Ski resorts and villages in Vail - a winter sports paradise
Vail, Colorado, is known for its world-class skiing and European-style villages. Built on winter sports in the 1960s, this community developed around one of the country's most renowned powder mountains at the Vail Ski Resort. It has since become a paradise for residents looking to explore the outdoors.
Contemporary cabin-style homes surrounded by scenic views
Winding roads rise from the highway to the hills, reaching cabin enclaves surrounded by scenic mountain views. Vail features outdoor-oriented architecture, with midcentury-modern, contemporary and cabin-style homes. The median price is about $1.6 million. However, prices exceed $20 million for homes over 5,000 square feet, with some estates nearing $80 million. Condos and townhouses are also housing options.
Alpine mountain hiking trails and multiple ski resorts
Hiking enthusiasts can take the East Vail/Hiker Express bus to the Booth Falls Trail, a 10-mile route that ascends through an alpine mountain landscape, reaching a waterfall and Booth Lake. The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a botanical center with winding walking paths, native flower gardens and indigenous plant life. Stephens Park is a local green space with a playground and an off-leash dog park beside Gore Creek. There are renowned ski resorts within a short drive. The Beaver Creek Resort features 150 cross-country skiing trails and multiple terrain parks with Aspen glades and cliffs. Vail Ski Resort is one of North America's largest skiing destinations, with over 5,000 acres of powder slopes, bowls and scenic gondola rides.
Two walkable village districts with shopping and upscale restaurants
There are multiple pedestrian-friendly shopping areas, including Vail Village and Lionshead Village. Vail Village has chalet-style buildings, cobblestone streets and nightclubs. Lionshead Village is a Bavarian-inspired downtown with outdoor apparel stores and gift shops. Supermarkets like City Market and Safeway are in a shopping center along North Frontage Road. One of the area's most popular dining establishments is the Little Diner in Lionshead Village, a bustling breakfast café serving Dutch pancakes and crepes. Mountain Standard is an upscale pub with an open-air patio in Vail Village, and it serves bourbon drinks and wood-fired dishes.
Public schools and programs in the Eagle County School District
Red Sandstone Elementary School earns a B grade from Niche, emphasizing character development with newer facilities rebuilt in 2019. Eagle Valley Middle School has an A-minus, with an involved community and after-school academic clubs. Battle Mountain High School receives a B-plus and offers dual enrollment courses for students to earn college credit. Vail Mountain School is a private school that scores an A-plus grade, serving students from kindergarten to 12th grade.
Getting to Denver or taking the gondola up the mountain
The Town of Vail bus system provides free public transit to the Vail Ski Resort and other landmarks. Gondolas in Lionshead Village and Vail Village take passengers to Vail Ski Resort. Denver is about 95 miles east on Interstate 70, a vital expressway in Colorado. The Eagle County Regional Airport is in Gypsum, approximately 35 miles west.