This Colorado ski town offers year-round adventures.
Unlike many ski towns that started out as mining town , Vail was purpose - built as a ski area , with a settlement at the foot of the mountain plan after villages in the Alps . But Vail is way more than just a ski town . Ornate Bavarian - style edifice delineate Vail Village , pass the townsfolk a distinctly European feel — at least as far as the computer architecture go . Vail was started by two friends and avid skiers , Peter Seibert and Earl Eaton , combining Eagle - native Eaton ’s knowledge of the local mount with Seibert ’s love of European ski refinement . As the popularity grow , the domain expanded with the improver of Lionshead Village and residential homes in West Vail .
The same mountain that made Vail such a popular ski destination along with the nearby rivers also make Vail a great year - circle destination . Summers in Vail are almost as busy as the winter season with festivals and event ostensibly every weekend . The less - crowded shoulder joint seasons are perfect for tramp , bicycle and fly fishing . The community pose on free concert and artwork shows throughout the yr , and they ’ve also built a botanical garden right in this slew town .
The 96 - mile drive on I-70W from Denver to Vail take you through some scenic division of the foothill of the Rocky Mountains and into Eisenhower - Johnson Tunnel , the highest point of the Interstate Highway system , so the trip will be worth it from start to finish .
Courtesy of Vail Local Marketing District
Travel time
1.5 hours from Denver
If you don’t do anything else: Visit the country’s highest botanical garden
At 8,200 foot above ocean storey , theBetty Ford Alpine Gardensis not only the highest botanical garden in the United States , but it is also the area ’s only alpine garden , dedicate to preserve alpine plant and their habitats . The garden was founded by local horticulturists in 1985 and it was nominate in award of first lady Betty Ford , who frequented Vail with her married man , former chairman Gerald Ford . The terraced botanic garden grows both native Colorado plants and alpine plants from around the world , from Caucasus to South Africa . Summer is the most colorful time of twelvemonth in the garden , with blossom Swiss edelweiss , Himalayan gamey poppy , and much more . The aspen tree provide a halcyon background in the fall . Snowshoe around the garden in the winter for some serenity , break up only by a few wildlife in search of food . The garden is open year - unit of ammunition and is free to chit-chat , although contribution are appreciate . While small , there is an education shopping centre on site that host exhibits and workshops .
Fill the weekend with
Outdoor activities in Vail
Other than the obvious skiing and snowboarding in the wintertime , the relief of the year offers no shortage of outdoor activities . Spring and summer is the time to rack up the rivers on whitewater rafting trip with higher water levels and faster river stream . The surrounding field offers everything from mellow trips on the Eagle River to Class V rapids in Gore Canyon . For a much more mellow activeness in the piddle , Gore Creek and Eagle River volunteer some prissy fly fishing opportunities . Fall is a great meter to go hiking or biking in Vail , as the temperature cool down . The 5 Senses Trail at Vail Nature Center is an well-heeled , sept - friendly promenade along Gore Creek . On the other script , if you ’re looking for a challenge , hike the Berry Picker trail which fit from the base to the top of the gondola at Lionshead Village . It ’s a 2,224 feet elevation gain over 3.3 statute mile but on the positive side , if you boost all the way up you’re able to take the gondola down for free .
Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame
There ’s only one museum in Vail , but it ’s a big one for ski / snowboard lover and World War II fancier : theColorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame . The museum displays exhibits on the history of skiing , snowboard and Vail itself . One of Vail ’s founders , Peter Seibert , served in the tenth Mountain Division during World War II . The division was established to train soldiers in alpine warfare and Seibert trained as a ski trooper at Camp Hale in Colorado , which is when he first became familiar with Colorado sight . Because of this connection to Vail , the museum also has an display about this ski division during World War II .
Where to eat and drinkin Vail
Breakfast : If the morning calls for a hearty , greasy - spoonful kind of breakfast , head toThe Little Dinerin Lionshead Village . The kin - owned spot is cognise for their Dutch baby pancakes alongside Greco-Roman diner fare .
dinner party : For dinner , Sweet Basil is one not to overleap . A Vail lynchpin since 1977,Sweet Basiloffers creative and globally inspire cup of tea . The whipped feta with carta di musica ( a light and slight cracker ) is a staple here , though the condiments that accompany the dish change seasonally . The team behind Sweet Basil also runsMountain Standard , which offer up a more perfunctory dining experience with a menu revolve around around opened wood fire . The menu also shift seasonally , except for the buttermilk sea salt biscuits with Benton ’s jambon and pepper jelly which they could never take off the menu .
Drinks : There are plenty of libation around Vail ’s two small town as well , from local brews atVail Brewing Companyto unequaled infused flavor ( blue cheese life , anyone ? ) atArchetype Distillery . Root & Floweroffers an interesting wine - by - the - shabu leaning and thoughtfully crafted cocktails , but for those looking for a swanky lounge , theMoon Rabbitspeakeasy at Chasing Rabbits is the post to head to for post - dinner drinks .
Where to stay in Vail
Since Vail is a popular ski destination , there are mickle of lodging option to choose from . Many of the hotels pop the question bird serve and with the steady ( and detached ) bus overhaul in township , it ’s easy enough to get around without a car no matter where you bide . Grand Hyatt Vailis a good bet for those face for the sumptuousness resort experience with good dining option on holding .
There are also condo - fashion lodgings likeAntlers at Vailthat are more low-cost and come with a full kitchen for those who want to get up their own meal . For those who do n’t , Antlers ’ chef can prepare meals from breakfast to dinner and deliver them to the guest ’s unit .
Betty Ford Garden|Photo by Fiona Chandra
Vail Local Marketing District
Sweet Basil|Photo by Sara Rebeka
