Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Vail?

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Vail?

Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Vail during their visit. The scenic ski town offers amazing highlights such as the snow skiing, the small town charm, the quaint atmosphere, and the hiking.

Vail is a world-class ski destination and a small resort town in the state of Colorado. The town offers easy access to many winter sports including skiing and snowboarding. It is credited with producing a number of Olympic athletes. During the warmer months visitors can enjoy hiking, golf, fly fishing, and exploring the charming town.

Do you have one or two days to visit Vail? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Vail?

Given only one day, you will likely find yourself hurrying to ski down the slopes, soak up the small town charm, admire the quaint setting, and get out into nature. To truly savor all that the ski town boasts, a more generous amount of time is advisable. After all, the skiing and other winter activities shouldn't be missed. Many travelers opt for at least 3 or as many as 7 days to make the most of their vacation. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to get started.

How to spend a day in Vail

When visiting Vail, you absolutely can't miss the Vail Ski Resort as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. 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.

Vail is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the ski town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Vail?

With only a weekend, you might feel a bit pressed for time to take in the snow skiing, the small town charm, the quaint atmosphere, and the hiking. To fully embrace Vail, a longer visit is better. Most travelers tend to plan at least 3 or as many as 7 days to experience the mountains and beautiful scenery. Nevertheless, if your schedule is limited, we can provide some suggestions to maximize your visit.

Vail, Colorado

How to spend 2 days in Vail

Having a weekend (two to three days) in Vail will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the ski town.

Snow skiing takes the spotlight during the winter season, so set aside at least a day to hit the slopes. 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.

A few tour suggestions include:

Eagle County Regional Airport to Snowmass Aspen Ski Resort ($132)

Vail is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It is a beautiful town that has stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

A few tour suggestions include:

Eagle County Airport(EGE) to Steamboat - Arrival Private Transfer ($77)
Eagle County Regional (EGE) to Steamboat Springs-Arrival Transfer ($121)
Eagle County Airport to Steamboat - Round-Trip Private Transfer ($154)

The public transit in Vail is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the ski town quite easily and affordably. There is a free bus service through the area.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Vail, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.