Sophia May
Top Things To Do In Vail Colorado – A few days ago, I returned from an absolutely amazing trip to Vail, and as promised, I wanted to share my trip with you.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a mountain novice, or planning your summer (and snow-free!) trip, there are tons of great things to do in Vail.
Top Things To Do In Vail Colorado
Below, you’ll find a detailed day-by-day itinerary of everything I did on my last trip, including great restaurants, unique spas, some hotel recommendations, and lots of tips on how to get the most out of your stay in Vail . Experience (saving money along the way.)
Top Things To Do In Vail, Colorado
Note: Denver is about 2 hours from Vail, but there are several flight options depending on where you are coming from. Alternatively, you can fly into Eagle Country-EGE, which is 30-40 minutes from the city. For us, this required a connecting flight, so we stuck with DEN.
I highly recommend Epic Mountain Express, a private transportation and group transportation service. We decided to go alone and had an amazing experience back there.
The drivers were incredibly professional, the cars were luxury SUVs and the whole experience was seamless from start to finish.
We stayed at the Arrabelle at the RockResort in Vail Square and absolutely loved it. The atmosphere was ultra-luxurious yet comfortable and accessible, and the service was truly five-star.
Vail In Summer: 25 Best Things To Do (off Season) In Co
After all, the hotel’s best selling point is its location. Arrabelle is located in the heart of Lionshead Village, below the Eagle Bahn Gondola, so you can ski minutes from your room.
Prime après-ski vibes with indoor and outdoor seating, right on the slopes. Everything we eat is delicious. (We ordered a burger and grilled cheese + tomato soup!)
We rented everything (skis, boots, helmets, poles) from Epic Mountain Rentals, and since they have space at the hotel, it couldn’t have been better.
Once we were settled in, they labeled our things with our names, left them overnight, and waited for us the next morning in the gondola “vale” so we didn’t have to worry about carrying anything. It is very simple and rude.
Best Things To Do In Vail, Co (for 2023)
Tip: If there’s one tip you’ll take away from reading this article, it’s to buy an EPIC PASS before your trip instead of buying day tickets. The Epic Pass is an annual ski pass with unlimited access to 40 resorts worldwide (yes, even on vacation), including Vail, Breck, Park City, Whistler Blackcomb and more. If you plan to ski for more than two days – or if you want to visit other mountain areas throughout the year – a pass is charged. There are plenty of other perks too: If you have an Epic Pass, you automatically get 20% off on-mountain dining, lodging, group lessons and rentals, as well as discounted tickets for friends and family. In the summer, there are deals like free gondola rides, discounted bike rentals and golf depending on your location. (If you buy now in 2022/2023, this is currently the lowest price of the season.)
Editor’s Note: If you’re already on the Epic Pass train… you’re in luck. To save more than 30% at Vail Resorts in North America, passholders will receive an additional 20% on Summer Escape sales starting May 19.
Note: Memorial Day is the last chance to get the lowest price on the 2022/23 Epic Pass and (get two Buddy tickets.)
For spa experiences (even spa inspired candles!) and when I tell you that my massage at The Arrabelle is in the top 3 massages… I’m not kidding. Make an appointment (even if you’re not here) and ask Samantha!
Useful Vail Travel Guide
When I asked people about their “must-have” dinner in Vail, Sweet Basil’s dinner was at the top of everyone’s list. I’m so glad we decided to share it here. The food was incredible and we loved the cool, lively atmosphere.
Tip: Another thing we did was rent ski gear from Kit Lender, who has a partnership with Vail Resorts. Very similar to “Trail Rentals” but specifically for skiing/snowboarding. Choose your outfit online before your trip and they’ll send it to your hotel with a return label so you can send it back when you’re done. Full “kit” (eg jacket, pants, gloves/mitts and goggles) starts at $30 per day for adults and $16 per day for children – that’s less than you’d spend to check a bag of things. Common sense in the face of time and effort saves you.
We ate at the hotel every morning because it was so nice (and the breakfast they had was amazing), but there are plenty of options if you choose to go out.
As an intermediate player, I always feel comfortable doing a “refresher” course or running with a guide, especially when traveling to a new location.
How To Celebrate The Holidays In Vail
Matt and I did a half day private session and it was the best decision ever. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and not only gave me tips to make me feel more confident, he matched us based on our ability level and showed us hidden spots we would never have seen otherwise.
If you can make a recommendation I highly recommend our guide Nick Alexander – he has been teaching ski ballet for 20+ years and knows the area like the back of his hand.
Pro tip: If you’re skiing with a guide or taking a ski school lesson, you can use a designated route, which will help you get as much time on the mountain as possible.
Unfortunately, season 10 was closed when we were there (mid-April), but it’s a top recommendation that we definitely plan on doing next time.
Fun Things To Do In Vail May 2023
Instead, we went to Vail Village to shop and walk and had a nice dinner at the Mountain Standard.
This charming wine bar is tucked away on a side street in Vail Village. We went for a drink before dinner.
I never miss an opportunity to dine at Chef Nobu’s restaurant. Matsuhisa was amazing as expected and the atmosphere was completely different from all the other restaurants we ate at on our trip – very big and spacious, like something you would expect to find in a big city.
One thing I learned on this trip is that tacos and spicy margaritas taste so good after a day of racing. El Segundo, a tequila bar and taqueria in Vail Village, really hit the spot.
Top Things To Do In Vail, Colorado
Matt and I had a massage at the Well & Being Spa in Hythe (located at the foot of the Arrabelle) and it was absolutely amazing. The treatment was good and we enjoyed the bells and whistles after the treatment.
They have a salt processing room as well as a “recovery” room, equipped with game gear, heated towels and other equipment for après ski recovery.
The Hythe Hotel (or stay here!) officially opened in November after a $40 million renovation, and it’s absolutely stunning (as evidenced by these photos!).
The rooftop bar, Revel, has the best cocktails in the hotel’s top tier. It is good if you are a member of Marriott Bonvoy, the hotel is located in the adjacent section of Marriott.
Things To Do In Vail In The Winter That Isn’t Skiing
This laid-back surf and turf beach restaurant looks like fine dining in a nice, casual way. A great place to go if you’re in the mood for martinis, oysters and a great menu (among other things!).
Even if you don’t go during ski season, it’s such an amazing place year-round that I thought I’d include some ideas for things to do in Vail in the summer. Summer dates and events will run from June 17th to October 2nd.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for activities such as scenic gondola rides, gondola rides, biking and fishing. There are tons of outdoor shows scheduled for the summer (you can see the lineup here )… and of course, all of the dining and spa options I mentioned above make for great things to do in the summer in Vail.
Editor’s Note: Vail Resorts recently announced their Summer Lodging Sale where you can save 15% on hotels, condos and cabins, including the Arrabelle where I stayed (which is a treat) and the Center at Vail Village. Other properties like Lodge at Vail, Rock Resort. and Hythe, an excellent collection, both located in the village of Lionshead.
Fun Things To Do In Vail This Winter
This is a summary of my trip!
Vail colorado things to do in winter, romantic things to do in vail colorado, things to do in vail colorado summer, hotels in vail colorado, fun things to do in vail colorado, things to do in vail colorado, family things to do in vail colorado, top 10 things to do in vail colorado, best things to do in vail colorado, vail colorado things to do, denver colorado to vail, rental in vail colorado