Vail, Colorado
Vail -- Consistently ranked as one of North America’s top ski resorts. And it’s no wonder…
Vail is the largest ski resort in North America with 5,289 skiable acres, seven natural bowls, three terrain parks, and the most groomed slopes one can find throughout its 193 ski runs. With an average snowfall of 350 inches annually and 300 blue-sky days a year, Vail consistently beckons and “wows” ski enthusiasts from around the world.
It's home to The Vail Ski and Snowboard School, which prides itself on teaching world-class technique to people of all ages from around the globe. With an ever-growing number of visitors from places such as Latin America, Australia, the UK and Canada, Vail intentionally employs over 160 experienced, multilingual, instructors to help meet the needs of Vail’s many international guests.
When the ski lesson’s over, there’s plenty more to do in this irresistible Rocky Mountain playground we call “Vail.”
Winter activities: on-mountain thrills can be found at Adventure Ridge, located at Eagle’s Nest on Vail Mountain. The multi-lane tubing hill has long runs, a dedicated lift, and tunes that keep you rockin’ down the mountain. Daredevils can take a guided tour down the mountain on ski bikes – at night – and kids love the mini snowmobiles and bungee trampolines.
Snowshoeing is also a popular winter pastime, as is Nordic skiing, dogsledding, hot-air ballooning and ice-skating.
Summer Activities: Vail has also become a popular summer destination with its mild temperatures (averaging 75 degrees), low humidity, breathtaking scenery and endless summertime activities, like hiking, biking, golfing, rafting and fishing. Vail Resorts’ new Epic Discovery is set to take “summer” and “fun” on the mountain to a whole new level with a world-class rock climbing and boulder area, nature discovery zones, the Forest Flyer™ mountain coaster, zip line, waterless tubing track and so much more.
Vail’s Irresistible Lifestyle: With its stunning mountain backdrop, Vail has never been a nicer alpine village to stroll through following its recent $2 billion renewal, including many public and private improvements. Heated pavers throughout Vail Village help make the winter wipeout a thing of the past and also provide easy access to the fabulous new developments, shops, boutiques and restaurants that have opened in Vail Village. Its year-round event calendar includes everything from ski, bike and adventure races, world-class music and dance performances, art exhibits, farmers’ markets and more…all of which continue to attract people who simply can’t resist the amazing lifestyle we enjoy here in Vail. Yes, Vail has certainly grown since opening in 1962…and in the very best of ways.
Dates of Season: Mid-November to Mid-April*
*weather dependent
FACTS:
Trails & Terrain:
Terrain: 5289 acres
193 ski runs and 31 lifts trails with vast amounts of bowl and tree
Terrain Difficulty: 18% Beginner, 29% Intermediate, 25% Advanced, 28% Expert
Longest Run: 4 miles (Riva)
Terrain Parks: 3 parks – Golden Peak Terrain Park (largest), Bwana Terrain Park and Pride Terrain Park
Snowfall & Temperatures:
Average Snowfall: 350 inches annually
Average Winter Daytime High Temperature: 45 degrees
Average Winter Daytime Low Temperature: 30 degrees
Elevation:
Summit Elevation: 11,570 ft/3528 meters
Base Elevation: 8,120 ft /2476 meters
Vertical Rise: 3450 ft/1052 meters
HOW TO GET THERE:
Planes:
Denver International Airport (DEN) is approximately 100 miles from Vail.
The Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is located 35 miles West of Vail and is serviced by American Airlines, Delta and United.
Trains:
The nearest Amtrak train arrives in Glenwood Springs, which is about 1 1/4 hours?west of Vail.
Automobiles:
Multiple rental car companies operate at Eagle County Airport (EGE, flyvail.com) and Denver International Airport (DEN, flydenver.com).
Colorado Mountain Express: offers regular shuttle service to/from Denver International Airport (from $55) and Eagle County Regional Airport. Private cars and charter services available you can call: 1-800-525-6363
Parking: is available in the Vail Village and Lionshead parking structures. Parking fees depend on how long you are parked, with the first 0-2 hours free. The all-day rate is $25. Parking passes are available for purchase. Overflow parking is available along the Frontage Road when all the lots are filled (free and available until 11 P.M.). Free Outlying parking is also available from 7 AM – 11 PM in the following areas:
Red Sandstone Park, 15 spaces. Available 7 days a week starting Jan. 1.
North Frontage Road in West Vail, across from West Vail Mall, 70 spaces. Available 7 days a week. For directions, call (970) 479-2104.
North Frontage Road in West Vail, west of west Vail roundabout, 100 spaces. Available Fri., Sat. and Sun. only.
Donovan Park - availability indicated by signage (vaileventparking.com)
Vail Nordic Center – free on select days (vaileventparking.com)
Bus Services:
Eco Transit provides regional bus service to Vail, Leadville, Minturn, Eagle-Vail, Avon, Edwards, Eagle and Gypsum. Operates 21 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, with a fleet of 31 buses. They offer modest fares with regular-route rates currently at $4 per ride. Various passes are available for purchase at a cost savings. 970.328.3520
The Town of Vail Transit Department provides free year-round bus service throughout Vail, with real-time arrival information to passengers within the Vail Village, Lionshead and Golden Peak corridor. Locals and visitors rely on this bus system – the largest free bus system of its kind in the country -- to transport them to and from Vail Mountain. For seasonal bus schedules and route information, please contact the Vail Transportation Center at 970.479.2178
Vail is the largest ski resort in North America with 5,289 skiable acres, seven natural bowls, three terrain parks, and the most groomed slopes one can find throughout its 193 ski runs. With an average snowfall of 350 inches annually and 300 blue-sky days a year, Vail consistently beckons and “wows” ski enthusiasts from around the world.
It's home to The Vail Ski and Snowboard School, which prides itself on teaching world-class technique to people of all ages from around the globe. With an ever-growing number of visitors from places such as Latin America, Australia, the UK and Canada, Vail intentionally employs over 160 experienced, multilingual, instructors to help meet the needs of Vail’s many international guests.
When the ski lesson’s over, there’s plenty more to do in this irresistible Rocky Mountain playground we call “Vail.”
Winter activities: on-mountain thrills can be found at Adventure Ridge, located at Eagle’s Nest on Vail Mountain. The multi-lane tubing hill has long runs, a dedicated lift, and tunes that keep you rockin’ down the mountain. Daredevils can take a guided tour down the mountain on ski bikes – at night – and kids love the mini snowmobiles and bungee trampolines.
Snowshoeing is also a popular winter pastime, as is Nordic skiing, dogsledding, hot-air ballooning and ice-skating.
Summer Activities: Vail has also become a popular summer destination with its mild temperatures (averaging 75 degrees), low humidity, breathtaking scenery and endless summertime activities, like hiking, biking, golfing, rafting and fishing. Vail Resorts’ new Epic Discovery is set to take “summer” and “fun” on the mountain to a whole new level with a world-class rock climbing and boulder area, nature discovery zones, the Forest Flyer™ mountain coaster, zip line, waterless tubing track and so much more.
Vail’s Irresistible Lifestyle: With its stunning mountain backdrop, Vail has never been a nicer alpine village to stroll through following its recent $2 billion renewal, including many public and private improvements. Heated pavers throughout Vail Village help make the winter wipeout a thing of the past and also provide easy access to the fabulous new developments, shops, boutiques and restaurants that have opened in Vail Village. Its year-round event calendar includes everything from ski, bike and adventure races, world-class music and dance performances, art exhibits, farmers’ markets and more…all of which continue to attract people who simply can’t resist the amazing lifestyle we enjoy here in Vail. Yes, Vail has certainly grown since opening in 1962…and in the very best of ways.
Dates of Season: Mid-November to Mid-April*
*weather dependent
FACTS:
Trails & Terrain:
Terrain: 5289 acres
193 ski runs and 31 lifts trails with vast amounts of bowl and tree
Terrain Difficulty: 18% Beginner, 29% Intermediate, 25% Advanced, 28% Expert
Longest Run: 4 miles (Riva)
Terrain Parks: 3 parks – Golden Peak Terrain Park (largest), Bwana Terrain Park and Pride Terrain Park
Snowfall & Temperatures:
Average Snowfall: 350 inches annually
Average Winter Daytime High Temperature: 45 degrees
Average Winter Daytime Low Temperature: 30 degrees
Elevation:
Summit Elevation: 11,570 ft/3528 meters
Base Elevation: 8,120 ft /2476 meters
Vertical Rise: 3450 ft/1052 meters
HOW TO GET THERE:
Planes:
Denver International Airport (DEN) is approximately 100 miles from Vail.
The Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is located 35 miles West of Vail and is serviced by American Airlines, Delta and United.
Trains:
The nearest Amtrak train arrives in Glenwood Springs, which is about 1 1/4 hours?west of Vail.
Automobiles:
Multiple rental car companies operate at Eagle County Airport (EGE, flyvail.com) and Denver International Airport (DEN, flydenver.com).
Colorado Mountain Express: offers regular shuttle service to/from Denver International Airport (from $55) and Eagle County Regional Airport. Private cars and charter services available you can call: 1-800-525-6363
Parking: is available in the Vail Village and Lionshead parking structures. Parking fees depend on how long you are parked, with the first 0-2 hours free. The all-day rate is $25. Parking passes are available for purchase. Overflow parking is available along the Frontage Road when all the lots are filled (free and available until 11 P.M.). Free Outlying parking is also available from 7 AM – 11 PM in the following areas:
Red Sandstone Park, 15 spaces. Available 7 days a week starting Jan. 1.
North Frontage Road in West Vail, across from West Vail Mall, 70 spaces. Available 7 days a week. For directions, call (970) 479-2104.
North Frontage Road in West Vail, west of west Vail roundabout, 100 spaces. Available Fri., Sat. and Sun. only.
Donovan Park - availability indicated by signage (vaileventparking.com)
Vail Nordic Center – free on select days (vaileventparking.com)
Bus Services:
Eco Transit provides regional bus service to Vail, Leadville, Minturn, Eagle-Vail, Avon, Edwards, Eagle and Gypsum. Operates 21 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, with a fleet of 31 buses. They offer modest fares with regular-route rates currently at $4 per ride. Various passes are available for purchase at a cost savings. 970.328.3520
The Town of Vail Transit Department provides free year-round bus service throughout Vail, with real-time arrival information to passengers within the Vail Village, Lionshead and Golden Peak corridor. Locals and visitors rely on this bus system – the largest free bus system of its kind in the country -- to transport them to and from Vail Mountain. For seasonal bus schedules and route information, please contact the Vail Transportation Center at 970.479.2178