Here’s why you should visit Vail in the summertime

Snow-dusted peaks flanking the Bavarian-style villages, perfect for a day of skiing. Ice skating in the heart of the squares. Cozy cafes and bars from which to enjoy a hot chocolate or hot toddy. These are likely the winter wonderland images that come to mind when you think of Vail. But, after the ski season winds down and the temperatures start to increase, this Colorado resort area makes a great—and less crowded—place for a summer travel adventure.

Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, the two main villages of Vail—Vail Village and Lionshead Village—offer their own charms come the warmer months. From adventurous activities like hiking and mountain biking to gentler pursuits such as river tubing and gondola riding, summertime in Vail brings ideal weather for outdoor fun. And it’s not just active amusements; culture vultures will revel in the many music and dance festivals from June to September. Though Vail in the summer offers different types of thrills to Vail in the winter, it’s certainly a place where boredom isn’t an option.

What to see and do

Walk the Gore Creek Trail: This paved, multi-use trail follows the banks of Gore Creek as it passes stately red sandstone cliffs, beautiful flower-filled meadows, and groves of aspen trees. Start at Vail Village’s Welcome Center, then head along Gore Creek toward the Vail Golf Club. As you continue to meander toward the village of East Vail, hop on or off wherever you’d like to explore the lovely scenery up-close.

Go fishing: If you’re angling to try fly fishing, Vail just might be your place. Outfitters including Sage Outdoor Adventures, Vail Valley Anglers, and Minturn Anglers offer fishing trips for ages 12 and up, for all levels from beginner to expert; you’ll find rainbow, brook, brown, and cutthroat trout in the waters around Vail. Just make sure to get a Colorado fishing license—easily available online—before you head out.

Play at Epic Discovery: Ride up Vail Mountain on the Eagle Bahn Gondola from Lionshead to reach Epic Discovery, a kids’ wonderland open June to early September. Kids can test their mountaineering skills on the climbing wall, try the bungee trampoline, or whiz past magnificent scenery on the mountain coaster. For something more low-key, there’s also a mini-golf course with a wildlife theme.

Enjoy a scenic gondola ride: Ascend more than 10,000 feet up Vail Mountain by taking the Eagle Bahn Gondola from Lionshead or Gondola One from Vail Village. Both offer breathtaking views of the valleys below, the Rocky Mountains above, and fields blanketed in wildflowers all around. Since the weather can turn quickly, be sure to bring a light jacket, wear sunscreen, and sunglasses. It’s best to wait a day or two after arriving in Vail before you ascend, to minimize chances of altitude sickness.

See the highest Alpine garden in North America: Enjoy wildflowers and waterfalls at the beautiful, high-altitude Betty Ford Alpine Gardens (at 8,250 feet). The gardens focus on conserving alpine plant species, and they also host educational exhibits, workshops, and speakers on topics ranging from how insects support healthy ecosystems to the ways beavers maintain ecological balance. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated.

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Watch artists at work: The Vail Art Studio, opening summer 2025 in Ford Park next to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, not only provides space for a rotation of both international and local visual artists to work, but the zinc-clad structure is also a work of sculptural art in itself, designed by Colorado architect Harry Teague. Visitors can interact with the artists in residence during open studio hours as well as see temporary art installations both in and around the space, starting in June 2025 with Light Forest by Los Angeles-based design duo HYBYCOZO, who specialize in large-scale, illuminated geometrical objects.

Listen to music: Vail during the summer months comes alive with arts festivals of all kinds, many set against the gorgeous mountain backdrop. Highlights include the Amp Summer Concerts at Vail’s Ford Amphitheater (known as “The Amp”), showcasing music of all genres from late May to mid-September; the Bravo! Vail Music Festival, featuring orchestras from across the globe from mid-June to late July; the Vail Dance Festival, with 12 days of performances from late July to early August; and the Vail Jazz Festival, with performances facing Vail Mountain over Labor Day Weekend.

Where to shop

Farmers markets and art shows: From mid-June to early October, more than 155 vendors offer everything from engraved wooden signs to environmentally friendly candles to handcrafted jewelry—nearly all made in Colorado—along with 40 food vendors. The Thursday Meadow Market runs mid-June to mid-September on Thursday afternoons, featuring a smaller selection of goods like fresh fruits and meats before the larger weekend market.

Take home the unofficial symbol of Vail: Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, locally owned jewelry shop The Golden Bear creates necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings with a golden bear motif, symbolizing the wearer’s connection to the Vail Valley.

Where to eat

Sweet Basil: This Vail stalwart serves up an eclectic mix of cuisine—from French onion lasagna to Spanish octopus to Colorado beef tenderloin—in a warm, lively space. Don’t sleep on the seasonally changing cocktails, including a fine non-alcoholic selection; if it’s on the menu, try the garden nectar, with gin, aquavit, aloe liqueur, beet, and lemon.

Alpenrose: With an interior straight from Austria and Germany, and servers clad in lederhosen, this authentic Austrian-German charmer is worth a visit. Don’t miss the tasty mountain climber soup (bergsteigersuppe), a spicy beef stew topped with egg noodle pasta (spätzle) and Swiss cheese, or the smoked salmon with potato pancakes (schweizer rösti)—just be sure to leave room for the apple strudel or one of the other tempting pastries.

Mountain Standard: This gastropub has a lovely patio alongside Gore Creek, and specializes in hearty wood-fired dishes. The rotisserie chicken comes with refried beans and cracklins, while the pork chop is paired with candied pecans and grilled collards; wash it all down with a fine selection of craft beers or an artisanal cocktail.

Root & Flower: With a choice of more than 20 wines by the glass, this Vail Village favorite has the best wine list in town. There’s also a small but smart selection of cocktails and snacks to munch on.

Where to stay

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail: Conveniently located in Vail Village, facing Vail Mountain, this hotel’s 110 large guest rooms have gas fireplaces and balconies, plus most include luxurious bathrooms with double sinks and soaking tubs. The spa alone is worth a visit for its indoor and outdoor heated pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas. Tavernetta Vail has its own “buzz for spritz” button next to a wine window inspired by Northern Italy. 

Sonnenalp: Run by the Faessler family, who came from Germany in 1979, this hotel exudes traditional, yet upscale, Bavarian charm, only a short stroll from Gondola One. Continue the European theme with a schnitzel and beer at in-house eatery Swiss Chalet, or try one of their other three restaurants. The semi-private golf course in Edwards, the Sonnenalp Golf Club, is another summertime delight; hotel guests can also enjoy its spa and tennis courts, as well as dine at its New American restaurant, Harvest.

The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort: This grand 343-room Lionshead property, close to the Eagle Bahn Gondola, exudes modern alpine splendor, offering contemporary guest rooms with Vail Mountain views. Revel Lounge makes a great hangout for cocktails and local cuisine—like wild game meatballs or Rocky Mountain arctic char—or simply order a whiskey from the inviting lobby bar, in partnership with local distillery 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit Company. 

When to go

A number of hotels, restaurants, and attractions (such as the scenic gondolas) close when the ski season wraps up around mid-April and reopen again on either Memorial Day weekend or in early June. They stay open all summer and on through the fall and winter seasons, though some restaurants may close briefly in October or early November before ski season starts.

Summers in Vail tend to be very pleasant, with average temperatures of 75°F during the day and 45°F at night. Vail gets an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, with little humidity. That said, weather conditions can change quickly, so it’s good to be prepared with extra layers or a rain jacket.

(Explore the best of Colorado’s hidden gems on this road trip)