Our family has been managing houses in the Vail Valley for more than 20 years. From mountain adventures to local favorites, this guide shares the activities, restaurants, and places we’ve come to love most throughout the valley.
Experience world-class skiing, snow-covered villages and memorable mountain evenings throughout the Vail Valley.
If you're an experienced skier, exploring Vail's legendary Back Bowls should be near the top of the list.
Why we like it: On the right powder day, few skiing experiences compare. Huge open bowls, long runs and seemingly endless terrain are what made Vail famous. Vail Mountain offers more than 5,000 acres of skiable terrain.
Our tip: Don't try to see the entire mountain in one day. Pick an area and explore it properly.
Beaver Creek feels completely different from Vail. The mountain is known for beautifully groomed runs, a quieter atmosphere and terrain spread across Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead.
Why we like it: It's extremely easy to have a relaxing ski day here. And yes, stick around for Beaver Creek's famous afternoon Cookie Time.
This isn't simply dinner—getting there is part of the night. Beano's is an on-mountain cabin above Beaver Creek offering a multicourse dining experience in a secluded alpine setting.
Why we like it: It feels like you've disappeared into the mountains for the evening. It's expensive, but for a birthday, anniversary or memorable vacation night, it's one of the valley's most distinctive experiences.
Book a guided snowmobile tour into the backcountry surrounding the valley. Several local outfitters offer everything from beginner rides to longer backcountry trips.
Why we like it: You can cover dramatically more terrain than you ever could on skis or snowshoes, and some tours reach huge open meadows and high-elevation viewpoints.
When the Vail Golf Club gets covered in snow, it becomes a Nordic center with approximately 17 kilometers of groomed classic and skate-skiing trails, plus snowshoe trails.
Why we like it: It's peaceful, beautiful and an entirely different experience from downhill skiing.
Getting there: The Nordic Center is east of Vail Village at the Vail Golf Club.
For something completely different, head west of the main resort corridor for a sleigh ride and ranch dinner. 4 Eagle Ranch offers winter evenings beneath the stars followed by dinner at the ranch.
Why we like it: It feels genuinely Colorado rather than like another resort activity—and it's especially fun for families or a date night.
The rink sits right in the center of Beaver Creek Village, surrounded by restaurants, hotels and the mountain.
Why we like it: It's especially fun after skiing when the village lights come on. Grab dinner afterward and make an evening out of it.
You don't have to ski to get deep into the winter landscape. Snowshoe trails are available around the valley, including approximately 10 kilometers at the Vail Nordic Center.
Why we like it: Find a trail after fresh snow and the valley becomes almost completely silent.
Some experiences don't need to be complicated. After a snowstorm, walk through Vail Village after dinner when the streets are covered in snow and the lights are on.
Why we like it: This is when Vail really feels like an alpine village rather than simply a ski resort.
One of the most underrated Vail vacation strategies is not skiing every day. Sleep in, get breakfast, walk through Vail or Beaver Creek, book a spa appointment, have a long lunch, ice skate or sit by a fireplace.
Vail has scenic gondolas, spas, shopping, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and plenty of other winter activities for non-skiers.
Explore alpine lakes, scenic trails, rushing rivers and the long sunny days that make summer in the mountains so special.
Why we like it: This is one of our favorite places in the entire valley. Piney Lake sits at roughly 9,350 feet beneath the dramatic peaks of the Gore Range. Once you arrive, you can walk around the lake, rent a canoe or paddleboard, eat at Piney River Ranch or hike toward Upper Piney Falls.
Getting there: From Vail, take Red Sandstone Road north and follow Forest Service Road 700 approximately 12 miles to Piney River Ranch. Most of the drive is on a rough dirt road, so expect about 45–60 minutes from the beginning of the dirt road. Four-wheel drive normally isn't required, but decent clearance helps. The road is seasonal and generally opens around late June.
Our tip: Don't rush it. Bring lunch, a sweatshirt and a camera and make this a half-day trip.
Why we like it: Instead of hiking to one viewpoint and turning around, this trail takes you through Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead. You'll move through aspens and forests with frequent mountain views while seeing parts of Beaver Creek most visitors never experience.
The full point-to-point route is approximately 7.2 miles, but you can easily do smaller sections. One of our favorite approaches is to start higher on Beaver Creek Mountain and work toward Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead. Depending on lift operations, you may be able to incorporate a gondola or chairlift and make much of the hike downhill.
Our tip: Go in late September when the aspens change. It can be spectacular.
Piney Lake is worth visiting on its own, but you can easily turn the trip into an entire day. Canoes and paddleboards are available seasonally, hiking trails leave directly from the lake and the ranch operates during the summer season.
Why we like it: It feels considerably more remote than it actually is. You can be shopping in Vail Village in the morning and sitting beside a wilderness lake beneath the Gore Range an hour later.
This is one of the best ways to see a large portion of the valley without spending the whole day in a car. Rent bikes or e-bikes and ride the paved trail between Vail and Vail Pass. For an easier version, arrange transportation uphill and ride primarily downhill back toward Vail.
Why we like it: You'll ride alongside Gore Creek, through forests and beneath huge mountain faces. It's adventurous without requiring technical mountain-biking experience.
Not every summer activity needs to take the entire day. Nottingham Lake sits in the middle of Avon and is an easy place to spend a warm afternoon paddleboarding, walking around the lake or relaxing on the grass.
Why we like it: It's easy, convenient and especially good if you're traveling with kids or want a slower day between bigger adventures.
Getting there: Head to Harry A. Nottingham Park in Avon. There's parking surrounding the park, only a few minutes from the entrance to Beaver Creek.
Start in Beaver Creek Village and hike beyond the resort into the mountains toward Beaver Lake.
Why we like it: The hike starts among hotels, restaurants and ski lifts, but before long you're surrounded by forest and mountain scenery. It's one of the easiest ways to experience genuine Colorado wilderness without driving somewhere remote.
Getting there: Start from Beaver Creek Village and follow the Beaver Lake Trail uphill past the ski area.
Vail operates scenic gondolas during the summer, giving you an easy way to reach high-alpine terrain without a strenuous climb. Summer operations include sightseeing, hiking, mountain biking and Epic Discovery activities.
Why we like it: You can have lunch in Vail Village, ride thousands of vertical feet up the mountain and suddenly be surrounded by enormous views of the Gore Range.
Our tip: Ride up, hike around the mountain and take the gondola back down rather than immediately returning.
The Eagle River runs straight through the valley, while the nearby Colorado River offers additional options depending on water levels and the time of year.
Why we like it: Early summer can offer legitimately exciting whitewater, while later-season trips tend to be more relaxed. There are options for families as well as people looking for something more adventurous.
Even if you've never fly-fished before, consider booking a half-day guided trip. Both wade fishing and float trips are available around the Vail Valley.
Why we like it: It's a completely different way to experience the valley. Once you're standing in the river, the highway and resorts seem surprisingly far away.
Drive toward the top of Vail Pass and hike Shrine Ridge for huge views without committing to an all-day expedition.
Why we like it: This is one of the best effort-to-view ratios around Vail. During wildflower season, the hillsides can be covered in color, and from the ridge you'll get expansive views across the surrounding mountain ranges.
Our tip: Start early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Colorado high country.
Hanging Lake isn't technically in the Vail Valley, but it's close enough that we think it deserves a spot on the list. The trail climbs steeply through Glenwood Canyon to a turquoise lake fed by waterfalls. The approximately 2.8-mile round trip gains roughly 1,200 feet, so don't let the short mileage fool you.
Getting there: Head west on I-70 toward Glenwood Springs. Timed permits are required year-round, so reserve before going and confirm current pricing and access details.
Walk along Gore Creek, wander through the pedestrian streets, stop at patios, check out the shops and eventually find somewhere for dinner.
Why we like it: Vail Village is best enjoyed when you're not rushing anywhere. The European-style pedestrian layout is one of the things that makes Vail different from most Colorado mountain towns.
There are excellent restaurants throughout the valley, and some of the best aren't actually in Vail Village.
Why we like it: A Vail institution. Sweet Basil combines creative New American food with one of the best locations in the village, right along Gore Creek. It works particularly well when you want one nicer dinner during your trip.
Where: 193 Gore Creek Drive in Vail Village.
Why we like it: Probably one of our favorite combinations of great food and a relaxed atmosphere. Much of the cooking centers around live-fire and wood-fired techniques, and the creekside location is hard to beat.
Where: Below Sweet Basil along Gore Creek in Vail Village.
Why we like it: Handmade pasta, excellent wine and a warm Italian atmosphere without feeling overly formal. It's especially good for a date night.
Where: 100 E. Meadow Drive in Vail Village.
Why we like it: Completely different from Vail's fine-dining restaurants. Come for pizza, drinks and a classic ski-town atmosphere. It's been part of the rhythm of Vail Village for years.
Where: Bridge Street, just uphill from the Covered Bridge.
Why we like it: One of our favorite choices when you want seafood or sushi rather than another steak-and-potatoes mountain dinner. It's lively and located directly beside the main Beaver Creek plaza.
Where: Beaver Creek Village near the ice rink.
Why we like it: This is the special-occasion choice. The dining room, mountain setting and polished service make it feel like a true night out.
Where: The Chateau in Beaver Creek. Complimentary parking, valet and resort transportation make getting there fairly easy.
Why we like it: Sometimes you don't need fine dining—you need pizza after skiing. Blue Moose sits right beside the ice rink and is particularly convenient for families.
Where: Beaver Creek Village.
Why we like it: Burgers, steaks, drinks and a proper après-ski atmosphere. It's relaxed enough to walk into in ski clothes and works well for groups.
Where: Beaver Creek Village.
Why we like it: Excellent house-made pasta and mountain-inspired Italian food. This is one of the places we'd send someone who wants a really good dinner without eating inside the resort.
Where: 48 E. Beaver Creek Boulevard in Avon.
Why we like it: A great date-night restaurant with shareable seasonal dishes, a serious wine list and a lively bar.
Where: Downtown Avon at 48 E. Beaver Creek Boulevard.
Why we like it: One of the valley's most useful restaurants because it's good at almost every time of day. Come early for coffee, breakfast and fresh doughnuts or return later for a full dinner.
Where: 20 Nottingham Road in Avon.
Why we like it: Small, casual, inexpensive and exactly the kind of place tourists can easily miss. It's a great stop when you've had enough resort dining and just want good street-style tacos.
Where: 104 Beaver Creek Place in Avon.
Why we like it: Excellent comfort food without being boring—burgers, sandwiches, pizza, craft beer and cocktails. It's where we'd go after hiking, biking or skiing when everyone is hungry.
Where: Edwards Village Center.
Why we like it: One of our favorite breakfast and lunch stops. It has more of a neighborhood-café feeling than a resort restaurant, with baked goods and seasonal dishes built around quality ingredients.
Where: Edwards Village Boulevard.
Why we like it: A longtime Edwards favorite for handmade pasta, Italian dishes and a lively dinner atmosphere.
Where: Riverwalk in Edwards.
Why we like it: If you're staying in Beaver Creek but want to get away from the resort for a nicer dinner, Juniper is an excellent choice. It's refined without feeling overly formal.
Where: Riverwalk at Edwards along the Eagle River.
Why we like it: The Gashouse feels like an old-school Colorado mountain restaurant. Steak, seafood, elk, bison and other hearty dishes make it a fun choice for visitors looking for something that actually feels like they're eating in the Rockies.
Where: Along Highway 6 at the main entrance to Edwards.