Vail Mountain Welcomes Summer with World-Class Music, Mountain Adventure and Signature Events

2026 Vail Mountain Summer Tip Sheet

Under blue skies more than 300 days each year, Vail is the world's premier mountain resort. The year-round alpine destination delivers a superior, seamless experience for every guest, from the vast terrain and natural grandeur of the surrounding Gore and Sawatch Ranges to world-class events, shops and spas, and the abundant culinary options and luxurious accommodations that line the pedestrian-friendly streets of Vail and Lionshead Villages. Coupled with the enduring spirit of innovation and a timeless pursuit of excellence in all aspects of guest service and operations, Vail is like nothing on earth.

The World's Premier Alpine Music Venue

During the 2025-2026 winter season, Vail once again cemented its status as the world's premier high-alpine music destination, where performances unfolded both on and off the slopes. Global artists like Sofi Tukker, Dillon Francis, Tiesto, and John Summit delivered unforgettable sets, while Chris Lorenzo made history with the first-ever sunrise performance at the Legendary Back Bowls sign.

But the energy doesn't stop there! This summer, Vail turns it up even higher with a lineup of legendary music at Vail Summer Sessions, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, and more. Get ready for another summer where world-class sound meets breathtaking mountain scenery.

Venture on the mountain with your 2026/27 Epic Pass, which comes with FREE scenic gondola rides, which means you can experience the mountain with no extra cost. Visit www.epicpass.com for more details on exclusive summer benefits for 2026/27 Epic Pass Holders.

• Vail Summer Sessions, July 24 - 25: Vail Summer Sessions presented by Toyota returns July 24-25, 2026, bringing two days of free live music to the base of Gondola One. Set against Vail's legendary mountain backdrop, the summer weekend features an energetic lineup including Magic City Hippies, Marlon Funaki, Miki Fiki, and more. Open to all, the event blends live performances, fresh alpine air, and a vibrant après-style atmosphere in the heart of Vail.

• Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, all summer: This intimate venue nestled in Vail is hosting shows all summer, featuring a variety of live performances from bluegrass, rock, and classical genres. See the full schedule here to enjoy favorites like Trey Anastasio, Ray LaMontagne, Myles Smith, and more. In addition, enjoy a Ford Amp Scenic Ride Discount that gives you 20% off a scenic gondola ride when you show your concert ticket.

• BRAVO! Vail Music Festival, May 15 - July 29: The Bravo! Vail Music Festival is a haven for fans of classical and orchestral music. From indoor community quartet concerts at Vail Interfaith Chapel to outdoor amphitheater performances amplified by the rugged backdrop of Vail's mountains, each concert is unforgettable. Learn more here.

• Hot Summer Nights, Select Nights, June 16 - Sept. 15: Claim your spot on the lawn at Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre and boogie down to free live tunes put on by Hot Summer Nights. Learn more here.

• Vail Dance Festival, July 31 - August 10: Join Alexei Ratmansky as Artist-In-Residence, and performances by Martha Graham Dance Company, Rennie Harris Puremovement American Street Dance Theater, Colorado Ballet, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and a roster of dance stars from New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Philadelphia Ballet, Alonzo King's LINES Ballet, the Royal Danish Ballet, and more! Learn more here.

• The Vail Jazz Festival, September 4 - 6: The grand finale of the beautiful Colorado summer season, the Vail Jazz Festival features a jam-packed lineup with several headliners that join together to play in group performances, jam sessions, and inspiring tributes to jazz legends. Located at the Manor Vail Lodge, facing Vail Mountain, the Vail Jazz Festival has cemented its reputation as a premier Labor Day Weekend event! Learn more here.

NEW This Summer

• The Arrabelle at Vail Square: Just steps from the Eagle Bahn Gondola, The Arrabelle offers unparalleled access to Vail Mountain, seamlessly blending convenience with refined alpine elegance. NEW this June, the iconic property unveils a stunning transformation of 36 newly reimagined guest rooms, each a testament to elevated luxury and impeccable design. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated, including custom, hand-painted stencils by acclaimed artist David "Ski" Heck, whose artistry also graces the hotel's exterior. The result is a cohesive, immersive aesthetic that captures The Arrabelle's signature sophistication while celebrating its rich alpine character, an experience as visually captivating as it is indulgently comfortable.

• Brunch at The 10th: Elevate your summer weekends with Vail's most iconic on-mountain dining experience. Perched at the top of Gondola One, The 10th hosts an unforgettable Sunday brunch with sweeping alpine views and a live DJ setting the vibe. Offered July 12, 19, 29 and August 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this highly anticipated event features an indulgent spread including West Coast oysters, lobster tails, a seafood tower, and more. Get more information here. Getting there is easy:

• All guests with a brunch reservation receive complimentary lift access for Gondola One; the entire party must be present at the ticket window to redeem tickets.

• Guests with a 2026/27 Epic Pass may go directly to the lift using their pass for free access.

Can't Miss Experiences

With a focus on family-friendly activities, helping guests engage with the outdoors in a playful way, Vail Mountain's activities at Adventure Ridge create a deeper connection with nature:

• Forest Flyer™: This gravity-based alpine coaster allows guests on individual sleds to descend on a raised track through the forest while giving riders full control of their speed.

• Summer Tubing: High atop Vail Mountain at Adventure Ridge, grab a tube and hop a ride on Vail's summer tubing hill.

• Paramount Peak Rock Climbing Wall: Guests can navigate their way up the second-tallest permanent outdoor climbing wall in Colorado with 36 feet of rock face and various routes.

• Bungee Trampoline: Soar to new heights on the bouncing bungee harnessed trampoline.

• Little Eagle Zipline: Kids aged five and older, between 30 and 100 lbs. will enjoy flying on the single-zipline spanning nearly 200-feet.

• Interpretive Trail System: Vail has partnered with the United States Forest Service and Walking Mountains Science Center to bring interactive elements to Fireweed and Eagle's Loop Trails.

• Gore Creek Mini Golf: Children and adults of all ages can practice putting their "hole-in-one" on Vail Mountain's nine-hole mini golf course located in front of the Lionshead summer ticket office.

• Gondola One and the Eagle Bahn Gondola: Enjoy scenic rides and bike hauls on Gondola One and the Eagle Bahn Gondola, offering views of magnificent peaks and access to a variety of trails for hiking and biking, alongside mountaintop dining. Epic Passholders get complimentary scenic gondola rides this summer. In addition, guests can take advantage of great deals associated with scenic and bike haul tickets:

• Kids Ride Free: Receive one free child scenic ticket for each paid adult scenic ticket

• Scenic Ride & Lunch Voucher: With the purchase of a scenic ticket, add a $30 lunch voucher for $25 that can be redeemed at the top of the mountain for any food or beverage.

• Scenic Ride, Bike Haul & Lunch Voucher: With the purchase of a scenic ticket and bike haul, add a $30 lunch voucher for $25 that can be redeemed at the top of the mountain for any food or beverage.

• Scenic Ride + Coaster Bundle: Receive 10% off when you bundle a scenic ticket and coaster ride.

• Nature Discovery Center & Guided Nature Hikes: Ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola to the Nature Discovery Center, an all-season yurt at Eagle's Nest. Walks are provided compliments of Vail Resorts, the United States Forest Service and Walking Mountains Science Center.

Summer Signature Events

Vail Mountain and the surrounding villages offer a summer full of mountain-town events. Mark your calendar and discover it all at Vail.com.

• GoPro Mountain Games, June 4 - 7: The GoPro Mountain Games is the country's most celebrated festival of adventure sports where ProAms compete together during the official start to summer. Gondola One will spin Saturday and Sunday during the event. Learn more here.

• Vail Craft Beer Classic, June 12 - June 13: Explore breweries from across Colorado at Vail Craft Beer Classic. As you sip, be sure to vote for your favorite. Breweries will have the chance to win in the 'Best Beer of Summer' awards. The 2026 festival will return for its 10th year and will feature an all-inclusive tasting of beer, seltzers, and spirits as well as food trucks and live music. Learn more here.

• Vail Farmers' Market & Art Show, June 14 - Sept. 27: The iconic Vail Farmers' Market & Art Show happens every Sunday with around 40 vendors presenting artisanal food, art and gifts.

• Vail America Days, July 4: Celebrate the Fourth of July in Vail with Vail America Days, a beloved annual tradition. The day kicks off with a festive morning parade through the streets of Vail, followed by a patriotic concert featuring a performance by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and a nighttime fireworks display launched from Vail Mountain.

• Vail Wine Classic, Aug. 6 - 8: Sip wines from the West Coast to France with 100+ wineries featured at the Grand Tastings or grab some friends and enjoy curated lunch and dinner tastings before lacing up your boots for leisurely wine-paired hikes and nature outings. You'll also get the chance to engage with winemakers and sommeliers during live seminars. Learn more here.

• Vail Oktoberfest Lionshead, Sept. 11 - Sept. 13, Vail Village, Sept. 18 - Sept. 20: Vail Oktoberfest 2026 will take place over two weekends in September, celebrating authentic Bavarian culture with music, food, dance, and competitions in both Lionshead Village and Vail Village. Learn more here.

Where to Stay

• The Arrabelle at Vail Square: Just steps from the Eagle Bahn Gondola, The Arrabelle offers unparalleled access to Vail Mountain, seamlessly blending convenience with refined alpine elegance. NEW this June, the iconic property unveils a stunning transformation of 36 newly reimagined guest rooms, each a testament to elevated luxury and impeccable design. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated, including custom, hand-painted stencils by acclaimed artist David "Ski" Heck, whose artistry also graces the hotel's exterior. The result is a cohesive, immersive aesthetic that captures The Arrabelle's signature sophistication while celebrating its rich alpine character, an experience as visually captivating as it is indulgently comfortable.

• The Lodge at Vail: Enjoy one of the 46 diverse suites equipped with wood-burning fireplaces and private walk-out balconies. This historic property remains a legendary destination for visitors both frequent and new. Book your stay here and get 20% off lodging with your 2026/27 Epic Pass.

Where to Eat

• Sundaes at Simba's: Enjoy signature sundaes at Simba's located at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19). Buy one scoop and get a second scoop free with your Adventure Pass.

• Eagle's Nest Marketplace: Take in views of both the Sawatch Range to the south and the Gore Range to the north at Eagle's Nest, located at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19). Serving as the main on-mountain eatery out of Lionshead Village, Eagle's Nest offers a variety of cuisine and beverage options including Bistro 14, Upper Crust Pizza, and Simba's Café. Purchase your lunch package at the base and save 25% on your meal for a family of four (includes four entrees and four drinks for $80).

• Talon's Deck Outdoor Grill: Relax on Vail's largest deck at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola while enjoying delicious food at 10,350 ft.

• Mid-Vail Grill: Conveniently located at Mid-Vail at the top of Gondola One, the Grill offers a unique outdoor mountain BBQ experience.

• Bistro Fourteen: Bistro Fourteen is a convenient bar to grab signature cocktails and take in breathtaking mountain vistas at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19).

• Brunch at The 10th: Elevate your summer weekends with Vail's most iconic on-mountain dining experience. Perched at the top of Gondola One, The 10th hosts an unforgettable Sunday brunch with sweeping alpine views and a live DJ setting the vibe. Offered July 12, 19, 29 and August 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this highly anticipated event features an indulgent spread including West Coast oysters, lobster tails, a seafood tower, and more. Getting there is easy:

• All guests with a brunch reservation receive FREE lift access for all guests on the reservation; the entire party must be present at the ticket window to redeem tickets.

• Guests with a 2026/27 Epic Pass may go directly to the lift using their pass for free access.

Trails to Explore

Vail Mountain and the surrounding valley offer expansive trail networks for the outdoor enthusiast that wind through lush forests, brilliant wildflowers and native wildlife to provide breathtaking views of the surrounding environment.

Hiking and Trail Running on Vail Mountain
All ages and abilities can take advantage of trails that offer the chance to escape into nature. A few favorites include:

• Eagle's Loop: "Green" ridge-top loop with great views of Mount of the Holy Cross. (1 mile)

• Fireweed Loop: Beautiful wooded trail between Eagle's Nest and Mid-Vail. (1 mile)

• Berrypicker: This intermediate trail offers a steep climb from Vail Village or Lionshead through peaceful aspen trees and wildflowers, up to Eagle's Nest. (3.2 miles)

• Cabin Trail: This intermediate trail offers a scenic hike through the forest up to Mid-Vail. (2.1 miles)

Mountain Biking on Vail Mountain

Vail's mountain bike trails suit the amateur and the seasoned professional. Vail Mountain encompasses more than 40 miles of freestyle mountain biking trails and some of the many include:

• Yearn to Berm: The Yearn to Berm bike trail at Vail is a popular destination for mountain bikers seeking challenging and rewarding rides. The trail is known for its steep descents and fast berms, pushing riders to their limits. It is part of the Vail Mountain Bike Park and offers a variety of biking experiences for all skill levels. (2 miles)

• Sidekick to Golden Gate: These challenging beginner trails offer a flowy bermed descent from Mid-Vail, winding from forested terrain through dense aspen groves. (2.6 miles)

• Grand Traverse: Vail's signature single-track traverses the Back Bowls from Eagle's Nest, offering excellent views of Mt. of the Holy Cross. (5.9 miles)

• Big Mamba: An exhilarating freeride biking rail combining flowing rollers and smooth switchbacks that will take you across open meadows, into dense pine forests, and through sunny aspen groves. (2.7 miles)

• Radio Flyer: Freeride Biking Trail. Dozens of banked turns and rollers wind from Eagle's Nest down through Vail's lodgepole pine forests. (1.7 miles)

Need a Bike Haul Pass? Purchase your Bike Haul tickets or passes online and pick them up at the Lionshead or Vail Village Ticket Office. Those with a 2026/27 Epic Pass get a discount on Bike Haul passes as well as discounts on bike rentals for the summer season.

Protecting our Outdoors: Sustainable Travel in Vail

As a resort and company deeply rooted in the great outdoors, we're committed to achieving a zero net operating footprint by 2030. Our industry-leading Commitment to Zero creates the opportunity for one mountain resort company to have a big impact on our natural environment through its three pillars: zero net emissions, zero waste to landfill, and zero net operating impact on forests and habitat.

You'll find our Commitment to Zero is pervasive throughout all of Vail Mountain's summer activities, spotlighting our natural environment and working with local and national partners to create eco-discovery experiences all summer long.

Summer Savings with the Epic Pass

Epic Pass Holders get free scenic gondola rides with their 2026/27 Epic Pass, along with 20% off lodging, dining, bike rentals, and more. Learn more about summer benefits and buy your Epic Pass here.

Vail Mountain Summer Operation Dates:

• June 12 - Sept. 27: Open Daily through Sept. 7, then Friday-Sunday only through Sept. 27

• Gondola One will open on June 12 and Gondola 19 with open on June 19

Stay connected!
More information will become available closer to our summer kickoff via our social media channels (IG/FB/Twitter: @vailmtn) and on the web at vail.com!

Contact

Lee Nielsen

Senior Communications Manager
Email: [email protected]

Media Assets:

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