The Vail Valley— Home to more than just Resorts
The Vail Valley aka the Eagle River Valley – With vibrant Vail as a hub, this mountain paradise has something for almost every peak-loving personality
by Katie Coakley
Situated at the foot of the Gore Range, the Eagle River and its tributaries wind past world-class ski resorts, a former mining town and several tight-knit communities. But this valley—often called the Vail Valley—is home to more than just resorts: It’s a vibrant, year-round destination offering culture, adventure and plenty of reasons to put down roots and stay awhile. From its storied slopes (in both winter and summer) to its thriving arts scene, restaurants and history, the Eagle River Valley has multiple facets that sparkle and mesmerize. Pick your pursuit and enjoy the ride.
Rich land – rich history
The town now known as Vail started in December 1959 when a group of shareholders got together and formed the Vail Corporation; the mountain opened for skiing in 1962. However, the history of this valley starts with miners, farmers and ranchers. The town of Red Cliff, founded in 1879, was a mining town; the town of Minturn, a hub for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroads, can trace its roots back to the 1880s and was incorporated in 1904. Avon, which is home to Beaver Creek Resort, started as ranch and farmland, known for its lettuce in the 1920s rather than the ski races it now hosts.
But the story of skiing at Vail starts at Camp Hale. Once the training grounds for the 10th Mountain Division during World War II, this rugged landscape shaped elite soldiers like Pete Seibert, who served in the mountains of Europe and returned to become one of Vail’s founders. Camp Hale was designated as a National Monument in 2022, preserved as both a tribute to the past as well as a destination for a wide variety of outdoor adventures from snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter to mountain biking, hiking and rock climbing in the summer.
Now, Eagle County is home to two world-class ski resorts as well as communities where ski bums, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes and families blend into a tight-knit culture. Those who come here for the winter often stay for the summers, morphing from seasonal residents to those who call this valley home. It’s hard to escape the allure of adventure, entertainment and life that permeates the area.
An adventure in every season
Though Vail and Beaver Creek are synonymous with skiing and snowboarding, the adventures don’t stop when the snow melts. As soon as the trails dry (head down valley to Eagle to get in summer shape sooner), mountain bikers take to the singletrack while hikers can explore trails ranging from mellow to 14,000 feet. Kayakers, paddleboarders and rafters get a taste of whitewater on Gore Creek (early season), the Eagle River and the nearby Colorado River; fly-fishers find their big fish stories in these same waters, whether in waders or by boat. If birdies and bogies are more your speed, there are a dozen public and private golf courses in Eagle County – depending on the year, you could spend the morning on the ski slopes and the afternoon on the fairway. Then there’s rock climbing, hot air ballooning, horseback riding, paragliding…no matter the season, there’s an adventure for almost every appetite.
Speaking of appetite….
Enjoying all that the valley offers can work up an appetite. With visitors from around the country and the world as visitors, the dining options can be as diverse as its landscape, offering everything from high-end gourmet experiences to beloved local favorites.
In Vail, gourmet destinations like Sweet Basil and Matsuhisa offer world-class fare crafted by renowned chefs. Looking for cuisine that reflects the Bavarian vibes? Pepi’s has been delivering authentic German dishes since 1964 and Alps-inspired spots like Almresi and Alpenrose transport you straight to Europe.
Recently, Vail and Beaver Creek have been recognized as culinary hubs as Mirabelle in Avon, Osaki’s in Vail, Splendido at The Chateau in Avon, Sweet Basil in Vail and Wyld in Avon all earned spots in the Michelin Guide. These accolades further solidified the valley as a top destination for unforgettable dining experiences.
For those wanting something a little less elevated, there are still plenty of options. Westside Café is a locals’ favorite for breakfast, known for its generous portions and creative Bloody Marys; El Segundo is a high-end taqueria, offering up creative street tacos and a reverse happy hour from 9-11 p.m. A recent addition, Avanti at Golden Peak brings the food hall experience to Vail with options ranging from Mediterranean dishes to ramen. For a meal with historic flare, the Minturn Saloon has been a destination for skiers, fishermen and storytellers since 1901.
But first, we après
Après is a way of life in the valley and is not just limited to the winter. Yes, it started with “après ski,” the time in which skiers and snowboarders transition seamlessly from the slopes to patios and barstools to fortify with beverages and bites, but it has evolved to become a year-round experience.
In Vail, The Red Lion remains a beloved classic, known for its live music and festive atmosphere. Spots like Vendetta’s and Garfinkel’s are other favorite options, known for cold beers and plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun. For a more refined après experience, Remedy Bar at the Four Seasons serves up artisanal cocktails with stunning mountain views and Root & Flower offers an impressive wine selection and creative craft cocktails for those looking to sip in style. Feeling a bit divey? Bad Kitty Lounge concocts tasty cocktails surrounded by a retro vibe.
Then there are the local potent potables. 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co creates small-batch bourbon, vodka and moonshine and has a tasting room where you can find your favorite flavor; Archetype Distilling offers a twist with craft distilled gin and vodka made from grapes. More interested in craft beer? Vail Brewing Company has a tasting room in Solaris in Vail Village as well as their main brewery in Eagle-Vail and if you’re heading to Eagle Regional Airport, stop by Eagle River Brewing for a pint either pre- or post-flight.
Whether celebrating an epic powder day or simply unwinding with friends, the après scene in the valley is second to none.
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Feed your soul with music, arts and culture
Beyond the breathtaking landscapes, the rich arts and culture scene brings big city performances to an idyllic mountain setting.
The Gerald R Ford Amphitheater is one of the most beautiful outdoor ventures in the state, eclipsed only by the performers that grace the stage. Each summer, the mountains echo with music from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra during the Bravo! Vail Music Festival; other weeks welcome headliners from the rock, reggae, country and bluegrass world. The annual Vail Dance Festival attracts some of the greatest dancers and choreographers from across the globe, bringing breathtaking artistry to various venues. In Beaver Creek, the Vilar Performing Arts Center hosts world-renowned musicians, Broadway-style productions and intimate live performances as well as hosting performers from Bravo! and Vail Dance. The Town of Avon hosts spectacular events at their open air stage at the Harry A. Nottingham Park & Avon Pavilion.
Meanwhile, local art galleries in Vail, Beaver Creek and Edwards showcase everything from contemporary sculptures and famous photography to nature-inspired works by regional artists. Public art installations throughout the valley add color and creativity to already picturesque surroundings, blending seamlessly with the area’s natural beauty.
Then there are the events: Throughout the year, the valley comes alive with an array of events to celebrate adventure and the arts. The GoPro Mountain Games kick off the summer with adrenaline-pumping competitions in kayaking, rock climbing, trail running, mountain biking and more. In autumn, Oktoberfest brings Bavarian cheer to Beaver Creek and Vail with beer, bratwurst and plenty of polka dancing. In winter, the world comes to Beaver Creek for the annual Birds of Prey ski races while the Taste of Vail highlights the valley’s impressive culinary scene each spring. No matter when you visit, there’s always a reason to explore and experience.
Life-long vacation
Amid the activities, events and can’t-miss destinations is the valley’s vibe—a blend of work-for-it adventures and earned relaxation. Days are filled soaking up the sun and high-altitude air: skiing and snowboarding through powder, biking through turning aspen groves and gathering with friends in the afternoon sun. Evenings are spent at an outdoor concert or cozying up at a firepit, catching up and connecting. It’s a place that invites escape yet somehow creates even stronger bonds.
Whether you’re a visitor passing through or someone who decides to make the Eagle River Valley home, these mountains stay with you long after you leave. It’s a place where outdoor exploration is a lifestyle and every season brings a new reason to fall in love. More than just a destination, this valley isn’t just a place—it’s an experience. And once you’ve felt the magic, it never really leaves you.
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