- Vail Mountain is massive—explore the legendary Back Bowls for wide-open powder.
- Vail Village and Lionshead are pedestrian-friendly and full of shops and restaurants.
- Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is the highest botanical garden in the world.
- Summer activities include hiking, biking, and the GoPro Mountain Games.
- The apres-ski scene is top-notch—try the Red Lion or Pepi's.
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When to go: Winter or Summer
Winter (Dec-Apr) is for skiing. Christmas is magical.
Summer (Jun-Sep) is beautiful for hiking. Fall (Sep) for aspens.
- Winter: Skiing.
- Summer: Hiking.
- Fall: Gold leaves.
Getting there: Shuttle
Eagle County Airport (EGE) is 40 mins away. Denver (DEN) is 2 hours.
Epic Mountain Express shuttle is the standard way from DEN.
- Shuttle: Epic Express.
- Airport: EGE or DEN.
- Car: Parking is pricey.
Where to stay: Village or Lionshead
Stay in Vail Village or Lionshead to walk to the lifts.
West Vail or East Vail are cheaper (free bus connects them).
- Village: Luxury.
- Lionshead: Gondola.
- Outskirts: Value.
What to see: Mountain and Gardens
Ski or ride the gondola (scenic ride in summer). Visit the Alpine Gardens.
Walk the village loop.
- Skiing: World class.
- Gondola: Views.
- Gardens: Highest.
- Village: Bavarian.
Food: Fine Dining
Vail has excellent food. Matsuhisa (Nobu) for sushi. Sweet Basil for modern American.
Vendetta's for pizza. Mountain Standard for lunch.
- Sushi: Matsuhisa.
- Fine Dining: Sweet Basil.
- Pizza: Vendetta's.
- Apres: Red Lion.
Getting around: Free Bus
The Town of Vail bus system is free and excellent. It runs constantly.
No car needed in the village.
- Bus: Free.
- Walk: Heated streets.
- Car: Park it.
Budget: Very Expensive
Vail is one of the priciest resorts. Lift tickets are $200+.
Save by staying in a condo and cooking.
- Skiing: High.
- Hotels: High.
- Bus: Free.
1 Day in Vail
Morning: Ski the Back Bowls (or hike in summer).
Lunch: Mid-Vail or Lionshead.
Afternoon: Apres-ski drink. Walk through the village shops.
Evening: Dinner at Sweet Basil.
- Morning: Mountain.
- Lunch: Views.
- Afternoon: Shop.
- Evening: Feast.
FAQ
Is it altitude sickness real?
Yes, base is 8,000ft. Drink water, take it easy the first day.
Is it only for experts?
No, the front side has great grooming for intermediates. Beginners have areas too.
Is parking expensive?
Yes, very. Use the free bus.