Vail Mountain is famous for world-class skiing in winter. The singletrack is equally heart-pumping in the summertime.
Brian and Doni make their way up Mohawk Lakes trail outside of Breckenridge.
Not every boater knows how to handle the rapids like 13-year-old Dane Jackson.
The Gore mountains tower over the Vail Golf Course.
The US Women's Rafting Team manuevers the Eagle River.
Gore Creek in Vail sports a big chunk of Gold Medal waters.
There’s a common expression among Vail locals: “Winter is great … but summer is why we live here.” Of course we love to ski and play in the snow, but the summer, with its perfect temperatures, jaw-dropping landscapes of wildflower and pine tree-adorned Rocky Mountains is true paradise.
Festivals and Events: 2008
If you think Vail’s winter food, wine, sports and music festivals blow your hair back, you haven’t seen anything yet. The summer event season officially kicks off with a turbo dose of adrenaline, courtesy of the Teva Mountain Games (June 5-8). The Mountain Games bring in some of the world’s best athletes to compete head-to-head in kayaking, cycling, rock-climbing running and adventure racing, all intermixed with a frenzy of live music, food and spectator fun.
With the backdrop of the mighty Rockies providing ample acoustics, the world famous Bravo! Music Festival kicks off June 25 and brings a series of globally acclaimed small and large ensembles and orchestras to the Gerald Ford Amphitheater and other venues throughout the valley through Labor Day. From July 27-Aug. 9, the Vail International Dance Festival brings the most graceful dancers of every discipline to Ford Amphitheater. Interspersed among all of these festivals are the Hot Summer Nights free concerts every Tuesday at the amphitheater and opportunities to test your lungs at altitude with the Vail Recreation District’s trail running and bike race series.
Hiking
You may know Vail and Beaver Creek mountains by heart from the top down in the wintertime, but they look completely different in summer, especially if you start your work from the bottom up. Both mountains have an expansive system of hiking trails and guess what? If you’re really not in the mood to go up, it’s not necessary, since both are served by chairlift throughout the summer. Naturally, the resorts aren’t the only places to find scenic hiking trails. Try Booth Falls and Big Horn trails in East Vail, the lusciously green and wildflower-filled Sylvan Lake area in Gypsum or the Colorado Trail up Vail Pass. The hardy hiker can even attempt one of the nearby 14,000-foot peaks such as Mt. of the Holy Cross. No matter where you hike, never go alone and never forget that weather can change rapidly in the summer, so bring the necessary provisions: sturdy shoes and socks, a waterproof jacket, water and snacks, a flashlight and a map. Read more hiking tips.
Biking
As with hiking, Vail and Beaver Creek each have their own system of specified mountain bike trails, all of which can be accessed by lift for a bike-haul fee. Those with strong lungs can go the more rewarding route of biking up the mountain on service roads and trails. The valley is home to a number of other breathtaking (literally) mountain bike rides for the singletrack fanatic and also a recreation path from Edwards over Vail Pass to Copper Mountain and beyond.
Hot Air Balloons, Biplanes and Paragliding
You only feel small when you look up at the mountains, but looking down on them brings a whole new sense of self. You’re never going to gain this much altitude on your own, so you better try a hot air balloon, a ride in a biplane, or a leap off a ledge with a paraglide pro.
Camping
Become one with nature. There are designated campgrounds at the end of Big Horn Road in East Vail and at the top of Red Sandstone Road at Piney River Ranch, which also offers horseback riding, canoeing and fishing in one of the most beautiful settings the valley has to offer. There is also plenty of camping – both in open areas and designated grounds – downvalley near Eagle and Gypsum in the Sylvan Lake area.
Rafting
Remember how much snow we had last season? Well, here’s your chance to see how it moves. There is no shortage of rafting outfitters in these parts and whether you want a peaceful float down a serene portion of the Colorado River or an adrenaline-fueled rattle down the rapids of Browns Canyon or the Eagle River, there’s water of all speeds for every floater.
Flyfishing
As you may have heard, Gore Creek and the Eagle River each boast gold medal waters replete with brown and rainbow trout. Local outfitters offer everything from equipment rentals to guided tours and can be found throughout the valley.
Golf
As much as we love white in the winter, we love green just as much in the warmer seasons, and the color green means more to some of us than others. The Vail Valley boasts 16 public and private golf courses, each with panoramic views that rival any course in the world. While the higher elevation courses in Vail, Beaver Creek and Cordillera furiously begin clearing snow following winter in order to open in May, downvalley courses open their greens from April through mid-October. Find all the details on local courses.
Video
Ask any local about which season they love most in Vail, and you'll get
the same reply: "Winter is great but summer is why we live here." Take
in a refreshing eyeful of what's to adore about the valley's shorter
season.
Vail Guides
Vail and Beaver Creek Hotels and Inns
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