Vail

Travel Guide
Vail showing dining out and food
One of the world’s most iconic ski destinations, this upmarket resort encompasses vast acres of open and forested terrain.

Vail is among America’s most popular and largest single-mountain ski resorts. Its wide appeal includes well-groomed and varied terrain, an energetic après-ski scene, diverse shopping and excellent hiking and biking. Hit the slopes on the resort’s legendary naturally sculpted back bowls or explore the pretty Tirolean-style village.

The resort’s main draw is Vail Mountain, which features 5,290 acres (2,140 hectares) of terrain. The front side of the mountain offers several long cruises and beginner runs while the north-facing Blue Sky Basin is home to almost endless backcountry trails and glade skiing. Head to the back bowls for more than 3,500 acres (1,416 hectares) of challenging terrain.

Learn about the development of skiing at theColorado Ski & Snowboard Museumand Hall of Fame. The museum examines the world history of the sport, with a focus on Colorado’s involvement. One room is dedicated to the 10th Mountain Division, a decorated World War II alpine unit that trained in the surrounding mountains. See centuries-old skis and amusing early ski fashions.

Take the kids toVail Adventure Ridge, located near Eagle’s Nest, to enjoy a variety of activities for all ages. Accessible via theEagle Bahn gondola, the center offers snow biking, snowshoe tours, mini snowmobile rides and other family-friendly attractions.

Don’t miss the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, at an elevation of 8,250 feet (2,514 meters). They are touted as North America’s highest public botanical gardens and have more than 2,000 types of plants, showcasing the wide range of vegetation that can be grown at high altitudes. Wander down scenic paths lined with wild roses and alpine plants. Notice the rock garden with its gorgeous 120-foot (37-meter) waterfall.

Vail is located in Eagle County Colorado, 97 miles (156 kilometers) west of Denver. Fly into Eagle County or Denver International airports and catch one of the regular shuttle services running to Vail. The town offers one of the country’s largest free shuttle bus services, so it’s easy to get around without a car.

Where to stay in Vail

Vail Ski Resort featuring landscape views, snow and mountains

Vail Village

If you're spending some time in Vail Village, Vail Ski Resort and Gondola One Ski Lift are top sights worth seeing.

Vail Village
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Lionshead

Lionshead is a destination visitors seek out for its captivating mountain views, great bars and stunning ski slopes. You might also want to check out attractions like Vail Ski Resort or Eagle Bahn Gondola while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Lionshead
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West Vail

Check out the skiing, seafood restaurants and mountain views while spending some time in West Vail. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like Cascade Village Lift or Eagle Bahn Gondola.

West Vail
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Matterhorn Village

While visiting Matterhorn Village, you might make a stop by sights like Vail Ski Resort and Cascade Village Lift.

Matterhorn Village
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Sandstone

While there might not be top attractions in Sandstone, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Vail Ski Resort and Eagle Bahn Gondola.

Sandstone
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East Vail

East Vail might not have many top sights, but Vail Ski Resort and Vail Golf Club are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

East Vail
Evergreen Lodge at Vail
Evergreen Lodge at Vail
3 out of 5
250 S Frontage Rd W, Vail, CO
The price is €132 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
€132
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Vail. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Would prefer better breakfast selection but other wise very convenient to skiing and both villages."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Evergreen Lodge at Vail
Grand Hyatt Vail
Grand Hyatt Vail
5 out of 5
1300 Westhaven Drive, Vail, CO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €253 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
€253
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Vail. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Vail Ski Resort and Cascade Village Lift are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (638 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2024

Grand Hyatt Vail
Residence Inn by Marriott Vail
Residence Inn by Marriott Vail
3 out of 5
1783 N. Frontage Road, Vail, CO
The price is €182 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
€182
per night
25 Apr - 26 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Vail. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Vail Ski Resort and Beaver Creek ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (65 reviews)
"Really nice hotel. We enjoyed the free continental breakfast - it was delicious!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Residence Inn by Marriott Vail
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Manor Vail Lodge
Manor Vail Lodge
3.5 out of 5
595 Vail Valley Dr, Vail, CO
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Vail. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 outdoor pools, and 4 spa tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (605 reviews)
"Great property will stay here again!"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Manor Vail Lodge
Eagle Point Resort
Eagle Point Resort
3 out of 5
1500 Matterhorn Cir, Vail, CO
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Vail. Enjoy free parking, 2 spa tubs, and WiFi. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (569 reviews)
"This unit is essentially a one bedroom condominium with a fully equipped kitchen, living area, and dining area. The bedroom has a king size bed, and the bathroom is equipped as one would expect. The square footage for the price considering this location right in Vail made this an excellent value. ..."

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2024

Eagle Point Resort
Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort
Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort
3.5 out of 5
4695 Vail Racquet Club Dr, Vail, CO
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Vail. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,096 reviews)
Great spot!
"We love staying here! Having the full kitchen is great. It’s so easy to get to the ski slopes on the shuttle. The on property restaurant was not only convenient but delicious. We will probably be back again next year!"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Vail

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
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4 - Good
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
28 Jan 2020

We have been coming to Vail for 25 years and have always loved it. We have stay in various hotels, but thought the Tivoli Lodge was outstanding. Perfect location with lovely quiet rooms and staff very brilliant. We will be coming back!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Rachel
9 Mar 2019

As a long time visitor to Vail I could never get bored with it; fantastic skiing and for all levels. Love it.