Find Vail Hotels and information through the Vail City Guide , your one-stop source for Vail Accommodations and Attractions . We make it easy to search for Vail Discount Hotels, Vail Luxury Hotels and more.
In addition, our Vail City Guide provides information on Vail Area Activities, including Snow Skiing , Snowmobile Tours , Sleigh Ride Dinners, Snowshoeing, Ice Skating, River Rafting, Mountain Biking and more. The Vail City Guide also provides information on Vail Attractions, including the Betty Ford Alpine Garden, Colorado Ski Museum/Ski Hall of Fame, the Vail Wildlife Center and more.
We hope that you enjoy our Vail City Guide and that it may be helpful in your search for information about Vail. If you find our Vail City Guide useful in locating Discount Vail Hotels or Luxury Vail Hotels, please let us know in our comment section. Also, include other types of information you would like to see in our Vail City Guide .
Click to expand
Click to collapse
Internationally known for its incomparable world-class skiing and riding, the Vail Valley additionally offers an exciting nightlife, unique shops, gourmet dining and nonstop outdoor adventure, summer or winter.
Vail Mountain, 100 miles west of Denver, is larger than nearly every other North American ski area, and is linked by a well placed network of lifts and trails. There are 1,220 acres of varied runs on the front side, and the existence of the Back Bowls make this a skiers' heaven. Those same slopes provide the perfect trails for mountain bike devotees in summer. The village hosts a wide variety of festivals year round.
Consistently ranked the country's most popular ski resort by skiers and ski magazines almost since its inception, Vail has the look of a Tyrolean village, and is visited regularly by almost as many Europeans as Americans. This gives its restaurants, hotels, and shops a continental air. The size of the mountain and the varying degrees of difficulty and excellent condition of its trails are the main draw.
Vail and Aspen are often compared, and just as often, they are contrasted. Aspen is an authentic mining town. Vail resembles a Bavarian village. Gerald Ford, Dan Quayle, and John Sununu set the trend for the retreat of statesmen to Vail to escape the pressures of public life. Thornton Wilder, Ortega Y Gasset and Albert Schweitzer traveled to Aspen at the inception of the Aspen Institute, and other intellectuals and writers followed. Each resort area has its separate and distinct personality.
Two people with a vision planned what has become Vail. They were Pete Seibert, a veteran of the 10th Mountain Division that prepared for alpine warfare in the surrounding Gore and Sawatch ranges during World War II, and Earl Eaton, a uranium prospector who had grown up in and surveyed the area's wild ranges. In 1957 they climbed to the summit of the mountain now known as Vail and discovered a skier's dream: the Back Bowls, 4,000 acres of open glades. The Bowls were formed unintentionally when the Ute Indians set "spite fires" to the timberland in retaliation for being driven out by ranchers and miners. After five years of seeking permits, drafting agreements and uncertainty, the partners were near financial ruin. In the end, the problems were resolved, and the fabulous Vail resort was created.
Vail is an almost perfect example of mountain and village design. The development is divided into the residential East Vail, upscale Vail Village, and the more modest Lionshead.
Vail is American skiing's "king of the hills." Vail logs more "skier days", the ski industry's measure of ticket sales, than any other resort in the country. Its merger with Keystone and Breckenridge, has made Vail the world's largest ski company.
The satellite ski area of Beaver Creek, developed in the 1980's, has quickly become a substantial resort in its own right. Beaver Creek's strength is that it is one of the best ski areas in America for lower intermediates. The linking of Beaver Creek's trail system with that of neighboring Arrowhead Resort and with Bachelor Gulch, a new area between the two, has added 30% more novice and intermediate terrain to the area and created a European-style "village-to-village" ski experience.
Spring and summer at Vail bring a wealth of additional opportunities. The mountain streams and lakes provide superb fishing, canoeing, rafting, and the ski trails are open for mountain biking. Horseback riding in the rugged back country is another seasonal favorite, as are hiking, golf, balloon rides and tennis. All of these activities unfold against the spectacular backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, which are so striking in their beauty and grandeur that the first glimpse of them after at each visit to Vail literally takes one's breath away.
The Rockies, Vail, the surrounding White River National Forest, all provide peak esthetic and recreational experiences. All are ready and waiting to welcome you and your family year round.
Skiing Facilities:
Beaver Creek
4,040-ft vertical drop; more than 1,700 skiable acres; 19% beginner, 43% intermediate, 38% advanced; 10 high-speed quad chairs, 2 triple chairs, 3 double chairs, 16 lifts total.
Vail
5,289 skiable acres; 28% beginner, 32% intermediate, 40% advanced; 1 gondola, 14 high-speed quad chairs, 1 regular quad, 3 triple chairs, 4 double chairs, 5 surface lifts.
Snowmobile Tours:
Piney River Adventures
700 Sandstone Road
White River National Forest
Vail, CO 81657
970-477-1171
Half day and full day snowmobiling tours
Nova Guides
7088 US Highway 24
Vail, CO 81657
719-486-2656
Snowmobile rentals, 1 hour, 2 hour, half day and full day snowmobiling tours, and dinner rides.
Backcountry / Snowcat Skiing:
Nova Guides
7088 US Highway 24
Vail, CO 81657
719-486-2656
Non-skiing backcountry snowcat tours in White River National Forest.
Snowshoeing:
Paragon Guides
492 Meadow Road
Edwards, CO 81632
970-926-5299
Offers multi-day trips in the Colorado Backcountry
Adventure Ridge
550 West Lionshead Circle
Vail, CO 81657
970-476-9090
Ice Skating:
Adventure Ridge
550 West Lionshead Circle
Vail, CO 81657
970-476-9090
Vail Recreation District
700 South Frontage Road East
Vail, CO 81657
970-479-2279
Dog Sledding:
Nova Guides
7088 US Highway 24
Vail, CO 81657
719-486-2656
Ice Hockey:
Avon Venture Sports
51 Beaver Creek Place
Avon, CO 81620
970-949-1318
Fishing and Paddleboats:
Gore Creek Fly Fisherman
183-7 East Gore Creek Drive
Vail, CO 81657
970-476-3296
Piney River Adventures
700 Sandstone Road
White River National Forest
Vail, CO 81657
970-477-1171
Rents canoes, small boats for fishing, and also supplies fly rods and waders.
Ballooning:
Camelot Balloons
34500 Highway 6
Edwards, CO 81632
970-926-2435
Balloon America
0627 Sawatch Drive
Edwards, CO 81632
970-926-2055
Golf:
Beaver Creek Resort Golf Club
103 Offerson Road
Avon, CO 81620
970-845-5775
Open mid-May to mid-October: Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Eagle Springs Golf Club
28521 Highway 6
Wolcott, CO 81655
970-926-4400
Hiking and Backpacking:
A.J. Brink Outfitters at Sweetwater Lake
3406 Sweetwater Road
Gypsum, CO 81637
970-524-7344
Adventure Ridge
550 West Lionshead Circle
Vail, CO 81657
970-476-9090
Arkansas Valley Adventure
2343 North Frontage Road
Vail, CO 81657
970-406-0321
Horseback Riding:
Beaver Creek Stables
45 West Thomas Place
Avon, CO 81620
970-845-7770
Piney River Adventures
700 Sandstone Road
White River National Forest
Vail, CO 81657
970-477-1171
4 Eagle Ranch
4098 Highway 131
Wolcott, CO 81655
970-926-3372
Jeep Tours:
Nova Tours
7088 US Highway 24
Vail, CO 81657
719-486-2656
Offers guided tours in 4 wheel drive vehicles.
Mountain Biking:
Ski Base/Wheel Base
610 West Lionshead Circle
Vail, CO 81657
970-476-5799
Visitors can take the Lionshead Gondola to Eagle's Nest on Vail Mountain and rent mountain bikes and all accessories and ride the summer slopes, returning the bikes at the base of the gondola.
River Rafting:
Colorado River Runs
Star Route, Box 32
Bond, CO 80423
970-653-4292
Specializes in family rafting trips.
Nova Guides
7088 US Highway 24
Vail, CO 81657
719-486-2656
Lakota River Guides
PO Box 4175
Vail, CO 81658
970-845-7238
Rock Climbing:
Vail Rock & Ice Guides
PO Box 1103
Avon, CO 81620
970-471-1173
Tennis:
Ford Park Tennis Center
700 South Frontage Road East
Vail, CO 81657
970-479-2294
Sporting Clays:
The Vail Rod & Gun Club
Lazy J Ranch
001 Sporting Clay Way
Wolcott, CO 81655
970-926-3472
Ski Info:
Vail Ski & Snowboard School
Various Locations
970-476-3229
The ski schools at Vail and Beaver Creek are among the best in the country, with several specialty classes and excellent children's programs.
Breeze Ski Rentals
244 Wall Street
Vail, CO 81657
970-477-0922
Offers full rental packages for as low as $13 a day for multi-day rentals. Call for advanced reservations.
Kenny's Double Diamond
520 East Lionshead Circle
Vail, CO 81657
970-476-5500 or 800-466-2704.
For high-performance rentals, a good choice is Kenny's Double Diamond
Shopping:
The Englishmen Fine Art & Antiques
143 East Meadow Drive
Vail, CO 81657
970-476-3512
European antique art & furnishings
Outlets at Silverthorne
145-L Stephens Way
Silverthorne, CO 80498
970-468-5780
More than 70 factory outlet stores including DKNY, Nike, Nautica, and Jones New York.
Cardinal Galleries
The Lodge at Vail
160 Gore Creek Drive
Vail, CO 81657
970-476-4400
Collections of fine and lab created gem jewelry in 14K and 18K gold as well as an art gallery.
Charlie’s Shirts Inc.
641 West Lionshead Circle
Vail, CO 81657
970-476-9737
West Vail Liquor Mart
2151 North Frontage Road West
Vail, CO 81657
970-476-2420
Vail Valley’s largest retail liquor store offering wine, beer, spirits, mixes, and more!
Betty Ford Alpine Garden
183 Gore Creek Drive
Vail, CO 81657
970-476-0103
Open before and after snow season: dawn to dusk Admission free. Donation accepted.
One of the highest alpine gardens in the world. Actually, it is three small gardens each with a different theme. The gardens are filled with over 2,000 vividly blooming plants.
All are in walking distance from the Vail Nature Center.
Colorado Ski Museum/ Ski Hall of Fame
231 South Frontage Road East
Vail, CO 81657
970-476-1876
The museum gives the history of transportation across areas of snow and ice. Snow sports began in Colorado in the 1800's and this museum makes the journey forward both entertaining and enlightening. Children will be able to maintain interest at least long enough to enjoy the exhibits of early chairlifts and the former heavy equipment necessary to enjoy skiing.
Eagle Bahn Gondola and Adventure Ridge
Lionshead Circle
Vail, CO 81657
970-476-9090
Each car holds up to 6 people. The gondola offers a pleasant way to ride to the top of the mountain to enjoy the view, or to bike or hike back down. The scenery is breathtaking, and children consider it to be like an amusement park ride - but with far more aesthetic and educational value.
Other attractions at Adventure Ridge are:
The Vail Wildlife Center
Located in a small hut directly in front of the gondola exit. Features interactive displays of wildlife and local flowering plants. Guided tours are offered twice a day.
For the whole family: there are two self-guided tours at which children can go at their own pace. They are indicated by signs: Eagle's View and Lower Fireweed.
Tubing is also offered at this location from noon-10pm. Fee is per hour, including tube. Reduced fee for ages 12 and under.
Ice skating: Noon - 10pm same rates as tubing; includes skates.
Sledding: Noon to 10pm
Snowboard park and half pipes: 8:30am-10pm equipment rental and lessons available.
Laser Tag, ski biking, and ice skating are also offered at this location.
Piney River Ranch
700 Red Sandstone Road
White River National Forest
Vail, CO 81657
970-477-1171
Some snowmobiling in winter; most activities are June-Labor Day
Archery, fishing, crafts each has a fee ; horseshoes, volleyball, playground, petting farm, fly casting clinics, forest service talks each is free. Thursday is Family night out: Western style barbecue, western story tellers, lively music.
Vail Nature Center
841 Vail Valley Drive
Vail, CO 81657
970-479-2291
Small museum displaying animal pelts, stuffed birds and butterfly displays. The highlight is watching birds at feeders near the windows and checking their identity on a wall chart. There are easy, short trails to hike outside along the river.
Vail Public Library
292 West Meadow Drive
Vail, CO 81657
970 479-2185
Toddler story hour Tues and Wed 10am Preschool story hour Tues and Wed. 11am
Good haven for rainy days or even on sunny ones to add variety. Vail Library has a separate glass enclosed room with educational toys, including a train set for toddlers and a playhouse for reading enjoyment. Children also have the use of up to date computers with Internet child approved sites only access. Special children's programs such as puppet making are sometimes held. Call to check on hours.
Glenwood Cavers Adventure Park
51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
970-945-9799
Cave tours, Iron Mountain Tramway rides, Exclamation Point Restaurant, thrill rides, rock climbing, mechanical bull riding, horseback riding, chuckwagon dinner show, and much more!
March
American Ski Classic
970-949-1999
Highlights the Legends of Skiing Competition, honoring past national and world ski champions.
April
A Taste Of Vail
970-926-5665
Showcases the area's superlative restaurants, an auction, dance, wine tasting, interactive cooking seminars, and more!
May
Blues, Brews, & BBQ
970-949-1234
KIDZone, culinary demonstrations, sidewalk sales, beer, live blues music, and more!
July
Vail America Days
970-376-3756
This 4th of July celebration includes a parade, fireworks, patriotic concerts, and more!
August
Vail International Festival Of Dance
970-949-1999
Hosts ballet and modern dance performers from around the world in the alpine splendor of the Ford Outdoor Amphitheater.
November/December
The World’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Competition
970-845-9090
This is the tastiest event in Beaver Creek! Sample some of the best tasting chocolate chip cookies in the U.S.!
December
Vail Festival Of Lights
970-479-2100
Featuring brilliant lighting displays, world cup ski competitions, and Christmas ice skating demonstrations.
Vail Snow Daze
970-476-6797
Early season party that includes free street concerts, competitions, bar parties, and more!
Other Events:
Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival
Late June- Early August
877-812-5700
Celebrate music with visiting symphony and chamber orchestras and performers. Music ranges from classical orchestra and chamber music to vocal and pops, baroque to modern jazz, ethnic performances, to youth concerts.
Hot Summer Nights
June-August
970-479-1999
On Tuesday evenings, June through August, Vail's Ford Amphitheater hosts these concerts of contemporary rock and jazz music.
Population:
4,500
Time Zone:
Mountain Time Zone: Daylight saving time is observed
Climate:
Vail is typically a bright and cheery place, as it enjoys 300 sunny days per year. Summer daytime temperatures are comfortable, in the 70s and 80s. Spring and fall temperatures are generally in the 60s and cooler. Winter high temperatures range from the 40s down into the 20s. About 335 inches of snow falls per year, generally between November and April.
When to Go:
If you're a skier, you'll want to spend as much time as possible on the slopes in Vail. Vail's snow has a reputation of beings the lightest and fluffiest anywhere. Whether or not you are a skier, you may also wish to visit this breathtakingly beautiful country when temperatures are warmest and wildflowers are at their peak in July and August. In summer, more and more ski areas are opening their chairlifts to mountain bikers. There are numerous trails winding through the mountain passes. Bargain rates are often available in spring and fall, but the weather is especially uncertain at that time, and there may be unexpected snow. September is a favorite time to visit when the changing aspen leaves turn the hillsides to gold.
Airport:
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE)
1193 Cooley Mesa Road
Gypsum, CO 81637
970-524-9490
*35 miles west of Vail
Rail:
Amtrak
800-USA-RAIL
Bus:
Greyhound
800-231-2222
Getting Around Vail:
Vail Transit
Bus
970-479-2178
Taxis:
Vail Valley Taxi
970-476-8294
High Mountain Taxi
970-925-8294
Visitor Information:
Vail Visitors & Convention Bureau
142 Beaver Creek Place
Avon, CO 81620
970-949-1600