Whether you’re a bona fide flatlander or a winter sports maniac, you’ve likely familiar with Vail’s reputation for skiing and snowboarding. But this Rocky Mountain resort town — just two hours from Denver — isn’t all slopes and fresh powder. It’s got upscale shopping, big-city-ready dining venues and outdoor activities all year round — no lift ticket required.
Upon arrival in Vail Village, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a bucolic hamlet in the Swiss Alps (and, if the weather’s right, an enchanted snow globe), with cobblestone streets, charming shops and cafés worthy of a fairy tale.
That’s not to say a Vail vacation requires designer duds and deep pockets. Like so many Colorado mountain towns, the city is surrounded by swaths of nature ripe for exploring — and if there’s no snow on the ground, that means hiking, biking, fly-fishing and rafting down mountain rapids.
There are so many wonderful areas to explore, but on a quick trip, you’ll make the most of your alpine getaway by sticking to experiences in Lionshead Village, Vail Village and Edwards.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Enjoy a Warm Welcome
Don’t waste any time getting to Lionshead Village (one of the area’s two mountain-base villages) to kick off your trip. Swing by Alpine Burrito Company to get a loaded breakfast burrito for the road, then get ready to explore the village’s shops.
Pick up some new gear for hiking, skiing or snowboarding at Helly Hansenand snag some chic seasonal attire next door at Avalon Clothing Company. Don your new gear and head straight for the slopes if there’s snow on the ground. It’s not quite first tracks, but close enough.
If the weather is warmer, take your new hiking duds for a spin on one of the nearby trails. Eagle’s Nest Ridge Route is a popular 6-mile trek through wildflower meadows right on Vail Mountain, or hop in the car and drive to the trailhead for Shrine Ridge, a 4.3-mile climb that’ll reward you with killer views of the Gore Range.
If mountain biking is more your scene, ride up the Eagle Bahn Gondola and bomb downhill on the Post Road or Radio Flyer trails. Then it’s back up again for a mountaintop lunch at Eagle’s Nest — a great first-day perch no matter the season.
If you’re visiting in the winter, spend some time working on your triple lutz — or working on just staying upright without clinging to the wall — at the Alderhof Ice Rink before dinner. Otherwise, check the events calendar for the lineup of music festivals or performances; Lionshead Village is home to some of Vail’s best summer concerts.
Enjoy a dinner of inventive, contemporary alpine cuisine (think raclette served tableside, grilled oysters, grass-fed bison, huckleberry gelato) at Margie’s Haas, then pop in for a nightcap at the Hythe’s acclaimed lobby bar, 10th Mountain, to taste some incredible Colorado whiskey — Stranahan’s is a favorite among both newbies and barrel-aging aficionados.
Saturday: Sightsee and Spa in Vail Valley
There’s no better place in Vail to begin a busy day than the Little Diner, a Lionshead Village staple and the only all-day breakfast around, with options like loaded crêpes, Dutch babies and omelets. After a comforting meal (and plenty of coffee), choose your own outdoor adventure depending on the season.
If you’re here in winter and early spring, you’ll be busy hitting the slopes again — that Vail Mountain powder is just too good to pass up — but come warmer weather, the mountain is home to Epic Discovery, which features zip line tours with sweeping views, mountain coasters and scenic trips up Gondola One.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, reward yourself with a leisurely afternoon in Vail Village. Enjoy a late lunch at Alpenrose, a favorite for German cuisine (think schnitzel, brats and cheese fondue) in rustic yet elegant digs.
In the afternoon, Betty Ford Alpine Gardensis a must-see for horticulture lovers. It’s the highest botanical garden in the world, with stunning collections of colorful blooms.
If it’s too cold for a garden stroll, start your spa regimen early at Well & Being, where you can experience restoration from a hard-charging morning with massages, facials, oxygen therapy and recovery-centered body treatments.
Cozy up for happy hour at Root & Flower, which features an excellent wine list and inventive cocktails, before dining at the widely adored Sweet Basil. This spot still feels fresh despite its 45-year reign in Vail. The restaurant’s wine list has countless bottles from some of the world’s best vineyards, so tag in the somm to get a pairing recommendation before you order.
Sunday: Explore the Hidden Gems of Edwards
If you’re still dragging after your night at Sweet Basil, the hand-rolled bagels in creative flavors (like charcoal and Hatch green chile) at Edwards’ Village Bagel will put some spring back in your step.
The drive to Edwards is less than 20 minutes, but you’ll feel fully transported from the village hustle. With fewer crowds and a slower pace — but no shortage of mountain charm — it’s just the right atmosphere for the final day of your trip.
Once you’ve enjoyed fresh-squeezed orange juice and the valley’s best bagels, explore Edwards’ Freedom Park or take a stroll along the Riverwalk for a taste of life in this little town.
The Riverwalk is home to some of the area’s best restaurants and boutiques, plus the Alpine Arts Center, where you can sign up for art classes or shop locally made art and pottery, and Riverwalk Theater, a community-owned movie house that also serves beer on its patio during warmer months.
Interested in a little pampering? Several beauty and wellness destinations, including Shine Intuitive Beauty, also offer facials, manicures, and massages along the Riverwalk.
Sit down for a late lunch at Craftsman, a jazzed-up soup-and-sandwich destination led by a chef duo with fine-dining cred. Expect elevated takes on classics — a wild-mushroom-based spin on the Reuben, say, or Nashville-style hot chicken with a ghost-pepper dip — paired with local Colorado brews.
Next it’s on to Bearcat Stables, which stays open year-round. In summer, spend an hour or two riding through meadows and along ridges to take in the views of the valley spread out below. In the winter, enjoy a cozy evening sipping hot toddies, roasting s’mores and gliding through the snowy hills in a horse-drawn sleigh.
Head to the Rose in Edwards for light, locally sourced dishes with global flair. Stick around for a final round of drinks — the menu offers both old standbys, like a “Blood & Sand,” and quirky creations, like a beet-infused gin drink with lemon and arbol syrup.
Related Articles
