Vail

Vail Travel Guide

Vail, Colorado is renowned globally for its top-tier ski resorts and vibrant alpine culture, making it a prime destination for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Beyond skiing, the area offers a plethora of activities, charming accommodations, and a noteworthy culinary scene.

When to Visit

• Winter (December to February): Peak season for skiing and snowboarding.

• Summer (June to August): Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor festivals.

• Fall (September to November): Less crowded, with beautiful fall foliage.

• Spring (March to May): Mud season; fewer visitors and lower prices.

Getting to Vail, Colorado

By Air:

• Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE): Located about 35 miles west of Vail, EGE is the most convenient airport. From here, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to get to Vail.

• Denver International Airport (DIA): Located approximately 100 miles east of Vail, DIA is a major international airport. You can rent a car or take one of the numerous shuttle services available from DIA to Vail.

• Shuttle Services: Companies such as Colorado Mountain Express offer shuttle services from both EGE and DIA to Vail, with options for shared or private rides.

By Car:

• From Denver: Vail is a straightforward drive from Denver, located along Interstate 70 West. The journey typically takes around 2 hours but can be longer during peak travel times or adverse weather conditions.

• From Eagle County Regional Airport: The drive to Vail from EGE is about 45 minutes via I-70 East.

Top Attractions

Discover the enchanting allure of Vail, Colorado, by exploring its top attractions, from the world-renowned Vail Ski Resort with its vast and varied terrains to the charming cobblestone streets of Vail Village, each offering a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking natural beauty.

1. Vail Ski Resort:

   • World-renowned ski destination offering over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain for winter sports enthusiasts, with varied slopes suitable for all skill levels.

2. Vail Village:

   • A picturesque, pedestrian-only area brimming with boutiques, restaurants, bars, and galleries, embodying a distinctive European alpine village charm.

3. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens:

   • The world’s highest botanical garden, showcasing a stunning collection of alpine and mountain plants, offering peaceful walks and educational displays.

4. Gore Creek:

   • Flowing through the heart of Vail, it offers scenic beauty and opportunities for fly fishing, rafting, and peaceful riverside walks.

5. Eagle Bahn Gondola:

   • Provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and access to a range of activities like zip-lining and tubing in the summer and dining experiences year-round.

6. Deluge Lake Trail:

   • A rewarding hiking trail, presenting challenges along the way but culminating in stunning vistas and the serene Deluge Lake at the summit.

7. Booth Falls Trail:

   • A popular hiking route leading to the scenic Booth Falls, offering beautiful views of the valley and the opportunity to extend the hike to Booth Lake.

8. Vail Nature Center:

   • A serene seven-acre facility offering a range of educational programs and guided tours focusing on the area’s natural environment and wildlife.

9. Vail Golf Club:

   • A picturesque golf course offering a challenging play amidst the stunning backdrop of the Gore Range, along with cross-country skiing in the winter.

10. Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum:

    • This museum delves into the history of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado, featuring engaging exhibits and memorabilia.

11. Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater:

    • A prominent venue hosting a variety of concerts, ballets, and cultural events in an open-air setting with the mountains as a stunning backdrop.

12. Adventure Ridge:

    • Located at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, it offers a hub of year-round activities including snow biking, tubing, and ski biking in winter, and rope courses, zip lines, and mountain biking in summer.

Things to Do

Winter Activities:

• Skiing and Snowboarding: Enjoy the slopes at Vail Ski Resort, which boasts over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain.

• Ice Skating: John A. Dobson Ice Arena offers public skating sessions.

• Snowshoeing and Nordic Skiing: Explore the Vail Nordic Center’s trails.

Summer Activities:

• Hiking: Explore trails such as Booth Falls Trail and Deluge Lake Trail.

• Mountain Biking: Vail Mountain offers numerous trails for all levels.

• Whitewater Rafting: Experience the rapids with local outfitters on the Eagle River.

Year-Round Activities:

• Vail Village: Shop, dine, and explore this pedestrian-only area filled with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

• Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: Visit the world’s highest botanical garden, featuring alpine and mountain plants.

• Spa Treatments: Relax at one of the many spas in Vail, like the Spa at Four Seasons.

Vail Ski Areas Overview:

Vail Ski Resort is world-famous, often lauded as one of the premier ski destinations in North America. Nestled in the Colorado Rockies, it offers a mix of terrains suitable for all skiing and snowboarding levels. The ski resort is divided into three main areas: the Front Side, the Back Bowls, and Blue Sky Basin, each offering unique experiences.

Front Side

• Overview: The Front Side is the most accessible and diverse, featuring a mix of trails for all skill levels.

• Terrain: Variety of groomed runs, mogul runs, and tree skiing.

• Notable Runs: "Riva Ridge" (the longest run), and "Born Free" (a wide, long run).

• Facilities: Multiple lifts, gondolas, restaurants, ski schools, and rental shops.

Back Bowls

• Overview: The Back Bowls are famous for their vast, open, and primarily ungroomed terrain, ideal for advanced and expert skiers.

• Terrain: Steep and wide-open slopes, deep powder after snowfall, and challenging conditions.

• Notable Runs: "Sun Down Bowl" and "Sun Up Bowl" are popular for their steep, vast terrains.

• Facilities: Limited facilities compared to the Front Side, so plan accordingly.

Blue Sky Basin

• Overview: Blue Sky Basin is a remote and pristine area, offering natural, gladed terrain and stunning views.

• Terrain: Advanced and intermediate runs through wooded areas, with opportunities for powder skiing.

• Notable Runs: "Lover's Leap" and "Steep and Deep" are thrilling for their sharp descents and powder conditions.

• Facilities: The "Skyline Express Lift" and "Earl’s Express Lift" provide access, and "Belle’s Camp" offers dining options.

Additional Information:

• Total Skiable Terrain: Over 5,000 acres. This makes it one of the largest ski resorts in the world.

• Number of Trails: Approximately 195 trails.

• Lifts: More than 30 lifts including gondolas and high-speed quad chairs.

  
  

• Lift Tickets: Prices vary, with discounts for multi-day passes and online purchases.

• Rentals and Lessons: Available at various locations throughout the resort.

Tips:

• Check Weather Conditions: Before heading out, check the weather and avalanche conditions.

• Arrive Early: To avoid the crowds, especially during peak seasons.

• Stay Hydrated and Rested: To help cope with the high-altitude environment of Vail.

• Use Ski Passes: Consider purchasing Epic Passes for extended access and discounts.

  
  

Where to Stay

When visiting Vail, Colorado, several areas offer convenient accommodations depending on your preferences, needs, and budget. Here are some of the best areas to stay when visiting Vail:

Vail Village

• Overview: The heart of Vail, characterized by its cobblestone streets and Tyrolean-style buildings.

• Best For: Those looking to be in the center of it all, with easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, and the gondolas.

• Accommodations: Range from luxury hotels like The Arrabelle at Vail Square to budget-friendly options.

• Pros: Proximity to ski lifts, diverse dining options, and vibrant nightlife.

• Cons: Can be pricier and busier, especially during peak seasons.

Lionshead Village

• Overview: Located west of Vail Village, it has undergone significant modern development.

• Best For: Families and those looking for a quieter, yet still sophisticated and convenient location.

• Accommodations: Offers a mix of high-end hotels, condominiums, and vacation rentals.

• Pros: Proximity to Eagle Bahn Gondola, family-friendly amenities, and dining options.

• Cons: Limited nightlife and fewer accommodation options compared to Vail Village.

East Vail

• Overview: A residential area located at the eastern edge of Vail.

• Best For: Those seeking tranquility and a more budget-friendly, local experience.

• Accommodations: Predominantly vacation rentals and condominiums.

• Pros: Less crowded, more affordable, and close to scenic spots like the Vail Nature Center.

• Cons: Limited dining and entertainment options, and further away from the ski lifts.

West Vail

• Overview: A mix of residential and commercial developments west of Vail Village.

• Best For: Travelers looking for practicality, with a mix of price points and amenities.

• Accommodations: Range from budget motels to vacation rentals and condominiums.

• Pros: Proximity to grocery stores, budget-friendly dining, and accommodation options.

• Cons: Less charming than Vail Village and further from the main ski lifts.

Golden Peak

• Overview: Located to the east of Vail Village, it’s the starting point for several ski races.

• Best For: Those prioritizing quick access to the slopes and a quieter environment.

• Accommodations: Offers high-end lodges and private homes.

• Pros: Immediate access to Riva Bahn Express Lift and quieter surroundings.

• Cons: Fewer dining and entertainment options compared to Vail Village.

Avon

• Overview: A small town located at the base of Beaver Creek Resort, approximately 10 miles west of Vail.

• Best For: Those willing to stay outside of Vail to save on accommodations.

• Accommodations: Offers a range of hotels, vacation rentals, and lodges.

• Pros: More affordable accommodations and proximity to Beaver Creek.

• Cons: Requires a commute to Vail, with traffic possible during peak times.

  
  

Tips

• Altitude Adjustment: Vail sits at over 8,000 feet above sea level; stay hydrated and take it easy as you adjust.

• Ski Equipment: Consider renting ski equipment locally to save on airline baggage fees.

• Transportation: Renting a car is not necessary as Vail has a free, extensive bus system.

• Dress in Layers: Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so dressing in layers is advised.