Vail is like nothing on earth, known for its magical winters and fresh powder turns. However, any long-term resident will tell you, “We come for the winters but stay for the summers.” Sunshine, events, and activities galore – welcome to Vail in the summer. This season brings three new exciting activities including a new concert series.
Lionshead Live June 20 – Aug. 29: In partnership with the Town of Vail and Toyota, the Arrabelle at Vail Square presents the inaugural season of Lionshead Live. The event is held under the tent in the square every Thursday, beginning June 20 and ending August 29, with the exception of July 4, from 6 to 8 pm.
Pop-ups at The 10th: The 10th restaurant is featuring uniquely themed pop-ups this summer on June 16, July 21, Aug. 11, and Sept. 15. The first pop-up will be a Father’s Day bluegrass BBQ on June 16.
New Mountain Biking Trail – Spice Rack: Located between Cub’s Way and Fred’s Lunch, this advanced mountain biking trail includes a spicy 704-foot elevation drop. (1 mile)
In with the new, and keeping the old – these can’t miss experiences include a focus on family-friendly activities, sharing the outdoors in a playful way.
Forest Flyer™: This gravity-based alpine coaster allows guests on individual sleds to descend on a raised track through the forest while giving riders full control of their speed.
Summer Tubing: High atop Vail Mountain at Adventure Ridge, grab a tube and hop a ride on Vail’s summer tubing hill.
Paramount Peak Rock Climbing Wall: Guests can navigate their way up the second-tallest permanent outdoor climbing wall in Colorado with 36 feet of rock face and various routes.
Bungee Trampoline: Soar to new heights on the bouncing bungee harnessed trampoline.
Little Eagle Zipline: Kids aged five and older, between 30 and 100 lbs. will enjoy flying on the single-zipline spanning nearly 200-feet.
Interpretive Trail System: Vail has partnered with the United States Forest Service and Walking Mountains Science Center to bring interactive elements to Fireweed and Eagle’s Loop Trails.
Gore Creek Mini Golf: Children and adults of all ages can practice putting their “hole-in-one" on Vail Mountain’s nine-hole mini golf course located in front of the Lionshead summer ticket office.
Gondola One and the Eagle Bahn Gondola: Enjoy scenic rides and bike hauls on Gondola One and the Eagle Bahn Gondola, offering views of magnificent peaks and a variety of trails for hiking and biking. Ride to Eagle’s Nest on the Eagle Bahn Gondola where you’ll also find dining options and adventurous activities for all ages and abilities.
Nature Discovery Center & Guided Nature Hikes: Ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola to the Nature Discovery Center, an all-season yurt at Eagle’s Nest. Walks are provided compliments of Vail Resorts, the United States Forest Service and Walking Mountains Science Center.
Vail Mountain and the surrounding villages offer a summer full of mountain-town signature events. Mark your calendar and discover it all at DiscoverVail.com.
GoPro Mountain Games, June 6 – 9: The GoPro Mountain Games is the country’s most celebrated festival of adventure sports where ProAms compete together in a celebration of adventure sports. Gondola One will spin Saturday and Sunday during the event. Learn more here.
Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show, June 16 – Oct. 6: The iconic Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show happens every Sunday with around 40 food vendors presenting artisanal food, art and gifts.
Hot Summer Nights, Select Nights, June 18 – Sept. 10: Claim your spot on the grass at Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre aka The Amp and boogie down to free live tunes put on by Hot Summer Nights. Check out music line ups here.
BRAVO! Vail Music Festival, June 20 – Aug. 1: The Bravo! Vail Music Festival is a haven for classical and orchestral music fans. From indoor community quartet concerts at Vail Interfaith Chapel to outdoor amphitheater performances amplified by the rugged backdrop of mountains and pine trees, each concert is unforgettable. Learn more here.
Vail Wine Classic, Aug. 8 – 11: Delight in more than 300 wine choices at the grand tasting or grab some friends and enjoy curated lunch and dinner tastings before lacing up your boots for leisurely wine-paired hikes and nature outings. You’ll also get the chance to ask your burning questions to winemakers and sommeliers during live seminars. Learn more here.
Coming to an event and need a place to stay? Stay near the action.
The Arrabelle at Vail Square: Complemented with direct access to Vail Mountain via the Eagle Bahn Gondola just steps away, The Arrabelle is convenience, appeal and elegance wrapped in one luxurious package. Book your stay here.
The Lodge at Vail: Enjoy one of the 46 diverse suites equipped with wood-burning fireplaces and private walk-out balconies. Built as the first hotel in Vail, The Lodge at Vail remains an iconic destination for visitors both frequent and new. Book your stay here.
Need a place to eat? We’ve got that covered too.
Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show, June 16 – Oct. 6: Happens every Sunday with around 40 food vendors presenting artisanal food and more.
Sundaes at Simba's: Enjoy signature sundaes at Simba’s located at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19).
Talon’s Deck Outdoor Grill: Relax on Vail’s largest deck at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola while enjoying delicious food at 10,350 ft.
Mid-Vail Grill: Conveniently located at Mid-Vail at the top of Gondola One, the Grill offers a unique outdoor mountain BBQ experience.
Bistro Fourteen: Indulge in fun at Eagle’s Nest at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Bistro Fourteen is a convenient bar to grab signature cocktails and take in breathtaking mountain vistas.
Want to keep exploring? Vail Mountain and the surrounding valley offer expansive trail networks for the outdoor enthusiast that wind through lush forests, brilliant wildflowers and native wildlife to provide breathtaking views of the surrounding environment. All ages and abilities can take advantage of trails that offer the chance to escape into nature.
Hiking Trails
- Eagle's Loop: “Green” ridge-top loop with great views of Mount of the Holy Cross. (1 mile)
- Fireweed Loop: Beautiful wooded trail between Eagle’s Nest and Mid-Vail. (1 mile)
- Berrypicker: This intermediate trail offers a steep climb from Vail Village or Lionshead through peaceful aspen trees and wildflowers, up to Eagle’s Nest. (3.2 miles)
- Cabin Trail: This intermediate trail offers a scenic hike through the forest up to Mid-Vail. (2.1 miles)
Biking Trails
- Sidekick to Golden Gate: These challenging beginner trails offer a flowy bermed descent from Mid-Vail, winding from forested terrain through dense aspen groves. (2.6 miles)
- Grand Traverse: Vail's signature single-track traverses the Back Bowls from Eagle's Nest, offering excellent views of Mt. of the Holy Cross. (5.9 miles)
- Big Mamba: An exhilarating freeride biking rail combining flowing rollers and smooth switchbacks that will take you across open meadows, into dense pine forests, and through sunny aspen groves. (2.7 miles)
- Radio Flyer: Freeride Biking Trail. Dozens of banked turns and rollers wind from Eagle's Nest down through Vail's lodgepole pine forests. (1.7 miles)
Ready to book your summer vacation? Discover adventure at Vail!