Curator’s statement
Vail has a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped into a European alpine village without ever leaving Colorado. Inspired by the charming ski towns of the Alps, Vail’s Bavarian-style architecture, cobblestone streets, and cozy cafés give it a storybook feel and nod to its German and Austrian heritage. In winter, it transforms into a snow-dusted wonderland, with the sound of après-ski music drifting through the village and the scent of fresh pretzels and schnitzel wafting from warm, welcoming restaurants. Of course, it’s home to some of the best skiing in North America, from the legendary Back Bowls to wide, gentle greens perfect for beginners, but there’s just as much magic off the slopes. Whether you’re here for world-class skiing, strolling through boutiques, or soaking in the après scene, Vail delivers the best of alpine charm right here in the Rockies.
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Things to do in Vail
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Skiing / snowboarding
Expert skiers: Head to Blue Sky Basin and the Back Bowls for legendary powder and challenging terrain
Novice skiers: Stick to the gentle greens in Lionshead or take lessons at the ski school.
Family skiers: Easy runs plus a ski school at Golden Peak make it great for families.
For non-skiers
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at the Vail Nordic Center
Spa day at the Four Seasons, Sonnenalp, or Arrabelle
Shopping through Vail Village and Lionshead for both boutiques and high-end designers
Ice skating at Alderhof in Lionshead or Solaris Plaza in Vail Village
Take a scenic gondola ride for mountain views without the skis
Extra tips
Stop into Yeti’s Grind for coffee before hitting the slopes
Après on the deck at Garfinkel’s when the sun’s out—prime people-watching
Order the famous hot chocolate at The Remedy Bar—it’s basically dessert in a mug
Enjoy cocktails with a view on Avanti Food & Beverage’s rooftop
Spend an evening at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in nearby Beaver Creek for concerts or shows
Places to eat & drink in Vail
Can't be chilly on the ski hill midday.
Après-ski
Garfinkel’s: Classic Vail après with mountain views, right at the base of Lionshead
The Red Lion: Legendary Vail Village après spot with live music and hearty pub fare
10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co.: Cozy tasting room with locally crafted spirits
The Remedy Bar (Four Seasons): Upscale après scene with a famous hot chocolate menu
Chophouse: Sit slopeside in Lionshead and watch skiers come down
Shakedown Bar: Après turns into nightlife here with great live bands
On-mountain
The 10th: Mid-Vail fine dining with panoramic views (reservations recommended)
Mid-Vail: Classic cafeteria-style stop for a quick warm-up and lunch
Bistro Fourteen: Eagle’s Nest location with stunning views and kid-friendly options
Belle’s Camp: Far end of Blue Sky Basin, known for its bring-your-own barbecue setup
Wildwood Smokehouse: Mountain barbecue at 10,981 feet
Breakfast & lunch
The Little Diner: Lionshead staple for hearty breakfasts
Vintage: French-inspired brunch spot in Vail Village (get the champagne pancakes)
Loaded Joe’s: Coffee and casual breakfast sandwiches
Big Bear Bistro: Gourmet sandwiches and breakfast burritos
Alpenrose: Cozy alpine restaurant with soups, sandwiches, and pastries
Dinner
Sweet Basil: Elevated American dining; a Vail institution
Mountain Standard: Rustic wood-fired cuisine by the Sweet Basil team
Matsuhisa: High-end sushi with a mountain twist
La Nonna: Authentic Italian, perfect for pasta lovers
Almresi: German alpine dishes in a warm, chalet-like setting
Avanti Food & Beverage: A modern, multi-restaurant food hall with rooftop cocktails and a view that’s hard to beat.
Kid-friendly dinner
Blue Moose Pizza: Fun, casual pizza in Lionshead
Bully Ranch: Family-friendly with burgers, sandwiches, and a laid-back vibe
Pazzo’s Pizzeria: Big, shareable pizzas in the heart of the village
Need to know
Vail’s most popular restaurants and on-mountain dining spots fill up quickly in ski season, so it’s worth making reservations ahead for special places like Sweet Basil, The 10th, and Almresi. If a spa day or ski school is on your wish list, booking early helps make sure your time in Vail feels seamless and a little bit magical from start to finish.
Travel Advisor
Jennifer Singleton
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Vail page.