Top Spots to Dine, Stay, and Explore in Vail, Colorado

Renowned for having some of the finest snow in the West and iconic slopes, Vail boasts a global reputation unmatched by most ski resorts.

The main attraction has always been the mountain—the town itself wasn’t officially incorporated until four years after the inaugural ski season in 1962. Today, it hosts Colorado's largest ski resort, featuring 5,289 acres for skiing and snowboarding (or mountain biking during the summer), 33 chair lifts, and 193 marked trails.

However, the Rocky Mountain town offers more than just skiing. Other outdoor activities include fly-fishing, horseback riding, biking, and hiking. If that’s not your style, the villages of Vail, Lionshead, and nearby Beaver Creek offer an array of curated shops, delightful restaurants, creative cocktail bars, and art galleries. Plus, the various hotels provide opportunities for spa treatments, relaxing in outdoor hot tubs, or curling up with a book by the fire. In short, Vail has something for everyone, and we’re here to guide you to it.

Discover eight of the top activities to enjoy in Vail, Colorado.

1. Dedicate a day to the slopes

On a powder day beneath clear blue skies, few places rival Vail Mountain. Even with thousands of guests, it rarely feels overcrowded. There’s something for every level of skier. Beginners can take the Gopher Hill Lift (#12) or Little Eagle Lift (#15) to explore green runs tailored for novices. More experienced skiers can venture to the mountain's back, where seven bowls are so legendary that those who’ve tackled them speak of them like fables.

During the winter of 2022/2023, to mark the 60th season, visitors can head up to the Legacy Hut to receive a stamped postcard featuring original artwork from renowned photographer Gray Malin, perfect for sending a note from the mountain's summit to friends or themselves.

If you’re planning to ski or snowboard for several days, it’s a good idea to invest in a multi-day ticket or season pass (they usually cost much less than buying single tickets at the window each day). You can also use these passes at Beaver Creek (reachable from Vail Mountain or a 15-minute drive away), Breckenridge, and Keystone.

2. Explore Camp Hale

In the 1940s, Camp Hale was a crucial training site for the Army’s 10th Mountain Division. Here, troops were trained in skiing, mountaineering, and winter survival. These soldiers later gained recognition for their daring missions against Nazi forces in Italy’s northern Apennines, helping to thwart further invasions.

After World War II, many of these soldiers returned to Colorado and became trailblazers in the outdoor industry; Camp Hale veterans include the founders of the National Outdoor Leadership School, the Wilderness Education Foundation, Nike, the National Ski Patrol, and Vail Ski Resort.

In October 2022, Camp Hale was designated as a National Monument (the first under President Biden’s administration) due to its significant contributions to both the U.S. military and the skiing community. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of the remnants of this historic training base nestled in the Colorado Rockies.

3. Explore the Colorado Snowsports Museum

Situated next to the town’s visitor center, the free Colorado Snowsports Museum shares the history of skiing and snowboarding, highlighting the pioneers of these sports in the Centennial State and detailing the state’s involvement in various Olympics and World Championships over the years. The museum also features exhibits on the 10th Mountain Division, a WWII alpine unit that trained in the Rockies, as well as the evolution of skis and snowboards (some of the earliest designs were... not exactly safe).

Visiting information

The Colorado Snowsports Museum welcomes guests daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.

4. Shop in Vail and Lionshead Villages

Many storefronts in the villages of Vail and Lionshead cater to those looking for new outdoor gear. Particularly near the ticket offices, most shops specialize in essentials for a full day on the mountain, from skis for racing down slopes to gloves for warmth. Beyond the gondolas, you'll encounter a wider array of boutiques and art galleries. Don’t miss Kemo Sabe for custom hats, the Golden Bear for handmade jewelry, Gallery 166 for modern art, the Gilded Spruce for year-round Christmas decorations, and Rocket Fizz for fun toys and treats for kids.

5. Indulge in après-ski

Après-ski (“after skiing” in French) typically begins in the late afternoon after your last run (or even mid-mountain at a restaurant). How you choose to enjoy your après-ski time is entirely up to you: it could be sipping an Aperol Spritz from a snowy beach chair, unwinding in a hot tub, grabbing a hot chocolate, or enjoying live music from a local band on an outdoor patio.

At restaurants and bars in Vail, such as the Red Lion and Garfinkel’s, you’ll often find an après-ski menu (similar to what would be happy hour elsewhere).

6. Experience snowmobiling with Nova Guides

If you seek a backcountry getaway, where you can revel in untouched powder and stunning views from Colorado’s highest peaks, consider a half-day on a guided snowmobiling tour. For nearly 35 years, Nova Guides has provided year-round adventures in Vail (including Can-Am Off Road tours during the summer). Each tour includes a Ski-Doo snowmobile rental, helmet, snacks, and insider knowledge of the area’s breathtaking viewpoints. Nova Guides is certified by Ski-Doo manufacturer BRP and operates its tours through Uncharted Society, BRP’s global network of powersport providers.

7. Dine at Alpenrose, Root & Flower, or other acclaimed restaurants

For a memorable dining experience, you’re likely to find it here. Take Alpenrose, for instance. This German-Austrian eatery serves up beloved alpine dishes, from schnitzel to apfelstrudel, in a charming indoor space. They also feature heated private gondolas on the patio, where guests can enjoy raclette and fondue. Alternatively, check out Root & Flower, renowned for its creative cocktails and decadent appetizers (don’t miss the lobster-stuffed deviled eggs).

Craving sushi? Visit Osaki’s, where chef Takeshi Osaki honed his skills in Osaka before training at Nobu in Aspen. If a hearty meal is what you need after a day of adventure, secure a reservation at La Nonna Ristorante, known for its freshly made pasta (using Pivetti flour from Italy) and generous wine pours. There’s also Chasing Rabbits, an upscale venue that combines a restaurant, cinema, speakeasy, library lounge, and arcade.

8. Explore the highest botanic garden in the United States

Regardless of the season, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a must-visit. In summer, you’ll find stunning rock gardens, streams, wildflowers, and alpine plants from around the globe. In winter, strap on some snowshoes and wander through the evergreens, searching for animal tracks in the snow.

Visiting Information

The gardens welcome visitors daily from dusk until dawn; the Education Center operates from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free.

Accommodations in Vail

The Four Seasons Resort Vail

Boasting 121 rooms and 24 suites, each featuring stone fireplaces, marble soaking tubs, and cozy balconies perfect for enjoying room service breakfast, the Four Seasons Resort Vail shines with amenities like an outdoor heated lap pool, hot tubs, and a spa that combines relaxation with recovery—ideal after days on the slopes. What truly sets this hotel apart is its exceptional service; whether you need your skis prepared at the private ski center or special treats for your pet, the attentive staff ensures every detail is taken care of.

The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch

Nestled midmountain among a grove of evergreens at Beaver Creek ski resort, the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch is just outside Vail but remains a pinnacle of luxury. Here, skiers can unwind with a warming cocktail by the lobby fireplace as live music plays nearby. This ski-in/ski-out hotel offers a dedicated ski concierge, tailored services, daily guided snowshoe tours, a sprawling 21,000-square-foot spa complete with steam rooms and plunge pools, and an array of exquisite dining options, making it a sought-after destination in its own right.