Summer in Vail

When it comes to summer fun, Vail just can't be beat.

There's a wide range of activities both indoors and out for tykes to arts lovers to adrenaline-rush junkies! Set in a beautiful European style alpine village, nestled beneath majestic craggy peaks and incredible blue skies, Vail is an ideal place for a summer getaway.
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NOVA GUIDES - 719.486.2656 / 888.949.NOVA - Rafting, Jeep tours, Hummer tours & more!

LAKOTA GUIDES - 970.845.RAFT - Live the Adventure! Hummer and Raft Trips.

Triple G Outfitters - 970-926-1234. Cattle Roundups, Saddles and Paddles, Western Performance Rides, Beginners to Advanced Trail Rides, Western Family Night, Lunches Hay Rides and Family Fun. Call for reservations.

VAIL RECREATION DISTRICT - 970.479.2279 - Fun Activites, Programs & Sports for All Ages!

GLENWOOD CAVERNS ADVENTURE PARK (75 minutes West of Vail) - 800.530.1635 - Incredible Cave Tours, Scenic Tram, Thrill Rides, Lookout Grille
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A great way to get a bird's-eye view of Vail is catching a ride up on the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Remember to bring the camera and lots of film! The peaks of the Gore Range and the Mount of the Holy Cross, once considered a shrine, form a spectacular panorama in the White River National Forest. Everyone can enjoy the hiking and mountain bike trails, ranging from a colorful wildflower stroll to a thrilling descent down the ski area. Adventure RidgeTM at the top of the gondola offers guided nature hikes, fun activities for young children, and competitive games including horseshoes, disc golf, and laser tag.

The Vail recreation path along Gore Creek offers easy strolling or bike riding in a peaceful, scenic alpine setting. To the north, miles of trails (hikers and equestrians only) lead to lakes and waterfalls nestled below 12,000 and 13,000-foot peaks in the Eagles Nest Wilderness. To the south, hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, and off-highway vehicles can explore the intricacies of the national forest on non-Wilderness trails and backcountry roads.

Beginning of June, Volkswagen presents the Teva Games, the largest celebration of mountain soul, sport, and culture in the United States. Adventure athletes will compete in six sports and ten disciplines. The event's cultural component includes live music and a mountain photography competition.

For Water Lovers, nearby rivers present boating opportunities from a lazy float to thrilling rides through Class III to V rapids. Daring anglers can try to catch the wily trout that live in the crystal clear streams and high mountain lakes. Fly fishing guides also offer great lessons in the art of casting and tips for fishing fun.

Jeep or horseback to learn about the Vail history while enjoying the woods and majestic vistas. Horseback adventures range from easy two-hour rides to overnight camping or rounding up cattle. Try an evening Hummer tour with night-vision binoculars!

Want more excitement? Experience rock climbing with local guides that will challenge your balance and route-finding skills. Hot air balloons fly passengers above the valley where eagles soar above awesome and spectacular views.

After a hard day of adventure and play, one can relax for the evening. Horse-drawn carriage tours wind through Vail Village, a great way to learn about stores and restaurants. Stroll through the beautiful Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest public botanical gardens in the world. Then unwind during an evening concert at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Bravo! presents classical delights by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Rachmaninoff under starry skies. Dancers from around the globe captivate viewers with programs ranging from classical ballet to energetic movement choreography. The Budweiser Hot Summer Nights concert series features the hottest names in rock, bluegrass, country, and funk. Jazz aficionados can enjoy free concerts at the Vail Farmers' Market on Sunday afternoons. The Colorado Ski Museum and the Hall of Fame document the history of skiing in Colorado and the famous 10th Mountain Division troops of World War II.

An endless variety of fun, challenging, and relaxing opportunities are always found with the spectacular mountain summers that Vail has to offer.

MOUNTAIN INFORMATION

Winter isn't the only time to make your way up and down the mountain. Vail has a large network of hiking and mountain biking trails and lift access from the eagle Bahn gondola in lionsHead and the Vista Bahn in Vail Village.

• Dining is available for lunch on Talon's Deck and at Blue Moon at Eagle's Nest at the top of the Gondola. Adventure Ridge at Eagle's Nest offers indoor laser tag, outdoor harness trampoline, disc golf, horse shoes, and volleyball courts.

• Don't be fooled by the warm sun. The weather can change quickly and the temperature is typically cooler on the top of the mountain. Shorts are OK, but be sure to pack a waterproof jacket, a hat, and any other layers to prepare for the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms, which are frequent in the summertime.

• Hikers and bikers embarking on long day trips should get started early in the morning and always bring water and snacks.

• Sun protection should be worn at all times. At 10,000 feet, exposure to the sun is 40% more intense than sea level. We recommend sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher and sunglasses with UV protection.

• Mountain bikers should wear sturdy shoes at all times and only stay on trails marked for mountain biking. Be aware that some trails are designated for downhill traffic only. The difficulty level of singletrack mountain bike trails is not comparable to ski trails. Beginners should stay on service roads and green trails only.

TUNE INTO TV8 (channel 8) & Plum TV (channel 16) to find updated information on weather, events, activities & highlights for everything to do in Vail.

START YOUR DAY WITH A FREE
daily newspaper for your weekly event planning.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on Vail Mountain, visit www.Vail.snow.com

STATEWIDE ROAD CONDITIONS & closures are available. Please call 1.877.315.7623