Things to do in Vail, Colorado

Whether schussing through pristine powder in the winter or barreling down rugged mountain bike trails in the summer, Vail is an adventurer’s paradise. 

But beyond the slopes and trails, there’s more to discover in this outdoor sports mecca. Vail has a wide array of grand hotels and world-class dining spots, spas and more that make this alpine destination feel like a charming European village. 

Here, locals and restaurateurs Matt Morgan and Paul Anders share their tips on what to do in Vail, Colorado. 

What you’ll learn:

• In Vail, year-round outdoor activities include skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking, biking and ice skating in the warmer months.

• Food and drink offerings include creative mountain cuisine at Sweet Basil, wood-fired dishes at Mountain Standard and local coffee favorites at Yeti’s Grind.

• Visitors might consider a stay in a secluded mountain retreat or a centrally located spot near Vail Village.

• Eligible cardholders can earn elevated rewards when they use Capital One Travel to book their trip.

Vail is a skier’s paradise, but it’s much more than that. As Morgan and Anders point out, “Most of Vail, the actual village, is pedestrian. You don’t need a car. It’s quaint, it’s in proximity with just about everything.” That mix of natural beauty and small-town charm makes exploring easy and rewarding, whether you’re making tracks, bowling strikes or soaking sore muscles after a long day.

When it comes to skiing and snowboarding, you’ll quickly see why Vail Mountain is considered one of the premier destinations in the country.

“With 5,300 skiable acres, Vail is a very unique and special place to ski,” Anders says. “To ski every run on the mountain would take you a week, literally. The snow is also consistent: We get a lot of fluffy, soft, good snow. You get that champagne powder frequently.”

Newer skiers can try the blue-square Cloud 9 at Blue Sky Basin. Others might love carving some fresh powder on Seldom, a quiet trail in Sun Down Bowl—just get there early in the morning. As you may have guessed, there are many other trails of all shapes, sizes and skill levels across Vail Mountain’s snowy terrain.

After the slopes, you can head into Vail Village for a bite to eat and some family fun at an urbane favorite. Deca + Bol is not only a chic, minimalist restaurant offering cocktails, small plates and more, but it also boasts a decidedly stylish 10-lane bowling venue. “Deca + Bol is not your typical bowling alley,” Anders says. “This is a fun place, but it’s really high end.” 

141 E. Meadow Drive, Vail, CO 81657; 970-476-5300. Closed for the season, reopening June 4.

If bowling isn’t your thing, you could check out the nearby Solaris Plaza Ice Skating Rink for an evening of ice skating under the stars. Or maybe you need to get off your feet altogether. For that, you could head to Bloom Spa, a boutique spot in The Sebastian - Vail resort with a heated pool, hot tubs, hot stone therapy and more. 

“Sometimes skiing every day can be a little much,” Morgan says. “Bloom Spa is a terrific alternative. You can soak your bones in a nice hot tub. Maybe get a nice massage.” He recommends booking the 80-minute high-altitude adjustment treatment, which includes a foot soak, oxygen therapy session and full body massage, as the perfect antidote to a day on the slopes.

Bloom Spa: 16 Vail Road, Vail, CO 81657; 970-477-8060

From cozy coffee shops to elegant fine dining, Vail’s dining experiences are as varied and epic as the mountain peaks that surround them. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast before hitting the slopes or sitting down for a special occasion, you’ll find plenty of dining options to savor.

Start your morning at Yeti’s Grind, a community favorite known for its creative coffee and hearty breakfast fare. “Yeti’s Grind is one of my favorites,” Morgan says. “I love the sausage burrito with green salsa.” Anders agrees. “Yeti’s is a staple in the community. You can grab a quick bite, get fueled up and get ready for the mountain.” Other menu favorites include the honey and lavender latte, avocado egg salad toast, chorizo breakfast burrito and house-made scones.

Yeti’s Grind: 141 E. Meadow Drive, Ste. 108, Vail, CO 81657; 970-476-1515

For lunch or dinner, Sweet Basil—a Vail institution since 1977 and culinary home for Anders and Morgan—sets the standard for refined yet approachable cuisine. “At Sweet Basil, the idea of upscale is certainly at play, but we want to remain identifiable,” Anders says. “We really enjoy featuring seasonal pasta dishes but often try to deliver an unexpected twist or flavor combination, like with our cauliflower cappelletti served with golden raisins and pumpernickel. We also have an inflated, hollow carta di musica that you get to break at the table. You’re on vacation—dinner should be just as fun as the other activities you’re doing.” 

The restaurant’s inventive menu features dishes that make the most of locally sourced meat and vegetables while also getting creative with fresh seafood, like the lobster donut with caviar and a Meyer lemon glaze or the Icelandic cod with mushroom and shrimp mousseline, tempura maitakes, yuzu butter and black garlic miso. All that deliciousness is paired with craft cocktails, an extensive fine-wine list and local craft brews.

Sweet Basil: 193 Gore Creek Drive, Vail, CO 81657; 970-476-0125

Downstairs, Anders and Morgan’s second restaurant, Mountain Standard, which opened its doors a decade ago, embraces what Anders calls “upscale campfire cooking.” “One of those dishes that’s become iconic at Mountain Standard is the pork shank,” he says. “We smoke it over the wood fire prior to it being braised, and it just melts in your mouth.” The wood grill and rotisserie techniques figure heavily in the preparation of many of its amply flavored dishes: grilled cobia, rotisserie piri piri chicken, wood-grilled octopus and more. “There’s nothing better than recharging with high calories after you’ve been skiing all day.”

Mountain Standard: 193 Gore Creek Drive, Vail, CO 81657; 970-476-0123

A newer addition to the scene, Slope Room, located in the Gravity Haus hotel, is an alpine-style bistro offering hand-roasted coffees, brunch and innovative après-ski bites (including a delicious short rib burger). Dinner options include entrees with hefty cuts of locally sourced meats and hearty side dishes such as smashed Yukon potatoes and alpine “mac” with truffle mornay to hit the spot after a full day of skiing, snowboarding or checking out the shops in Vail Village. “Slope Room is delicious, with friendly service,” Anders says. “Their food is high end but interactive and fun.”

Slope Room: 352 E. Meadow Drive, Vail, CO 81657; 970-476-6836

If your evening calls for something stronger, head to 10th Mountain Whiskey Tasting Room, a popular place with some of the best craft spirits in the Rocky Mountains. “10th Mountain Whiskey is an amazing addition to the scene in Vail,” Anders says. “They specialize in whiskeys with bourbon and rye.” Morgan adds, “You can walk just a few feet off Bridge Street and be in this little enclave to go hang out and sip on some fine spirits.” Try a flight of bourbon, rye whiskey and brandy, or warm up with their potato vodka or small-batch moonshine.

10th Mountain Whiskey: 227 Bridge St., Vail, CO 81657; 970-470-4215

Whether you’re looking for a secluded mountain retreat or a central base close to the slopes, a trip to Vail, Colorado, offers something for every traveler. These handpicked vacation rentals from the Premier Collection or Lifestyle Collection combine alpine comfort with modern amenities—perfect for unwinding after a day on the mountain or gathering with friends and family. Booking through Capital One Travel gives eligible Capital One cardholders premium benefits with every visit, including an experience credit to use toward activities unique to each stay; room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout when available; and complimentary Wi-Fi. Plus, you’ll earn elevated rewards. 

Tucked away in the trees, Condor by AvantStay is a peaceful escape in an idyllic, natural setting. While its cabin-style exterior is made entirely of rustic wood, the home’s interior is bright and contemporary, with spacious rooms and plush furnishings. An open floor plan, two living areas and a full apartment in the casita provide plenty of room to spread out. After a day of outdoor activity, head to the hot tub and admire the stars through the sunroom’s glass ceiling.

Book through Capital One Travel.

At the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, Cheerful Retreat by HVN keeps you close to the action with an unbeatable location. Spend your days skiing or hiking, then return to enjoy the property’s pool, outdoor lounge area and mountain views. It’s a lively stay for anyone who loves being in the heart of it all. 

Book through Capital One Travel.

For something quieter, Cozy Central Vail by LocalVR offers peaceful surroundings without sacrificing convenience: You’re a short drive to the slopes, shopping and restaurants of both Vail Village and Lionshead. In winter, enjoy top-tier skiing and snowboarding; in summer, the nearby Ford Park comes alive with scenic hikes, biking trails and festivals.

Book through Capital One Travel.

Highline by AvantStay is a breathtaking mountain home surrounded by snow-capped hills and aromatic pine trees. After a day of outdoor adventure, unwind with cocktails by the fireplace, dine al fresco on the patio or settle into the media room for a cozy movie night. 

Book through Capital One Travel.

From world-class skiing in the winter to scenic hikes and mountain biking in summer, Vail offers unforgettable adventures in every season. You can hit the slopes, discover local art or just relax fireside at a bistro. 

If you’re planning a trip to Vail, you might want to consider taking a travel rewards credit card: 

• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights, vacation rentals and activities when booking through Capital One Travel with the Venture X card.

• Earn unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and activities when booking through Capital One Travel with the Venture card. 

• Earn 2X miles on all other purchases, at home or away, with the Venture X and Venture cards.

From booking to destination, you can elevate every part of your trip with Capital One:

• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credit. Venture X and Venture cardholders can receive up to a $120 credit for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® when they pay for the application fee with their card. 

• Flexible options for redeeming rewards. Redeem rewards for flights, hotels, vacation rentals, rental cars and activities booked through Capital One Travel. 

• Travel protections. Cardholders may have access to travel insurance through their credit card. Benefits may include trip cancellation insurance and lost luggage insurance. You can review your guide to benefits for more information on which benefits come with your credit card.

• Security features. You’ll also have access to security features like fraud alerts, card lock, $0 liability for unauthorized charges and virtual card numbers.