Vail Luxury Hotels

Vail is a mountain resort town in Eagle County, Colorado, at 8,150 feet elevation, centered on Vail Ski Resort—the largest ski mountain in the state. Four verified luxury hotels operate here representing international brands and alliances. The town serves as both a winter sports destination and a summer resort with cultural events and outdoor activities.

Vail at a glance

Vail is a home rule municipality in Eagle County, Colorado, with a population of 4,835 as of the 2020 census. The town sits at an average elevation of 8,150 feet and was incorporated in 1966, four years after Vail Ski Resort opened in 1962. The resort was founded by Pete Seibert, a World War II veteran who identified Vail Mountain as an ideal ski location while training with the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division at nearby Camp Hale.

Vail's economy relies heavily on tourism. Vail Mountain has a skiable area of 5,289 acres, 33 ski lifts, and 193 marked skiing trails across three faces: the front side, the back bowls, and Blue Sky Basin. The area receives an average of 200 inches of snowfall per season.

Luxury hotels in Vail

Vail is home to four verified luxury hotels representing major international brands and alliances. Sonnenalp is affiliated with The Leading Hotels of the World. Four Seasons, Vail operates under the Four Seasons brand. The Ritz-Carlton Club, Vail is part of The Ritz-Carlton collection. The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail represents The Luxury Collection alliance.

Seasons and activities

Winter is Vail's primary season, with skiing and snowboarding as the main attractions. Other winter activities include snowmobiling and snowshoeing. The area receives substantial snowfall, with roads occasionally closing during heavy snow.

Vail transforms into a summer resort during warmer months. Summer activities include guided hikes, mountain biking, horseback riding, carriage rides, and fishing. The town also functions as a golfing center. Throughout the year, Vail hosts cultural events including Bravo! Vail, the Vail Film Festival, and the Vail International Dance Festival.

Getting there and around

Vail is served by Eagle County Airport near Gypsum, located 30 miles to the west. Interstate 70 runs east–west through the middle of Vail and is the only road to and from town.

The town operates the largest free shuttle bus system in the United States. The In-Town Shuttle provides service every five minutes during peak winter times and every 15 minutes off-peak between Golden Peak, Vail Village, the business district, and Lionshead. Eagle County provides additional bus service to surrounding areas including Beaver Creek, Edwards, and Gypsum. The Colorado Department of Transportation also provides intercity transportation via its Bustang program, with the West Line connecting Vail to Denver and Grand Junction.

Questions about staying here

What is the elevation in Vail?

Vail's average elevation is 8,150 feet above sea level. Vail Mountain itself rises from 8,120 feet to 11,570 feet, creating a vertical rise of 3,450 feet.

Which luxury hotel brands operate in Vail?

Four verified luxury hotels operate in Vail: Sonnenalp (The Leading Hotels of the World), Four Seasons, Vail (Four Seasons), The Ritz-Carlton Club, Vail (The Ritz-Carlton), and The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail (The Luxury Collection).

How far is Eagle County Airport from Vail?

Eagle County Airport is located 30 miles to the west of Vail, near Gypsum. Interstate 70 provides the main road access to the town.

Are there summer activities in Vail?

Yes. Summer activities include guided hikes, mountain biking, horseback riding, carriage rides, and fishing. The town hosts cultural events including the Vail Film Festival and Vail International Dance Festival.

Destination facts: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA); hotel facts: our editorial board.