Area Info

Vail, Colorado is well known for its year round outdoor activities, hosting the second largest ski resort in North America and being surrounded by pure Rocky Mountain splendor.

Overview

With the Gore Range and nearby Eagles Nest Wilderness, the Vail, Colorado region truly gives visitors a “Rocky Mountain high.” There are breathtaking mountain views, blue skies and a plentitude of outdoor fun.

Location

Vail, Colorado lies on Interstate 70 within the Rocky Mountains. Vail is 97 miles west of Denver and 149 miles east of Grand Junction, Colorado.

Services/Amenities

Despite its relatively small size, there is an abundance of great places to eat in Vail, including quaint bistros, fine dining, delis, pizza places and much, much more. Grab lunch in a mountain grille or have a seafood dinner in a comfortable and family-friendly restaurant. Pick Japanese or Italian cuisine. The choice is yours.

Lodges, resorts, hotels and condominiums – there is a wide array of accommodations, close to area attractions, the ski area and/or shuttle routes. Amenities can include a spa, outdoor pool, fitness center, hot tubs, conference spaces and more. Browse carefully to find the lodging particularly suited to your needs.

Activities

Winter in Vail

Winter adventures in Vail, Colorado usually exceed expectations.

  • Skiing and Snowboarding
    The Vail Ski Resort offers premiere skiing and snowboarding with 4 terrain parks, 7 bowls and 1,500 groomed acres. Additionally, you can explore the 5,289 acres of free-ride terrain.
  • Cross Country Skiing
    The Vail Valley provides a large amount of trails for cross-country skiing, for those who want to get off the slopes and explore the backcountry.
  • Snowmobiling
    Miles of open terrain are open to you around Vail. Tour the Rockies in style by spending the day on an exciting snowmobile adventure in the white landscapes surrounded by towering peaks.
  • Snowshoeing
    Get some great exercise as you trace the trail network around Vail on showshoes. It’s a nice break from the slopes, and gets you out in the Rocky Mountains’ natural environment.
  • Snow Tubing
    Young and old alike love tubing in Vail. You’ll find it easy to get back to the top with use of a pulley, giving more time to enjoy the thrill of the descent.
  • Sleigh Rides
    A romantic winter sleigh ride might be just the thing to make your Vail vacation complete. Bundle up warm for a sleigh ride and you’ll feel the magic of this old-fashioned pleasure of travel through the snow.
  • Dog Sledding
    As the yipping Siberian Huskies pull you on a dog sled through the forests around Vail, you will realize that this is a truly unique experience.

Summer in Vail

Summertime is a great time to visit Vail, as the wild and natural forests and pristine rivers and streams offer wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities.

  • Hiking
    Vail hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the wilderness of the Rockies. Dozens of trailheads surround the town, and you can pick Big Horn Creek Trail for a 3.6-mile moderately difficult trek, or an easy to difficult 15.5-mile hike on Cross Creek Trail. There are many to choose from for any level of ability.
  • Mountain Biking
    Try some of the marvelous biking trails around Vail such as the Eagle’s Loop Trail, a one-mile easy loop, or the Upper Fireweed Trail for 1.2 miles of scenic biking from Eagle’s Nest to the middle of Vail. There are longer trails, too, where you can test your mountain biking skills.
  • Horseback Riding
    Families and couples love to ride through the stands of Aspen while enjoying the stunning scenery and natural environment. Horseback riding gets you back to nature and is something the whole family can enjoy.
  • Fly Fishing
    High alpine lakes, flowing rivers and mountain streams offer the best fly-fishing in the state. The Eagle and Colorado Rivers have some great spots, far from civilization and yet within easy reach of Vail.
  • Rafting and Kayaking
    Bring along those things you don’t mind getting wet and embark on an adventure on the Colorado River. Paddle around boulders and navigate those raging rapids. You’ll find quiet floats or whitewater around Vail.

Attractions

  • Vail Ski Resort
    Vail Mountain has the second largest ski resort in North America, with an elevation of 11,570 feet and a vertical drop of 3,450 feet. The 193 marked trails will provide a skier with some of the best skiing imaginable, with fun après-ski activities.
  • Gondola Rides
    Ride the Eagle Bahn gondola or the Vista Bahn chairlift to take in the panoramic views of the mountain range surrounding, particularly from the top. Kids love this trip and wouldn’t want to miss it for the world when visiting Vail.
  • Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
    As you explore the rock gardens, waterfalls and perennial beds within Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, you will be viewing some of the world’s most beautiful high elevation plants. You can participate in mountain hikes and docent-led tours as well.
  • Colorado Ski Museum
    If you are interested in skiing and the history of this fabulous sport, stop by the Colorado Ski Museum for a special view of 1,500 items, from photographs and artifacts to pieces of equipment and articles of clothing, that represent 130 years of Colorado skiing.

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