The Vail center point is around the area of Vail Village and the area of Vail Ski Area.
Vail's climate is categorized by warm summers and cold winters. The low temperatures between October and May rarely rise above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure to plan ahead and bring plenty of warm clothing if you're visiting during the late fall or summer months. Vail also receives about 200 inches of snowfall per year, with more falling in the mountains that surround the municipality. During the summer months, the high temperatures are typically in the 70s, although they can get up to the 80s.
Hotel rates are drastically higher during the winter in Vail. Ski vacationers enjoy relaxing in nearby lodges and hotels, especially those that offer ski-in/ski-out access and don't require a car to get around. If you're looking to book a budget-friendly trip to Vail, you'll have to visit during the spring or summer months. Rates are quite a bit lower, although you'll see some increases when the municipality hosts specific events. Examples include the GoPro Mountain Games, the Vail Jazz Festival, Vail America Days, the Vail Film Festival, and Vail Oktoberfest.
The ski resort also serves as the host for national skiing and snowboarding competitions, as well as other winter events. For example, Vail will host the Burton U.S. Open this year.
Several hotels provide discounted rates for travelers in Vail. For example, AAA members can score discounts at The Sebastian Vail and Quality Inn & Suites Summit County. Military rates are available at Lodge Tower Resort, Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center, Residence Inn by Marriott Breckenridge, and Ramada by Wyndham Frisco. Senior travelers may be able to pay lower prices at Best Western Ptarmigan Lodge, Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Breckenridge, and Beaver Creek Lodge, A Kessler Hotel.
For a high-value stay in Vail, book a room at The Sebastian Vail. This hotel sits at the base of the ski resort, offering ski-in/ski-out access. Additional amenities include a complimentary shuttle with service in a 5-mile radius, a full-service spa, a sauna, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant/bar. The rooms boast Egyptian cotton sheets, down comforters, wireless internet access, designer toiletries, LCD TVs, minibars, and iPod docking stations.
Another property offering a great value for guests is The Osprey at Beaver Creek, a Rockresort. This hotel is about 8 miles from Vail, but it's packed with appealing amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, ski storage, concierge services, and a spa tub. The rooms come with free Wi-Fi, complimentary newspapers, separate workspaces, and flat-screen TVs.
If you're planning to visit Vail during the winter months, you'll definitely want to spend some time on the slopes. Vail Ski Resort is one of the best areas for skiing in the country, boasting incredible powder and runs for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The resort also offers ski and snowboard lessons, including specialized group lessons for adults and kids. Equipment is available for rent at the resort if you don't plan to bring your own.
Learn more about the history of skiing at the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum, which houses several exhibits focused on the ski troopers of World War II, how Vail was developed, and the timeline of skiing in Colorado. Vail Ski Resort is also a fun destination during the summer months. Take part in a variety of epic discovery activities, including ziplines, scenic rides on a gondola that goes 10,000 feet in the air, adventure courses, summer tubing, climbing walls, bungee trampolines, rides on the mountain coaster, mountain biking on the trails, and guided hikes.
Getting Around
The closest airport to Vail is Eagle County Airport, which is about 30 miles west of the municipality. Most locals and visitors prefer to explore Vail on foot, which is easier because of the pedestrian crossing areas found throughout the area. An in-town shuttle provides service every 15 minutes during the spring, summer, and fall seasons, and every five minutes during the winter. Ten of the buses are hybrid-electric. Signs at the stops show when the next shuttle will arrive. Bus service is also available via Eagle County Transportation, which runs through Vail and nine of the surrounding municipalities.
No matter what time of year you visit Vail, you can enjoy a true escape from the hustle of daily life. This municipality provides a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of places to grab food and drinks, in between skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or mountain biking adventures.
Below are reviews of the city of Vail, CO from an actual visitor's perspective.
It is beautiful. The gondolas and ski experience was great. My (Diane Lajoie) ski instructor at Golden Peak was superb and the staff we encountered was great. The bus was wonderful, La Segunda restaurant was amazing.
Christmas lights. New Year's fireworks. May Palace Chinese food rocks! Local Joe's Pizza is cool local spot. The Saloon in Minturn has been a casual Mexican food good experience in the past.
Places to sit and variety of shops.
Being able to walk everywhere with heated streets, great restaurants and obviously the skiing is outstanding.
Loved being able to walk everywhere with heated streets, great restaurants and obviously the skiing is outstanding!
Vail was beautiful, fun, and enjoyable!
Vail is a very beautiful and young town. There are a lot of shops and places to eat. I was most impressed with the free bus service that was like a well oiled machine. Everyone was very helpful and polite. Being a skier, I would LOVE to ski there in the winter! Summer is a lot of fun, too!
We attended a wedding. Beautiful place to stay!
Vail is ritzy with a casual feel. Lots of shops and restaurants. There's a little something for everyone. Nightlife and family fun. Vail Village is the main hub but Lionshead Village is really impressive as well. Easy shuttling between the two and the outskirts of town.
NA - We were in Beaver Creek.
I love Vail for what it is, a skiers paradise!
I enjoyed my visit thoroughly. First time there in the fall and it was very pleasant with some good hiking trails.
Great shops