| Check out our free interactive Vail vacation guide and discover Vail's biggest attractions, best restaurants and much more. If you've visited Vail before tell us your vacation tips and help other travellers enjoy great vacations in Vail. |
Vails skiing history began in the mid 1950's when the mountain was discovered, so to speak, by the 10th Mountain Division trooper Peter Seibert and Earl Eaton who was a local rancher. Seibert and Eaton were so taken by the view from the top of the mountain, that they dreamed of creating a ski area
Their dream was eventually realised in January 1962 when the US Forest Service granted them a permit. Vail got its name from highway engineer Charlie Vail who built the first highway through the area and in December 1962 Vail was opened and eventually became the largest ski area in North america. |
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Skiing - the vail area is a dream for ski enthusiasts.There are dozens of trails tha criss cross the mountain and are suitable for all skill levels from beginner to expert. There are also a number of ski lifts and a free shuttle service that runs through the different parts of Vail to take skiers to the ski lifts.
Vail Nature Centre - the centre is seven acres of forests, streams, meadows and many indigenous Colorado plant species which are nestled along the banks of Gore Creek. The Nature Centre not only has unspoilt scenery but also runs a wide variety of educational and entertainment programs that cater for the whole family.
Colorado Ski Museum - located in the upper level of the Vail Transportation Centre, the museum traces the history of skiing in Colorado. Interesting and informative displays show early skiers with primitive, basic equipment bravely taking to the slopes and another display focuses on the 10th Mountain Division who pioneered skiing in the Vail area.
The Vail Recreation Path - winding its way through Vail from Vail Village to East Vail and running parallel to the Vail Golf Course and Gore Creek. The Recreation Path is the perfect place to stroll through the town and mountains and enjoy the stunning scenery of the area. The path is relatively flat which makes it great for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. |
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Alpenrose Restaurant - located at 100 E Meadow Drive. Owner and Chef Peter Haller prepares the finest in Continental cuisine in this authentic European style restaurant that has been a fixture in Vail Village for the past 25 years. The food is superb and the service is fantastic.
Bart and Yeti's - located at 551 E. Lionshead Circle. Situated in the Lifthouse Lodge just north of the gondola, Bart and Yeti's is a fun American diner with a casual and rustic log cabin atmosphere. There are daily lunch specials and a childrens menu as well as typical American dishes. Open for lunch everyday until 3:00 pm.
Blu's Restaurant - 193 E. Gore Creek Drive. Blu's offers a creative and varied menu designed to cater for every taste. Try the great breakfasts as well as sandwiches, salads, soups and generous main meals. Blu's is reasonably priced and is good for the whole family.
Bully Ranch Restaurant - located at 20 Vail Road. One of the best loved restaurants in Vail catering for the whole family, Bully Ranch serves the best wraps, burgers and mudslides in town. The decor is Western Style and the interior is cozy and casual. Open for lunch daily from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., dinner from 4 p.m. - 11 p.m. daily.
Two Elk Restaurant - Vail Mountain. Built at an elevation of 11,220 feet with abundant windows, Vail Mountain's flagship restaurant has spectacular views of the mountains and surrounding areas. The interior is decorated in an Ute Indian theme and the menu is in a gourmet cafeteria style with a fantastic salad bar and the best soup bar, hamburgers and gourmet pizza's in town. |
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8150 - 143 E Meadow Drive. Dance the night away in Vail's premiere nightclub and largest live music venue. 8150 offers a great selection of musical styles from blues and jazz to reggae, rave and rock.
Blue Moon Bar - Located at Eagle's Nest. Pearched high on the top of Vail Mountain and reached by a scenic Gondola ride up the mountain, this is the perfect spot to meet friends for a drink and enjoy a casual meal. The restaurant offers a pub-style menu and good cold beer. Open for lunch 7 days a week and for dinner Tuesday-Saturday, closed on Sunday and Mondays.
Sanctuary - located at 333 Bridge Street. Offering Vail's only penthouse dance floor, this chic and sophisticated club is one of vails favourite spots.
King's Club - located at 20 Vail Road. Situated in Sonnenalp, King's has a refined and classic atmosphere where you can sip a good glass of wine while listening to piano music performed by Vail's finest entertainers. |
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Betty Ford Alpine Gardens - the gardens celebrate the spectacular beauty and diversity of alpine flora in the area. The gardens are the highest public botanical gardens in the world and were named after former first lady and local resident Lady Betty Ford. The gardens have a unique and diverse living collection of Alpine and sub Alpine plants and flowers.
Ford Park - situated next to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the park is a wonderful place to enjoy a game of frisbee or football and a picnic on the lovely grassy lawns. the park also has a classic childrens playground and is situated next to the Gerald ford Amphitheatre which hosts numerous events throughout the year. |
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| Vail Village has dozens of shops catering to every shopping whim, from art galleries and speciality boutiques to outdoor speciality shops and kids clothing stores. Vail is designed to be a pedestrian village which makes your shopping experience more enjoyable. Souveniers to take home from Vail include origional art work from one of the many galleries, fine jewelry and unique and funky hand crafted gifts. |
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Adventure Ridge - take a spectacular gondala ride up Vail Mountain to adventure Ridge which has a number of activities for children of all ages. Adventure Ridge features a rebound trampoline, a miniature golf course, guided nature hikes, indoor laser tag, lawn sports, mountain biking workshops and tours..
BMX Course - perfect for older children and teenagers. The course has lots of technical bumps and hups on the mountain and is set out in a figure of eight which is ideal for all skill levels. Sessions begin every 20 minutes and cost $12 per person including bike rental, course use and gear rental. |
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