There’s a reason U.S. and European travelers flock to Vail each winter: world-renowned skiing paired with a stellar dining scene, designer shopping, and luxury hotels. But beyond powder days and postcard-perfect alpine views, Vail continues to evolve—especially as it heads into the 2026/27 season.
This year, Vail Resorts is expanding access with new Epic Pass pricing for skiers and riders aged 13 to 30, alongside returning perks like Friend Tickets and lift credit rollovers. While winter remains the main draw, Vail’s appeal stretches beyond the slopes—with a brief spring pause before summer hiking, festivals, and open-air dining take over.
Journalist and avid skier Stacey Lastoe shares where to stay, eat, drink, and explore.
Where to Stay
The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort
With a reputation among Vail’s luxury set, The Hythe delivers a polished take on alpine living, starting with a seamless ski valet that whisks your gear straight to the gondola. Inside, a soaring lobby with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, layered textures, and heritage-driven design sets the tone, while rooms feature marble baths and cleverly designed mudrooms for stashing gear. Its ski-in, ski-out location also means easy access to Well & Being, the on-site spa, for a post-slope reset.
Sonnenalp Hotel
The best rooms at this Bavarian-style ski lodge have fireplaces and spectacular mountain views, but all 127 guest rooms ooze charm and are well-appointed to boot. Be sure to make time for dinner at the Swiss Chalet, where fondue and schnitzel do their part to maintain the European ski vibes. If altitude is a problem, rest assured that Sonnenalp’s Spa Cafe & Oxygen Bar will have you feeling fresh in no time.
Gravity Haus Vail
For those who like their ski trips with a side of community and cool factor, Gravity Haus delivers. This design-forward, members-club-meets-boutique-hotel hybrid caters to a more active, social crowd, with amenities like a co-working space, fitness center, and on-site gear rentals—making it just as appealing for summer stays centered around hiking, biking, and wellness.
Where to Eat
Root & Flower
While you can’t go wrong starting with a cocktail here when doors open at 5 p.m., Root & Flower is an aprés ski gem specializing in distinct wine offerings, with 50 by-the-glass options to satisfy even the pickiest oenophiles in the group. Added luxury comes in the form of lobster deviled eggs; a stellar cheese and charcuterie selection are always on the menu.
La Tour
Considering Vail’s reputation among European ski enthusiasts, it’s no wonder the French restaurant dishing up classics such as escargot and smoked duck alongside more eclectic dishes like hibachi BBQ oysters and black-truffle miso halibut is perpetually buzzing.
The 10th Restaurant
Perched at MidVail at the top of Gondola One, The 10th offers one of the most scenic dining experiences on the mountain. Expect refined classics with a cozy, lodge-like feel—and if you time it right, the Two Martini Lunch (complete with Caesar salad, truffle fries, and martinis to share) is reason enough to linger a little longer. Come summer, it doubles as a scenic mid-mountain lunch stop for hikers and gondola riders.
Sweet Basil
A Vail staple since the ’70s, Sweet Basil remains one of the town’s most sought-after reservations. The menu strikes a balance between globally inspired flavors and Colorado-sourced ingredients, with dishes that feel both inventive and approachable. It’s the kind of place you go for a celebratory dinner and end up wishing you had booked twice.
Where to Drink
Remedy Bar
By virtue of its prime location in the Four Seasons, you know you can expect excellent service and carefully crafted cocktails in cool digs at Remedy Bar. Sip the mezcal-based drink Smoke & Flowers by the fire and contemplate which wings to order: buffalo, sesame gochujang, or barbeque.
Shakedown Bar
Vail overflows with aprés ski options, but for after-hours shenanigans, head to this live music venue where the party starts at 9 p.m. and goes until the wee hours of the morning. Conveniently located in Vail Village, Shakedown Bar serves booze and beers in an intimate setting and is a fine contrast to many of the village’s more upscale watering holes.
Revel Lounge
Tucked inside The Hythe, Revel Lounge is where aprés ski takes on a more polished tone. Plush seating, mountain views, and a well-edited cocktail list make it an easy stop after a day on the slopes—whether you’re in the mood for a classic or something a bit more experimental.
Chasing Rabbits
Part restaurant, part nightlife destination, Chasing Rabbits brings a dose of big-city energy to Vail Village. Expect immersive interiors, live DJs, and a menu that spans sushi, small plates, and late-night bites. It’s where you go when you’re not quite ready to call it after dinner.
Where to Visit
Vail Ski Resort
Ski and snowboard the slopes at Vail Ski Resort, which has a plethora of ski runs for all levels.
Vail Village
While its European-inspired architecture leans more playful than authentic, Vail Village more than makes up for it with its lively energy, shopping, and dining scene. Fuel up at Westside Café & Market with the dirty biscuits and gravy, and grab last-minute gear from Helly Hansen or Patagonia. After a day on the mountain, refuel with a $3 draft beer (between 2–5:30 p.m.) and burger at Southside Benderz before browsing home goods at Hygge Life. In warmer months, patios fill up and the village takes on a more relaxed, open-air rhythm.
Colorado Snowsports Museum
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Colorado Snowsports Museum tells a story of Colorado’s love affair with skiing and snowboarding. On display now: Tom Sims snowboard featured in the James Bond film “A View to Kill.”
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Entrance to the highest elevation botanic garden in North America is free ($5 is the suggested donation) and possibly 365 days a year. Unsurprisingly alpine and mountain plants are on prominent display, and both public and private tours are offered.
The Back Bowl
Located in Eagle, Colorado, where visitors looking for a more direct route to Vail fly into, The Back Bowl is a bowling alley is a worthwhile detour from the main Vail scene. Billiards, an arcade, and quintessential gaming snacks like nachos and jalapeno poppers will keep you occupied and sated for the duration.
Vail, Colorado, United States
