If you talk to any proud local resident of the Vail Valley, they’ll all tell you the same thing: Everyone comes for the winter, but stays for the summer.
There’s no doubt that Vail is a magical place with plenty of things to do during the wintertime. But if this your first time visiting in the summer, you’re in for a real treat. There are so many amazing things happening in the Village and surrounding areas — your only challenge will be finding time to do everything!
Here’s our roundup of the best Vail summer activities for you and your family to enjoy.
Live Music & Performing Arts
If you thought biking and hiking were the only activities on offer, think again. Some of the top musicians and performers from around the globe schedule shows in Vail during the glorious summer months.
The Bravo! Vail Music Festival runs from late June through early August. Enjoy a night under the stars at an outdoor amphitheater while you listen to the country’s best philharmonic orchestras.
Meanwhile, every Thursday evening in Lionshead, you can enjoy the Vail Jazz Festival‘s outstanding lineup of performances. On Wednesday nights, curl up on Ludwig’s Terrace at the Sonnenalp Hotel for the Jazz Club series.
From July 30-August 9, you can also enjoy the annual Vail Dance Festival. No matter what type of performances you enjoy, there’s something for everyone in Vail.
Outdoor Activities & Mountain Sports
Every Sunday, the Village comes to life with the much-anticipated Vail Farmer’s Market and Art Show. Once you’ve browsed and tasted to your heart’s content, it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors.
Here’s just a small sampling of the Vail summer activities on offer:
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Kayaking
- White water rafting
- Horseback riding
- Paddleboarding
- Camping
- ATV riding
- Scenic gondola rides
- Fly fishing
- Golf
Families especially will enjoy the Adventure Pass that offers tubing, mini-golf, ziplining, and an alpine roller coaster — all on the same ticket!
Around the Vail Area
You could certainly spend your entire vacation in Vail and have a blast, but there’s so much to experience in the area too.
For example, you can arrange to be dropped off with your bicycle at the top of Vail Pass and enjoy a thrilling ride back down to the valley floor. Or, rent a car and drive up to the beautiful and isolated Piney Lake Ranch for some hiking, fishing, or canoeing.
If you have time for a day trip, there are a number of amazing options to choose from.
Learn about the historic 10th Mountain Division as you drive past Camp Hale towards Leadville, the highest town in North America. Or, take a scenic drive through Glenwood Canyon and stop for a dip in the hot springs. The possibilities are endless!
Enjoy These Amazing Vail Summer Activities
So, which of these Vail summer activities will make it onto your must-do list? Ideally, you’ll have enough time on your vacation to experience a little bit of everything!
When you’re done playing in the mountains for the day, it’s time to relax. That’s where we come in. As Vail’s newest boutique spa, we proudly offer the best massages and luxury spa treatments.
Browse our massage menu or give us a call at 970-445-2114 to learn more. We look forward to welcoming you to our spa!