29 Best Things to Do in Vail (for First Timers)

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Things to Do in Winter | Vail Village Attractions | Things to Do in Summer

Vail is famous for its ski slopes and winter recreation. But as a Colorado local, I assure you that there are just as many (if not more!) things to do in Vail in summer, too. So slather on some sunscreen and get ready, because this guide shines a light on the top local activities — including several hidden gems.

Before we dive in, be sure to bookmark my guide to staying in Vail. You’ll want at least a couple of days in this exciting destination, trust me!

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29 Best Things to Do in Vail, Colorado

Vail Ski Resort

Ski or snowboard at Colorado’s largest resort.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 754-8245 | Website | Lift Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily (Nov – April) | 👉 Reserve Premium Ski Rentals with Delivery

Vail Mountain is larger than all of the ski resorts in Colorado, meaning it has plenty to offer every skill level. Intermediate and advanced skiers will love the iconic Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin. Meanwhile, beginners will find plenty to explore on the front side. Vail Ski Resort also offers ski and snowboard lessons, along with rentals. 

📚 Related Reading: A Guide to the Ski Resorts Near Denver

Vail Nordic Center

Snowshoe or cross-country ski through the mountains.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 476-8366 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily (Nov – April) | Day Pass: $25 adults, $20 youth ages 13 – 17, free ages 6 – 12 

Glide solo across one of the many trails at the Vail Nordic Center, or take a group or private tour with an advanced booking. The center also rents cross-country skis, snowshoes, and telemark gear, allowing you to explore elsewhere in the Vail Valley, too.

Ice Skate

Skate in the heart of Vail Village.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Alderhof Hours: 12 pm – 7 pm daily (winter season) 

There are three places to go ice skating in Vail. During the winter, check out the Alderhof rink in Lionshead Village next to The Arrabelle Hotel or the Solaris ice rink in the center of Vail Village. There’s also the Dobson Ice Arena, an indoor rink that’s open year-round.

Vail & Lionshead Villages

Browse upscale shops and galleries.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 476-4790 | Website

There are enough shops, restaurants, art galleries, and other sites in both Vail Village and Lionshead Village that you could easily spend a full day browsing. You’ll feel like you’re in a quaint town in the Alps, thanks to the Bavarian-inspired architecture — complete with window boxes of flowers in the summer and twinkling lights in the winter. 

While you’re wandering, admire public art and look for the engraved stones that include riddles and rebuses along Wall Street in Vail Village.

Things To Do In Vail in Winter

Snowmobile

Fly across the frozen land.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 476-7749 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 7 pm daily (winter season) | Tours: $260+ single rider, $380+ double  

Vail Backcountry Tours offers 2-hour and half-day group snowmobiling tours, as well as private excursions through the Rocky Mountains. On these tours, you’ll see beautiful meadows and gorgeous scenery right near Vail Village. Anyone with a valid driver’s license or permit can drive solo or with a passenger ages 6+. 

👉 Pro Tip: Pick up a box of hand warmers to keep you comfortable throughout the day!

Fat Tire Biking

Pedal through the snow at the Vail Nordic Center.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 476-8366 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily (Nov – April) | Day Pass: $25 adults, $20 youth ages 13 – 17, free ages 6 – 12 

Try fat tire biking on the snow for a fun, unique experience. You can rent bikes and helmets at the Vail Nordic Center, and there are designated trails where you can ride. There’s a restaurant on-site as well, so you can warm up after an active day outside with soup or a hot drink.

Dog Sledding

Cross the snow with some very good boys.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (719) 486-9899 | Website | Hours: call for reservations (winter season) | Tours: $285 ages 9+, $195 children ages 3 – 8

A day outdoors in the snow? Check. Views of the Rocky Mountains on all sides? Check. Ridiculously cute and fluffy dogs you can meet before your ride? Check, check! 

Dog sledding tours are one of the best things to do in Leadville, a mountain town just 30 minutes south of Vail. This is one of those memory-making events that will stay with you and your family for a long time.

💰 Budget Tip: Stay near Vail without breaking the bank by lodging in Leadville, where you’ll find far more budget-friendly hotels!

Go Ice Fishing

Join a guide out on the lake.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (877) 926-0900 | Website | Cost: Starting at $450

You can absolutely plan your own trip, but ice fishing is made easy with Vail Valley Anglers. The company plans winter trips to lower altitude reservoirs so you and your family can go ice fishing without having to worry about logistics and equipment. It also sets up portable ice fishing huts, so you can stay warm and have a cup of cocoa when you need a break.

Vail Village Attractions

Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall Of Fame

Learn the history of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 476-1876 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: free, $10 suggested donation 

The Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame overviews the town’s push to make Vail Mountain the best ski resort in the country. The museum has a ton of info about the people who made skiing and snowboarding history here, as well as walking tours that will guide you to interesting places around town.

Vail Spas

Recharge your batteries at one of the many spas.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 688-8055 | Website

There are several spas in Vail where you can pamper your tired body after a day on the slopes or trails. RockResorts has spas at The Arrabelle Hotel and The Lodge at Vail, and there are other great spas at Sonnenalp, Vail Mountain Lodge, and the Four Seasons.

Vail Brewing Company

Relax with an après-ski beer.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 470-4622 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 10 pm daily

Looking to grab a craft beer after a long day of skiing or biking? Then head over to Vail Brewing Company! The establishment proudly boasts that it’s “veteran and ski bum-owned,” and it’s a great place to relax and sample the local offerings. Keep an eye on its event schedule — the brewery regularly hosts musical artists and other fun performances.

10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirits

Sample locally made spirits.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 470-4215 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 10 pm daily

The 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirits tasting room is the perfect place to try award-winning bourbon, rye, moonshine, potato vodka, or the local Alpenglow cordial. You can get a spirit flight, cocktails, or full bottles of its whiskey and spirits.

Things To Do In Vail in Summer

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

Relax in the highest elevation botanical garden in North America.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 476-0103 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: free, $20 suggested donation

The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a beautiful place to walk, drink your coffee, and appreciate the beauty of the high-elevation plants that surround you. It comprises four plant collections, including a dedicated children’s garden where kids can do a scavenger hunt and play on the wide-open lawn and playground.

The gardens are free to visit, although a $20 donation is suggested. Paid guided tours and an adorable gift shop are also available.

Whitewater Rafting

Float along the river.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 845-7238 | Website | Tour Hours Vary | Tours Begin at $58 | 👉 Browse Whitewater Rafting Tours on Viator

Whitewater rafting is one of the state’s best activities and there are several nearby tours from Colorado Rafting Company. You can take kids on a slow float trip down the river or find an adrenaline-pumping whitewater ride to challenge yourself.

Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

Enjoy an evening of music under the stars.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 845-8497 | Website | Showtimes Vary 

The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, referred to as The Amp by locals, is a beautiful outdoor venue where you can see popular bands, orchestras, performances during the Vail Dance Festival, and more. I recommend booking your tickets in advance, as you never know what’s going to sell out.

Paragon Guides

Hike with llamas.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 926-5299 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon-Sat, May 15 – end of September | Entrance: $775 first 2 people, $95 each additional person, $65 under 11

Ever wanted to take a llama to lunch? Then Vail is the place for you! Paragon Guides’ llamas help carry your picnic and gear on an easy hike — or even a multi-day trek along the Colorado Trail. These friendly, curious companions really add to the experience.

Vail Stables

See the Rockies while horseback riding.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (855) 743-3824 | Website | Rides: $165+ per person | Hours: vary from May – Sept 

Horseback riding is one of the best ways to take in Vail Valley views. Spot wildlife, wildflower-strewn meadows, and mountain vistas on a 90-minute to 3-hour ride with Vail Stables.

Goat Yoga

You may not relax but you’ll have a blast.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (855) 743-3824 | Website | Hours: varies from May – Sept | Entrance: $40+ 

Goat yoga is one of the more bizarre yoga crazes in recent years, and Vail is the perfect place for it. Vail Stables offers goat yoga sessions, along with goat happy hour. Hang on to your drink!

Go Paddleboarding

Enjoy a quiet paddle on the water.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 393-3328 | Cost: Board rentals are $60

There are multiple places to paddleboard in Vail, including Piney River Ranch and mellower sections of the Colorado River. I also recommend checking out Nottingham Lake in Avon. Several local outfitters offer gear rentals by the hour and day. 

Fly Fishing

Reel in a big one.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (877) 926-0900 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 6 pm daily | 👉 Browse Fishing Tours on Viator

There are plenty of places to go fly fishing on your own in the White River National Forest. However, outfitters like Vail Valley Anglers will load you up with gear, teach you to fly fish, and take you to the locals’ spots. Half and full-day tours are available.

Summer Gondola

See the slopes in summer.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (877) 956-8473 | Website | Entrance: $64 adult, $54 senior 65+, $44 children ages 4 – 12 (free with adult/senior ticket) | Hours: 9:30 am – 4 pm daily (June – Sept)

Riding the gondola is one of the best summer activities in Vail. Simply enjoy the scenery or disembark when you reach the top to go mountain biking or hiking. There are also places to eat on the mountain so you can have a delicious, scenic lunch! Kids 12 and under get a free ticket with the purchase of an adult or senior ticket.

Epic Discovery

A day of adventure.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 754-8245 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily (June – Sept 1), 10 am – 4 pm Fri – Sun, Closed Mon – Thurs (Sept 5 – 28) 

Spend summer days at Vail Ski Resort’s on-mountain adventure park, Epic Discovery. This is a great spot for both adults and families, and kids will be busy all day long! Tackle the adventure courses, ziplines, Forest Flyer mountain coaster, tubing hills, a climbing wall, and more.

Mountain Biking

Another way to hit the slopes.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 754-8245 | Website | Hours: 6:30 am – 7 pm daily (June – Sept)

There are lots of places to go mountain biking in Vail, but the ski resort is one of the most fun spots. Take your bike up the mountain on either the Eagle Bahn Gondola or Gondola One, and then ride down. The easiest way to do this is to rent bikes and helmets right in the village — and yes, there’s ice cream nearby in case you need a treat after.

👉 Pro Tip: Check out our Colorado packing list so you don’t forget anything for your trip to Vail! 

Gore Valley Bike Trail

Take a ride next to sparkling streams.

📍 Google Maps | Website 

Cycling along the Gore Valley Bike Trail is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. This 12-mile paved trail goes through residential streets, open spaces, parks, and villages. Plus, it connects with the Vail Pass Trail if you want more of a challenge.

Take A Hike

Hike to lakes and waterfalls.

📍 Google Maps | Website 

Vail is home to some of the best hikes in Colorado, including Booth Falls, Deluge Lake, and the Upper Piney Lake Trail. These are all moderate hikes with beautiful mountain views. However, keep in mind that you’ll probably want a day to acclimate before attempting any of them if you’re from a lower elevation.

👉 Read Next: Colorado Travel Tips & Things to Know (By a Local)

Vail Nature Center

Learn about local flora and fauna.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 479-2291 | Website | Hours: vary from June – Sept | Entrance: Free, donations accepted

The Vail Nature Center is housed in a 1940s homestead on seven acres of land in the middle of Vail. It offers guided hikes, birdwatching, beaver pond tours, and stargazing parties. Pop in to see the exhibits and walk the trails along Gore Creek.

👉 Read Next: Best Things to Do in Breckenridge, Colorado

Vail Farmers’ Market

Browse handmade and homegrown Colorado goods.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 3 pm Sun (June – Oct)

Vail Village is taken over by more than a hundred farmers market tents on summer Sundays. You’ll find arts and crafts by Colorado artists, plus plenty of produce, flowers, and other goods from local farmers. Do some grocery shopping if you’re staying in Vail for a few days or simply grab a unique souvenir!

Jeep Tours

Get off the beaten path.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 476-1414 | Website | Tours: $159+ adults, $149 youth ages 7 – 12, $89 under 7 (not including 12% land-use fee)

Going off-roading on a Jeep tour in Vail will give you a completely different view of the scenery and the mountains. Timberline Tours has a variety of Jeep tours, from smoother terrain to more rugged adventures.

Vail Golf Club

Tee off in a beautiful spot.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (970) 479-2260 | Website | Hours: varies from May – Oct | Entrance: $44+

Play a gorgeous round on the Vail Golf Club courses. The club also features a restaurant, pro shop, and instructors who give lessons. And yeah, your ball really does go farther when you hit it at a high altitude!

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Next up, see my guide on the best times to visit Vail. Also, leave me a comment if you’d like additional help planning your trip!