in the North Arabian Sea. I was deployed from November 2001 through May 2002.

A New Career Path and Globetrotting Adventures

Upon my return, I made a pivotal career change in 2005, leaving active duty to join the ranks of Southwest Airlines as a pilot, a position I still hold today. I continued to serve in the Naval Reserve, flying the C-40A for about eight years, an experience that took me around the globe and allowed me to explore some truly remarkable locations.

Travel runs deep in the Gonzales family veins, and one of the added advantages of my career as an airline pilot is the ability for my family to fly free on Southwest via non-revenue standby passes, or on other airlines through ID90, Interline, or ZED passes. It was with this perk that we began our annual trips to Vail in 2005, staying with our dear friends, Adrian and his wife Christine, who happens to be a skilled Vail Ski Instructor. My kids owe their proficiency in skiing to Christine, who taught them how to navigate the slopes with ease. We are indeed fortunate to have such wonderful people in our lives.

Family and Vail: A Match Made in Heaven

In this blog, I'll share snippets of our Vail adventures, my preferred accommodations, and the culinary delights that we've savored over the years. You'll also find chronicles of our outdoor escapades, from skiing to hiking, and everything in between. I hope you'll enjoy this journey through my fond memories and heartfelt tributes to Vail.

As I think back on the multitude of memories we've created in Vail, one of the aspects that truly stands out is the extraordinary community. Vail, as a place, exudes a unique, welcoming warmth that resonates with anyone who steps foot here. It's not just the idyllic backdrop of majestic mountains and lush landscapes; it's the people, the culture, and the spirit of the town that truly make it "like no place on earth."

The Gonzales family's Vail story is punctuated by countless unforgettable moments, from our children's first successful ski run to the memorable evenings we've spent huddled around our fireplace, sipping hot cocoa after a day of exploring the slopes. There's a certain magic in the crisp mountain air that always brings us back, year after year.

One of our absolute favorite parts of Vail is the Vail Village. Designed to mimic a Bavarian village, it's a stunning array of boutiques, eateries, and art galleries, all set against the backdrop of glistening white slopes. The cobblestone paths meandering through the village seem to tell their own stories, inviting you on a journey of discovery and delight. Whether it's the latest ski gear, an exquisite piece of local art, or a gourmet meal, Vail Village offers something for everyone.

Flying Around the World

As an airline pilot, I've had the privilege of seeing many parts of the world, but there's a unique allure to Vail that's hard to articulate, and even harder to resist. Over the years, we've made friends and memories that will last a lifetime, and it's my pleasure to share these experiences with you through this blog.

Join Us on our Vail Voyage

Whether you're an avid skier or a mountain lover, a foodie or an art enthusiast, I hope my stories inspire you to make your own journey to Vail. And if you're already a fellow Vail lover, I look forward to swapping stories and sharing insights. In the end, it's the shared experiences and the sense of community that truly make Vail feel like home, no matter where you're from.

Join me as I continue to explore and share the countless wonders of Vail. I hope this blog serves not just as a chronicle of my family's adventures, but also as a source of inspiration for your own. Remember, the mountains are calling, and Vail is waiting to welcome you into its extraordinary fold. If you have any queries, or if there's anything specific you'd like me to share about our Vail experiences, please don't hesitate to get in touch through the contact page. Here's to the many more Vail memories that lie ahead!