Vail

 

Vail, Colorado, is a wintery paradise hidden deep in the Rockies and is made up of the Vail Village, Lionshead, and Golden Peak communities. Vail is famous for its world-class amenities, luxurious resorts and top-notch outdoor winter sports and recreation. In the summertime, Vail offers activities like hiking, fly fishing in Gore Creek (which runs directly through the town), and golfing amidst the beautiful landscape. 

 

Vail consists of Vail Village and Lionshead, both of which have deep Bavarian roots that are evident from the architecture found there. The recessed windows and prominent low-angled roofs are modeled after small Bavarian towns and farmhouses with Austrian design elements. Ample fireplaces ensure a cozy atmosphere when you step inside from the snowy surroundings. This unique Alps-style aesthetic sets Vail apart from other stateside resort towns.

 

 

While most ski meccas date back to the mining boom in the US, Vail is much younger and is inspired by the mountain villages of Eastern Europe. Vail offers locals easy access to Vail Ski Resort, which offers nearly 40 lifts and over 5,000 acres of terrain and slopes ranging from Blue to Double Black Diamond. With plenty of options for spaetzle, pretzels, and sauerkraut, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Vail’s Bavarian influence outside of its incredible architecture. 

 

Vail’s local population is a modest 5,400, on estimate. Many of its residents know each other well, and the sense of community is very strong as a result. With such amazing surroundings, it’s no wonder the vibe is friendly, collaborative, and outgoing. As if the vibrant and widely available creature comforters weren’t enough of a reason to live in this magical town, Vail is also incredibly walkable and offers a robust transportation system that includes a free and well-maintained bus system.

 

Hit the cobblestone running and visit Gorsuch for some luxurious, resort-style ski-and-sea fashions and get ready to hit the slopes and enjoy fresh powder like only the Rockies can deliver. Take a break from your mountainside workout by grabbing lunch at Pepi’s Bar & Restaurant, an elegant spot with live entertainment and classic cuisine on the covered patio (the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail), or chill out in The Antler’s Room. 

 

Feeling like a ride through town on a Vespa? Head to Axel’s, a romantic and rugged bespoke clothing shop with Italian leather jackets for a sophisticated and casual look. Finish off your night at a vibrant spot for locals and tourists at the Red Lion Restaurant & Night Club.

 

During the summers, there’s Hot Summer Nights, a free weekly concert series every Tuesday. This project is just one of the brilliant events by the Vail Valley Foundation and is hosted throughout the summer at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, a.k.a. The Amp. For another Vail Valley Foundation event, check out GoPro Mountain Games, an amateur sports competition event that also features live music and art, and so much more. 

 

During the fall and winter, there are Oktoberfest and Vail Snow Days, respectively. Vail Snow Days is a four-day festival featuring free concerts at Ford Park. There are in-town and on-mountain specials, après and after-dark parties, a lively village expo, and more. Oktoberfest is an event that’s nearly synonymous with Vail, honoring tradition with keg bowling, stein lifting, and an eating contest with lots and lots of bratwurst.

 

 

Vail is a part of the Eagle County school system, which serves Pre-K through 12th-grade students. Eagle County’s mission is to prepare students to become global-ready graduates.