Here is an update from a semi/previous local friend who is staying there for 2 months. Vail RI does have 2 shuttles that go to all three base areas, Lionshead, Vail transportation center and Golden Peak. Shuttles don't start running until 8:15 AM and he said there were 100 people waiting in line for the shuttle (probably an exaggeration IMO). He indicated that due to crowds and late starting time of their shuttle, that he takes the West Vail express TOV bus from the lower Buffehr Creek bus stop, which is right in front of the hotel, to the Vail transportation center and then hops on the in-town bus to Golden Peak.