Vail
Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Vail is a premier destination renowned for its world-class skiing and charming alpine ambiance. The town’s centerpiece is Vail Mountain, a sprawling 5,300-acre ski resort that offers an extensive network of trails for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, Vail’s slopes provide exhilarating experiences and breathtaking mountain views. In the summer, the mountain transforms into a haven for hikers and mountain bikers, with trails that offer equally stunning vistas.
Vail Village, with its quaint cobblestone streets and Bavarian-inspired architecture, creates a picturesque setting that’s both inviting and vibrant. Visitors can explore a wide range of boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants. The village is also home to an array of cultural events, including the Vail Film Festival and the Vail International Dance Festival, which showcase local and international talent.
A fun fact about Vail: It was established in 1962 by a group of local entrepreneurs who were inspired by the ski resorts of Europe. The town’s design was modeled after the alpine villages of Switzerland, giving it a distinctly European charm that sets it apart from other American ski towns.
The best time to visit Vail depends on your interests. For skiing and snowboarding, the winter months from December to March offer prime conditions. For hiking and outdoor activities, the summer months from June to September are ideal, with milder weather and fewer crowds. No matter when you visit, Vail’s stunning natural beauty and vibrant community make it a must-see destination in the Colorado Rockies.
Learn More About Vail
Guided Snowshoe Tour: Vail Mountain
From 12/8/2024 - 8/8/2025
Plunge into a frosty wonderland with a gratis guided tour on snowshoes atop the majestic Vail Mountain. Decked out in cozy winter attire, attendees (over the age of 10) explore winter ecology, understand animal adaptations, aptly maneuver on snowshoes, and absorb breathtaking alpine aesthetics.
Vail Farmers Market and Art Show
From 6/15/2025 - 10/5/2025
The Vail Farmers Market, now celebrating its 24th year, has grown immensely from a modest few tents to over 155 bustling stands open for 17 Sundays each summer. Here, you'll uncover a thoughtfully curated selection of mainly Colorado-made artisan foods and items, amidst a backdrop of the majestic mountain lifestyle, and while nibbling on delectable local bites as you merrily saunter along East Meadow Drive.
Bravo Vail Music Festival
From 6/19/2025 - 7/31/2025
The Bravo Vail Music Festival promises to present a symphonic spectacle featuring enthralling classics and soul-stirring jams. Attendees can expect an array of internationally acclaimed artists and awe-inspiring performances, providing an enriching cultural and musical experience.
Thursday Meadow Market
From 6/20/2025 - 9/19/2025
The upcoming VFM 2024 is set to be a spectacular affair, providing patrons with an array of indie retailers stocked with fresh produce, artisan goods, and charming one-of-a-kind finds. Offering a hybrid between a farmer's market and an artsy commodity bazaar, the following Thursday Meadow Market continues the trend of cultivating a delightfully grassroots shopping experience.
Vail Lacrosse Shootout
From 6/28/2025 - 7/6/2025
The Vail Lacrosse Shootout stokes adrenaline-fueled excitement, luring lacrosse lovers and local crowds alike. Expect electrifying games brimming with exceptional talent, deeming it a must-experience event for sports enthusiasts and fans of passionate team spirit.
Vail Hillclimb
On 7/5/2025
The 49th annual Vail HillClimb, named Best Trail Race twice by the Colorado Runner Magazine, promises a thrilling challenge fitting for local, regional, and national running enthusiasts. Echoing its rich history, the seven-mile trail springs from Vail Village to Mid-Vail with every mile holding captivating views, echoes from the past, and finishing with an unforgettable Gondola ride down.
La Sportiva Vail Hill Climb
On 7/5/2025
Endorsed by the Colorado Runner Magazine, the forthcoming HillClimb event promises contenders a rigorous 7.5-mile uphill route demanding superior stamina with a steep ascent of 2,500 feet. Besides witnessing thrilling races, the onlookers get to take advantage of a complimentary ride on the Eagle Bahn Gondola to the peak of Eagle's Nest, offering an unparalleled panorama of the tournament and the encompassing vistas.
Simple Minds
On 7/8/2025
Simple Minds, a Scottish rock band formed in the late 1970s, is renowned for their anthemic sound and major hits like "Don't You (Forget About Me)" and "Alive and Kicking." Their influence on the new wave and post-punk scenes is significant, with numerous awards and over 60 million albums sold worldwide. Their album "New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)" is often cited as a landmark release in the new wave genre.
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
On 7/19/2025
Rumours is a tribute band to the British-American rock band, Fleetwood Mac. Since their formation in 1999, they have performed at over eight-hundred major concert events to more than 750,000 fans.
Vail Dance Festival
From 7/25/2025 - 8/5/2025
The Vail Dance Festival is a celebration of world-class dance, attracting top artists and performers to the picturesque mountain town of Vail. Featuring a mix of ballet, contemporary, and international dance styles, the festival offers spectacular performances, workshops, and special events. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Rockies, attendees can enjoy intimate shows and larger-than-life performances in a charming, alpine setting. It’s a must-visit for dance lovers and those seeking an unforgettable cultural experience.
Art Walk in Avon
From 7/25/2025 - 9/5/2025
Prepare for an encapsulating journey through Avon's artistic scene with a sensory feast of up to 10 distinct sculptures. It's an immersive extravaganza, where one can delve deep into the stories and inspirations behind stunning pieces, amplifying the connection with artwork on unparalleled levels.
Cassis Jewels Trunk Show
From 7/26/2025 - 7/29/2025
Step into the magical world of Cassis Jewels. This incredible event forms an inspiring space, displaying an array of dazzling jewelry with intricate designs and outstanding craftsmanship, enticing jewelry enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Alonzo King Lines Ballet
On 7/26/2025
Experience Alonzo King's Lines Ballet as it ignites the imagination with two new pieces captured in bold choreography. One pays tribute to the legendary spiritual jazz icon, Alice Coltrane, while the other enters a magical realm in collaboration with the San Francisco Symphony, promising a stirring atmosphere.
Upclose: Song and Dance
On 7/27/2025
At UpClose, spectators bask in a dynamic mix of song and dance, appreciating the versatile allure of ballet, modern, street styles, and tap. Curated by Festival Artistic Director Damian Woetzel, event-goers can explore the rifts and resonance of classic and contemporary performance combinations, presented both in rehearsal and full-fledged performance stages.
Balanchine Celebration
On 7/28/2025
Experience the enchantment of premier ballet performances, celebrating the life and art of legend, George Balanchine, under a starlit sky. Prominent dancers from prestigious collectives like the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and Colorado Ballet will seductively charm with their enthralling performances of the seminal piece, Apollo, Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux, and a unique interpretation of Concerto Barocco.
Paul Taylor Dance Company
On 7/29/2025
The acclaimed Paul Taylor Dance Company presents a tribute to their late founder through a captivating piece, Company B, around the riveting Great Depression era. Additionally, attendees will witness a 50th-anniversary celebration of the legendary dancer's iconic piece "Esplanade", the showstopper known for turning ordinary life into something magical.
International Evenings of Dance
From 8/1/2025 - 8/2/2025
The International Evenings of Dance event offers a varied roster of world-renowned and emerging dancers united to uplift the performing arts. Notable offerings include energetic tap from veteran luminaries, the exhilarating expertise of street dance pioneers, and a captivating mix of classic ballet and contemporary moves.