Vail Mountain Summer Tip Sheet 2025
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Under blue skies more than 300 days each year, Vail is the world’s premier mountain resort. The year-round alpine destination delivers a superior, seamless experience for every guest, from the vast terrain and natural grandeur of the surrounding Gore and Sawatch Ranges to world-class events, shops and spas, and the abundant culinary options and luxurious accommodations that line the pedestrian-friendly streets of Vail and Lionshead Villages. Coupled with the enduring spirit of innovation and a timeless pursuit of excellence in all aspects of guest service and operations, Vail is like nothing on earth.
The World’s Premier Alpine Music Venue
During the 2024-2025 winter season, Vail transformed into the world's premier high alpine music venue with performances on and off the slopes by Tiesto, John Summit, Eli & Fur, Goth Babe, J. Worra, and more. This summer, Vail is once again home to legendary alpine performances with SpringFree Bluegrass Festival, live concerts at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Lionshead Live and more.
Venture on-mountain with performances during Vail Summer Sessions on June 27 – 29, 2025! The 2025/26 Epic Pass comes with FREE scenic gondola rides, which means you can experience Vail Summer Sessions with no extra cost. Visit www.epicpass.com for more details on exclusive summer benefits for 2025/26 Epic Pass Holders.
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Vail Summer Sessions, June 27 – 29: This summer, Vail is expanding its on-mountain music at new venues like the Eagle’s Nest Rooftop. Take in live performances with unbeatable views featuring Magoo and the Blue Ox Boys on Friday at Eagle’s Nest Rooftop, Evan Honer and Wood Belly on Saturday at the Gondola One Yard, and Bryne and Moonstone Quill on Sunday at Eagle’s Nest Rooftop. Enjoy weekend-long activations in both Vail Village and Lionshead base areas, presented by Toyota.
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Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, all summer: This intimate venue nestled in Vail is hosting shows all summer, featuring a variety of live performances from bluegrass, rock, and classical genres. See the full schedule here to enjoy favorites like The String Cheese Incident, Ray LaMontagne, The Black Crowes, and more.
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SpringFree Bluegrass Festival, May 23 – 25: Come enjoy live Bluegrass during the Springfree Bluegrass Festival in Vail Village. Admission is free at Solaris Plaza, International Bridge, and Gore Creek Plaza. After the festival, head to Cucina Restaurant for exclusive after parties and enjoy intimate performances from the festival headliners on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
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BRAVO! Vail Music Festival, May 23 – July 31: The Bravo! Vail Music Festival is a haven for fans of classical and orchestral music. From indoor community quartet concerts at Vail Interfaith Chapel to outdoor amphitheater performances amplified by the rugged backdrop of Vail’s mountains, each concert is unforgettable. Learn more here.
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Hot Summer Nights, Select Nights, June 17 – Sept. 16: Claim your spot on the lawn at Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre and boogie down to free live tunes put on by Hot Summer Nights. Learn more here.
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Lionshead Live, June 19 – Aug. 28: Lionshead Live enriches the village with free music this summer. Ensembles include Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast, Very Jerry Band, Joey Gulizia, Johnny & The Mongrels, Tim & Taylor, and more. This tented music series will be held in Arrabelle Square every Thursday 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm, June 19 through August 28.
Can’t Miss Experiences
With a focus on family-friendly activities, helping guests engage with the outdoors in a playful way, Vail Mountain’s activities at Adventure Ridge create a deeper connection with nature:
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Forest Flyer™: This gravity-based alpine coaster allows guests on individual sleds to descend on a raised track through the forest while giving riders full control of their speed.
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Summer Tubing: High atop Vail Mountain at Adventure Ridge, grab a tube and hop a ride on Vail’s summer tubing hill.
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Paramount Peak Rock Climbing Wall: Guests can navigate their way up the second-tallest permanent outdoor climbing wall in Colorado with 36 feet of rock face and various routes.
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Bungee Trampoline: Soar to new heights on the bouncing bungee harnessed trampoline.
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Little Eagle Zipline: Kids aged five and older, between 30 and 100 lbs. will enjoy flying on the single-zipline spanning nearly 200-feet.
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Interpretive Trail System: Vail has partnered with the United States Forest Service and Walking Mountains Science Center to bring interactive elements to Fireweed and Eagle’s Loop Trails.
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Gore Creek Mini Golf: Children and adults of all ages can practice putting their “hole-in-one" on Vail Mountain’s nine-hole mini golf course located in front of the Lionshead summer ticket office.
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Gondola One and the Eagle Bahn Gondola: Enjoy scenic rides and bike hauls on Gondola One and the Eagle Bahn Gondola, offering views of magnificent peaks and access to a variety of trails for hiking and biking, alongside mountaintop dining. Epic Passholders get complimentary scenic gondola rides this summer.
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Nature Discovery Center & Guided Nature Hikes: Ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola to the Nature Discovery Center, an all-season yurt at Eagle’s Nest. Walks are provided compliments of Vail Resorts, the United States Forest Service and Walking Mountains Science Center.
Summer Signature Events
Vail Mountain and the surrounding villages offer a summer full of mountain-town events. Mark your calendar and discover it all at DiscoverVail.com:
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GoPro Mountain Games, June 5 – 8: The GoPro Mountain Games is the country’s most celebrated festival of adventure sports where ProAms compete together in a celebration of adventure sports. Gondola One will spin Saturday and Sunday during the event. Learn more here.
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Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show, June 15 – Oct. 5: The iconic Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show happens every Sunday with around 40 vendors presenting artisanal food, art and gifts.
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Vail America Days, July 4: Celebrate the Fourth of July in Vail with Vail America Days, a beloved annual tradition. The day kicks off with a festive morning parade through the streets of Vail, followed by a patriotic concert featuring a performance by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and a nighttime fireworks display launched from Vail Mountain.
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Vail Wine Classic, Aug. 7 – 10: Sip wines from the West Coast to France with 100+ wineries featured at the Grand Tastings or grab some friends and enjoy curated lunch and dinner tastings before lacing up your boots for leisurely wine-paired hikes and nature outings. You’ll also get the chance to engage with winemakers and sommeliers during live seminars. Learn more here.
Where to Stay
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The Arrabelle at Vail Square: Complemented with direct access to Vail Mountain via the Eagle Bahn Gondola just steps away, The Arrabelle is convenience, appeal and elegance wrapped in one luxurious package. Book your stay here and get 20% off lodging with your 2025/26 Epic Pass.
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The Lodge at Vail: Enjoy one of the 46 diverse suites equipped with wood-burning fireplaces and private walk-out balconies. This historic property remains an iconic destination for visitors both frequent and new. Book your stay here and get 20% off lodging with your 2025/26 Epic Pass.
Where to Eat
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Sundaes at Simba's: Enjoy signature sundaes at Simba’s located at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19).
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Talon’s Deck Outdoor Grill: Relax on Vail’s largest deck at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola while enjoying delicious food at 10,350 ft.
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Mid-Vail Grill: Conveniently located at Mid-Vail at the top of Gondola One, the Grill offers a unique outdoor mountain BBQ experience.
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Bistro Fourteen: Bistro Fourteen is a convenient bar to grab signature cocktails and take in breathtaking mountain vistas at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19).
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Brunch at The 10th: Offered once a month during the summer, Vail’s signature on-mountain dining experience at The 10th is serving Sunday brunch at the top of Gondola One. Join us on June 29, July 27, Aug 24, and Sept 28. Reservations will be available on Tock throughout the summer.
Trails to Explore
Vail Mountain and the surrounding valley offer expansive trail networks for the outdoor enthusiast that wind through lush forests, brilliant wildflowers and native wildlife to provide breathtaking views of the surrounding environment.
Hiking and Trail Running on Vail Mountain
All ages and abilities can take advantage of trails that offer the chance to escape into nature. A few favorites include:
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Eagle's Loop: “Green” ridge-top loop with great views of Mount of the Holy Cross. (1 mile)
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Fireweed Loop: Beautiful wooded trail between Eagle’s Nest and Mid-Vail. (1 mile)
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Berrypicker: This intermediate trail offers a steep climb from Vail Village or Lionshead through peaceful aspen trees and wildflowers, up to Eagle’s Nest. (3.2 miles)
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Cabin Trail: This intermediate trail offers a scenic hike through the forest up to Mid-Vail. (2.1 miles)
Mountain Biking on Vail Mountain
Vail’s mountain bike trails suit the amateur and the seasoned professional. Vail Mountain encompasses more than 40 miles of mountain biking trails and some of the many include:
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NEW: Yearn to Berm: Opening Summer 2025
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Sidekick to Golden Gate: These challenging beginner trails offer a flowy bermed descent from Mid-Vail, winding from forested terrain through dense aspen groves. (2.6 miles)
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Grand Traverse: Vail's signature single-track traverses the Back Bowls from Eagle's Nest, offering excellent views of Mt. of the Holy Cross. (5.9 miles)
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Big Mamba: An exhilarating freeride biking rail combining flowing rollers and smooth switchbacks that will take you across open meadows, into dense pine forests, and through sunny aspen groves. (2.7 miles)
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Radio Flyer: Freeride Biking Trail. Dozens of banked turns and rollers wind from Eagle's Nest down through Vail's lodgepole pine forests. (1.7 miles)
Need a Bike Haul Pass? Purchase your Bike Haul tickets or passes online and pick them up at the Lionshead or Vail Village Ticket Office. Those with a 2025/26 Epic Pass get a discount on Bike Haul passes as well as discounts on bike rentals for the summer season.
Protecting our Outdoors: Sustainable Travel in Vail
As a resort and company deeply rooted in the great outdoors, we’re committed to achieving a zero net operating footprint by 2030. Our industry-leading Commitment to Zero creates the opportunity for one mountain resort company to have a big impact on our natural environment through its three pillars: zero net emissions, zero waste to landfill, and zero net operating impact on forests and habitat.
You’ll find our Commitment to Zero is pervasive throughout all of Vail Mountain’s summer activities, spotlighting our natural environment and working with local and national partners to create eco-discovery experiences all summer long.
Summer Savings with the Epic Pass
Epic Pass Holders get free scenic gondola rides with their 2025/26 Epic Pass, along with 20% off lodging, dining, bike rentals, and more. Learn more about summer benefits and buy your Epic Pass here.
Vail Mountain Summer Operation Dates:
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June 13 – Sept. 1: Open Daily from 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
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Sept. 5 – Sept. 28: Open Friday – Sunday from 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
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