Vail Travel Guide

Vail, Colorado is best known for Vail Mountain which towers over the small resort town.

Things to Do in Vail

Vail sits right inside White River National Forest, giving nature lovers plenty of activities. Vail Mountain is the place to be for the best slopes in town. The mountain officially opens for the season around Thanksgiving and closes in mid-April and offers classes for beginners or extreme slopes for experts. If you love the slopes, you may also love learning about the sport’s history at the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum.

In warmer months, hike Vail Mountain or check out the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the world’s highest botanical garden at 8,000 feet elevation. Gerald Ford Amphitheater is a perfect spot for a unique show in the mountains. If you’re in Vail in the summer, you may even stumble upon some free concerts. Get all your local, fresh food and handmade souvenirs at the Vail Farmers Market and Art Show.

Locals in Vail know how to have fun. From amazing skiing to gourmet restaurants to summers full of concerts and festivals, something is always happening in Vail. People here enjoy the activities of the town, but other than that, they are friendly and welcoming.

Best Time to Visit Vail

The best time to visit the town is from December to March for the skiing and snowboarding or from June to September for the warm, summer sun.

A Local's Guide to Vail

When people think about skiing in Colorado, the first place that will often come to mind is the world class skiing village of Vail. Its 5,289 acres of incredible skiing terrain in the Vail valley have really put the town on the map for travelers all over the globe. The town is located in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, home to some stunning surroundings. Central Vail village offers pedestrianised streets and is built for the many skiers that visit the town year after year, resulting in plenty of dining options, shopping and other activities available all year round. The car-free streets are also lined with some unique boutiques and nightlife, making it a popular destination for a range of travelers.

Although many of the restaurants and shops are open all year round, the ski resort really opens for business around Thanksgiving, and closes mid-April. It is during this time that vacation condos get booked up, so booking in advance is recommended, especially at weekends and holidays. Although skiing and snowboarding are the top activities, town visitors can also opt for other adrenaline-fuelled activities such as snowmobiling, show shoeing, tubing and sleigh rides.

However, the town is not just for skiers, and there are plenty of activities for visitors to take part in as the weather starts to get warmer. In the town and surrounding area there are incredible waterfall hikes, mountain bike routes, spas and rafting down Gore Creek or in the Beaver Creek region, a classic local adventure.

For those looking for a little adventure, the White River National Forest and Gore Range Mountains surround the valley, and are full of hiking paths and a range of flora and fauna. A popular activity is climbing to the summit of Vail mountain for stunning panoramic views, or visiting the world’s highest botanical garden of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, sitting at an impressive 8,000 feet elevation. In the surrounding mountains there is also a range of adventure courses and ziplines, a mountain coaster and a golf course for people looking for a different kind of sport. Vail golf club is one of the best in the area, with flat, tree-lined fairways and highlight by views of the Gore Mountain Range. In the evening, check out the concert series that take place in the summer months.

Whatever type of trip you are looking for, a stay in Vail can make for a fantastic holiday. No matter your budget or style of vacation home preference, there are options available. The village is full of vacation rentals and hotels to cater to the many visitors looking to enjoy the activities on offer.

Vail ski adventures are world renown, therefore looking for a Vail vacation rental should be high on your priority list. From a boutique hotel to a budget hostel, the charm of Vail Colorado will be a lasting memory.

Cabins in Vail

Vail Village Colorado is most famous for its skiing. Vail Valley is home to world-class ski resorts, such as Beaver Creek Resort, where visitors can take to the slopes using the Rocky Mountains ski lift, and enjoy the mountainous surroundings.

That said, Vail Skiing is not the only draw to the area. In summer, people make use of the many hiking trails, golf courses such as the Vail Golf Club, and the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Both in summer and winter, Gore Creek is a pleasant river town, and home to a number of up-scale residences.

Vail and Beaver Creek are popular places for a vacation home, and there are many to choose from both in the heart of Vail and the surrounding area. Some Vail vacation rentals come with a hot tub, while others have stunning views of Vail Mountain. There are also a range of rental types including Vail cabin rentals, apartments, and lodges.