Vail is one of the top skiing destinations in the world. But did you know that Vail offers so much more than just skiing and snow? Many people probably assume that Vail and other skiing destinations are not worth visiting or mentioning once the snow is gone, but that is so untrue! Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in the United States, and Vail is no different. It is a sight to behold both in cold January and warm July. Well worth visiting at any point in the year. That being said, since there are so many beautiful sights to see and things to do in Vail, Colorado, there is a lot to learn if you plan to visit the town. Below you will find a comprehensive source of information about the city – from its sometimes forgotten or unknown history and origination to the Vail restaurants you could dine at if you were to visit tomorrow.
General Information about Vail
State: Colorado
Country: United States
Mayor: Scott Turnipseed
Land: 4.71 square miles
Water: 0.01 square miles
Population: 4,835
Density: 1,015/square mile
Elevation: 8,150
Average Temperature in Spring: High 50.2°F/ Low 17.1°F
Average Temperature in Winter: High 24.1°F/ Low 1.2°F
Average Temperature in Summer: High 70.3°F/ Low 36.5°F
Zip Code: 81657
Area Code: 970
Distance from Denver Airport: 120.2 miles
Vail History
The portion of Colorado that has so fondly become known as a popular ski resort, Vail, was initially inhabited by the Ute Indian tribe. They spent their summers in Gore Creek Valley because of its more favorable climate during the warm summer months. Expeditions and rumors of gold eventually brought adventurers, new settlers, and treasure hunters to the area. During the prime years of gold miners inhabiting the area, a railroad was built to help transport valuable goods they found in the area. The original inhibitors, the Ute tribe, were eventually displaced in the process, and when mining for gold in the area became obsolete, the area was taken over by farmers.
Around the time that WWII began, Highway 6 was being constructed. A military training facility, dubbed Camp Hale, was instated around the same time – about 14 miles south of where Vail currently sits. This training center aimed to be a place where soldiers could learn skiing and survival techniques that could assist during the conflict. Three soldiers camped on Vail Mountain during training and eventually returned to the area after the war. Avid skiers had seen the site during their training and thought it was the perfect place to open a resort. With the help of investors, construction began on the property in 1962. The town of Vail and its accompanying resort were officially instated in 1966. They named the city after Charles Vail, the engineer who initially routed Highway 6 through Eagle Valley in 1940.
The town accumulated massive popularity in the 1970s and was nominated to host the Olympics in 1976. It did not happen, but Vail continued to grow and was a leader amongst the states and the country’s ski resorts. It swiftly turned into a year-round vacation spot and was the first resort in the country to have multiple four-seat, high-speed lifts. Through the following decades, Vail continued accumulating activities and attractions that would bring in visitors all year – not just during peak ski season.
Vail is usually identified and separated into twelve different areas or neighborhoods.
Those neighborhoods, as shown on the map are:
• East Vail
• Aspen Lane/Booth Creek
• Booth Falls/Bald Mountain Road
• Golf Course
• Vail Village
• Lionshead Village
• Sandstone/Potato Patch
• Buffehr Creek/Lionsridge/The Valley
• Safeway/Vail Commons
• West Vail
• Matterhorn/Glen Lyon
• Vail Intermountain
Weather In Vail
Vail is high up in the Rocky Mountain range, so the weather changes significantly throughout the year. During the winter, visitors will be surrounded by intense snowfall. During the summer, those who have decided to visit the town will likely be greeted by pleasantly warm and sunny afternoons. You would get a little bit of everything in Vail if you stayed in town from January-December.
Winter: December-March
Colorado and the mountainous cities and towns are known for heavy snowfall – perfect for skiing and snow adventures. If that is the type of entertainment you want, you must visit during this time to take advantage of the perfect powder. And despite the heavy and record-breaking snow, you will find more sunny days than cloudy ones.
Spring: April-May
Spring in the town of Vail brings plenty of new life and growth – it is very green and wet. Lots of rain will typically be in the forecast during these months. You will find higher elevation areas are still slightly powdered with snow.
Summer: June-September
The great thing about visiting during the summer? You will have plenty of suns to do all the fun Colorado activities on your to-do list! The weather during these months is nearly perfect and nearly always sunny. You will have cloudy and rainy days like anywhere, but you are more likely to find the town-covered sun all day. This is the perfect place to be as active as you want – the high temperatures are still very mild.
Fall: October-November
This is when the area begins to cool down, but it is still the perfect weather for all of your hiking and biking adventures. The nights will be cold, but most afternoons will be the perfect amount of cool.
How to Get to Vail
While you may picture Vail as a town nestled up in the mountains, which it is, it is pretty easy to get to! No challenging hikes or treks are required.
How to Get to Vail by Plane:
Two airports offer easy arrival to the Vail area. Eagle Regional Airport is about 30 miles west of Vail. This is just a 40-minute drive! Denver International Airport is slightly over 120 miles east of Vail.
If you are landing at Eagle Regional airport, there are a few ways to get to Vail. Some shuttles can take you directly from the airport to your hotel if you are looking for an affordable option. These shuttles are a more inexpensive option and can take you to and from your hotel, so you do not have to rent a vehicle. Vail is a town that does not require a car rental if you are planning to stay in town. The town of Vail has a bus service to get you from point A to point B while you are there. However, if you need a mode of transportation for yourself, renting a car from the airport is possible, and you will pay around $30 in parking per day. You can quickly drive the 34.5 miles east on I-70 yourself. If a shuttle is the way you want to go, there are several Eagle County Airport shuttle providers. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time to ensure your space. If you are looking for an even cheaper method of making your way from Eagle to Vail, a public bus can take you there for around $4 a ride. Check out the schedule before you decide.
Suppose you flew into Denver for your trip to Vail, no worries! Some methods of making your way out to the town of Vail are just as convenient, only a long ride. If you have the money in your trip budget for private transportation, there are plenty of options. Whether you want to travel privately by car, limo, or shuttle, you can easily find something if you plan for it ahead of time. The cheapest way to get to Vail from the Denver International Airport is to take the bus from Union Station in downtown Denver. There is a shuttle that can take you from the airport to Union Station, and from there, you can get on the bus that will take you directly to Vail and cost $17 both ways. This bus will take you to the Vail Transportation Center. You can walk or catch one of the free Vail buses to your hotel. Epic Mountain Express offers a shuttle that can take you to most Vail hotels and resorts if you are looking for something in between private and public transportation. They hold up to ten people and there are several trips made each day.
Car
A car is optional in Vail, so they can only have their mode of transportation if they want to have their way of transportation. Most visitors are driven to and from their hotel by transportation providers. Parking can add up and take away a large chunk of your trip budget. Vail Village is car-free, so you are required to park in a lot or at your hotel. The parking fees from these locations can add up over a few days. Free public transportation can take you from one end of Vail to the other. You can reach all your ski adventures and dine within Vail with this easily accessible public transportation.
However, if you plan on leaving Vail for a day trip or two while you are in town, you may want your vehicle to make those excursions easier. Rental cars can be acquired at Denver International Airport and Eagle Regional Airport. It is a direct shot west of Denver and about 34.5 miles east of Eagle Regional Airport. If you are driving in your car, you can also reach Vail. Just be sure to check road conditions before you make your trip – especially if you are coming from Denver. Road closings and openings are subject to change depending on the snowfall and other weather conditions. Traffic can be difficult coming from Denver as well. This stretch of I-70 hosts plenty of ski resorts, so there will be plenty of snow seekers driving in the same direction, even if they are not going to Vail.
Best Time to Visit
When is the best time to visit Vail? Well, that depends on what you like to do! Vail is known for its skiing, and the peak time for that is around January and February. If that is the fun you want, visit during one of those two months! If you are looking for a less snowy, slightly less crowded time to visit, try the spring or summer! The weather is fantastic, and there are plenty of activities in Vail for the warmer months.
Places to Visit in Vail and Activities in Vail
Are you looking for a list of fun things to do in Vail, Colorado, or what to do in Vail, Colorado, once you are there? Want some outdoor activities in Vail that aren’t skiing? There are plenty. Take a look at some of the popular locations and activities in Vail below.
The slopes of Vail Mountain Resort
You have likely come to Vail for this very reason! Take advantage of some of the highest-rated ski slopes in the world. There are runs available for every skill level, so no matter where you fall, you will find a trail appropriate for you.
Vail Village
Who doesn’t love a little food and shopping? And who doesn’t love doing their food and shopping in a place that feels like a charming European town? Walking down the streets of Vail Village, you will feel like you are strolling through a quaint village in the Swiss Alps. There is also easy access to the slopes via a gondola that runs straight from the town. Most of the streets in Vail Village are pedestrian-only – meaning you can walk wherever you, please!
Ford Park
President Gerald Ford was part of why Vail became such a popular destination – he had a vacation home there! This park, so fondly named after the 38th President of the United States, hosts a theater, tennis courts, sports fields, a basketball court, picnic tables, an art/sculpture park, and the beautiful Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.
Hiking Trails
Vail isn’t only a great place to visit during the winter! There are beautiful trails to hike and take advantage of when the weather warms up a little. Booth Falls is one of the more popular trails, is ten miles long, and gains about 3,000 feet in elevation. The way up may be challenging, but you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views. Deluge Lake Trail is the most difficult trail if you want a bit of a challenge!
Scenic Gondola
The gondolas are for more than just getting you up the mountain to the ski slopes! They are the perfect way to view and take in all the beauty that Vail has to offer. There are even a few great restaurant options when you take the gondola up to the top!
Epic Discovery
This fun center hosts adventure courses, zip lines, a roller coaster, tubing hills, a climbing wall, and plenty of other adventurous activities to fill your time!
Piney River Ranch
This spot is perfect if you want to spend your afternoon hiking, canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing, or gathering around a fire pit. You can enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant, and there are even accommodations if you want to stay the night!
Vail Recreation Path
The recreation path is perfect if challenging hiking trails are not your thing! These trails have over 15 miles of paved pathways that visitors can use to enjoy the views without a challenging walk. There are bike lanes, and the Gore Valley trail even leads straight into the village if you want to end your walk with a nice lunch!
Colorado Snow Sports Museum and Hall of Fame
This fun museum showcases a collection of artifacts and historical pieces that tell the story of how Vail and Colorado became iconic locations for extreme snow sports. The Hall of Fame highlights the athletes and adventurers who have put their time in to become some of the best peak conquerors the world has ever seen.
Dillon Ice Castles
While these are not located directly in Vail, they are only a 30-minute drive from the village. These are great if you are looking for things to do near Vail but outside the town. These ice castles, located in Dillon, are breathtaking tourist attractions you will not want to miss.
Vail Adventure Ridge
An all-day outdoor playground perfect for those who are not into skiing or want to take a break. If you still want to ski, you can do that too! But this location offers snowshoeing, tubing, snowmobiling, ski bikes, and even a bungee trampoline! There are plenty of snowy activities for children as well.
Vail Nature Center
The nature center is perfect if you want to learn more about the environment you are spending your week or weekend surrounded by. There are plenty of nature-centered activities and tours led by experts in the area.
Vail Stables
Horseback riding and goat yoga? This location is aimed at families with children at least fifteen years old who can ride a horse alone.
Best Hotels in Vail
The Sebastian
16 Vail Road, Vail, CO 81657
4 stars
Rooms can range from $400 a night in the off-season to around $1200 a night during peak season.
If you want a chic and relaxing spot to spend your downtime after your day on the slopes, The Sebastian may just be the perfect fit. It is modern and has views of the entire valley, a mountain view pool, a lounge, a bar, and delicious dining.
The Lodge at Vail
174 Gore Creek Dr, Vail, CO 81657
4 stars
Rooms start at around $200 a night during the off-season and rise up to about $800 during the peak winter season.
The Lodge was Vail’s first hotel! It is at the base of Vail Mountain, right in the center of Vail Village, so visitors can easily access all the adorable village has to offer. It is an impeccable property with exceptional restaurants, a spa, outdoor pool, and it offers easy access to Vail Mountain’s Gondola One.
Gravity Haus Vail
352 E Meadow Dr, Vail, CO 81657
4 stars
Rooms can range from around $300 a night during the off-season and can get up to around $800-$1000 a night during peak season.
This retreat offers visitors a spa, gym, and restaurant onsite. It is only a brief walk to Gondola One, so skiers are only a short trip away from the day’s activities.
Sonnenalp Vail
20 Vail Road, Vail, CO 81657
4 stars
Rooms can range from around $400 during the off-season to about $900 during the peak winter season.
This charming institution has a sister hotel in Bavaria and fits right in with the rest of the German-style ski town. There are four onsite dining options, and the spa, also located onsite, is considered one of Vail’s best ways to relax! This one is just a five-minute walk from the ski lifts and offers a place to golf if you visit during the summer season.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail
1 Vail Road, Vail, CO 81657
5 stars
Rooms can range from around $500 a night during the off-season and can rise to about $2,000 a night during the peak winter season.
This lavish resort has nearly everything and is great for families. It offers plenty of programs for children ranging from babysitting for your youngest and a teen club for your oldest! They even provide complimentary meals for children under five at the onsite sports bar! For the adults and kids, they have a heated outdoor pool with fireplaces, large rooms, dog sledding, and bowling!
Evergreen Lodge
250 S Frontage Rd W, Vail, CO 81657
3 stars
Rooms range from around $150 a night during the off-season and can go up to around $400 during the peak winter season.
Evergreen Lodge may be the perfect fit if you are looking for a place to stay within walking distance of the village that is on the less expensive end. You have the option of both rooms or condos, and all are privately owned. There are onsite bar and dining options, and the lodge has a heated outdoor pool with fantastic mountain views.
The Arrabelle at Vail Square
657 Lionshead Pl, Vail, CO 81657
4 stars
Rooms can range from around $350 during the off-season to about $900 during the peak winter season.
If you are looking for a hotel with the best view of the mountains, the Arabelle is top-notch. It even has a rooftop pool where you can take in a few gorgeous mornings and sunsets while you are there. There is an onsite spa, and you even have fantastic views from the onsite restaurant. If you are looking for one of the best hotels that offer ski-in, ski-out slopes access, The Arrabelle is perfect!
Things to do in Vail in Summer
Are you looking for fun things to do in Vail in the summer? What are some things to do in Vail in June or July? The places and activities listed below are perfect if you visit during those warmer months. Vail is not just a place for snow sports – there is so much to experience, even if the snow is gone for the season! These are also great if you are looking for things to do in Vail in Spring or in Vail in Autumn!
Gondola Ride – These may help you get up the slopes during winter, but during spring and summer, they offer the best view in town!
Epic Discovery – Ziplines, adventure courses, rock walls, an alpine coaster, and much more.
Hike with a Llama (or without!) – Paragon Guides has a “Take a llama to Lunch” activity that is ideal for families – with or without kids! Go on a hike and enjoy lunch with these trained animals and guides! If hiking with a llama doesn’t pique your interest, there are regular hiking experiences that you can do on your own! Booth Falls is one of the most popular trails and is around 4 miles long. Gore Creek Path is perfect for families and those with strollers.
Horseback Riding – 4 Eagle Ranch and Vail Stables offer this fun outdoor animal experience.
Betty Ford Alpine Garden: Named after Gerald Ford’s wife, this is the highest botanical garden in North America.
Vail Farmers Market: Buy lunch and do a little local shopping!
Mountain Biking: Outdoor Adventurers do not have to worry about a lack of activities during the summer. There are plenty of biking trails if that is your thing – 343 miles of them! There are trails for various skill levels.
River Rafting: The Upper Colorado River is a great place to go river rafting with the whole family – kids included! The rapids are class III. They are not challenging, but they are still bouncy enough to be fun!
Fly-Fishing: Check out Fly Fishing Outfitters for an opportunity to participate in this fun activity!
Things to do in Vail in Winter
While skiing may be the most popular winter activity, there is plenty to do outside the classic snow sport!
Ski biking – this is offered on Vail Mountain for night tours beginning at around 5 pm! This is an excellent way to watch the sunset.
Sleigh Rides: Snuggle up and grab some hot chocolate! Bearcat Stables and 4 Eagle Ranch have full-sized drawn sleds for relaxing after a long day of outdoor activities.
Snowshoeing: This is how you can hike the beautiful Vail trails in winter! There are plenty of guided tours if you have never snowshoed before.
Snowmobiling: There is plenty of space for you to zoom around on a snowmobile. This is a great way to rest your legs if you want to take a day off skiing!
Vail Adventure Ridge: If you want somewhere to do all of the above, Vail Adventure Ridge is the perfect spot. Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, tubing, and ski biking are all available at this family-friendly spot.
Spa Day: If you need a little rest from getting used to the altitude up here, a spa day may be just what you need. Most hotels in Vail offer spa services, but popular places to take advantage of our The Four Seasons Vail, The Sonnenalp Hotel, and The Lodge at Vail.
Restaurants in Vail
The 10th
$$
This fantastic ski-in, ski-out restaurant serves up classic French, Swiss, Italian, and traditional alpine food. It is on the higher end of the middle price point range, but imagine having bone marrow or a hot bisque right in the middle of your ski day! If you are into burgers and fries, they have upscale versions of those as well. You can expect a bill of around $150 for a group of four.
Flame
$$$
One of Vail’s premiere steakhouses is onsite at the Four Seasons Resort. You will find upscale but classic steakhouse fare with a modern twist. If you want a top-notch steak, they’ve got that, but they also have fun and experimental options like their elk corndog. You can expect a bill of around $250-$300 for a group of four for dinner.
Mountain Standard
$$-$$$
This unique dining experience offers lunch and dinner prepared over an open fire. It provides a rustic alpine fair that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner before, after, or during your ski day. They change their menu seasonally based on what is available locally, and you can expect your bill to be around $150 for four at lunch and around $300 for four at dinner.
Sweet Basil
$$$
This American fusion restaurant is one of the oldest in Vail and has been around since 1977. It is right in the middle of Vail Village and is perfect if you are looking for a casual bistro feel for lunch or a proper sit-down dinner later in the evening. You will find fun twists on American classics that bring in flavors from different cultures and bring the two together. Expect to spend around $150 for a group of four around lunchtime and around $250 for a group of four later in the evening.
Nightlife in Vail
When the sun goes down, Vail’s visitors go out! If you are worried about filling up your nights with fun activities since Vail does not offer night skiing, do not stress. There are plenty of lively lounges and bars to spend your evenings in when the sun goes down and the skis are put away for the night.
The bar is a classic Vail Village hangout spot if you are looking for live music and a happy hour. They may not have food, but they serve some of the best live shows in the village!
10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits
If you are into whiskeys and cocktails, give this spot a go! This is another bar that does not serve food but always offers excellent live music to go with your drinks.
Bridge Street Bar
This space does not serve food but has separate rooms with various DJs and live music. So, you get to choose where you want to spend your night!
The Red Lion
This Vail institution has terrific drinks and food selections to peruse while you enjoy their live music. You can even reserve a table if you want a better view of the show.
King’s Club
This lounge is perfect for sitting with your group around a roaring fireplace. They have plenty of wine and German beer to choose from while you listen to some live local musicians.
Sara’s Lounge
An intimate lounge with plenty of comfy couches for you to relax in after a long day outside.
Bad Kitty Lounge
This speakeasy on Bridge Street may be small, but the new cocktail selection is not!
Skiing in Vail
Vail contains the fourth largest skiable area in North America. There are 5,289 acres of space on the Vail ski resort, divided into three larger sections. The Front-Side, Blue Sky Basin, and the Back Bowls. The resort offers an open layout with various trails and tracks.
Number of tracks
Elevation: 11, 570 feet
Longest Run: Riva Ridge – 4 miles
Number of runs: 195 total/103 black/57 blue/35 green
Snowfall: 354 inches
The best month to ski: January 15- February 15
Number of lifts: 39 lifts and gondolas
Night skiing: none available
Vail Peaks
Vail Mountain – 11,161 ft
Red and White Mountain – 11, 181 ft
Ptarmigan Point – 10,974 ft
Mount of the Holy Cross- 14,005 ft
Lionshead – 9,921 ft
Battle Mountain – 11, 489 ft
Bald Mountain – 12, 132 ft
Ski Map
Shuttle Schedule
Vail offers free bus service throughout the town all year. The town of Vail’s bus service has been deemed one of the most extensive free transportation services in the entire country. It offers residents of the town and those visiting prompt transportation services to and from the mountains and throughout the rest of the town. The Town of Vail Transit Department also provides the following:
- Information on where the buses are located.
- Predictions of arrival.
- Crowding levels.
- Alerts indicating a service change.
There are LED signs posted throughout the town that provide this information upon arrival at a bus stop. Bus schedules change seasonally.
Lift Tickets and Ski Passes
Vail offers a variety of ski and lift passes and packages. The 2024-2025 Epic Day Pass allows visitors to ski or ride starting at $295 a day. This pass will enable you to choose from 1 to 7 days at any time during the season. Holders of this pass have access to all 38 North American and European resorts and receive 20% off food, lodging, rentals, and more.
The Epic Pass is an all-season pass that gives the holder unlimited access (no blackout dates) to the slopes for $900 for adults and $540 for children. Holders of this pass have access to Vail, Breckenridge, Park City, Whistler Blackcomb, and more. They also receive 20% off food, lodging, lessons, rentals, and additional discounted tickets for themselves, friends, and family. The ski-with-a-friend tickets are a huge plus for these pass holders. They are single-day lift tickets with a flat, discounted price and are available throughout the entire season.
The Epic Local Pass starts at $639 for adults, $519 for teens, and $335 for children. With this pass, holders can ski and ride in Vail, Breckenridge, Park City, and more. They also receive 20% off food, lodging, lessons, and rentals and can purchase discounted tickets to ski with friends and family.
Ski Rentals
Those wishing to rent snowboard and ski equipment should plan for their day ahead of time. Online rentals and reservations are available, but not on the day of your adventure or the day before. Arriving on the day of renting your equipment in person can result in long wait times, and you are not guaranteed the equipment you may require.
A variety of skis are available for adults:
Sport skis – the perfect skis if you are beginning your ski adventure
Demo skis – perfect for any ability level
Performance skis – incredible stability for intermediate skiers
Snowboards available:
Demo snowboard – perfect for any ability level
Sport snowboards – ideal for beginners
Equipment available for children includes kids’ skis and snowboards. This equipment is ideal for children 12 and younger at any ability level.
When you rent, you can receive your gear as early as 3 pm the day before, so you are ready to go on the morning of your adventure. You can pick up your equipment right on the slopes, in the village, or at various hotel locations throughout Vail.
Average Budget for Skiing in Vail
Hotel costs vary widely by where you want to stay and what you want to have available at your resort location. Some amenities are more important to some than others, so narrowing down what is most important to you on your vacation is essential. Find the places that offer those amenities and make room for your accommodations in your budget. When it comes to skiing equipment and ski passes, the prices will fall within a smaller and more similar range. An Epic Day Ski Pass for seven days will start at $800. If you only want to purchase an Epic Day Pass for a single day, it will be about $199. The cost per day will vary slightly depending on how long you want to stay in Vail’s budget, around $199 daily for a ski/lift pass.
Budgeting around $60-$70 a day for ski equipment rentals is wise. With this price, you will receive skis and poles. These prices will not likely include helmets, and goggles and some may not include boots. You can estimate that you will have to add another $10 per item per day if you do not already have those. Some rental locations may even offer heated boots for an additional price if you want to feel extra cozy! It is wise to budget around $100 per day for ski equipment. You can get away with budgeting around $70 a day if you already have boots and a helmet.
Summary
Vail is a great place to go if you or your family are looking for a little retreat. The skiing locations in Colorado are perfect if you want to do a little bit of everything. Vail is just under two hours from Denver and the Denver Airport, so you could easily fit the city and the mountains into one trip. You don’t even need a car to visit! You can transport yourself directly to vail from the airport by shuttle or public transportation. If you have a car, parking space is available in lots or at your resort. The price of this can add up, so many people choose to forgo a car because Vail is a highly walkable town and offers bus services within the area!
It is a blast to be there during peak skiing season if you love winter sports. Skiing will cost you around $200 a day (pass and rentals) during peak season, and hotels will be at their highest during this time. However, various price ranges, from the Evergreen Lodge to The Arrabelle, are available even during peak season. If you want to spend a little less money when coming to Vail, plan to go during spring, summer, or autumn! There are plenty of activities for children to do. Tubing and learning to ski are a couple of my favorites. Some resorts even offer babysitting services or teen hotels so parents can get away for the afternoon or evening.
So, whether you choose to come during the snowy winter or sunny summer, you will easily be able to find something new and exciting to do in the town of Vail – no matter your age or interests!
Comfort: 5/5 – luxurious resorts, delicious restaurants, and convenient transport around the city.
Price: 3/5 – Vail is one of the most expensive skiing locations in the country. That may be a hindrance to some.
Distance from Denver Airport – 4/5 – About a two-hour drive
Kid Friendly – 4/5 – Plenty of activities for children above 8; younger children may have less to do.
Parking Access – 4/5 – Parking is available at hotels and lots, but it can be expensive.
Vail FAQ
Why is Vail such a popular location?
Vail has some of the best skiing in the world! Plus, other unique outdoor activities are available in this beautiful location year-round. The weather is nearly perfect!
Is Vail worth visiting? Who is it worth visiting for?
If you love being outdoors, yes! Vail does have amazing spas and other indoor activities if you like to be inside, but the outdoor activities are where Vail shines.
What is Vail known for?
World-class skiing!
How walkable is Vail?
You can easily walk from one side of Vail to the other. The town also offers bus services that can take you to nearby towns.
Is skiing better in Vail than in other places?
Every skiing location offers something different. You will find some of the best skiing in the world in Vail – perfect for beginners to more advanced skiers.
How many days should you stay in Vail?
It is recommended that you stay for at least three days. This way, you can get a handle on skiing and see all the other outdoor adventures that Vail offers.
Do you need a car in Vail?
No! Vail is walkable, and there is public transportation within the town.
Does Vail have a good downtown area?
Vail has a fantastic downtown village area with delicious restaurants, bars, and local shops. All are accessible on foot.
Where should I fly to get to Vail?
You can fly into Denver which is two hours away from Vail or Eagle Regional Airport which is around 35 minutes away from the town of Vail.
Will I get altitude sickness in Vail?
Many people will need a day or two to acclimate to the elevation in Vail. Therefore, it is recommended to stay at least three days, so you can truly enjoy your trip! Some people have more trouble with altitude sickness than others.
How expensive is Vail compared to other areas?
Vail is one of the more expensive skiing resorts in Colorado and North America but is cheaper when compared to large resorts in Northern Europe.