While the Vail Valley in known as a premier winter activity destination, us locals have a saying “Winter is why we ski here, summer is why we live here.” It is a secret among us who enjoy warm dry days, cool nights and an abundance of activities which rival many larger and more famous resort communities. Within an easy 2-hour drive of the Denver Airport, the Vail Valley is a true mountain getaway perfect for everyone in the family and for groups of friends.

For those who desire an “active getaway”: The Vail Valley does not disappoint. While golf is just one of the premier offerings with many public and semi-private courses where your drive is assisted by high altitude other outdoor pursuits include mountain/road biking, hiking, rafting, kayaking, tennis, rock climbing, fly-fishing and other recreational pursuits only limited by one’s imagination.

The Cultural Arts are in full force during the summer season. Bravo-The Vail Valley Music Festival provides classical music and dance throughout the Vail Valley from the Ford Amphitheater with outdoor picnic seating to the acoustically impressive Vilar Center to events in private mountain chalets. Resident orchestras include: Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The New York Philharmonic and The National Repertory Orchestra.

And with the children? Besides the many activities in the Vail Valley to keep the children occupied, we suggest considering The Vail Valley as a “hub” for exploring the central Colorado Rockies. Historic towns and communities including Breckenridge, Aspen, Steamboat Springs, Eagle, Leadville, Twin Lakes, Glenwood Springs, Minturn, Kremmling, Hot Sulphur Springs and others are all within two hours drive of Vail.

For the Fashion Conscious, you will not be disappointed. Bridge Street welcomes Loro Piana which opened during ski season, offering beautiful wools, cashmere and vicuna for all seasons. Luca Bruno brings European fashion houses to the Vail Valley. Gorsuch continues to impress, Brush Creek Dry Goods continues to outfit us as with casual designs, and Pistol Pete and the crew at Axel’s will send you home with a wardrobe of timeless mountain design envied by many in the Vail Valley and beyond.