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Vail Nightlife, Colorado

Vail, Colorado is widely known as the second largest single-mountain ski resort in America. Although Vail the city and Vail Ski Resort are formally two different entities, it is the city that developed as an appendix of the ski resort in the 60’s and not vice versa. Therefore, Vail - as a whole - is entirely designed for tourists’ delight. Peaceful as this resort may seem during the day, with colorful flowers at every corner and coquette shops, its atmosphere dramatically changes when skiers descend from the slopes. Music bars, pubs and restaurants are ready to welcome tourists and satisfy any taste, making the Vail nightlife experience even more challenging than skiing.

Vail Nightlife – Bars and Lounges

Bars and pubs are mostly located in the Village or in the Lionshead district. Bart and Yeti’s and Vendetta are both favorites between locals, so if you’re looking for some inside tips, here’s the place to start. Many bars have their own entertainers, playing live music that varies from piano (Mickey’s) and acoustic guitar (The Club) to louder genres as rock’n’roll (Samana) or alternative rock (8150). The après-ski restaurants are all provided with large decks overlooking the slopes and offer affordable entrees, a great variety of drinks and sometimes live entertainment: try the Red Lion, Garfinkel’s or Los Amigos.

Vail Nightlife – Restaurants

There are a handful of restaurants in Vail where the quality-budget ratio is very satisfying; this includes places like Moe’s Barbeque, Two Elk Restaurant (heated outdoor deck), Pazzo’s (pasta and pizza), Pepi’s, Saloon (Mexican food), the Turning Table or the Juniper. For those willing to dress-up and try some ultra-chic cuisine, upscale restaurants are numerous in Vail and invite you in with mouthwatering aromas. Provided you have a reservation, any of the following restaurants are worth your money: Sweet Basil, The Left Bank, La Tour, Chap’s Grill and Chophouse or Game Creek Restaurant.

Vail Nightlife – Night Activities

There are still interesting ways to spend your nights in Vail, besides dining or going out. Apart from shopping (due to the huge number of sports, apparel and gift shops, shopping is one of the most practiced ‘sports’ in the area) and spa therapy, you can always try some adventurous activities like ski biking, snowshoeing, taking a nature walk under the stars or just watching a family movie at the Adventure Ridge, a theme park opened till late at night. If by any chance Vail nightlife fails to entertain you, Denver is not too far and has a thieving artistic life, especially when it comes to music and concerts.(check out Denver Sights and Denver Nightlife for more information).

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