Summer Activities
Explore the Vail Valley in summertime, the season many locals have long considered the area's best time of year. Offering a wealth of activities for guests of all for ages, summer is the perfect time of year to experience the beauty and excitement of Vail. For more information, visit the event calendar.
Outdoor Adventures
Adventure Ridge
Located at Eagle’s Nest, on the top of Vail Mountain, Adventure Ridge is the ultimate high-elevation playground. It offers a variety of fun-filled activities for all ages, including dino dig, half-day bike tours, guided hiking tours, orienteering, Frisbee golf, volleyball, bocci, croquet, horseshoes, a BMX course, rebound trampoline, and more. Learn more about Adventure Ridge>>
Golf
The Vail Valley is renowned for its many unique and intriguing mountain courses—13 at last count. As a guest of The Lodge at Vail, you'll enjoy exclusive access to the new, award-winning Red Sky Ranch, with courses designed by Tom Fazio and Greg Norman. Our concierge will be more than happy to arrange a tee time for you at Red Sky Ranch or one of the other world-class Vail Valley courses.
Whitewater Rafting
Whether rafting on the Arkansas, Shoshone, Eagle, or mighty Colorado River, you'll experience a rush of adrenaline while witnessing the breathtaking majesty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
Hot-Air Ballooning
Skim the tree tops and float above the Rockies with one of Vail's professional ballooning companies. For the best conditions (and the most spectacular views), be prepared for an early start—around 7:30-8 a.m.!
Fishing
The Vail Valley is packed with exceptional locations for fly fishing, and local outfitters have become world-famous for the quality of their trips. Guides in the area offer first-time casting classes for folks new to the sport, as well as trips for expert anglers into some of the Rocky Mountains' super-secret fishing holes.
Horseback Rides and Cattle Drives
Experience Colorado’s breathtaking scenery on horseback! Several local ranches provide equestrian thrills that range from children's tours to trail breaking. And if you've ever dreamed of life as a cowboy or a cowgirl, try a real cattle drive. (Half-day and full-day tours are available.)
Hummer Tours
If you want a more comfortable seat than a saddle, there's no better way to enjoy the majesty of the White River National Forest than by cruising the mountains in a 4x4 Jeep or an infamous Hummer.
Hiking/Walking
Whether you are an experienced hiker ready to take on a Colorado "14er," or just looking to take a leisurely stroll through Vail’s Bavarian-style village, the Vail Valley offers unprecedented views and breathtaking sights. Guided services are available if you like adventure but haven’t a clue how to read a compass; for more information, please contact our concierge.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking has become one of Vail's most popular summer outdoor activities. Rent a bike at Vail Sports (a rental shop located adjacent to the hotel), take the Vista Bahn Chair or the gondola up the hill, and enjoy a scenic ride down. Or, if you're looking for an extra-challenging workout, bike up one of the mountain trails, as well!
Sporting Clays
Just 30 minutes away lies a state-of-the-art, twelve-station “sporting clays" course set in some of Colorado’s most dramatic scenery. One of the country’s most challenging courses, it is fully automated and professionally designed. Whether you're an adventurous novice needing instruction or a seasoned shooter, this topnotch sporting clays course has something for you.
The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Explore the beautiful alpine gardens located in Ford Park, just a short walk east of the lodge.
Tennis
Outdoor and indoor courts are available nearby.
