There’s endless skiing in the cold season in Vail – and plenty to do in this beautiful mountain town once ski season ends.
Situated in the Gore Range of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, about 100 miles west of Denver, Vail is a popular winter destination for skiing and snowboarding. And though Vail Ski Resort and nearby Beaver Creek Resort attract visitors from all over the world during the Centennial State’s cold and snowy months, Vail’s deluxe hotels, luxurious spas, fine-dining restaurants, manicured golf courses and rugged hiking trails mean you’ll find something exciting here in every season.
Winter in the Vail Valley means steep hotel rates, bustling restaurants and busy ski slopes. Though these days, summer prices approach those of ski season, you can still find deals, while you’ll have more of the mountains to yourself during Vail’s shoulder seasons, in spring and fall. If you’re planning your next trip to the Rockies, consult this season-by-season guide to Vail first.
Winter has historically been the busiest season in Vail by a wide margin. These peak months are the most expensive time to visit Vail, with skiers and snowboarders driving up demand at ski-in/ski-out hotels like Grand Hyatt Vail and The Arrabelle at Vail Square. If hotel rates are sky-high, so are the stoke levels, especially on powder days. The weather is snowy, cold and perfect for hitting the slopes, cozying up by a fireplace or getting a massage at one of Vail’s many spas. Even as the temperatures tick up slightly as spring approaches, snow continues to fall. Spring break brings another influx of visitors, while April ushers in spring skiing in Vail – bluebird skies, soft snow conditions and a fun, upbeat après-ski scene. Beaver Creek and Vail resorts typically close in the middle of the month.
Spring weather in the Rockies can be wildly variable – a whiteout snowstorm one day, sunny blue skies the next – but this slower-paced season also offers the best value and the smallest crowds in Vail. When ski season ends, typically in late April, Vail settles into its low season, when hotels are at their most affordable. Hiking trails are muddy as the snow begins to melt, and some local businesses close for a few weeks. Yet with a little advanced planning (and realistic expectations!), you can still have a great trip and even enjoy a reduced-rate stay at some of Vail’s poshest hotels. In mid to late June, Vail Ski Resort and Beaver Creek Resort typically reopen for summer operations, which include scenic gondola rides, hiking, mountain biking, golf and adventure activities like bungee trampolines and mountain coasters. June marks the start of Vail’s beloved recurring summer offerings like the farmers market.
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