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, world-class dining spots, spas and more that make this alpine destination feel like a charming European village. 

What you’ll learn:

• In Vail, year-round outdoor activities include skiing, snowboarding and ice skating in winter and hiking and biking 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 can be much more than that. It has a mix of natural beauty and small-town charm. And because you don’t typically need a car in the village, exploring is 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, Vail Mountain is considered one of the premier destinations in the country. It has about 5,300 skiable acres and consistently good skiing conditions.

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. And 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 a chic, minimalist restaurant offering cocktails, small plates and more. Plus, it boasts a decidedly stylish 10-lane bowling venue.

141 E. Meadow Drive, Vail, CO 81657; 970-476-5300

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. Treatment options include an 80-minute high-altitude adjustment treatment, which features a foot soak and oxygen therapy session followed by an indulgent full-body massage.

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 can 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. Among the sausage burrito with green salsa, avocado egg salad toast and homemade pastries, there’s no shortage of options to fortify you for the day.

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—sets the standard for refined yet approachable cuisine. 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

Located just downstairs from Sweet Basil, Mountain Standard is a cozy and relaxed tavern. It opened its doors a decade ago and offers rustic flavors in a no-fuss atmosphere. The wood grill and rotisserie techniques figure heavily in the preparation of many of its amply flavored dishes, like grilled cobia, rotisserie piri piri chicken, wood-grilled octopus and melt-in-your-mouth pork shank.

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. 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: 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. You could 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, you can 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. You could 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, you could 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, you can 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.