2026 Vail Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

Vail, Colorado, is one of North America's premier ski resorts, famous for its vast terrain and world-class village atmosphere. Located about 100 miles west of Denver (DEN), the drive takes roughly 2 hours via I-70 West. For transport, consider booking a shuttle service like Epic Mountain Express, or renting a 4x4 vehicle for the mountain passes. The resort is broken into three main areas: the Front Side, the legendary Seven Back Bowls, and Blue Sky Basin. For first-timers, start with the wide-open cruising runs on the Front Side (like Born Free and Riva), but the must-do activity is exploring the Back Bowls—they offer challenging, untracked powder skiing, an experience unique to Vail. Don't miss the chance to ski the iconic Sun Up Bowl on a bluebird day! When it comes to accommodation, Vail Village offers luxurious, ski-in/ski-out lodges like The Lodge at Vail and the Four Seasons, where prices can range from $400 to $1,000+ USD per night during peak season. A more budget-friendly option is staying down the road in nearby West Vail or Lionshead Village. For food, you must try the famous hot chocolate and French Onion Soup at Sweet Basil (reservations essential!) and grab a quick, hearty breakfast burrito at Loaded Joe's before hitting the slopes. Pro Tip: The best time to visit is late January to mid-March for the deepest, most reliable powder conditions. To save money, purchase your lift ticket (Epic Pass) well in advance, and always check the official Vail app for real--time lift closures and snow reports. Remember to acclimatize to the high elevation (over 8,000 feet) by drinking plenty of water upon arrival! #skitrip #SkiTheBowls #EpicSkiing #PowderDay #BackBowls #MountainLife #SkiResort

The weather in Vail is so nice

📍 The Vail Collection at the Ritz Carlton Residences Vail, 728 W Lionshead Cir, Vail, Colorado. Hey there, fellow wanderlusters! 🚵 Nestled in the heart of Vail's alpine paradise, the Ritz Carlton Residences offer more than just a plush pillow to rest your head. 🛌 Imagine waking up to the serene beauty of the majestic Rockies. 🏞️ Step outside and you're smack in the middle of nature's playground. With the gondolas a stone's throw away, your mountain adventure starts the second you step out. 🚠 Whether you're shredding the slopes in winter or hiking the trails in summer, this spot is a year-round haven for thrill-seekers and chill-seekers alike! 🎿🌄 And when the day winds down, Vail's vibrant village life is just a hop, skip, and a jump from your cozy retreat. Indulge in the local cuisine or shop till you drop – it's all at your doorstep. 🍴🛍️ Who's ready for a mountain getaway that ticks all the boxes? 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ Let's go!

great coffee all the time

Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, The Hythe awaits at 715 W Lionshead Cir, Vail, Colorado. This gem offers more than just a stay; it's an experience wrapped in luxury. 🛌✨ First off, the location is unbeatable. Step outside and you're greeted by the majestic mountains, ready for your ski or hiking adventures. 🎿🥾 The Hythe is a sanctuary for those who love the great outdoors with a touch of elegance. Inside, the rooms are a haven of comfort with a dash of mountain chic. Expect plush beds, top-notch amenities, and views that'll have you reaching for your camera at sunrise and sunset. 🌄📸 And let's not forget the impeccable service that makes you feel like royalty. From the spa to the dining options, every detail is curated to pamper your senses and leave you with memories that last a lifetime. 🍽️💆‍♀️ Ready for that upscale mountain retreat? The Hythe is calling. #Vail #VailHotel #VailTravel

Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, the Four Seasons Resort Vail promises an iconic mountain retreat. Located at One Vail Rd, Vail, Colorado, this legendary resort stands as a beacon of luxury amidst America's most beloved ski destination. 🎿 Imagine stepping out just a few paces to the legendary Vail Mountain, with nearly 5,300 acres of pristine skiing terrain at your ski tips. The resort's prime location offers easy access to the powdery slopes and the Nordic centers of Vail and Beaver Creek for an unparalleled cross-country skiing experience. ⛷️ Beyond the slopes, indulge in the resort's sumptuous rooms, where cleanliness and comfort reign supreme. Each space is a haven of tranquility, boasting plush amenities and breathtaking mountain views. After a day on the mountain, unwind with top-notch hotel facilities and services that cater to every need and whim. 🛀 Whether you're seeking an adrenaline rush or a peaceful mountain getaway, Four Seasons Resort Vail is your ticket to a majestic Colorado adventure. 🌲 #Vail #VailHotel #VailTravel

Nestled in the heart of Vail, Colorado, the Sonnenalp offers a cozy escape with a touch of European elegance. 🛌✨ At 20 Vail Rd, this alpine haven is your perfect basecamp for mountain adventures or village strolls. First up, location, location, location! 📍 Step outside and you're minutes away from Vail's top-notch ski slopes and vibrant village life. Whether you're here to shred the powder or shop 'til you drop, Sonnenalp's doorstep is where it all begins. Next, immerse yourself in rooms that radiate comfort and class. 🛀 Each space is a blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, ensuring your stay is nothing short of spectacular. Plus, with top-tier cleanliness, your peace of mind is as pristine as the surrounding peaks. Lastly, the amenities are the cherry on top! 🍒 Indulge in a spa day, savor gourmet dining, or take a dip in the indoor/outdoor pool. The Sonnenalp isn't just a hotel; it's an experience that pampers you at every turn. Ready for your alpine indulgence? 🏔️💖 #Vail #VailHotel #VailTravel

Super fun! Best snow is in February and March!#ski #skiing #mountains

The crisp mountain air, powdery snow beneath my skis, and panoramic views of the Colorado Rockies created a sense of exhilaration and serenity. Racing down the slopes, the cold breeze against my face was invigorating, while cozying up in the ski lodge afterward provided a perfect contrast. The sheer beauty of the snow-covered landscape and the thrill of carving through fresh powder made the ski trip in Colorado a truly magical and unforgettable experience. The crisp crunch of snow beneath my boots echoed the excitement in my heart as I ventured beyond the slopes. Colorado's winter wonderland unveiled hidden gems like quaint mountain towns and frozen lakes, each contributing to the enchantment of the ski trip. Après-ski gatherings, with hot cocoa in hand, brought a sense of camaraderie with fellow enthusiasts. The alpenglow painting the sky during sunset added a touch of surreal beauty to the entire experience. Overall, the ski trip in Colorado was a symphony of adventure, relaxation, and the pure joy of embracing winter's embrace.

🌈Brand: Four Seasons 📍Four Seasons Resort Vail 📍Four Seasons Resort Vail 📍United States 🇺🇸Vail · The resort is located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies · The legendary Vail ski resort has long been positioned as "America's Best Resort," offering nearly 5,300 acres of skiable area⛷️ · Just steps from legendary Vail Mountain, cross-country skiing begins in the Nordic heartland of Vail and Beaver Creek 🎿 ·

"Living a winter dream at @grandhyattvail. Imagine spending your holidays here!" Amidst the snow-clad landscapes of Vail, @grandhyattvail beckons as a haven of winter dreams. Envision a holiday sojourn where moments of joy and tranquility intertwine, and the season's magic is magnified by the embrace of mountain grandeur. ✨❄️

"Soaking in the beauty of Vail at @grandhyattvail. Is traveling through Colorado on your bucket-list?" Vail's enchantment is captured in the tranquil moments spent amidst the mountains. At @grandhyattvail, nature's beauty unfurls before your eyes, an invitation to immerse in the serenity of snow-kissed landscapes and boundless horizons. 🏞️❄️

"Picturesquely recharging my internal batteries at @grandhyattvail after a long day in the mountains!" After a day of exhilarating mountain adventures, @grandhyattvail becomes a sanctuary of rest and rejuvenation. Amidst the alpine elegance, you rediscover vitality, transforming fatigue into newfound energy. A tranquil interlude amidst the peaks. 🛁⛰️

"What dreams are made of. Nothing better than an afternoon dip in @fsvail after a long skiing day in Vail!" The slopes of Vail surrender to the serenity of @fsvail's waters. A moment of indulgence awaits, where weary muscles find respite, and the mountain's embrace is matched by the warm luxury of the resort. An immersion into dreamscape and reality. 🏔️🏊‍♂️

"Vail, Colorado - is like a picture that suddenly becomes true to life. After a few days here, we had the feeling that we were in such a real paradise that a person cannot create. @fsvail is my personal oasis of relaxation, that’s for sure."

#mytripvlog The beautiful gateway town to White River National Forest, Vail, Colorado. 6-25

#mytripvlog Visiting Colorado for fall colors, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a must. The garden is one of the world's highest botanical gardens, located in Ford Park, 8,200 feet above sea level in the Rocky Mountains. However, there is a small but significant place looking for flowers and planets. The Gardens are open to the public year-round with no entrance fee. address: 522 S Frontage Rd E, Vail, CO 81657

"Did you know that relaxing in the mountains cures 98% of any bad vibes you may be experiencing! The other 2% is cured by your beverage of choice." In the embrace of Vail's serene mountains, a unique kind of healing transpires. @fsvail stands as the gateway to this curative retreat, where nature's magic mingles with the comforts of luxury. 🌄🍷❄️

"Nothing better than skiing for a month all around the U.S." The thrill of skiing echoes through a trail of exploration, from Vail to Beaver Creek, Aspen to Park City, and beyond. @lineskis Chronic skis adorn the journey, designed to conquer all-mountain freestyle heights. An ode to the journey, a toast to winter's embrace. ⛷️❄️

This is definitely going to be HUGE! as the team has been an inspiration in their innovative approaches towards achieving the project goals and visions , I am so glad to be part of this. #roadtrip#naturalwonders#beachvacation