This Rocky Mountain resort town has challenging ski slopes, Bavarian-inspired buildings, and mountain golf courses. The car-free streets have local art galleries and high-end dining spots.
Vail, Colorado sits at 8,150 feet in the Rocky Mountains, where Gore Creek flows through its European-inspired villages. What began as a ski resort has evolved into a year-round mountain town. You can ski across 5,289 acres of slopes and seven legendary back bowls, attend performances by the New York Philharmonic at Bravo! Vail, bike down singletrack trails like Radio Flyer, or walk among alpine flowers at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens - North America's highest botanical garden at 8,200 feet.
Getting to Vail
You can reach Vail via Eagle County Airport, located 30 miles west of town, or through Denver International Airport, which sits 100 miles east. The town lies directly on Interstate 70, making it easily accessible by car from Denver in about two hours. During winter months, weather conditions can affect travel times significantly, so it's worth checking road conditions before departing.
Transportation Within Vail
The town operates North America's largest free shuttle bus system, including ten hybrid-electric buses. You won't need a car to explore Vail, as the villages are largely car-free and connected by heated cobblestone walkways. The bus system runs year-round and connects all major areas including Vail Village, Lionshead, and Golden Peak.
Winter Sports and Activities
The ski resort spans three distinct areas: the front side, the back bowls, and Blue Sky Basin. With 193 marked trails and 33 lifts, you'll find runs for every skill level. Advanced skiers head to the back bowls for steep terrain and deep powder conditions. The mountain receives an average of 200 inches of snow per season, creating reliable skiing conditions from November through April.
Summer Activities and Recreation
When the snow melts, the mountain's 20 maintained trails open for hiking and mountain biking, ranging from gentle loops to technical descents. Anglers can cast lines into Gore Creek for rainbow and brown trout. At the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, you can learn about high-altitude plants through guided tours and hands-on educational programs from May through September.
The Villages
Vail Village and Lionshead Village form the heart of town, with architecture inspired by towns in the European Alps. You'll find art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants along the pedestrian-only streets. In winter, warm yourself by fire pits along the walkways, while summer brings outdoor dining at cafes and restaurant patios.
Events Throughout the Year
The town's event calendar stays active across seasons. During summer, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater hosts major orchestras like the New York Philharmonic during Bravo! Vail. The GoPro Mountain Games in June bring together athletes competing in over 30 different mountain sports. Winter continues with events like Snow Days and the Burton U.S. Open snowboarding competition.
Weather and Seasons
Vail's high elevation creates distinct seasonal changes. Winter temperatures typically range from 10 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, while summer sees temperatures between 40 and 75 degrees. Spring brings variable conditions with snowmelt, and fall turns the mountainsides golden with changing aspen leaves. These conditions create ideal winter sports weather while keeping summer temperatures mild for outdoor recreation.
