Are you thinking about visiting Vail, Colorado? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Vail worth visiting?
Vail is worth visiting for three to seven days so that you can explore everything that the ski town has to offer. 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. During our first trip to Vail in 2021, we fell in love with its family-friendly activities and fun atmosphere. We've come back several times since then to experience it even more. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Reader's Digest's Best Places to Travel in 2023.
Vail, Colorado
Reasons to Visit Vail
Skiing
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.
Nightlife
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.
Resorts
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.
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.
Shopping
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.
Christmas Markets
The town's Christmas Market is picturesque, and the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts.
Food
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.
Music
You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Vail
Lots of Tourists
Vail sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Vail might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Vail here or see if Vail is expensive here.
Related
What is Vail most famous for?
Vail is most famous for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. People visit this impressive ski town for its great skiing. It's also known for nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, and christmas markets. And many travelers come for the food and music, as well. It is often described as charming, picturesque, scenic, vibrant, upscale, and resort-filled.
What is the most famous sight in Vail?
The most popular sight in Vail is The Vail Ski Resort. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Vail on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Vail Ski Resort and other attractions here.
How touristy is Vail? Is it a popular ski town to visit?
Vail is a very touristy ski town that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Vail Segway Tour from Vail Village: $89
- Bike Tour or Mountain Bike down Vail Mountain: $120
- Smartphone Driving Tour between Denver & Vail / Breckenridge: $7.99
- Save the Mountain Escape Room Adventure: $45
- Dillon Marina & Shopping Tour: $267
How long should I spend in Vail?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Vail is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Vail has a variety of activities such as skiing, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Vail?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Vail?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Vail?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.