Colorado, United States
New hotels in Vail
The largest single-mountain ski resort in Colorado, built from scratch in 1962 around two pedestrian villages linked by Gore Creek.
Now open in Vail
No verified openings in Vail yet.
Coming soon in Vail
No confirmed openings ahead in Vail for now.
Iconic hotels in Vail
Vail
Sonnenalp Vail
Bavaria's Faessler family, already three generations into running their original Sonnenalp resort in the Allgäu Alps since 1919, opened this alpine-style hotel by the covered bridge in Vail Village in December 1979. Rebuilt through the 1990s into a full resort with its own spa, it is now run by the fourth and fifth generations of the same family.
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Vail
Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer
Austrian ski racer Pepi Gramshammer and his wife Sheika built this Tyrolean-style Gasthof on Bridge Street, opening in December 1964 with backing from ski-binding pioneer Howard Head. It became Vail's most luxurious address and a regular stop for President Gerald Ford — and remains the only Vail Village hotel still owned by its original builders.
Learn more →New Hotels does not yet track a verified new hotel opening in Vail — this page will be updated as soon as one is confirmed. Vail remains one of the most recognizable ski destinations in North America regardless: the resort opened its first season on December 15, 1962, and has grown into the largest single-mountain ski area in Colorado.
The mountain
Vail Mountain rises from a base elevation of 8,120 feet to a summit of 11,570 feet, a vertical drop of 3,450 feet across 5,317 skiable acres — the third-largest single ski area in the United States and the largest in Colorado. The resort is best known for its seven legendary Back Bowls, a long stretch of open, above-treeline terrain on the mountain's south side, alongside groomed front-side runs served by an extensive lift network. Vail Mountain is owned and operated by Vail Resorts, the company that took its name from the town.
The town
Vail was purpose-built as a ski destination rather than converted from an existing mining town, which sets it apart from most of Colorado's other resort communities. The town centers on two pedestrian-only base areas about a 15-minute walk apart along Gore Creek: Vail Village, the original 1962 base area with its Bavarian-inspired architecture, and Lionshead, developed later around its own gondola. West Vail and East Vail, further along the Interstate 70 corridor, are more residential and generally less expensive. The year-round population is small — around 4,300 residents — and swells considerably during ski season.
What to do
Winter visitors come for the skiing itself, from beginner terrain around Golden Peak to the Back Bowls' expert-level open powder fields. In summer, the same lift network opens for hiking and mountain biking, and the town hosts the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater's outdoor concert series and the classical festival Bravo! Vail. Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, at the amphitheater's base, is billed as the highest-elevation public alpine garden in the world. Gore Creek, which runs through both villages, is a well-regarded Gold Medal fly-fishing water.
Getting there
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), about 35 miles west, is the closest airport with commercial service and the fastest way in during ski season. Denver International Airport (DEN) is roughly two hours away via Interstate 70, a drive that can run considerably longer during winter storms or holiday traffic through the Eisenhower Tunnel.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any new hotels tracked in Vail?
Not yet. This guide only lists hotels once a genuinely new opening has been independently verified, and no such opening in Vail currently meets that bar. Check back as this page updates.
How big is Vail ski resort?
Vail Mountain covers 5,317 skiable acres with a 3,450-foot vertical drop, making it the largest single-mountain ski area in Colorado and the third-largest in the United States.
What is the difference between Vail Village and Lionshead?
Both are pedestrian-only base areas connected by a roughly 15-minute walk along Gore Creek. Vail Village is the original 1962 base area with Bavarian-inspired architecture; Lionshead was developed later around its own gondola.
What is the closest airport to Vail?
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), about 35 miles away, has the closest commercial service. Denver International Airport (DEN) is roughly two hours away by car via Interstate 70.
When is the best time to visit Vail?
Ski season runs roughly late November through April, with the Back Bowls typically opening once early-season snowpack builds. Summer, from June through September, brings hiking, mountain biking and the town's outdoor concert season.