Vail Valley Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts

Digital Tools

Useful Apps for the Destination

Vail App
Official resort app for lift status, maps of trails, and grooming reports.
Vail Transit App
Real-tracking buses in real time and schedules for the free in-town system.
Google Maps / Apple Maps
Essential for navigation, walking directions, and public transport routing.
COtrip App
CDOT app provides real-time road conditions, closures, plus vehicle flow cameras.
VPN Service
Consider a VPN like NordVPN for secure Wi-Fi use.

Useful Websites for Planning

Vail.com / BeaverCreek.com
Official resort websites for skiing, things to do in summer, and lodging details.
Vail.gov
Official Town of Vail government website for local services and events.
EagleCounty.us/Transit
Official website for ECO Transit, the area's bus system.
Cotrip.org
Colorado Department of Transit's real-time road conditions.
Recreation.gov
Employ for booking national forest campgrounds and obtaining some permits.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks & Maps

General Colorado or Rocky Mountain region guidebooks often include sections on Vail. Ski maps of trails are free at resorts.

Books About the Destination

Explore books connected to the 10th Mountain Division, instrumental in Colorado's ski industry development.

Local Publications

The Vail Daily, a complimentary local daily newspaper, provides an excellent source for recents, events, and community information.

Emergency & Medical

Emergency Contacts & Services

All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Dial 911 (U.S.).
Vail Health Hospital Emergency Department: 970-479-7221.
Vail Police Department (Non-Emergency): 970-479-2200.
International travelers: Contact your country''s diplomatic mission in Washington D.C.

Health & Safety Protocols

Hospital & Clinic Locations: Vail Health Hospital (180 S. Frontage Rd W, Vail). Immediate care centers available in Vail, Avon, Edwards.
Lost Document Procedures: Report passport loss to your embassy; credit cards to your bank; file local police reports.
Natural Disaster Protocols: Follow wildfire evacuation orders; check avalanche conditions for backcountry.
Monitor severe weather forecasts; seek indoor shelter during storms.

Further Exploration

Documentaries & Films

Explore documentaries on the "10th Mountain Division" and Camp Hale.
Discover historical films about Colorado's ski resort growth.
Seek narratives detailing the region's pioneering spirit.
View content showing Vail's scenic landscapes.

Music & Art

Explore local Colorado artists in Vail's various galleries.
Attend classical music concerts at the Bravo! Vail Music Festival.
Undergo different performances at the Vilar Theater And dance Center.
Look for local live music schedules in Vail Village.

Online Communities & Learning

Join online communities like r/vail or r/coloradoski on Reddit.
Engage with Facebook groups for Colorado visitors and locals.
Access Babbel for language learning relevant to other destinations.
Connect with fellow travelers for tips and recommendations.

Safety & Guidelines

Ski Safety Principles

Personal Control

Maintain control of your speed and direction at all times.
Ski in your ability level and acknowledge trail conditions.
Be aware of people and obstacles around you.
Adjust your speed to avoid contact with others.

Right-of-Way Rules

The person downhill has the right of way.
It's the uphill skier's responsibility to avoid the skier below.
Look uphill and yield to others before starting downhill or merging.
Do not stop in congested areas or where visibility is limited.

Equipment & Signs

Always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet.
Read and obey all signs and warnings on the mountain.
Do not enter closed areas or backcountry without proper training and equipment.
Report any incidents or hazards to resort staff immediately.

Summer Adventure Highlights

Mountain Biking & Hiking

Explore extensive mountain biking trails for all levels.
Discover scenic hiking paths with breathtaking alpine views.
Trail maps are readily available at visitor centers.

Family Fun at Epic Discovery

Experience the Woodland Flyer Mountain Coaster.
Try adventure ropes courses and climbing walls.
Nature activities and instructional programs for all ages.

Winter Wonders & Activities

Skiing & Snowboarding

Access world-class ski terrain at Vail and Beaver Creek.
Enjoy impeccably groomed runs and expansive back bowls.
Modern lift systems reduce wait times for more ski time.

Beyond the Slopes Fun

Experience exhilarating tubing hills suitable for families.
Skate on picturesque outdoor ice rinks in the two villages.
Take a cozy sleigh ride through snowy landscapes.

Family-Friendly Excursions

Outdoor Explorations

Go on a guided nature walk to learn about local flora and fauna.
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the scenic Eagle Valley Trail.
Spend an afternoon fishing in a calm mountain stream.
Go to a local park for playgrounds and open spaces.
Try disc golf for a fun, outdoor family challenge.

Indoor Fun Options

Visit the Colorado Snowsports Museum for an engaging historical overview.
Explore the Vail Public Library for children's plans and story time.
Enjoy a family movie night at a local theater.
Discover indoor climbing gyms for active fun.
Browse the one-of-a-kind shops and art museums in Vail Village.

Iconic Photo Opportunities

Vail Village Arch

Capture the quintessential entrance to Vail's charming European-inspired village.

Mid-Vail Scenic Point

Ride the Gondola One for panoramic views of the Gore Range and Vail's expansive terrain.

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

Photograph the stunning botanical displays against a mountain backdrop.

Important Safety Note

Always check the local weather, particularly in winter. Road conditions on I-70 can change rapidly during snowstorms. Check Cotrip.org for updates.

Local Community & Culture

Vail's Heritage

Founding Story

10th Mountain Division Roots
Vail's origin traces back to World War II ski troopers.
Pete Seibert's Vision
A veteran of the 10th, Seibert envisioned a world-class ski resort.
Opened in 1962
Vail welcomed its first skiers in the early 1960s.

Architectural Style

Bavarian-Inspired Design
Vail Village features distinct European alpine architecture.
Pedestrian-Friendly Layout
The village design prioritizes walking and open spaces.
Architectural Consistency
Strict design guidelines maintain the village's unique character.