- County
- Eagle
- Elevation
- About 8,150 ft
- Population
- 4,835 (2020 Census)
- Downtown Denver
- 97 mi ยท about 2 hr on I-70
- Nearest airport
- Eagle County Regional (EGE), about 37 mi west
- Ski area
- Vail Mountain
Drive times are typical and change with traffic and weather.
Living in Vail
What it's like to live in Vail
Vail grew up around the ski area that opened in December 1962, and the town incorporated in 1966. It runs for miles along Gore Creek and I-70, from East Vail to West Vail. Vail Village and Lionshead are the walkable cores, with lifts, shops, and restaurants. In summer the town fills up again for Bravo! Vail, the GoPro Mountain Games, hiking, and the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.
Most homes are condos and townhomes, with single-family and duplex homes in neighborhoods like East Vail, Booth Falls, and Potato Patch. Across the Vail Board of REALTORS MLS area, the 2025 median sale price was $1,495,000 for all properties (Vail Board of REALTORS MLS, December 2025 report), and homes near the village usually sell well above that. Through Vail InDEED, the town pays owners to deed-restrict homes for local residents, with recent awards of 16 to 20 percent of the price.
Vail is expensive, and parking and space are tight near the villages. Short-term rentals need a town license, a local contact who can respond quickly to complaints, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Vail Pass sits just east of town at 10,662 feet, so winter trips to and from Denver take planning. I live on the Front Range, so for Vail I team up with a local agent I trust and stay with you through the whole move.
Where it is
Where Vail sits in Vail Valley
Hover a pin for a quick look. Click to open that town's guide.
Neighborhoods
Where to look in Vail
Vail Village
The original core, with a pedestrian village along Gore Creek and Gondola One to Mid-Vail.
Lionshead Village
The second base village west of Vail Village, with condos and lodges close to the lifts.
East Vail
Residential neighborhoods at the east end of town along Gore Creek, toward Vail Pass.
Booth Falls and Bald Mountain Road
Homes on the north side of I-70 near the Booth Falls area.
Sandstone and Potato Patch
Neighborhoods on the north side of I-70 above the town center.
West Vail
Homes north of I-70 near West Vail shopping and services.
Get outside
Things to do in Vail
- 01
Vail Mountain
More than 5,200 skiable acres, with a summit at about 11,570 feet.
- 02
Gondola One
A gondola from Vail Village to Mid-Vail with a vertical rise of about 2,000 feet.
- 03
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
One of the highest botanical gardens in the world, at 8,200 feet.
- 04
GoPro Mountain Games
More than 35 competitions in bike, run, climb, paddle, and more each June.
- 05
Bravo! Vail
A summer classical music festival.
- 06
Gore Creek
The creek that runs through town, with paths and kayaking during spring runoff.
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FAQ
Vail questions, answered
How far is Vail from Denver?
About 97 miles west on I-70. Plan on about 2 hours in good weather and more on winter weekends.
Is Vail Pass a problem in winter?
It can be. Vail Pass tops out at 10,662 feet with grades up to 7 percent, and storms often slow traffic. Check road conditions before you go.
Can I rent my Vail home short term?
Yes, with a Town of Vail short-term rental license for each unit before you advertise. Rules cover smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and a local contact for complaints. Confirm current rules with the town.
What is Vail InDEED?
A Town of Vail program that pays owners to place a permanent deed restriction for local residents on their home. Ask whether any home you look at already has one.
What is the elevation of Vail?
About 8,150 feet in town.
Which school district serves Vail?
Eagle County School District. Check the district boundaries for any specific address.
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