If you're looking for things to do in Vail while you're in town for a wedding, you're in luck. Vail is the kind of place where you can fill every free hour with a mountain adventure, or spend an afternoon wandering through the village with a coffee and a good meal.
As a Vail wedding photographer, I know wedding weekends can move quickly. Between welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, the wedding itself, and everything in between, you may only have a day or two to actually experience Vail. This guide covers some of my favorite ways to spend that extra time, with ideas for different seasons, activity levels, and ages.
Things to Do in Vail in the Spring
Spring in Vail is a little different from the other seasons. Early spring can still feel like winter in the mountains, while late spring brings warmer days and a quieter atmosphere before summer activities get underway. If you're attending a spring wedding, it's a good time to slow down and enjoy Vail without trying to fit too much into your schedule.
Enjoy the Last of Ski Season
Depending on when you're visiting, you may still be able to ski or snowboard on Vail Mountain. March and early April can offer great spring skiing conditions, while the exact season dates vary from year to year. Even if you don't ski, you can still head up the mountain for lunch or spend some time enjoying the village while your more adventurous friends hit the slopes.
Take a Walk Around Vail
As the weather warms up, walking around Vail Village and Lionshead is an easy way to spend a free afternoon. Browse the shops, grab coffee, or stop for lunch before heading back to your hotel to get ready for the next wedding event. Keep in mind that spring is a shoulder season in Vail, so some businesses and activities may have limited hours or seasonal closures.
Make Time to Relax
Spring can be one of the quieter times to visit Vail, which makes it a good opportunity to book a spa treatment, enjoy a long meal, or simply spend some time at your hotel.
If you're attending a wedding, you don't need to turn every free afternoon into an adventure. Sometimes having a slower day before the wedding is exactly what you need.
Things to Do in Vail in the Summer
Summer is one of the best times to experience Vail beyond the wedding events. The weather is generally comfortable, the mountains are green, and there are plenty of ways to spend a day outside without committing to a serious hike.
Ride the Gondola and Explore Vail Mountain
A scenic gondola ride is one of the easiest ways to experience the mountains without much effort. Gondola One and Eagle Bahn Gondola take visitors high above the village, where you can enjoy the views, grab lunch, or head out on one of the mountain trails. Vail Mountain also offers summer activities including hiking, biking, fly fishing, golf, and family-friendly attractions. This is a great option for wedding guests who want to see the mountains but don't necessarily want to spend the entire day hiking.
Take a Scenic Walk
You don't need to tackle a challenging trail to enjoy the outdoors in Vail. There are plenty of easier paths around the villages and along Gore Creek that are great for a morning walk or a slower afternoon. For guests with limited free time, this is an easy way to get outside without making a whole day of it.
Visit Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is one of my favorite quieter spots in Vail. The five-acre gardens are located in Ford Park, within walking distance of Vail Village, and feature alpine plants, walking paths, waterfalls, and mountain views. Admission is free, with a suggested donation. It's especially nice for families or anyone who wants a break from more adventurous activities.
Explore Vail Village and Lionshead
Give yourself some time to simply wander. Vail Village and Lionshead are easy to explore on foot, with shops, galleries, restaurants, patios, and plenty of places to stop for a drink. You don't need a detailed itinerary here. Grab a coffee, browse a few shops, and see where the afternoon takes you.
Go Shopping or Browse the Galleries
Vail has plenty of boutiques and galleries tucked throughout the villages. It's a good option for guests looking for a slower afternoon, especially if you've already spent the morning outside.
The Vail Farmers' Market is another great summer option. It takes over Meadow Drive in Vail Village on Sundays from mid-June through early October, with local food, handmade goods, art, and live music.
Spend an Afternoon on the Water or on the Trail
For more adventurous guests, summer is the time to try fly fishing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, or horseback riding. Guided fly-fishing trips are available throughout the Vail Valley, while rafting and horseback riding offer a fun group activity for guests who want something a little different. Mountain biking and e-biking are also great ways to cover more ground without committing to a full day on foot.
Catch Live Music at the Ford Amphitheater
The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the summer, including Amp Summer Concerts, Hot Summer Nights, the Vail Dance Festival, and Bravo! Vail. Check the schedule before your trip. A concert can be an especially fun addition to a wedding weekend if you have an extra evening.
Things to Do in Vail in the Fall
Fall is one of my favorite times in Vail. The summer crowds have started to thin out, the temperatures are cooler, and the aspen trees bring plenty of color to the valley. It can also be a great time for wedding guests who want to experience Vail without packing their entire weekend with activities.
See the Fall Colors
You don't have to go on a long hike to enjoy the changing aspens. Take a scenic drive through the surrounding mountains, walk along Gore Creek, or spend some time exploring Vail Village. Even a short outing can give you a chance to see the fall colors and enjoy the scenery. For guests with more time, fall hiking is still an option early in the season. Just check trail conditions and weather before heading out, since temperatures and conditions can change quickly at higher elevations.
Play a Round of Golf
Early fall can be a beautiful time to play golf in the Vail Valley. The cooler temperatures make being outside more comfortable, and the changing landscape adds something special to the experience. This can also be a fun option for a group of wedding guests who want to spend a few hours together without taking up an entire day.
Slow Down With a Spa Day
After traveling for a wedding, sometimes the best thing to do is nothing particularly strenuous. Book a massage, spend a few hours at the spa, or have a long lunch before the wedding festivities begin. Fall's slower pace makes it especially nice for this kind of day.
Explore Vail Village
Vail Village and Lionshead are easy to explore on foot, and fall is a great time to take your time with it. Browse the shops and galleries, stop for coffee, or find a patio for a drink while you enjoy the cooler weather. You can also make an afternoon out of lunch and a little shopping before meeting up with the rest of the wedding group.
Enjoy Dinner and Drinks
Fall is a great time to make reservations at one of Vail's restaurants or plan a more relaxed evening with friends. Whether you're looking for a nice dinner before the wedding or somewhere to grab a cocktail afterward, there are plenty of options throughout Vail Village and Lionshead.
Keep an eye on seasonal hours when making plans, since some businesses adjust their schedules between the summer and winter seasons.
Things to Do in Vail in the Winter
For a winter wedding, skiing and snowboarding are the obvious choices, but they aren't your only options.
Ski or Snowboard on Vail Mountain
Vail Mountain has more than 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, including its famous Back Bowls. Whether your guests are experienced skiers or taking their first lesson, there are options for different ability levels. If you're traveling with a group, don't feel like everyone needs to ski together. It's easy to meet up afterward for lunch or après.
Go Ice Skating or Snowshoeing
Ice skating is an easy winter activity for families and groups, while snowshoeing gives guests a chance to experience the snowy landscape without skiing. Vail also offers guided snowshoeing opportunities during the winter season.
Take a Gondola Ride
Non-skiers can still enjoy the mountain. Scenic gondola rides offer a chance to take in the views and have lunch on the mountain without spending the day on skis.
Warm Up With Shopping, Spa Time, or Après
A winter wedding weekend is also a good excuse to slow down. Spend an afternoon browsing Vail Village, book a massage, or settle into a cozy restaurant for lunch. And, of course, there's après. Meeting friends for a drink after a day on the mountain is practically part of the Vail experience.
Things to Do in Vail for Families
If you're bringing kids to a wedding, there are plenty of ways to keep everyone entertained. In summer, try the gondola, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, easy walking paths, or family-friendly mountain activities. In winter, ice skating, snow tubing, and beginner ski lessons are good options.
The key is not to over-plan. Vail is easy to explore at a slower pace, and leaving some downtime in your schedule can be especially helpful when you're already attending several wedding events.
Things to Do in Vail If You Aren't Outdoorsy
Not everyone wants to spend their wedding weekend hiking, biking, or skiing, and that's completely fine. One of my favorite ways to spend a slower day in Vail would be to start with coffee, wander through the village, do some shopping or visit a gallery, and settle in for a long lunch. Add a spa treatment or a cocktail in the afternoon, and you have a pretty great mountain day without ever putting on hiking boots.
There are also plenty of restaurants and bars worth making time for, whether you're looking for a casual meal, a nicer dinner, or somewhere to meet up with the rest of the wedding group for drinks.
“Sierra cares so much, not only as a photographer, but also as a person. She wants you to have the best day possible and will do everything to ensure that happens.
She is very detailed, listens to what you say you want, and makes the process of getting photos taken a relaxed and fun experience.
We are so happy with her work on both our engagement and wedding photos and the experience with her as a whole. Her work speaks for itself but she truly is such a kind and caring person and working with her was a key part of the wedding process."
Sierra H.
Making the Most of a Vail Wedding Weekend
One of the best things about getting married in Vail is that your guests have so many ways to enjoy the destination outside of the wedding itself. Whether they want to spend the day on the mountain, explore the village, or simply slow down and enjoy the scenery, there is something that fits almost every kind of traveler.
As a Vail wedding photographer, I love that couples can give their guests an experience that extends beyond the wedding day. If you're planning a Vail wedding and want photography that captures both the big moments and the feeling of being in this beautiful mountain town, I'd love to hear more about your plans.
