Vail Ski Resort, Roaring Fork Valley Travel Guide

4.6 (6950)

Experience world-class skiing and snowboarding at Vail Ski Resort, a premier destination in the Colorado Rockies with vast terrain and a charming village.

Vail Ski Resort, nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, is a world-renowned destination offering an unparalleled skiing and snowboarding experience. With its vast terrain, charming village, and abundant amenities, Vail attracts visitors from around the globe seeking an unforgettable mountain getaway.

A brief summary to Vail Ski Resort

Vail, Colorado, 81657, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Vail Ski Resort.

Purchase lift tickets in advance online for potential discounts, especially during peak season.
Take advantage of Vail's free bus service to get around town and to the slopes.
Explore the Back Bowls for a challenging and unforgettable skiing experience.
Visit Vail in the summer for mountain biking, hiking, and a vibrant alpine atmosphere.

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Explore Vail Ski Resort on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Vail Ski Resort, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

Vail offers a free and comprehensive bus service that operates throughout the town and to nearby areas. From the Vail Transportation Center in Vail Village, buses provide access to Lionshead Village, Vail's various parking areas, and other destinations. Check the Town of Vail's website for bus schedules and route information. There is no cost for using the bus service within Vail.
Walking

Vail Village and Lionshead Village are pedestrian-friendly areas, with many shops, restaurants, and accommodations within walking distance of the slopes. From most locations in Vail Village, Gondola One is easily accessible on foot. Similarly, the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead Village is a short walk from most points in the village. Walking is free.
Parking

If arriving by car, paid parking is available in the Vail Village and Lionshead Village parking structures. The first hour is free, and subsequent hours are charged at a rate of $2 per hour, with a maximum of $10 per day. Parking is free after 3 p.m. until 4 a.m. Overnight parking is available for $60. Free parking options exist at Donovan Park and along the North Frontage Road, but these require a shuttle or bus ride to the slopes. Check the Town of Vail's website for real-time parking availability.

Discover more about Vail Ski Resort

Vail Ski Resort, founded in 1962 by Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton, quickly rose to prominence as one of North America's premier ski destinations. Inspired by their experiences with the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division, Seibert and Eaton envisioned a world-class resort that captured the beauty and adventure of the Colorado Rockies.Vail's design is modeled after a Bavarian village, creating a unique and charming atmosphere for visitors. Unlike other Colorado ski towns that originated as mining settlements, Vail was purpose-built as a resort, ensuring a cohesive and pedestrian-friendly environment. The resort is divided into three main areas: the Front Side, known for its groomed runs perfect for beginners and intermediates; the Back Bowls, offering vast, open terrain and powder-filled descents for advanced skiers; and Blue Sky Basin, a backcountry-style area with glades and expert runs.With over 5,300 acres of skiable terrain, Vail is the third-largest single-mountain ski resort in the U.S.. The resort boasts 31 lifts, 195 trails, and a vertical drop of 3,450 feet, ensuring a diverse and challenging experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Vail's extensive terrain is complemented by its reliable snowfall and top-notch amenities, including upscale shops, restaurants, and accommodations.Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Vail offers a wide array of winter activities, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, snow tubing, and dog sledding. The Adventure Ridge snow park provides additional entertainment with a tubing hill and ski bikes. In the summer, Vail transforms into a mountain biking and hiking paradise, attracting outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the stunning alpine scenery.