With some of the most reliable snow in Colorado and a mountain famous for its long, groomed runs and wide-open terrain, Vail has earned a reputation that stretches far beyond the Rockies.
Built in 1962 by veterans who trained with the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division, Vail was designed for skiing first and everything else second—and that logic still shapes the area. Runs spill directly into town; après bars sit just feet from the lifts; and the sidewalks are heated so you can shuffle around in your ski boots without slipping on ice. Yes, really. Today, Vail is one of the country’s largest ski areas, with more than 5,300 acres and dozens of lifts that spread snow-chasers across front-side cruisers and glades, and to the kind of back-bowl skiing that people plan whole trips around.
But the appeal doesn’t stop at the edge of the runs. The valley stays busy year-round with fly-fishing, hiking, biking, and scenic gondola rides once the snow melts. There are two main areas of town—Vail Village and Lionshead—where walkways wind past gear shops, cocktail bars, galleries, and hotels built for relaxing after a day on the mountain. They’re closely followed by Golden Peak, a less-crowed base known for its ski school. So whether you’re here for winter powder or long summer afternoons, Vail offers a mix of outdoor adventure and village ease that’s hard to match in the Rockies.
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How to get there
Most travelers land at Denver International Airport, then drive the two hours west through the mountain pass on I-70. It’s an easy trip in good weather, though much slower during snowstorms (which are frequent and can close the road due to dangerous conditions or accidents). If you’d rather skip the highway roulette, Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is just 30 minutes from the village and has seasonal nonstop flights from more than a dozen US cities, including Washington, DC, San Diego, and Seattle. From Eagle, shuttle services like Epic Mountain Express or private transfers from Summit Express can drop you at your hotel or Airbnb door, skis and bags included. Once you’re in town, the free bus system connects Vail Village, Lionshead, and Golden Peak, and the whole place is walkable—even in ski boots.
