Vail is a world-renowned, extraordinary winter sports destination. But did you know that Vail is "Like Nothing on Earth” over the summer? With a tremendous variety of activities, glorious weather and an extensive dance and music scene, Vail is an ideal and unique destination spot for summer.
This summer, it's all about Adventure Ridge where Vail is launching a series of new activities for every age and every adventure type. With new activities like a four-line 1,000-foot long zip line, aerial ropes courses, a large and challenging climbing wall, summer tubing, a series of small climbing boulders, and a kids' zip line, try to find a kid who wouldn’t want to explore Vail! Want even more? You’ll also find horseback tours and pony rides, an 18-hole self-guided disc golf course, a bungee trampoline, slack lines and mini golf.
If you have junior adventurers at home, sign them up for the 4th Annual KEEN Vail Kids Adventure Race - Vail’s signature, kid’s-only race where more than 100 teams of two, ages 6 to 14, race against each other on an obstacle course like no other. Participating kids navigate an adventure course through Vail Village and on Vail Mountain that includes hiking, mountain biking, zip lining, archery, an underground river crossing and balancing on a slack line over a mud pit. Did I mention there is a giant Slope-n-Slide, Vail’s 100-foot version of a slip-n-slide? Sorry moms and dads, this one is just for kids!
For something the whole family can enjoy together, grab your bikes, hop on a gondola, and explore the mountain. If it is your first time to Vail, use a guide and take the time to learn the trails and find out a little more about Vail. If you are an adventurous family, take advantage of one of the many downhill mountain bike trails – there’s more than 52 miles of trail!!
If biking isn’t your thing, you can explore the mountain on foot. Vail has many designated hikes for all levels of experience. Beginning hikers can start out on the Ptarmigan Loop, a short hike with 360-degree views, and more experienced hikers can check out views of Mt. of the Holy Cross and the Sawatch Range on the Ridge Route.
In its 26th year, the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival is a hallmark cultural attraction in Vail. The six-week festival runs June 27 through Aug. 1 and is introducing free, mid-day concerts at the Vail Interfaith Chapel this summer. Concerts will feature a variety of music types plus musicians will be available to answer questions, making for a great educational experience for the kids.
Each summer, Vail plays host to the world’s finest dancers at the Vail International Dance Festival taking place July 30 - Aug. 14 this year. The dancers in your family will love getting the chance to see the Paul Taylor Dance Company, the Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Lil Buck, the acclaimed dancer known for a style called jookin’ which started in Memphis, Tenn. Tickets are on sale now for these events!
Now more than ever, Vail is full of family fun. With new outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, Vail in the summertime should be on every family’s list! For more information, visit www.vail.com.
