Vail is a beautiful place. With blue skies and mountains that are covered in golds in the fall, snow-capped in winter, and blanketed with wildflowers in the summer, it’s stunning year –round.
Nestled within the Colorado Rockies, this European-inspired ski town is famous for its trails and back bowls, gorgeous vistas, and inspiring mountain terrain. With a wide variety of outdoor activities and a friendly, small-town vibe, it’s also a fantastic getaway for those who want to enjoy the beauty of Vail…even if they don’t want to hit the slopes.
“There’s a lot to do here,” says Dani, our Vail Destination Manager, “From hiking and rafting, to golfing, fishing, biking, or just spending the day in one of the villages, there’s something for everyone.” And while things slow down after summer, the colors of the Aspen trees make it well worth a trip during fall foliage. Whether you’re dreaming of visiting during peak snow season, planning next year’s summer getaway, or looking to vacation during one of the quieter months, deciding what to see and do in Vail can be a tough decision. Our concierge team is always on hand and ready to help you plan an amazing, personalized trip and Dani has helped us put together some ideas for a perfect three-day Vail itinerary.
Day One: Start on the Mountain
There’s no better way to kick off your vacation than with a scenic gondola ride to the top of the mountain. The Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead is a short walk from our Equity Estates home and offers the most amazing views of Vail Mountain and the surrounding areas. Stop by Les Delices De France for coffee and one of their popular ham and cheese croissants, still warm from the oven, and enjoy as you’re whisked to the top.
At the top of the mountain, you’ll find the Eagle’s Nest summit camp where you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding in the winter and hiking in the summer. For winter sports enthusiasts, drop into the world-famous back bowls of Vail and explore the far reaches of Blue Sky Basin. And if you’re new to skiing or want to brush up on your skills, the resort offers fantastic private and group lessons for all age levels. Tubing is also a fun winter activity for the entire family.
If there in the summer or fall, try the Epic Discovery Park which offers ziplining, a mountain coaster, bungee trampolines, and a climbing wall. All ages will enjoy it. But if you really want to experience the natural beauty of Vail, hiking is the way to go. The miles of scenic trails range from easy and moderate to mixed-use and all offer spectacular views.
With a morning of outdoor adventure behind you, head back down and grab a bite at Moe’s Original BBQ, known for their pulled pork or fried catfish. Don’t forget to save room for their Banana Puddin’, a must. Sit on the patio and enjoy live music on the weekends.
Head back to the condo in the afternoon and take advantage of the building’s many spa-like amenities. Relax in the steam room or hot tub, book a massage or take a swim in the indoor/outdoor pool.
“The condo community is called Vail Spa for a reason,” says Dani. “The onsite spa and massage services here are amazing; we can even arrange an in-home massage for you if you’d like.”
After a short rest, stroll back over to Lionshead Village for a look around, followed by a casual dinner at Blue Moose Pizza. Or, for a more upscale option, let us make reservations for you at Mountauk Seafood Grill, known for its great seafood, raw bar, and delicious cocktails. Try a refreshing Ladybug—this gin cucumber and strawberry concoction is a bar favorite.
Day Two: Explore the Villages
Meander through Vail’s pedestrian-friendly villages – Lionshead Village, just outside your door, and the quaint Vail Village, a short 15-minute walk or shuttle ride away. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to spend the whole day out.
Both villages feature dozens of shops, restaurants, art galleries, parks, and other entertainment options, so there are plenty of ways to fill the day. Best of all, the villages are connected by heated cobblestone streets that are closed off to vehicles, making them perfect for walking year-round.
While exploring, keep an eye out for Vail’s many works of art. There are more than 45 public installations, including paintings, murals, and sculptures throughout the area. A guided tour can be booked by our team if you want to take an official art walk.
In Lionshead, check out the architecturally interesting Sunbird Park, named one of the world’s “coolest playgrounds” by Travel + Leisure, do a little window shopping, or let the kids have fun at the Imagination Station. In winter, lace up your skates and take a turn around the beautiful outdoor Vail Square Ice Rink. And if you need mid-day refueling before heading over to Vail Village, enjoy burgers and beer on Garfinkel’s outdoor patio, one of the town’s local landmarks.
In Vail Village, try the eclectic Blü Cow Cafe, the famous home of the Swiss hot dog, or enjoy a private wine tasting class at Root and Flower.
Once you’ve explored the shops and galleries, head over to the lovely Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Open daily, this famous garden – the highest altitude botanical garden in the world – offers walking paths, water features, and a nice children’s area. There are also plenty of places to just sit and take in the scenery. Allow us to check the evening concert lineup at their beautiful amphitheater.
To round out the day, belly up to Mountain Standard’s bar. They have an ever-changing seasonal menu. You must try their menu staple Pimento Cheese appetizer—the pickled celery cuts the dip’s rich flavor and is a must-order. Wash it down with their ‘standard margarita’ or leave it to their talented bartenders to whip up something refreshing.
Day Three: Epic Adventure – Your Choice
Wrap up your Vail trip with a day of outdoor adventuring. Regardless of the season, there are a lot of half-day and full-day excursions to choose from, and your personal travel concierge will be happy to make the arrangements for you.
In winter, you can head back up Vail Mountain to ski some of the terrains you didn’t get to on day one (after all, Vail has 195 trails, 31 lifts, and over 5,300 skiable acres), take a guided snowshoe hike, or experience the thrill of a six-mile dog sledding trip.
In summer, try rafting the Colorado River, take an early morning hot air balloon ride, or try a guided backcountry half-day hike with llamas.
“The llama lunch is fun, but I highly recommend the whitewater rafting,” says Dani. “It’s such a thrill! The rivers have class 1, 2, and 3 rapids, and the rafting guides are really great to work with.”
To bookend your trip, let us make dinner reservations for you at the super cool Vintage restaurant, a charming French Brasserie offering traditional fare—their mussels are the best in town. Or if you prefer the more upscale Sweet Basil, a trendy spot serving New American cuisine.
At Home in Vail with Equity Estates
Our top-floor, corner unit home is located in Lionshead and boasts ample windows with expansive southern views. With three bedrooms, three full baths, and a spacious layout, it’s the perfect place to host family or friends. The prime location puts you within easy walking distance to ski slopes, hiking trails, restaurants, shops, and more. And you also have access to the building’s many amenities, such as a fitness room, steam room with sauna, an indoor/outdoor heated pool, and hot tub.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing trip or one that’s filled with activity; whether you’re traveling with friends and family or in need of a quiet, couple’s getaway–we will help make it happen. If you would like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or tap this link to schedule a call.
