Things to Do in Vail, Colorado
Things to Do in Vail, Colorado
Vail built its reputation on skiing, but the town has grown into a year-round destination with enough hiking, dining, and Bavarian-inspired village charm to justify a visit in any season. Here are the best things to do in Vail, Colorado, organized by season and interest.
Winter: Skiing and Snow Activities
Ski or Snowboard Vail Mountain
One of the largest single ski mountains in North America, Vail Mountain spans several distinct areas, including the famous Back Bowls, which offer a different, more open style of terrain than the mountain’s front-facing groomed runs. The mountain suits a wide range of skill levels, from beginner-friendly runs near the base to challenging bowl skiing for advanced riders.
Snowshoeing and Nordic Skiing
For a quieter winter activity, several groomed Nordic trails and snowshoe routes run through the surrounding White River National Forest, offering mountain views without the lift lines of the main ski area.
Ice Skating in Vail Village
A seasonal outdoor ice rink typically operates in the heart of Vail Village during winter, making for an easy, low-commitment activity between ski days.
Summer: Hiking and Outdoor Recreation
Hike or Bike Vail Mountain via Gondola
In summer, Vail Mountain’s Gondola One converts to summer operation, carrying hikers and mountain bikers to the top for access to trails without the climb. It’s one of the easiest ways to get high-elevation views without a demanding hike from the base.
Booth Falls Trail
A popular, moderately challenging hike leading to a waterfall, Booth Falls is one of the most-hiked trails in the immediate Vail area thanks to its accessible trailhead near town.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
The highest botanical garden in North America, located in Vail’s Ford Park, showcases alpine plants and flowers across several themed garden areas a low-effort, scenic stop for visitors who want nature without a strenuous hike.
Gore Creek Fly Fishing
Gore Creek runs directly through Vail, offering accessible fly fishing within walking distance of the village for visitors who want to try the sport without a long drive to a dedicated river.
Vail Village and Lionshead
Walk the Pedestrian Villages
Vail Village and the neighboring Lionshead area are both car-free, cobblestone pedestrian zones modeled after Bavarian alpine towns, packed with restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. Simply walking through both areas connected by a paved path along Gore Creek is a worthwhile activity on its own, especially in the evening when string lights illuminate the streets.
Dining and Après-Ski
Vail has a dense concentration of restaurants for a town its size, ranging from casual après-ski spots to higher-end dining, reflecting the international clientele the resort has attracted for decades.
Year-Round Activities
Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum
Located in Vail Village, this free museum covers the history of skiing in Colorado and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, offering an indoor activity suited to any season or weather.
Shopping and Art Galleries
Vail Village and Lionshead both host a range of independent boutiques and art galleries, making for an easy half-day activity regardless of season.
Vail Farmers’ Market (Summer)
Running weekly through the summer months, the Vail Farmers’ Market and Art Show fills the village streets with local vendors, food, and artisan booths.
Best Time to Visit Based on Interest
- Want the best skiing? January and February typically offer the most reliable snow conditions.
- Want fall color? Late September into early October brings golden aspens to the hillsides surrounding town.
- Want hiking without crowds? June and early July offer wildflowers and thinner crowds than peak August.
- Want lower prices? Shoulder seasons April to May and October to mid-November see reduced lodging rates between the winter and summer peak seasons.
Vail, Colorado offers enough range across seasons that it rarely makes sense to think of it purely as a ski town summer hiking via the gondola, fall color throughout the surrounding hills, and a walkable, restaurant-dense village core all give visitors a reason to come back outside of ski season. Picking a season based on what you actually want to do, rather than assuming winter is the only time to visit, usually leads to a better-planned trip.
