- Q: What is Vail, Colorado primarily known for?
- A: Vail, Colorado, is primarily known as a winter ski destination with an annual average snowfall of 360 inches.
- Q: Is Vail, Colorado, only a winter destination?
- A: No, Vail is a year-round outdoor recreation destination for those in the know.
- Q: What activities can visitors enjoy during winter in Vail?
- A: During winter, visitors can take advantage of this ski and snowboard hot spot on Vail Mountain and its idyllic Bavarian-style mountain village.
- Q: What activities are available in Vail during the rest of the year?
- A: During the rest of the year, Vail is a getaway for the whole family with river rafting, zip lining, spelunking, fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
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1. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
In a destination that averages over 300 inches of snow a year, visitors probably wouldn’t expect to be able to visit gardens year-round, but that’s exactly what travelers to Vail can do. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens has five distinctive gardens to peruse – Children’s Garden, Schoolhouse Garden, Mountain Perennial Garden, Meditation Garden, and Alpine Rock Garden. There is also an amphitheater, museum and gift shop, and education center. There are public and private tours of the gardens during summer and guided and self-guided winter snowshoe tours during winter. The education center has a state-of-the-art alpine house, a pollinator garden, and a rooftop terrace.
522 South Frontage Road E, Vail, CO, Phone: 970-476-0103
2. Booth Falls Trail
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Booth Falls Trail, an out-and-back trail that’s roughly 10 miles round trip. Because the trail has a 3,000-foot gain in elevation from trailhead to summit, it’s categorized as an intermediate trail, though hikers who aren’t acclimated to the elevation may find it more difficult. Those who only want to hike to the 60-foot waterfall will find it two miles up the trail. The picturesque waterfall and stream present the perfect spot for a picnic or a place to rest. Those wanting to climb to the top and experience Booth Lake will be rewarded with conifer trees, wildflowers, and wildlife along the way. At the top, hikers enjoy both the feeding lake trout and the panoramic views of the Gore Mountain Range.
Vail Village Welcome Center, 241 South Frontage Road, Suite 8150, Vail, CO, Phone: 970-477-3522
3. Colorado Snowsports Museum
Visiting one of the premier ski and snowboard towns in the country almost begs a visit to the Colorado Snowsports Museum. The wealth of information presented by the museum is displayed in nine exhibits. The Colorado Skiing Timeline exhibit represents 140 years of Colorado’s skiing evolution, and there are several exhibits dedicated to the 10th Mountain Division World War II ski troopers, Vail Valley local history, and US Ski Team history dating back to the first Winter Olympics. Visitors will also find exhibits showcasing snowboards, skis, ski bindings, history of the National Ski Patrol, and the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame.
231 South Frontage Road E, Vail, CO, Phone: 970-476-1876
4. Deluge Lake Trail
Deluge Lake Trail is the most difficult of three trails that lead to Deluge Lake because of its steep, rocky incline. It begins at Gore Creek Campground and goes left at the first fork (Gore Creek Trail is to the right.) The trail travels though soaring aspens, then fir and lodgepole pine trees. Naturally, this makes for a colorful fall hike. A little over 2.5 miles up the trail, hikers will begin to see magnificent views of Gore Creek Valley. The last couple miles to the lake level out for a bit and the trail offers meadow views of wildflowers and wildlife, including deer and marmots. Hikers can spend some time appreciating the lake and panoramic views above the tree line before returning to the campground.
Gore Creek Campground, Big Horn Road, Vail, CO, Phone: 877-444-6777
5. Shrine Ridge Trail
Located in the White River National Forest, the Shrine Ridge Trail is one of the most spectacular wildflower viewing areas in Colorado. The mountainsides are blanketed with beautifully colorful flowers and incredible views of the Mount of the Holy Cross. Originally created by the Ute Native Americans, this pass winds through pine forests, rocky outcroppings, marshy meadows, trickling streams, and a few unique red sandstone rock formations. It is roughly a two-mile hike from the parking area to Shrine Pass with an elevation gain of roughly 750 feet, making it a beginner to intermediate level trail. Shrine Ridge is open each summer with wildflowers peaking in late July to early August.
900 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO, Phone: 970-945-2521
6. Upper Piney Lake Trail
The Upper Piney Lake Trail is located in White River National Forest. It’s an easy to moderate level trail with an elevation gain of roughly 350 feet. Situated in a remote area, this scenic alpine hike is a little over six miles roundtrip and features open meadows covered in wildflowers, rivers, lakes, and even a waterfall. The trail can be traveled by foot or on horseback, and camping and picnicking are allowed as long as visitors are at least 100 feet away from any water spots. Upper Piney is also an access point for those who want to continue on to Mt. Powell or spend a few hours fishing at Piney River.
900 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO, Phone: 970-945-2521
7. Vail Adventure Ridge
A stadium-sized winter wonderland, Vail Adventure Ridge is an outdoor playground that opens every winter and doesn’t close until mid-April. They offer a wealth of fun and exciting activities for the whole family, including snowshoeing, tubing, snowmobiling and skiing. At this all-day thrill park, guests can keep the adventures going well into the evening on gondola runs, ski bikes, and a bungee trampoline. They also feature a kid’s snowmobile track, slippery slope tubing lanes, various trails, a delectable family restaurant at Bistro 14, and the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, a raised alpine coaster that winds its way 3,400 feet down the mountain.
600 W Lionshead Circle, Vail, CO, Phone: 800-649-9960
8. Vail Nature Center
Managed by the Walking Mountains Science Center, the Vail Nature Center is located in a farmhouse nestled between the forested shores of Gore Creek and a mountain meadow. This tranquil seven-acre property is the perfect place to enjoy a multitude of nature-centered activities led by knowledgeable staff. They host a variety of informative tours and backcountry hikes that focus on wildflowers, birds, and a nearby beaver pond. They also provide several classes on topics like stargazing, nature, fly-fishing, and art. The Vail Nature Center is open every year from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September. Visitors can find it on the east side of Vail Village.
601 Vail Valley Drive, Vail, CO, Phone: 970-479-2291
9. Vail Ski Resort
Vail Ski Resort is the ultimate winter sport resort featuring over 5,000 skiable acres and a wide variety of terrain. It averages over 370 inches of snow and more than 300 days of sunshine each year, making it one of the premier destinations for snow activities. Surrounded by the Sawatch and Gore mountain ranges, visitors are treated to scenic vistas while they enjoy thrilling and adventurous activities all year long. They offer a multitude of activities during both winter and summer such as skiing, tubing, ski-biking, snowmobiling, zip-lining, hiking, and adventure courses. Vail Ski Resort also boasts three restaurants. Game Creek is a fine dining mountain chalet, casual restaurant Bistro Fourteen is a casual restaurant, and The 10th is an on-mountain restaurant.
600 W Lionshead Circle, Vail, CO, Phone: 800-649-9960
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