Vail, CO

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Todd Winslow Pierce//Vail Resorts
Photo provided by Maria Merideth/Vail Resorts
Photo provided by Chris McLennan/Vail Resorts
Photo provided by Vail Resorts
Photo provided by Jeff Andrew/Vail Resorts

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 which includes mountains, snow and landscape views

Vail Village

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

Vail Village
One of the friendly furry friends at Vail Ski Tech, ski rentals.

Lionshead

Lionshead is a destination visitors seek out for is 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 neighborhood.

Lionshead
First snow of winter gorgeous morning

West Vail

Notable for its skiing, seafood restaurants, and mountain views, West Vail is a sought-after destination for many travelers visiting Vail. If you want to see some sights in the area, check out Cascade Village Lift or Eagle Bahn Gondola.

West Vail
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Matterhorn Village

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

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

Matterhorn Village
Serenity

East Vail

While East Vail isn't home to many top sights, Vail Ski Resort and Vail Golf Club are some notable places to visit nearby.

East Vail
Winter cotton candy sunsets #Trovember

Sandstone

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sandstone and surrounding area, you can visit Vail Ski Resort and Eagle Bahn Gondola.

Sandstone
Grand Hyatt Vail

Grand Hyatt Vail

5 out of 5
1300 Westhaven Drive, Vail, CO
$272 nightly
The price is $301 total per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
$301 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Vail. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (802 reviews)
"Easy access to vail village, gondolas. Dog friendly."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Grand Hyatt Vail
Evergreen Lodge at Vail

Evergreen Lodge at Vail

3 out of 5
250 S Frontage Rd W, Vail, CO
$174 nightly
The price is $192 total per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
$192 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a 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. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
A great stay!!!
"First time at the Evergreen. It was totally comfy and inviting. Loved it!"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Evergreen Lodge at Vail
Tivoli Lodge

Tivoli Lodge

4 out of 5
386 Hanson Ranch Rd, Vail, CO
$209 nightly
The price is $231 total per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
$231 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Vail. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free area shuttle, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
"beautiful hotel, great staff, met the owner (and her son and grandson). they are really nice people and were very friendly."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Tivoli Lodge
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

4.5 out of 5
595 Vail Valley Dr, Vail, CO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Vail. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (697 reviews)
"Location was outstanding. Spacious and cozy condos and very good breakfast for guests. Gorgeous scenery!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Manor Vail Lodge
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 3.5-star ski aparthotel in Vail. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 hot tubs, and 3 outdoor pickleball courts. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,236 reviews)
Great Stay!
"We had a wonderful stay! Condo was clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Vail Racquet Club Mountain Resort
Eagle Point Resort

Eagle Point Resort

4 out of 5
1500 Matterhorn Cir, Vail, CO
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Vail. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall value in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (599 reviews)
"Nice pool and two jacuzzis."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Eagle Point 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

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
483
5 - Excellent 80%
4 - Good
109
4 - Good 18%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We loved Vail

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Massive and varied terrain. Expensive but worth it

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Everything about Vail was disappointing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

try the bison/elk sausage pizza at 2 elk lodge on top of the mountain! It's superb!

4/5 - Good

Gloria

We are from New York and was not used to restaurants closing at 8 or 9 PM! Make sure you get your food early as the options are limited at night

5/5 - Excellent

VisitorfromSLC

Pricey, but a nice break from reality. Well worth the trip.

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