Vail Mountian Colorado is a world-class resort town. It is surrounded by the White River National Forest and offers a wide variety of winter and summer activities.
Founded by Pete Siebert and Earl Eaton in the mid-20th century, Vail was built from the ground up as a ski resort. It quickly grew in popularity.
Skiing
Vail Mountian Colorado is a world-renowned ski resort that offers everything you need for a fun winter vacation. It features a world-class skiing and snowboarding school, tons of space to ride, and plenty of activities for families.
Vail is known for its powder, but it also has plenty of green runs that are perfect for beginners. Moreover, it has three terrain parks and seven bowls to explore.
Its mountain area is huge, with over 5,289 acres to ride. This makes it one of the largest ski areas in the country and a great place for families to go skiing.
Even though it’s a big mountain, it doesn’t feel super crowded because there’s lots of room between the lifts. Plus, it’s got plenty of snowfall and snow depth so you can enjoy all of the terrain without worrying about not being able to get out on the slopes.
It also has a huge variety of lodging options. Whether you’re looking for something that feels like an old-fashioned college dorm or a luxury hotel with all the amenities, there’s something for everyone.
Snowboarding
The large ski area of Vail Mountian Colorado offers a variety of terrain for all levels of skiing and snowboarding. It is one of the largest in North America, with 5,289 acres of skiable land.
The mountain is serviced by 31 lifts, including two gondolas and 17 high speed quad chairlifts. The modern lift system is very efficient and runs on 100% renewable energy.
With an average snowfall of 354 inches per season, Vail is a great resort for snow lovers. The terrain ranges from easy beginner trails to advanced off-piste slopes.
Despite its size, Vail still manages to remain relatively uncrowded. The front side offers groomed runs for beginners and intermediates, while the back bowls offer tree skiing, moguls and steeps for more advanced skiers.
Vail has three base areas: Lionshead, Golden Peak and Vail Village. These are connected with free in-town buses, so you can easily switch between bases.
Snowmobiling
Taking a snowmobile into the pine forests is a wonderful way to enjoy winter in Colorado. The White River National Forest and Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area near Vail are popular destinations for those who want to get out on the open road.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, consider a guided tour. They offer a variety of tours, all with great views and personal service from expert guides.
The Vail Mountian is one of the best places in the country for snowmobiling. It offers plenty of groomed trails for beginners, as well as deep backcountry terrain that’s suited to more experienced riders.
You can also opt for an unguided tour, which means you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace and find the perfect terrain for your style. However, it’s important to keep in mind that avalanche risks are high in Colorado.
The two areas most conducive to Vail snowmobiling are Vail Pass and Camp Hale, both located within the White River National Forest about a half-hour from Vail. These areas have seemingly endless play areas and powder fields.
Hiking
Hiking in Vail Mountian Colorado is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area. There are miles of scenic hiking trails to choose from, all with different levels of difficulty.
If you’re looking for a challenge, try Berry Picker, a popular trail that climbs steeply from Lionshead to Vail Mountain. The 3.2-mile out-and-back route requires proper gear and preparation, but it’s worth the effort.
Another favorite is the high-flying Ridge Route, which starts at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola and climbs into open meadows. It offers breathtaking views of the Gore Range and Mt. Holy Cross, as well as the back bowls of Vail.
For a less busy hike, check out Lost Lake. It’s close to the Upper Piney Trail and offers excellent views of the Gore Range, Vail Mountain and Mount Holy Cross.
If you’re ready to explore some of the most stunning natural scenery in the region, join a trained Certified Interpretive Guide and Wilderness First Responder on a hiking trip. These guided tours operate under special permits from the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.
Water Sports
Vail Mountian Colorado is a world-class ski resort that also offers a variety of summer activities for families. Whether it’s a gondola ride up to explore the mountain on a bike or hike to the perfect picnic spot, or catching Vail’s best live music, there is something for everyone in this magical mountain town.
During the winter, snowmobiling, ice skating and snow tubing are popular options for enjoying the beautiful scenery in this alpine setting. The winter season is the most popular time to visit Vail Mountian Colorado, but don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience its pristine mountain views and scenic trails during spring, summer or fall.
For those looking to get outside this summer, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is growing in popularity. For a relaxing lake paddle, visit Nottingham Lake in Avon or go for a ride on the upper Colorado River. If you want to try a more adventurous ride, head to Sage Outdoor Adventures, which offers SUP and duckie rentals, as well as shuttle service from its Gypsum location.
Shopping
Skiing is a big draw to Vail Mountian Colorado, but the mountain town is so much more than just a winter resort. You can find a wide variety of shops, boutiques and art galleries in the town that is full of quaint cobblestone streets and European-style cafes.
There are hundreds of shops in Vail Village and Lionshead, which are both purpose-built villages on the base of Vail Mountain. The streets are dotted with a mix of high-end boutiques and outdoor gear, children’s clothing and more.
The stores are a great place to get your hands on unique gifts for family and friends or to treat yourself to something special. Many of them also offer free shuttle services to the ski lifts and a variety of restaurants that are located throughout both towns.
Shopping in Vail is a lot of fun, especially during spring sales when retailers start marking down their inventory in anticipation of guests leaving for the season. These discounts are an excellent way to grab some amazing deals on everything from your favorite ski gear to a stunning painting of Vail Mountain.
Dining
Vail is home to an incredibly diverse dining scene, from local-owned bistros to upmarket, elegant mountain restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet supper or something casual, there’s always a place to satisfy your palate.
If you’re in the market for some upscale dining on the slopes, look no further than The 10th, Vail’s premier on-mountain fine-dining restaurant located atop Gondola One at MidVail. This quiet nod to the 10th Mountain Division is a perfect way to end your day of skiing or snowboarding while enjoying updated classics and a majestic view over the Gore Range.
You can also find a number of fine dining restaurants throughout Vail Village, including The Fitz, Larkspur, Red Lion, Los Amigos, Pepi’s (especially its deck!), and Garfinkel’s. There’s also a wide array of options for nightlife, from bars to pubs to clubs.
Another great option is Garfinkle’s, a cozy bar with a big menu and up close views of Eagle Bahn’s Simba, Bwana and Born Free ski runs. The lunch menu is filling, pleasantly affordable, and plentiful.
Nightlife
Vail is an outdoor destination with a vibrant nightlife scene that welcomes visitors to unwind after skiing or hiking in the mountains. This alpine village has breweries serving local Colorado beers, sophisticated and chic hotel bars, bars with live music, wine bars, and lounges.
Bart & Yeti’s is a classic favorite in Lionshead Village that serves local beers and has an outdoor patio perfect for apres ski or a beer after a hike. Their burgers are a hit as well, and they also have a few vegetarian options on their menu.
A coffee shop in the morning, Loaded Joe’s turns into a fun gathering spot and a top Vail bar for cocktails in the afternoon. The menu features local Colorado beers on tap and bottles as well as cocktails in cans.
If you’re looking for an intimate live music experience in Vail, Shakedown Bar is a must-visit. This small, popular bar offers house music and shows, along with a full bar and LED lighting to inspire jamming.