Vail, Colorado

World-Class Skiing

Your Guide to Vail

Colorado's most famous ski resort

Vail Mountain is the largest ski resort in Colorado and one of the most renowned in North America. The legendary Back Bowls offer 3,000+ acres of above-treeline skiing that draw powder hounds from around the world.

Vail Village captures European alpine charm with pedestrian cobblestone streets, high-end boutiques, and world-class dining. Built specifically as a ski resort in 1962, every detail was designed around the skiing experience.

Located 100 miles west of Denver on I-70, Vail is a 2-hour drive in good conditions. Summer transforms the resort into a hiking and mountain biking destination with the Epic Discovery adventure park.

Explore Vail

Legendary skiing and alpine elegance

SKI

Vail Mountain

5,317 acres, 195 trails, 7 Back Bowls. The front side offers groomed cruisers while the back side delivers legendary bowl skiing. Terrain for all abilities.

VILLAGE

Vail Village

European-style pedestrian village with luxury shopping, galleries, and restaurants. Covered Bridge connects to Lionshead. No cars—everything is walkable.

BOWLS

Back Bowls

Sun Down, Sun Up, China, Tea Cup, and more. Wide-open above-treeline skiing that's unlike anything else in Colorado. Best on powder days.

SUMMER

Summer Activities

Hiking, mountain biking, golf, and the Epic Discovery center. Scenic gondola rides offer mountain views. Beaver Creek and Vail share summer passes.

DINING

World-Class Dining

Sweet Basil, Mountain Standard, Matsuhisa. On-mountain dining at Two Elk and the 10th. From casual après to fine dining, Vail delivers.

SPA

Luxury Spas

The Four Seasons, Sebastian, and Sonnenalp offer full-service spas. After a day on the mountain, treat yourself to the full Vail experience.

GARDEN

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

World's highest botanical garden at 8,200 feet. Free admission. Alpine flowers, meditation garden, and educational programs in Ford Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your Vail visit

How far is Vail from Denver?

About 100 miles, roughly 2 hours via I-70. Weekend traffic through the Eisenhower Tunnel can double this. The Eagle County Airport offers closer flights if budget allows.

Is Vail more expensive than other Colorado resorts?

Yes, generally the most expensive. Lift tickets, lodging, and dining all run higher than Breckenridge or Winter Park. The Epic Pass offers value for multi-day visits.

What's the difference between Vail Village and Lionshead?

Vail Village is the original, more European-styled base with higher-end shopping. Lionshead is newer, more family-oriented, with the gondola to Eagle's Nest. Connected by shuttle and walking path.

When should I ski the Back Bowls?

After fresh snow. The bowls are south-facing, so powder gets tracked out and sun-affected quickly. Blue-sky powder days are magic. Wind can close some bowl lifts.

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