Things to Do in Vail in the Off-Season

Vail gets a lot of attention in the winter, and rightfully so. But spring and summer have their own kind of magic. The snow melts to reveal some of the most beautiful alpine terrain in the country. Wildflowers start showing up on the trails. The creek runs loud and fast through the village. Patios open, restaurants come back to life, and the whole valley takes a breath. Whether you are heading up for a long weekend or settling in for the season, here is everything worth doing right now.

Hit the Trails

The trail system across the Vail Valley is one of the best in Colorado, and spring is a great time to explore it before the summer crowds arrive. West Avon Preserve is open now and offers some of the best views of the Sawatch Range in the valley. The Gore Valley Trail runs 12 miles along Gore Creek through Vail Village and Lionshead — flat, scenic, and accessible for all fitness levels. Spring runoff makes the creek dramatic this time of year, which adds to the experience.

One important note before heading out: seasonal wildlife closures are in effect on some trails through late June to protect local deer and elk during calving season. Always check current conditions at vvmta.org or trailforks.com before you go.

Get on the Water: Rafting

Spring is prime rafting season in the Vail Valley, and there are options for every experience level. The Gore Creek trip runs right through Vail Village — a fun, accessible float with surf waves and rapids woven through town. The Colorado River is great for families. The Upper Eagle River is for those looking for something more intense. Several local outfitters run guided trips starting now, with all equipment provided. A quick search for Vail whitewater rafting will point you to the right options.

If you prefer to watch, the Vail Whitewater Race Series runs Tuesday evenings in Vail Village through May 26 — free, casual, and one of the more underrated things to do in town on a spring evening. Due to low snowpack this season the schedule is being monitored, so check the Vail Recreation District on Instagram before heading out.

Mountain Biking

Two bike parks are open right now and both are free. Minturn Bike Park opened April 20 with a freshly maintained pump track and jump features. Eagle Bike Park is also open following a full inspection by the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance. Follow both on Instagram for conditions and updates.

For those who want to watch, the Vail Recreation District's mountain bike race series runs Wednesday evenings through late August across the valley — over 1,200 riders compete across the season and the events are free to attend. The series kicks off May 20 in Minturn. Full schedule at vailrec.com.

Road Cycling

The valley has over 58 miles of paved bike paths across Eagle County. The Gore Valley Trail doubles as a 12-mile paved cycling route through Vail Village and Lionshead. For something more challenging, the Vail Pass Bike Path climbs from East Vail to over 10,600 feet — many riders shuttle to the top and enjoy the long scenic downhill through Tenmile Canyon. Bike rentals including e-bikes are available in Vail Village and Lionshead.

One thing to keep in mind: Vail sits at around 8,000 feet. If you are coming from lower elevation, give yourself a day to adjust before tackling anything too ambitious.

Fly Fishing

The Eagle River, Gore Creek, and Colorado River are some of the best trout water in the state, and spring is an excellent time to fish before the summer crowds arrive. Several local outfitters run guided half and full-day trips — wade fishing, float trips, and intro experiences for those just getting started. All gear is typically included. A search for Vail fly fishing guides will give you plenty of options to choose from.

Golf

Vail Golf Club offers one of the most scenic rounds in the Rockies—an 18-hole course set along Gore Creek, with uninterrupted views of the Gore Range from nearly every hole. Recognized by Golf Digest as a Top 100 Resort Course, it’s open to the public and delivers a high-end experience that still feels approachable.

The course is reopening in phases this spring, with all 18 holes expected to be available by early May. Tee times can be reserved at vailrec.com.

For a more private-club feel, two of the valley’s premier courses open shortly after:

Beaver Creek Golf Club — opens May 16
Red Sky Ranch Golf Club — opens May 18

Both offer an elevated mountain golf experience, with immaculately maintained courses, dramatic alpine settings, and a quieter, more refined atmosphere. Ideal for those looking to pair a day on the course with the best of Vail Valley’s spring and summer season.

Horseback Riding

For a slower pace and a different perspective on the landscape, guided horseback rides are available through the valley this spring. Ride times range from one hour to a half-day picnic ride, and options exist for all experience levels including first-timers. Spring is a beautiful time to be on a horse out here — the landscape is green, the trails are quiet, and the views are hard to match. Search for Vail horseback riding to find local outfitters and availability.

Jeep and ATV Tours

If you want to get into the backcountry without hiking in, guided Jeep and ATV tours are available now on private terrain around the valley. Nova Guides operates out of Camp Hale — an area with remarkable 10th Mountain Division history — and Sage Outdoor Adventures runs tours on a private ranch about 20 minutes from Vail. Both offer a range of guided and self-guided options. Worth looking into if you want to see terrain most visitors never get to.

Pickleball and Tennis

Court season is here. The Golden Peak Pickleball Center in Vail has six courts open daily, free and first-come, first-served on a brand new cushioned surface. Programming and reservations start June 1. Details at vailrec.com.

In Avon, Harry A. Nottingham Park has six pickleball courts, two tennis courts, and two basketball courts open daily from sunrise to dusk. Organized open pickleball play runs every morning from 9 to noon. Free and open to the public. The outdoor sport courts are open for the season beginning March 17, 2026.

Trail Running

The Vail Trail Running Series is one of the best in Colorado and kicks off May 16 with the Boneyard Boogie in Eagle. Seven races run through September across the valley, from 5Ks to a half marathon, on courses that take runners through some of the best terrain in the Rockies. All skill levels welcome. Full schedule at vailrec.com.

Treat Yourself: Spa Deals

Spring is quietly the best time to book a spa treatment in the valley. Several properties run their best deals of the year during the shoulder season, and availability is much easier than in winter.

Gravity Haus Vail — 30% off massages and facials, through May 31
Sonnenalp Spa — 20% off all treatments, through June 15
Spa Anjali at the Westin Riverfront, Avon — 50-minute massage or facial $139 (regularly $185), through June 26
Grand Hyatt Vail — $70 off any facial or massage, through May 26

Worth taking advantage of before summer rates return.

On the Calendar: Events Worth Planning Around

Blues, Brews and BBQ returns to Beaver Creek Village for Memorial Day weekend, May 22 through 24. Live blues, craft beer, and a BBQ competition with area chefs and pit masters. It has been a valley tradition since 2003. Rain, snow, or shine. Details at bcbluesbrewsbbq.com.

GoPro Mountain Games take over Vail June 4 through 7 with climbing competitions, whitewater events, a kids climbing wall, and a speed climbing clinic. All climbing events are free to watch. Registration and full schedule at mountaingames.com.

The valley has a lot going on this time of year. It just takes knowing where to look.