Vail is easily one of the most popular, well-known ski resorts in North America, if not, the world. Its charming villages and stunning views are just as incredible in the summer as the winter. Plus, there's even more outdoor adventures to enjoy in the summer at Vail. Don't miss out on these top activities if you have Vail in your sights this summer.
Vail Farmers’ Market
Every Sunday from June 15 through Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Vail Village becomes a lively outdoor market, featuring fresh, local produce and food, music, art and jewelry vendors.
Ford Amphitheater Events
Nothing quite compares to outdoor music in the summer and Vail’s Ford Amphitheater provides the perfect setting for that. The Ford Amphitheater features everything from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra and New York Philharmonic to Bravo! Vail, the Vail International Dance Festival and the free concerts: Hot Summer Nights, which spans bluegrass to funk.
Top 2018 Summer Performances
- Dallas Symphony Orchestra | June 27–July 2 @ 6 p.m.
- The Philadelphia Orchestra | July 6–8 & July 11–14 @ 6 p.m.
- New York Philharmonic | July 20–22 & July 25–27 @ 6 p.m.
- The Jerry Gracia Birthday Band | Aug. 18 @ 7 p.m.
- Robert Randolph & The Family Band | Aug. 21 @ 6:30 p.m.
- Queen Nation | Aug. 28 @ 6:30 p.m.
- 311 | Sept. 13 @ 8 p.m.
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
At 8,250 feet above sea level, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is the highest botanical garden in the United States.
Adventure Ridge
Purchase the Adventure Pass (starts at $99) and enjoy unlimited, all-day access to some of Vail’s top summer mountain activities, including:
- Scenic Gondola Ride
- Gore Range Adventure Course
- Holy Cross Adventure Course
- Eagle's Nest Tubing
- Forest Flyer™
- Paramount Peak Climbing Wall
- Bungee Trampoline
- Little Eagle Zipline
- Pine Cone Adventure Course
- Marmot Mini Tubing
Mountain Biking
Miles of scenic cross-country and downhill trails are accessible via the Eagle Bahn in Lionshead Village or Gondola One in Vail Village. In addition the town of Vail and Vail Pass offer some seriously “epic” mountain biking. Experts will enjoy the famed Two Elk Trail, which starts atop Vail Pass and runs 10 miles to Minturn, a quaint village, just a mile or so from West Vail. Intermediates and advanced intermediates will appreciate other local trails such as: Bueffer Creek up Sandstone Road and Red and White Mountain. In addition nearby towns of Beaver Creek/Avon and Edwards provide mountain bikers with even more options.
Hiking
Whether you’re looking for a guided hike from Adventure Ridge or you want to explore the many trails that surround Vail, you’ll have miles of options.
Top On-Mountain Trails
- Berrypicker | This intermediate trail winds down from Mid-Vail or Eagle's Nest to Vail Village or Lionshead. 3.2 miles (5.1 km), 2–3 hours one way
- Grand Escape | This trail offers an alternative hiking experience with spectacular views. 1.1 miles (1.7 km), 1.5–2 hours one way. Connecting Eagle's Nest to Wildwood
- Ptarmigan Loop | Scenic trail through shaded woods connecting with Kinnickinnick at Wildwood to Ptarmigan Point and back. 1.2 miles (1.9 km), 30–40 minutes
- Sunlight | Beautiful trail connecting Wildwood to Patrol Headquarters. .75 miles (1.2 km), 30 minutes, one way
- Ridge Route | Intermediate ridge climb from Adventure Ridge to Wildwood and back with spectacular views. 1.4 miles (2.3 km), 1.5–2 hours one way
Fly Fishing
Gore Creek Fly Fisherman has been offering guided fly fishing trips focusand fly fishing products to the public for over 35 years. They are the Vail Valley’s oldest fly fishing shop and the most prominent guide service in Vail, Beaver Creek and Avon, Colorado. Fly fishing trips are available on Vail’s own Gore Creek, a Gold Medal Stream, aka 60 pounds of trout per acre, as well as the Eagle River, the Colorado River, the Roaring Fork River and the Yampa River.
