Vail Travel Guide

Overview and Things to Consider

Vail is one of North America's premier ski destinations. The town was built as a resort and it shows - everything revolves around visitors and leisure. At 8,150 feet the air is thin and the weather is mountain weather. Winter brings serious snow and some of the best skiing on the continent. Summer brings hiking, mountain biking and other outdoor recreation.

The town is expensive - accommodation, food and activities all cost far more than in non-resort destinations. The architecture is European-inspired, the restaurants are excellent, and the nightlife caters to an affluent crowd. This is a place for people who can afford to spend seriously on recreation and comfort. If you can, the skiing is among the best anywhere and the summer recreation is excellent.

Getting There and Around

Denver International Airport is about 120 miles from Vail - roughly 2 hours by car. Parking in Vail costs around $15 - 25 per day depending on location. Ground transportation from Denver costs $80 - 150 per person for shuttle service. A rental car costs around $40 - 60 per day plus gas.

Vail Village is designed for pedestrians and easy to walk. The ski area takes shuttles or chairlifts. A car helps for the wider area and trailheads but isn't necessary if you're staying in the village. The shuttle system is reliable and included with accommodations at many hotels. Winter driving requires all-season or snow tires and mountain driving skills. Summer driving is easier.

What's Changed Since 2016

Vail has gotten even more expensive, with accommodation prices up substantially and restaurants more upscale. The ski area has put money into new lifts and infrastructure, and the summer mountain biking scene has grown. Otherwise the town is still exclusive and resort-focused, and its basic character hasn't changed much.

The village has added more luxury accommodations and restaurants, and the outdoor recreation infrastructure has improved. Vail isn't trying to court budget travelers. Climate change has shifted snow patterns, so the mountain relies more on snow-making. The ski season is still excellent, but timing matters more than it used to.

Ideas to Consider for Your Visit

Winter here is about skiing, on some of the best terrain in North America. The ski school is excellent. The vertical drop is 3,450 feet, and the intermediate and advanced skiing is excellent. In the village, the après-ski bars, restaurants and nightlife cater to skiers.

Summer is for hiking and mountain biking, on trails that are excellent and accessible. The Vail Golf Club is very good. The village is pleasant to walk - the architecture and shops are built for leisure. The restaurants run from fine dining to casual, and they're excellent. Summer festivals bring concerts and events, and the air at elevation stays cool.

Use the altitude and cooler weather. Hiking to mountain lakes is excellent, and mountain biking trails range from beginner to expert. Take a gondola ride for views. Visit nearby Beaver Creek - both are owned by the same company. If you're staying more than a few days, get out into the wider Rocky Mountain region.

Realities to Be Aware Of

Vail is truly expensive. Expect to pay premium prices for accommodation, food, and activities. A week of skiing plus accommodation can easily cost $3,000 - 5,000 per person. This is not a budget-friendly destination. Winter weather is unpredictable - storms can close roads temporarily. The altitude affects some people - acclimatization takes time.

Winter driving requires skills and appropriate tires. The town feels somewhat artificial - it's entirely designed and oriented toward tourism and resort living. Some find this charming, others find it less authentic. The village is crowded during ski season. Summer is really less crowded but still expensive. The town is small - if you're staying more than a few days, you'll experience it thoroughly.

If Vail Is Part of a Longer Trip

Vail fits into a Rocky Mountain tour. Beaver Creek, another excellent ski area, is very close. Denver is 2 hours away if you want a city after the mountains, and Aspen is about 3.5 hours. The rest of the Colorado mountains have plenty more outdoor recreation.

Amtrak connects Denver to other western cities. Many visitors planning Colorado trips include Vail as 3 - 7 days depending on ski season duration. Vail is primarily a winter destination for most visitors, though summer has growing appeal.

Yearly Things to Consider

Winter (December - April): The main ski season and when most people visit. December - February is peak season with the best snow. March - April has warmer days and still-good skiing.

Spring (May): Transition season. Some snow remains in higher elevations. Hiking begins. Weather is unpredictable.

Summer (June - August): Pleasant and cool at elevation. Hiking and mountain biking are excellent. Less crowded than winter, but still expensive.

Fall (September - October): Pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Snow starts at higher elevations as winter comes on. Beautiful but brief.

Ideas for Itineraries

Two to Three Days Skiing

Arrive and take a ski lesson if you're not experienced. Spend 2 - 3 full days skiing, with evenings in the village for après-ski dining and bars. That's enough to get Vail's main appeal.

One Week Skiing

Take a ski lesson, then spend 5 - 6 full days skiing - enough to build real skills and learn different terrain. Get to know the village, try different restaurants and bars, go out at night, and take a day trip to Beaver Creek.

Summer Three to Four Days

Hike several trails, ride or rent a mountain bike, and take a gondola ride for the views. Walk the village, eat on the outdoor patios, and catch an event or concert if one's on.

Two Weeks Ski Vacation

Spend several weeks skiing until you're competent, and work through all the terrain. Find favorite restaurants and bars. Take trips to nearby ski areas like Beaver Creek, visit Denver for a city break and go to several events. By the end you'll know Vail and the Rocky Mountain ski culture.