Travel guideHistorySightsNightlifeMap

Vail Sights and Landmarks Guide, Colorado

Located half way between Denver, CO and Aspen, Vail is one of the most prestigious ski resorts in the USA. The town’s logo is “Vail – Like nothing on Earth”, and it totally fits the holiday atmosphere that surrounds this touristy town at any hour, as well as the splendor and the powdery snow of Vail Mountain. Apart from skiing and winter sports, Vail has to offer plenty of attractions and places of interest.

Vail Sights – Museums and Cultural Institutions

The Colorado Ski Museum and Ski Hall of Fame in Vail hosts a collection of more than 1500 articles and photos. Vail’s history is closely connected with the World War II events: the US army mountain divisions were trained in this area, and many veterans settled here after the war. Camp Hale is considered today a historic site and was transformed into a great outdoor activity center. With its 2500 seats, Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre is the center of Vail’s cultural life: many important concerts and events were held here during the years, including the performances of Santana or the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. DeMott art gallery in Vail village offers its unique selection of traditional American art.

Vail Sights – Sports and Natural Attractions

One of the most appreciated Vail sights, the Adventure Ridge amusement park attracts children and grown-ups alike, with winter activities like skating, tubing or ski-biking. Another nice place where families can have some fun is represented by the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, a high elevation botanical garden, attracting more than half a million visitors each year. The White River National Forrest is the perfect destination for those who like picnicking, hiking or fishing. Other natural attractions around Vail include Booth Lake, Piney River Ranch or Vail Nordic Center. A very popular activity in Vail is frequenting some fitness and spa clubs like Aria Spa and Health Club or Vail Mountain Lodge.

Vail Sights – Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Resorts

Due to their proximity and their common past, Vail and Beaver Creek resort usually come in the same pack.(Beaver Creek is a distinct entity, but most tourist guides present the two resorts as a whole). The Ski School in Beaver Creek is famous all across Colorado. Beaver Creek is home to Birds Of Prey World Cup and it is part of a village-to-village ski system that links together Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch and Arrow Villages. The Vilar Center for the Arts is where all musicians, ballet companies, theater companies or entertainers perform when they come to Beaver Creek. With its coquette and compact arrangement, and the steep long slopes, Beaver Creek must definitely make some room on your Vail sights short-list.

email to a friendAsk our travel experts a question about Vail

Things about Vail you may be interested in

Vail Reviews

+ list your site

ReviewsTravel TipsWrite a review Write a travel tip

Read our members' reviews about Vail

Snowboard and ski in Vail, CO
review by lindamura posted more then 30 days ago
Vail is a very popular ski resort located at 109 miles West of Denver. Lots of Europeans and Americans love it not only for its natural beauty but also for its restaurants, shops and lodgings. The sensational mountain and the endless possibilities of having fun are also to be noted. It...
White snow and stunning views in Ski Cooper, CO
review by lindamura posted more then 30 days ago
Ski Cooper also referred to as “the Coop” by the connoisseurs is situated about 20 miles south of Vail, close to Copper Mountain, in the San Isabel National Forest. How to get there? If you are in Denver, just take I-70 west to Exit 195 at Copper Mountain Resort then go south on...