Vail Resort

Overview

For such a huge resort, not much is visible from the valley floor. You'll need to get higher to enjoy the huge views. It's at least 2,200' to the summit ridge (on the Lionshead side), and not that easy at this altitude! Taking the gondola gets you to the better trails faster, but it's not cheap unless you have a ski pass (which includes summer usage for free). It's free to ride down if you get yourself up.

Visiting Tips

Trails at the top usually open for July 4th. Wildflowers start to peak in mid-July most years and extend through August. The aspens are spectacular starting in mid-September, and the crowds are all gone by then.

Parking in both structures is free during the summer. It fills up on weekends, but when that happens, overflow parking is allowed on the frontage roads.