Discover Vail’s lofty elevation in the Colorado Rockies—where this premier ski destination sits at over 8,000 feet above sea level, offering alpine air, high-altitude adventures, and snow-covered luxury all year round.

Table of Contents

Where is Vail?

  • Location: The town of Vail is located in Eagle County, Colorado, with just over 5,000 residents.

City Profile

  • Main attraction: Home to the Vail Ski Resort, the largest single-mountain ski resort in Colorado and the third largest in the U.S.
  • Tourist destination: Widely known as a top-tier recreation and luxury tourism hub.
  • Incorporation: Officially incorporated shortly after the resort’s opening in 1962.
  • Town size: Covers 4.69 square miles.
  • Ski resort size: Spans over 5,000 acres with nearly 200 runs, over half rated advanced.
  • Resort amenities: Offers more than 30 chair lifts and a wide range of visitor facilities.
  • Luxury reputation: Considered one of the wealthiest resort towns in America, with upscale lodging, dining, and annual events like the Vail Film Festival.

Elevation Basics

  • Town elevation: Vail sits at 8,022 feet (2,445 m), higher than nearby Aspen.
  • Ski resort elevation: Ranges from 8,120 feet (2,470 m) to a summit of 11,570 feet (3,527 m).
  • National comparison: Vail is among the highest towns in Colorado and well above most towns across the U.S.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • Altitude effects: High elevation causes colder temperatures and reduced oxygen levels, which can impact unacclimated visitors.
  • Travel tips: Visitors from low altitudes should prepare for rapid changes in conditions.
  • Precautions: Stay hydrated, monitor alcohol consumption, and wear layers to combat the alpine chill.
  • Elevation comparison in Colorado: Colorado’s average elevation is 6,800 feet (2,070 m). Vail exceeds this and sits higher than:
  • Highest city in Colorado: Leadville in the Rocky Mountains stands at 10,152 feet (3,094 m), making it the highest incorporated city in the U.S.

Climate and Recreation

  • Climate type: Vail experiences an alpine humid continental climate.
  • Temperature swings: Warm days can reach 80°F (27°C) in summer, but nights may still dip below freezing.
  • Seasonal variance: Expect quick shifts between seasons and frequent mountain breezes.
  • Primary activity: Skiing dominates Vail’s recreation scene, with slopes for all skill levels at the Vail Ski Resort.
  • Other attractions: Hosts the Vail Film Festival, Bravo! Vail music festival, and offers high-end shopping, dining, and wellness retreats year-round.

Plan Your Trip