Despite being home to the largest ski mountain resort in North America, Vail, Colorado still gives off a friendly, small town vibe. The terrain is vast with 350,000 acres of national forest and more than 5,000 skiable acres. Visitors will soon discover that there are so many worthwhile activities to include on a travel itinerary, from practicing their swing at the Vail Golf Club to thrilling tubing and snowshoeing at Adventure Ridge.
vail things to do
Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum and Hall of Fame
Saluting those from the Centennial State who have made significant contributions to skiing and snowboarding, the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum and Hall of Fame honors their legacies with exhibits on fascinating topics such as the Winter Olympics, films, guided tours and a speaker series. Admission is free. Visit http://www.vail.com/summer/activities/colorado-ski-museum.aspx.
NASTAR
Skiers and snowboarders of all ages looking for some friendly competition can find it at NASTAR, the largest recreational ski and snowboarding race program in the world. Here racers are able to compare their results to other competitors across the country. Cost is $10 for two runs or $12 for unlimited runs during the day of purchase. Visit http://www.vail.com/activities/activities-explorer.aspx.
Adventure Ridge
Day or night, it's time for play at Adventure Ridge. The popular family destination has something for everyone: snowmobiling for kids, ski biking, snowshoeing and tubing. A snow park the size of a football stadium sits atop of the mountain, and after working up an appetite, visitors can head to Bistro Fourteen. Visit http://www.vail.com/activities/adventure-ridge.aspx.
Golf
A mainstay and longtime favorite for golfers of the region, the Vail Golf Club offers a unique 18-hole, par 71 experience at 8,200 ft. elevation. Nestled at the base of the scenic Gore Mountain Range, this club offers a full-service golf shop, professional instruction, launch monitor, driving range, practice area, golf swing analysis, demo days, on-site restaurant and more. Visit http://www.vail.com/summer/activities/golf.aspx.
Vail Nature Center
Often cited by locals and visitors as their favorite place in Vail, the seven acres of forest, meadow and stream that surround the Vail Nature Center, offer a tranquil and delightful setting. A morning bird walk, touring the beaver ponds or walking through the wildflowers in the summer high country are among the many possibilities for exploration. Inquisitive minds might also want to stargaze and camp as an expert naturalist identifies the constellations. Visit http://www.vail.com/summer/activities/nature-center.aspx.
