Although some might say ‘it’s too commercialized,’ Vail earned its international fame for a good reason. The town is popular among mountain lovers for its world-class skiing while its charming, European-style base villages offer high-end dining and shopping. There’s also no shortage of local nature, with the dramatic landscape around the town offering amazing hiking, mountain biking, and many more activities during the summer (a level of outdoor recreation that some locals say even rivals that of the winter months).

History:

Pete Seibert, a member of the 10th Mountain Division who served in World War II, and Earl Eaton, a local rancher and skier, teamed up to create what would become Vail Mountain ski area in 1957. The pair hiked the mountain on March 19, 1957, and the rest is history. The resort opened on Dec. 15, 1962, and at the time, was selling lift tickets for only $5.

Over time, the area grew into the iconic mountain town and ski resort it is today, with the development of the European-inspired village with plenty of shopping and dining, and the addition of more terrain, lifts, and gondolas. The completion of Interstate 70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel also helped the resort grow by increasing accessibility into the area.

Outdoor Recreation:

It’s no secret that Vail is known for its iconic, world-class ski resort, which offers 5,317 acres of skiable terrain, including the renowned Back Bowls (which span seven miles across the back of the mountain). The mountain town also offers plenty of great hiking and mountain biking during the summer season.

Culture:

The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater – this is an open-air theater that offers a variety of dance and music performances throughout the summer season. Some typical concert series include Hot Summer Nights, the Vail Dance Festival, and Bravo! Vail.

Taste of Vail – this wine and food festival is held during the first weekend of April and “blends local flavors with the talents of top chefs, artisans, and culinary experts from round the globe.” The festival features wine tastings and gourmet dinners.

Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame – This unique museum tells the story of the rise of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado.

GoPro Mountain Games – usually held sometime in June, this event mixes adventure sports, live music, and art.

Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show – this farmers’ market runs between June and October in Vail Village, and features local art, food, and craft vendors.

Dining:

Sweet Basil – this highly rated fine dining restaurant serves up new American cuisine in Vail Village.

Vendetta’s – located a short walk from Gondola One, this bar and restaurant offers pizza, Italian options, and more.

Mountain Standard – the majority of the food at this restaurant is cooked over an open and live wood fire, using the “purest ingredients in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond.”

Alpenrose Vail – this German-Austrian restaurant was established in 1974 and also serves homemade pastries, beer, and wine.

Lodging:

Grand Hyatt Vail Resort and Spa – this ski-in/ski-out hotel features luxurious amenities, gourmet dining, and family-friendly activities.

Four Season Resort and Residences Vail – this resort offers luxurious accommodations and amenities to enjoy in the Rockies.

Getting there:

According to Google Maps, Vail is about one hour and 42 minutes away from Denver via Interstate 70.

Guests can also fly into the Eagle County Regional Airport, which is about a 45 minute drive away from Vail.

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