Vail is a picturesque European-style village in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Pedestrian-friendly streets lined with cute shops and upscale restaurants along Gore Creek meander through a landscape of old-world Bavarian architecture, offering stunning views of untouched wilderness as far as the eye can see. Although it’s just a mere 2-hour flight from Texas, it’s like stepping into a European fairytale. The crisp mountain air, vibrant fall colors, and an alpine village vibe made me forget I was still in the United States.
Let me take you through my journey to Vail, where every moment felt like a perfect escape from the Texas heat.
How to Get to Vail
Getting to Vail has never been easier, especially with the new nonstop flights from Dallas, Houston, Denver, and Chicago to Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE). Once you arrive, hop on the Epic Mountain Express shuttle for a quick ride into town. With Vail’s convenient free bus system and walkable villages, you won’t need a car. Alternatively, you can fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) and enjoy a scenic two-hour drive to Vail.
Best Time to Visit
Fall is the perfect time to visit Vail thanks to cooler temperatures and fewer crowds compared to ski season in winter. This time of year, nature is in a slow, graceful transition, preparing for winter, making the scenery even more beautiful. Plus, Vail’s fall calendar is packed with exciting events like concerts, Oktoberfest, and the Freefall Bluegrass Festival in October.
Fall Dining Scene in Vail
Vail recently introduced four brand-new dining trails, each representing a different season, making it easy to sample the town’s unique culinary offerings. Fall is all about the Tyrolean Trail, highlighting the area’s Italian, German, Swiss, and Austrian influences. You can find a walking map of each trail on DiscoverVail.com. Whether it’s the cozy flavors of the Tyrolean Trail in fall, the hot chocolate trail in winter, the melty goodness of the spring trail, or the game food trail in summer, Vail’s dining scene is a treat for foodies.
Read more below for the list of fall dining trail options like Gorsuch Ski Cafe, Pepi’s, and Alpenrose.
Best Things To Do In Vail This Fall
Let’s dive into some of the best things to do in Vail this fall; the most colorful time of the year.
Stroll The Vail Village
Stroll through Vail Village and savor a delightful array of dining options! As part of the Fall Dining Trail, Pepi’s Bar & Restaurant is a perfect place for a drink and live music. Located at the intersection of Bridge Street and Gore Creek Drive, Pepi’s outdoor deck is a vibrant social hub where locals and visitors gather to see and be seen.
The restaurant and bar offer an appealing selection of traditional European and Austrian delicacies, with Wienerschnitzel and Beef Stroganoff among the highlights.
We also came across the beautiful Lancelot Restaurant, renowned for its irresistible prime rib. Established in 1969, this iconic restaurant has become a beloved staple in Vail, known for its elegant yet cozy ambiance. Lancelot offers a unique dining experience with a menu that features not only their famous prime rib but also a selection of fresh seafood, delectable pastas, and gourmet desserts.
After satisfying your taste buds, explore unique shops and charming spots that make this village a perfect blend of flavor and fun! The trendy fall collection at Gorsuch caught our eye. It offers casual fashion, skiwear, accessories, a ski shop, demos, and gifts. We also saw the Covered Bridge, symbolizing Vail’s timeless charm.
The 10th Mountain Division Memorial offered a humbling reminder of the area’s history, while made-from-scratch Sundae satisfied our sweet cravings with handcrafted ice cream in creative flavors.
Our walk ended at Solaris Residences, right in the center of Vail Village. These resort-style luxury accommodations range from expansive five-bedroom mountain-view residences to cozy but lavish studio dens, all within the bustling hub of activity. Enjoy fine dining options, local libations, and Vail’s only sleek bowling center, which personifies the diverse and high-end ambiance.
Have Lunch with Llamas at Paragon Guides
For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, this is one of the best ways to make the most of the fall season in Vail. Our guide, Joe, introduced us to our llama companions. We were advised to wear proper hiking shoes and bring layers, including a raincoat, as Vail’s weather can be unpredictable.
A hat, water bottle, sunglasses, and sunscreen were also on our packing list—essential items for a day out in the Colorado wilderness. Thanks to the llamas who carried everything for us!
We wandered through Maloit Park and paused at Cross Creek to take some photos of Vail’s spectacular views. You can choose the length and difficulty of your hike. We opted for a few miles, which was just right for us. However, you can go for as little as a mile or as long as 12 miles if you’re feeling adventurous.
And if you’re up for it, Paragon Guides even offers overnight camping tours where you can hike, spend the night under the stars, and enjoy the serene wilderness.
Savor the Autumn Flavors at Alpenrose
We decided to have an authentic Austrian dinner date at Alpenrose, yet another integral part of Vail’s Fall Dining Trail. We started our evening with boot shots—Schladerer Schnaps, to be exact. These schnaps originated in the Black Forest and blended apple and pear flavors. Next up was the Herzhaftes Käsefondue for two. This hearty cheese fondue was traditionally prepared with Emmentaler cheese, which gave it that rich, nutty flavor we couldn’t get enough of.
I opted for the Alpen Spritzer, a refreshing Aperol Spritz with a delightful twist to wash it all down. It was light and bubbly, just what I needed to balance our rich meal. On the other hand, Chief chose Alpenrose Gletscherwasser, a homemade blue lemonade that was non-alcoholic and refreshing.
Ramble on the Colorado Rockies with Nova Guides Jeep Group Tour
A highlight of our Vail trip was joining a Jeep Group Tour with Nova Guides, where we hiked at an impressive 12,000 feet. Local outfitters like Sage Outdoor Adventures and Nova Guides offer thrilling tours through the Colorado Rockies, featuring stunning tree-lined trails and panoramic valley views.
We were picked up early from our hotel and enjoyed a scenic 30-minute drive through Battle Mountain and Highway 24. At Camp Hale, we started our tour at 9,500 feet and climbed to breathtaking heights, spotting wildlife like beavers and visiting beautiful waterfalls along the way.
McAllister’s Grill at the Lodge at Camp Hale is perfect for a lunch break, offering classic cheeseburgers, chicken salad, fruit, and fries. Spend your afternoon at the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum in the Vail Transportation Center, where you’ll learn about the rich history of snow sports and Camp Hale’s role in WWII. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop for unique souvenirs!
We ended our day with a whiskey tasting at the 10th Mountain Whiskey Company in Vail Village, enjoying drinks like the Seibert Sipper and Earl’s Elixer while taking in the lovely creek views.
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Sip on Soul Warming Haute Chocolate at Four Seasons Resort
After the Jeep tour, we retreated to The Remedy Bar at Four Seasons Resort and Residences. This Vail ski resort is an iconic mountain getaway in the United States, offering luxurious accommodations, great food, and a wide range of outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and golfing.
One of its specialties is Haute Chocolate, a decadent, soul-soothing drink that’s absolutely perfect for the cozy fall season. Enjoying a mug of this delightful treat by the crackling fireplace was pure bliss.
Purchase a Pair of Cowboy Boots at Kemo Sabe Vail
No trip to Vail Valley is complete without a stop at Kemo Sabe, a famous cowboy store. From iconic hats to stylish boots and statement buckles, they will take your mountain style to new heights in Vail.
Their exquisite collection features vintage and fine jewelry, artisan knives, custom hats, western boots, and a range of handcrafted accessories, all embodying the spirit of the American West. I couldn’t resist purchasing a pair of stylish cowboy boots to bring a bit of Colorado back home.
Enjoy a Mediterranean Dinner at Chasing Rabbits
Chasing Rabbits in Vail combines a restaurant, library lounge, arcade, and speakeasy into one unique spot. Each area offers something different—whether it’s a cozy meal, craft cocktails, fun games, or a hidden bar experience. The Mediterranean menu is a treat, with dishes like creamy Buttermilk Ricotta served with fresh bread and a sweet-savory Burrata Peach combo that perfectly balances flavors.
After dinner, we headed to the Rabbit Hole for drinks, which turned out to be just as memorable as the meal. We enjoyed the Summer Dragon cocktail, a refreshing blend with a hint of sweetness, and the Clarified Air, which intrigued us with its complex flavors. The venue also includes an arcade and a club, so you can easily shift from dinner to a night of games and dancing.
For a more exclusive experience, visit the Moon Rabbit Speakeasy, a stylish, Tokyo-inspired bar where you can sip on expertly crafted cocktails like the Cosmonaut and Three Sheets to Wind.
Pro Tip: Join the speakeasy waitlist before dinner. By the time you’re done eating, you’ll be ready to explore the Rabbit Hole and enjoy the next layer of this lively spot.
Enjoy a Bird’s-Eye View of Vail on a Gondola Ride
For stunning views of Vail Mountain, a scenic gondola ride is a must. We began our adventure on Gondola One from Vail Village, taking in the vibrant fall colors and towering peaks below. If you’re starting in Lionshead, the Eagle Bahn Gondola also offers amazing scenery as it takes you to the top. Once there, enjoy the fresh mountain air and breathtaking views, and be sure to take a relaxing one-mile hike along the Overeasy Trail to Eagle’s Nest.
Take a High Adrenaline Alpine Coaster to Eagles Nest
For an adrenaline boost on your fall adventure in Vail, don’t miss the alpine coaster to Eagle’s Nest. This thrilling ride takes you down 3,400 feet of winding track, surrounded by vibrant autumn colors. Start by picking up your wristband at the Lionshead or Vail Village Ticket Office, which gives you two exciting rides. Then, hop into your sled and zoom through the forest with the crisp mountain air rushing by. Note: You must be at least 16 to ride with a passenger.
Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings Like Never Before at Gorsuch Ski Café
Gorsuch Ski Café is the ultimate stop for a sweet treat on the Fall Dining Trail! Their Bavarian-inspired bakery items, like chocolate hazelnut croissants, are divine, and their coffee and espresso menu is extensive.
An Exotic Indian Dinner at Annapurna Nepali & Indian Cuisine
For dinner, you can dine Annapurna Nepali & Indian Cuisine, where the flavors of Nepal and India came alive. The Goat Curry was a hearty delight, while the Lamb Makhani offered a creamy indulgence that was simply irresistible. To top it all off, the Cheese Naan and Garlic Naan were the perfect companions, adding a warm, comforting touch to every bite.
Breakfast at Vintage
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Vintage, a cute French brasserie that offers a cozy atmosphere. . The Southwest Benedict is a flavorful twist on a classic, while the Huckleberry Bacon French Toast offers a sweet and savory combination that is simply divine. Try their rich hot chocolate providing the perfect comforting start to the day.
Other Things To Do in Vail
Vail has so much more to offer beyond the slopes! Discover even more fun things to do in Vail from thrilling outdoor adventures to amazing local spots. Check out our full list of must-do activities in Vail and make the most of your mountain getaway!
Discover All The Best Things To Do in Vail, Colorado This Year
Where To Stay in Vail
When looking for a stay in Vail, Colorado, the Sonnenalp Vail Hotel stands out for its charm, luxury, and history. Located in Vail Village, this Alpine-style retreat offers European elegance in one of America’s top ski spots. The Sonnenalp is one of only 124 U.S. hotels to earn a Michelin Key, a mark of high quality and service comparable to Michelin Stars for restaurants. This recognition highlights the exceptional experience you can expect.
For more details on what makes Sonnenalp Vail the best place to stay in this mountain haven, check out our in-depth review of the Sonnenalp Luxury Resort Hotel
Read Our Review of The Sonnenalp Vail
Top Things to Do in Vail in Fall: FAQs
What is Vail best known for?
Vail is best known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, stunning alpine scenery, and luxurious resorts. It’s a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers year-round activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and cultural events.
Is there anything to do in Vail in October?
Yes, there’s plenty to do in Vail in October. Fall offers stunning foliage, scenic hikes, and outdoor activities like mountain biking and fishing. Also, the Vail Farmers’ Market and Art Show is a fantastic event from mid or late June to early October.
Top Things to Do in Vail in Fall: Final Thoughts
Fall in Vail isn’t just about the golden aspen leaves or crisp mountain air; it’s about the moments that take your breath away—whether it’s savoring a cozy meal by the creek, the thrill of an alpine coaster ride, or simply strolling through Vail Village as the leaves crunch underfoot. Vail in the fall is a blend of adventure and serenity, offering something for every traveler.
As I packed my bags, I knew this wasn’t a goodbye but a “see you later.” Vail has a way of pulling you back, and I can’t wait to experience it all over again next fall. If you’re looking for a place where nature, luxury, and adventure come together, Vail is calling your name in the fall.
Last Updated 3 months ago by Jessica Serna | Published: September 8, 2024
