Vail Tourist Attractions

Vail is perhaps one of the best known ski destinations in North America. Located in the White River National Forest, Vail Mountain Resort has a base elevation of 8,120 feet and a summit elevation of 11,450 feet. The hill receives approximately 341 inches of snow per season and caters to both downhill skiers and boarders, and cross country skiers.The hill has three terrain parks with half and quarter pipes and a variety of jumps, bumps, and other fun. Also, note the Adventure Ridge with options for tubing, kids snowmobiling, ski biking, snowshoeing, and more.There are a variety of on hill dining options from sit down restaurants to cafeteria style, on the run meals. You can be assured of great views at any of the restaurants given the incredible mountain location.Vail does an extensive amount of grooming, great for beginner and intermediate level skiers. Most of the runs are green and blue, with some black and double black.

The Beaver Creek Ski Resort opened in 1980 and offers both summer and winter activities. At the base, the elevation is 8,100 feet and at the summit the elevation is 11,440 feet with 14 lifts. The hill receives an average annual snowfall of 335 inches, making it a popular area for skiing and snowboarding in winter. The mountain does a good job of grooming, offering quality runs for beginners and intermediate skiers and boarders. But, there are also runs to challenge more advanced people. The setting is spectacular and the village is well laid out with a fun atmosphere.Beaver Creek Resort also offers all kinds of entertaining ways to enjoy the mountains during the summer months. In summer the ski and snowboard runs and surrounding terrain become the territory of mountain bikers and hikers. There is also horseback riding, hot air ballooning, and golfing to keep visitors busy.

Numerous varieties of plants are on display at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail. A collection of Alpine plants, at the highest elevation in the world for a botanic garden, include perennials, rock garden varieties, and high elevation plants.The garden also offers educational programs for both children and adults. There is a Children's Garden, which forms the basis for the children's programs. The Alpine Plaza and Alpine Tundra Garden have been renovated, and show the transition zones through creative landscaping. At the heart of this section is the Rocky Mountain Tundra area. Visitors can see alpine plants from mountain ranges on other continents in the Alpines From Around the World section.The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens offer a number of experiences from tours to yoga and art. Check the calendar to see about times and upcoming events.

The Colorado Ski Museum and Hall of Fame in Vail showcases the history of the sport. Colorado starting making skiing history over 130 years ago when early trappers and miners strapped on boards to the high tech racing of today.