Vail

Vail is often associated with world-class skiing, beautiful alpine scenery, elegant hotels, and long days spent exploring the mountains. Yet there is another side of the destination that deserves just as much attention: its exceptional wellness and spa culture. After a morning on the slopes, a summer hike through the aspens, or simply a day walking around Vail Village, there is something particularly satisfying about slowing down and giving yourself time to recover.

Vail is famous around the world for its winter skiing, but once the snow gives way to green mountain meadows, aspen forests, wildflowers and rushing creeks, the landscape takes on an entirely different personality. Summer and early fall are particularly rewarding for families who want to spend time outdoors, and hiking is one of the easiest ways to experience the scenery without needing specialized equipment or previous mountain experience.

If you are planning a ski vacation in Colorado for the first time, there is a good chance that your search will eventually come down to two names: Aspen and Vail. Both are famous. Both have enormous ski areas, beautiful mountain scenery, luxury hotels, excellent restaurants and lively après-ski scenes. Both can deliver the kind of Colorado vacation that looks almost too perfect in photographs: snow-covered peaks in the background, fireplaces glowing inside alpine lodges and a village where you can walk from the slopes to dinner.

Vail, Colorado, isn’t just a premier destination for skiing and outdoor adventure—it also boasts a vibrant nightlife and live music scene. Whether you’re looking for cozy lounges, energetic dance floors, or intimate live performances, Vail has it all. Join us as we explore the best ways to experience Vail’s nightlife to the fullest.

Vail Mountain, one of the premier snowboarding destinations in the world, offers an unparalleled experience for snowboarders of all levels. From its expansive terrain to top-tier amenities, Vail is a haven for those looking to carve through fresh powder and take in the breathtaking mountain views. In this guide, we’ll help you plan your ultimate snowboarding trip to Vail, covering everything from the best snowboarding spots, gear recommendations, lodging, dining, and insider tips to make your adventure unforgettable.

A ski trip to Vail, Colorado, sounds easy when you’re sitting at home imagining yourself gliding through fresh snow, riding a chairlift above the trees and enjoying the spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. But once you actually put on your ski boots and spend several hours moving downhill, turning, stopping, absorbing bumps and constantly adjusting your balance, you quickly realize that skiing is much more physically demanding than it looks. You don’t necessarily need to be an elite athlete to enjoy Vail Mountain, but arriving with a reasonable level of strength, endurance, balance and mobility can make a tremendous difference in how you feel during your vacation.

Winter break is a great opportunity to get the family away from the usual routine and experience the Colorado mountains together. Vail is especially well suited for families because a winter vacation here does not have to mean spending every minute on skis. From snow-covered adventures and scenic mountain experiences to ice skating, tubing, and exploring the village, there are plenty of ways for children to enjoy the outdoors.

East Vail offers a quieter and more natural side of the Vail Valley, where towering mountain ridges, evergreen forests, alpine streams, waterfalls, and hiking trails create a setting that feels considerably more secluded than the lively atmosphere of Vail Village. Located approximately four miles east of Vail Village, East Vail sits beneath the dramatic East Vail Chutes and along Gore Creek, with the Gore Range rising prominently to the north. The area is particularly appealing to travelers who want convenient access to Vail’s outdoor attractions while staying away from the concentration of shops, restaurants, and pedestrian activity found in the central villages. From summer hiking and cycling to winter recreation and easy access to Vail Mountain, East Vail provides an excellent base for experiencing the Colorado Rockies throughout the year.

If you are planning a trip to Vail, Colorado, one of the first decisions you will probably face is where to stay. At first glance, Vail Village and Lionshead Village may appear to be two parts of the same resort—and in many ways they are. Both are pedestrian-friendly mountain villages located at the base of Vail Mountain, both offer restaurants, shopping, lodging, après-ski, and year-round activities, and both provide convenient access to the mountain. However, they have distinct personalities, layouts, and advantages that can make one a better fit than the other depending on the kind of vacation you have in mind.