Vail Ski Resort

On a powder day, locals know to head straight to the Back Bowls. Areas like Sun Down and Sun Up Bowls offer untracked powder and wide-open terrain that will make any skier’s heart race. For those in search of more solitude, Blue Sky Basin often stays quieter and provides epic tree skiing and powder stashes that last well into the day.

When it comes to après-ski, Vail Village is the place to be. For a more refined experience, stop by The 10th, located on-mountain, offering upscale dining and beautiful views. For a livelier atmosphere, head to Garfinkel’s in Lionshead Village, a popular spot among locals and visitors alike, known for its sun-soaked deck and laid-back vibe.

For those looking to maximize their time on the mountain, start your day early to avoid lift lines and take advantage of the fresh corduroy on the front side before heading into the legendary Back Bowls.

Best Restaurants and Bars in Vail

► For Breakfast

The Westside Café in West Vail is the perfect spot to fuel up before hitting the slopes. Offering different varieties of omelets as well as traditional favorites, Westside should be your first stop on a powder day - or any day.

For a quick cup of coffee or a pastry on your way to the lifts, swing by Yeti’s Grind in Solaris Square in Vail Village.

► For Lunch

Situated at the heart of Vail Mountain, The 10th is a ski-in, ski-out fine dining restaurant overlooking the majestic Gore Range. The cuisine is world-class with a focus on Modern Alpine classics. Step out of your boots and into a pair of complimentary slippers to enjoy an upscale lunch, cozy up to the bar with a hot drink for après, or take a nighttime ride on Gondola One to enjoy a gourmet dinner atop Vail Mountain.

A celebration of Colorado’s highest peaks, Bistro Fourteen features family-friendly cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Adults will enjoy a large selection of regional fare and seasonal microbrews. Ride the scenic Eagle Bahn Gondola to dinner, and make it a spectacular evening with amazing views and creative entrees. Located at Eagle’s Nest at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead.

If you don’t want to waste time skiing the seven miles to the base from the Back Bowls for lunch, pop into Two Elk Lodge at the top of Chairs 14 and 36. The views will inspire you.

► For Dinner

Game Creek Restaurant takes fine dining to new heights. Literally. Located in Vail's scenic Game Creek Bowl, this European chalet is the perfect location for a romantic evening out or a gourmet meal for the whole family. Take a short ride up the Eagle Bahn Gondola to Eagle’s Nest, where you will be whisked away by snowcat through the woods to the restaurant. The magnificent setting is matched with a gourmet, multi-course meal and an award-winning wine list. This is truly a dining experience not to be missed. Located on Vail Mountain.

Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, one of the premier chefs of Japanese cuisine, opened his 29th restaurant, Matsuhisa, located in the lobby space of The Solaris Residences in Vail Village in August 2011. Matsuhisa Vail joins dozens of the celebrity chef’s restaurants under the Nobu brand around the world, and only three that carry the Matsuhisa name – Aspen, Beverly Hills, and Mykonos, Greece. Matsuhisa has taken traditional Japanese cuisine and infused bold South American and Western flavors to create a style that captivates audiences worldwide.

Open for dinner nightly in the heart of Vail Village at The Lodge at Vail and less than a block from Vail Mountain’s Gondola One, Elway’s features USDA hand-cut prime steaks on an award-winning menu chock full of Colorado lamb, fresh fish and creative side dishes. An affordable wine list boasts over 350 selections. The lively bar offers classic cocktails alongside unique appetizers. Dine indoors in the casual mountain setting or après ski in the Colorado mountain sun on the covered or sunny outdoor patios.

Named the “most dynamic restaurant in Vail” by Wine Spectator Magazine, Chef/Owner Thomas Salamunovich’s Larkspur Restaurant brings fine dining to new levels with his contemporary American cuisine. Featuring an open kitchen, giant fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling glass wine room, Larkspur is a treat for your senses. Located at the Golden Peak base area, Larkspur features an extensive bar menu and dinner options that change weekly based on the selection and seasonality of ingredients.

Located in Vail Village at Solaris Square, this is not your neighborhood bowling alley. Complete with a full-service dining room, a 60-foot bar, and 10 bowling lanes, Bōl is a one-stop-shop for an evening of entertainment. Featuring a modern but relaxed atmosphere and a surprisingly creative menu, Bōl is a perfect spot for a date, large groups, and families.

A favorite spot for Vail Mountain Ski Patrollers, Vendetta’s has been serving some of the best pizza and Italian food in the Vail Valley since 1983. For a quieter meal, sit in the main dining room, but for local color and excitement, opt for the pizza bar.

► Après Ski

Nestled within The Arrabelle at Vail Square and only steps away from the Eagle Bahn gondola, Tavern on the Square is a great spot for delicious food and drink, before and after you hit the slopes. The outdoor patio is a great spot to soak up some sun for après ski. The tavern boasts a large selection of regional brews as well as cocktails and wine.

One of Vail’s best kept secrets, The Fitz Bar & Restaurant is tucked away in the Manor Vail Lodge adjacent to the Golden Peak base area, making it a popular destination for Vail Ski School instructors and significantly less crowded than the après spots in Vail Village. The atmosphere is casual and the menu burgers, tacos and more.

Garfinkel's is a classic ski-town sports bar and grill, offering a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere to grab a drink and catch a game. Locals and tourists alike can enjoy a sunny deck, friendly service, and specials.

► Nightlife

Shakedown Bar is a great spot for live music and après–ski entertainment. This live music venue and bar showcase artists from all over Colorado.

Accessing Vail is simple and convenient, whether you’re flying or driving. The closest airport is Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), located just 30 minutes west of Vail and offering direct flights from major cities across the U.S. Many visitors also fly into Denver International Airport (DEN), which is about a two-hour drive east of Vail. From both airports, shuttle services such as Epic Mountain Express are available, providing seamless transfers to the resort.

For those who prefer to drive, Vail is located along Interstate 70, making it easily accessible from Denver and other nearby cities. The drive from Denver offers stunning views of the Rockies, and several car rental options are available for those looking to explore the area on their own.