Welcome to Vail, Colorado

Consistently rated by the readers of SKI Magazine as one of the top ski resorts in North America, Vail has the largest single ski mountain in the USA, with 5289 skiable acres. Vail is no budget destination, but it's a destination not to be missed.

Vail is situated 100 miles west of Denver on Interstate 70 and is easily accessible with flights into Eagle County Airport and Denver International Airport. The resort has essentially developed as two adjoining villages, Vail Village and LionsHead Village.

Vail Village - This Tyrolean-styled traffic-free pedestrian village is where the Vail concept began back in 1962. It has a cosmopolitan, distinctly European flavor and is home to an array of smart shops, boutiques, restaurants, galleries and upscale hotels. The Vista Bahn or Riva Bahn chair lifts are accessible from here.

LionsHead - Also traffic-free and features shops, restaurants and a range of condominium-style accommodation. The village's once-contemporary 1980s style architecture looks dated by today's standards, but there are big redevelopment plans afoot for an entirely new European-inspired pedestrian plaza and village, immediately at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola. The Eagle Bahn Gondola is open year-round and provides the fastest passage up Vail Mountain.

The communities of East Vail and West Vail are situated a little further along the Valley, but offer lower cost lodging options compared to the Villages. Both are on the route of the frequent free Town of Vail Shuttle bus service that transports skiers into one of the Villages where the gondola and chair lifts can be accessed.

Although the ski season runs from November to late April, the mild summers and abundant sunshine, combined with the spectacular scenery, has seen Vail evolve into a year-round resort destination. Summer activities include golf, hiking, fishing, kayaking and mountain biking.

Vail is home to 4,500 permanent residents, plus another 5,000 part-time residents of vacation properties.