Vail

When people think of the best places to ski in Colorado, Vail is often the first mountain town that comes to mind. The ski resort’s 5,317 acres of legendary terrain — including perfectly groomed corduroy and Blue Sky Basin’s naturally gladed trails — have put the town on the map as an international adventure destination for decades. And with its charming villages offering year-round excitement, from a thriving culinary scene to can’t-miss festivals and outdoor activities, it’s no wonder visitors return to this mountain town year after year.

Set in the Colorado Rockies, Vail has its share of magnificent views. When the resort’s founders first summited Vail Mountain in 1957, they were awestruck by the vast and open back bowls, the bountiful powder and the panoramic vistas. They felt they’d “climbed all the way up to heaven,” and set out to create a Colorado ski resort reminiscent of Europe’s ski towns, with car-free cobblestone streets and Tyrolean architecture. Fall in love with Vail — like so many visitors have — and make unforgettable memories with friends and family.

With Denver International Airport (DEN) less than 100 miles away and Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) located conveniently nearby, it’s never been easier to get to Vail, no matter the season.

Summer and fall mean mountains of adventure in Vail with miles of aspen-lined paths for some of the best mountain-biking and hiking trails in Colorado. Or take it slower with golfing on verdant links and fly-fishing along sparkling waterways. In summer, see the alpine landscape painted in delicate pinks, vibrant fuchsias and ruby reds as wildflowers bloom, while fall’s leaf-peeping season showcases a myriad of golds against a cornflower-blue sky.

Or plan a winter vacation and experience the wide range of fun activities around the Vail Valley, from thrilling snowsports — including snowmobile tours, snowcat ski adventures, cross-country skiing and fat-tire biking — to family-friendly winter activities like ice skating, dog sledding and dashing through the snow on horse-drawn sleighs. 

In town, all year long, Vail Village and Lionshead Village boast dozens of locally owned boutiques, exquisite art galleries and a world-class après-ski scene with opportunities for live music, cocktails on outdoor patios and dining at two Michelin-recommended restaurants.

Dive into Vail Valley history at the nearby Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument, where the famous 10th Mountain Division soldiers trained for Europe’s high-altitude battlefields during World War II. In Vail Village, Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame honors the memory of those soldiers and celebrates local athletes.

Top off your Vail trip with a show at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater (lovingly dubbed “The Amp” by locals) — where you can watch memorable performances against the backdrop of forested peaks. See big-name acts and take in signature events like Bravo! Vail Music Festival, Vail Dance Festival and the free Hot Summer Nights concert series. Throughout the year, Vail also hosts unforgettable events around town, like the sports-filled GoPro Mountain Games, the holiday-themed Vail Après and the foodie-centric Taste of Vail.

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