Vail, Avon, and Beaver Creek, Colorado
The culture of Vail and the other nearby communities can be summed up in one word: mountains. The mountains are the reason the town exists. And no matter during which season travelers choose to visit, the mountains almost certainly dominate the itinerary. From skiing and snowboarding in the cold-weather months to hiking, mountain biking, and simple sightseeing the rest of the year. In other words, the mountains—and all they have to offer—are Vail’s raison d’être.
So, when it comes to cultural activities, it’s only fitting to start your intellectual enlightenment at the town’s Colorado Snowsports Museum, an institution that also owes its existence to the area’s surrounding summits. Admission is free (donations are appreciated) and with exhibits that range from highlighting the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, which trained at nearby Camp Hale during WWII, to a timeline of Colorado skiing that dates to the 1860s and the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame, you’ll quickly become an aficionado of high-altitude history.
For fans of live music, the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater hosts an eclectic summertime lineup that includes popular touring acts, fun tribute shows, themed performances, orchestra productions, and more. The open-air venue is situated at the base of Vail Mountain, so whoever is performing, the views are always legendary. And while it’s tough to compete with those elevated views, you’ll want to keep your eyes focused on ground level whenever you’re strolling around Vail Village. The town is known for its Art in Public Places Program, with some 70 pieces—sculptures, murals, and more—erected on local sidewalks, buildings, street corners, and more. Self-guided tours are available, and sanctioned art walks take place on Wednesdays in the summer.
Mountain Style
Vail Village and adjacent Lionshead—not to mention nearby Beaver Creek—have plenty of fashion boutiques and cool shops where you can find everything you need to up your style game. The requisite take-home piece, though, is a very simple amoeba-like figure of a bear purchased at The Golden Bear jewelry shop. It’s known as The Symbol of Vail Valley and comes in all sorts of styles, including bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings.
