A Travel Price Comparison for Colorado Avon vs. Vail for Skiing, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Avon or Vail?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Avon and Vail. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Avon

Avon is a scenic, active, and outdoorsy town. Visitors also love the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Vail

Vail is a charming, picturesque, and scenic ski town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and live music.

Avon and Vail: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Avon or Vail?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vail. Although Avon and Vail are popular destinations, Vail has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vail is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Avon attracts visitors for its museums. Vail is more touristy than Avon and is popular for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also well known for The Vail Ski Resort. Avon is famous for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort.

How is Avon different from Vail?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Vail and Avon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Avon or Vail Better for Skiing?

Vail is a must-visit destination for snow skiing. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for skiing and snowboarding.

Vail is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Avon. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Avon or Vail?

Avon is adequate for its historical sights. However, Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Avon or Vail? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Avon and Vail offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Avon offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Vail has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town has a diverse sampling of restaurants that include different ethnic options as well as taverns with comfort food. It's easy to find mountain-friendly restaurants where you can refuel during your ski vacation.

Is Avon or Vail Better for Nightlife?

Vail is notable for nightlife. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Vail has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Happy Hours start early, and then the partying can go late into the night. There are bars, lounges, breweries and live music that keep the atmosphere light and offer entertainment after your long day on the slopes. Do keep in mind that many places close or dramatically reduce their hours during the off-peak fall and spring months.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

Is Avon or Vail Better for Music?

Vail is a good destination for live music. However, Avon is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Vail. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

Avon is not a live music destination.

Is Avon or Vail Better for Resorts?

Vail is notable for its resorts. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Vail to choose from. Designed as a resort town, Vail offers great accommodation. Nice resorts include Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the Ritz Carlton Club, and the Grand Hyatt.

With a selection of resorts, Avon makes a nice vacation spot. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Is Avon or Vail Better for Hiking?

Vail is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Vail is a popular spot for hiking. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

Avon is a good destination for hiking. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Is the Shopping Better in Avon or Vail?

Vail is notable for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

Vail is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

Is Avon or Vail Better for Christmas?

Vail is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Avon does not offer Christmas activities.

Vail is a fantastic destination at Christmas. The town is a winter wonderland during the holidays. Check out the iconic Christmas tree lighting and wander through the fairytale streets.

Avon does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Avon or Vail Better for Christmas Markets?

Vail is notable for its Christmas markets. However, Avon does not offer Christmas markets.

Many people head to Vail to see its Christmas markets. The town's Christmas Market is picturesque, and the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts.

Avon does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Avon or Vail Better for Families?

Vail is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Vail is very family-friendly. With its world class skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, and ice cream, kids love this ski resort. The resort town has two terrain parks - Golden Peak and Avanti. Avanti is perfect for kids. It has small jumps, wide rails, and kid-friendly amenities. Golden Peak is designed for more advanced athletes. Vail also has nice beginner slopes that are great for kids.

Avon is a family-friendly town. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.

Is Avon or Vail Better for Couples?

Vail is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its romantic activities.

Vail is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy skiing and outdoor adventure will appreciate everything that this ski town has to offer. There are nice restaurants, beautiful gardens, and plenty of romantic activities to choose from.

Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

Is Avon or Vail Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vail is a good destination for backpackers. However, Avon is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Vail. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as there are a couple of hostels around town.

Avon is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers prefer to stay closer to the ski facilities.

Is Avon or Vail Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Avon and Vail offer nice public transit options.

Avon has a few public transit options. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

Vail has some public transit options. There is a free bus service through the area.

Is Avon or Vail a more walkable city?

Vail is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Vail on foot. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

Avon is a somewhat walkable place. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

For even more information, also check out Is Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Vail Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vail or Avon?

How long in Avon or Vail?

Both Avon and Vail have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vail than in Avon. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Avon, and 3-7 days is enough time in Vail.

Families should spend more time in Vail than Avon. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Vail, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Vail than Avon. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Vail that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vail than Avon if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Vail.

One day in Avon or Vail?

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Avon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Vail is a small town where visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Avon or Vail?

Avon is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Vail is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the skiing. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Avon or Vail?

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Avon. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vail might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This ski town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Avon or Vail?

The active town of Avon offers food and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Even though Vail is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Avon and Vail, we can see that Vail is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Avon Expensive? and Is Vail Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Avon or Vail?

Avon has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Avon and Vail, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.