Premier alpine resort destination offering expansive ski terrain, luxury accommodations, and a vibrant pedestrian village with year-round outdoor recreation.
General Information
Winter lift operations typically 8:30am – 4:00pm
Summer lifts and activities generally 9:30am – 4:00pm
Summer activities (gondolas, biking, etc.) vary by activity
Village access is free
Eagle (30 mi)
Glenwood Springs (60 mi)
How to Get There
From Denver (97 mi): Take I-70 west through the Rocky Mountains, then use Exit 176 or 178 and follow signs directly into the village and ski resort areas.
Overview
Vail is a European-style mountain village built around Vail Ski Resort, the largest ski mountain in Colorado, founded in 1962 by Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton and incorporated in 1966. Vail Mountain rises from 8,120 to 11,570 feet with a 3,450-foot vertical and 5,289 acres of skiable terrain, including the famous Back Bowls. In summer, there are hiking, biking, the Vail Farmers' Market, the Bravo! music festival, and Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.
Highlights
- Vail Village and Lionshead: pedestrian villages with shops and restaurants
- Getting there: I-70 is the only road, about 100 miles west of Denver, and traffic can be heavy on winter weekends
Things to Do
Experience One of Colorado's Premier Mountain Destinations
Vail is one of the most famous resort towns in North America, known for its world-class skiing, alpine scenery, luxury accommodations, and year-round outdoor recreation. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Vail combines European-inspired village charm with exceptional access to mountain adventures in every season.
Explore Vail Mountain
Vail Mountain is one of the largest ski resorts in the United States, offering thousands of acres of terrain, legendary Back Bowls, and diverse runs for every skill level. During the summer, the mountain transforms into a hub for hiking, mountain biking, scenic gondola rides, ziplining, and family-friendly activities.
Stroll Through Vail Village and Lionshead
Vail Village and Lionshead Village feature pedestrian-friendly streets lined with shops, restaurants, art galleries, outdoor plazas, and luxury accommodations. Inspired by European alpine villages, the area offers a unique atmosphere for dining, shopping, and sightseeing.
Visit Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
One of the highest botanical gardens in North America, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens showcases alpine plants from around the world. Visitors can enjoy beautiful gardens, educational exhibits, walking paths, and scenic views along Gore Creek.
Enjoy Outdoor Recreation Along Gore Creek
Gore Creek winds through Vail and provides opportunities for fly fishing, photography, riverside walks, and wildlife viewing. The creek's scenic setting enhances the natural beauty of the village and surrounding mountain landscape.
Discover Adventure Throughout the Gore Range
The mountains surrounding Vail offer exceptional hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, rafting, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can explore alpine meadows, wildflower-filled valleys, pristine lakes, and rugged mountain peaks throughout the region.
Top Trails
Booth Falls Trail
Length: Approximately 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,400 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
One of Vail's most popular hikes, Booth Falls Trail leads to a spectacular waterfall surrounded by forested slopes and mountain scenery. Hikers seeking a longer adventure can continue beyond the falls to Booth Lake.
Booth Lake Trail
Length: Approximately 8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,000 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Continuing beyond Booth Falls, this scenic alpine hike reaches a beautiful mountain lake beneath the peaks of the Gore Range. Wildflowers, waterfalls, and panoramic views make this one of the area's premier hikes.
Gore Valley Trail
Length: Approximately 12 miles one way
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This paved multi-use trail follows Gore Creek through Vail Valley and is ideal for walking, jogging, cycling, and sightseeing. The route connects neighborhoods, parks, villages, and recreation areas throughout Vail.
Piney Lake Trail
Length: Approximately 6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Located north of Vail, this scenic trail begins near Piney Lake and travels through meadows, forests, and mountain terrain with impressive views of the Gore Range. It is particularly popular during wildflower season and for photography.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article and official pages for discovervail.com, vail.com, fs.usda.gov, bettyfordalpinegardens.org, Vail Ski Resort, released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
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