Vail in the Summer – WandyrBear

Colorado, USA

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A Different Side of a Ski Town

As avid travelers always on the lookout for a new adventure, my summer of 2021 brought me to the picturesque town of Vail, Colorado. Renowned for its world-class ski slopes, Vail presents an entirely different charm during the summer months, which we were eager to explore.

We chose to stay at the Grand Hyatt, leveraging our points for what we hoped would be a luxury experience. The hotel generally met our expectations with its elegant amenities and prime location. However, not everything was perfect – we were assigned a room at what felt like a marathon’s distance from the reception, and a couple of service glitches and billing issues slightly marred our stay.

Despite these hiccups, Vail itself was vibrantly alive and bustling with activities that shifted our spirits high. The central area of the town, with its enchanting Bavarian-style architecture, albeit a bit too curated to feel authentic, was brimming with energy. We indulged in delightful dining experiences at various restaurants and enjoyed live music that seemed to fill every corner of the streets, creating a festive atmosphere that’s hard not to love.

A highlight of our trip was renting mountain bikes and taking them up the ski gondola. The thrill of biking down the scenic hills was exhilarating and offered a fresh perspective of the ski resort transformed by summer’s touch. The views were spectacular, and the trails catered well to our adventurous spirits.

Vail’s accessibility from Interstate 70 made it a convenient stopover. Its location is ideal for anyone doing a road trip through Colorado’s scenic landscapes. Yet, for all its charm and activity, there’s an undeniable ‘Disneyland fakeness’ to the town. Designed in the 1960s as a purpose-built ski resort, Vail was intended to emulate a quaint Bavarian village, giving it a picturesque yet somewhat artificial veneer. This knowledge does tint the experience a bit, especially for those yearning for authenticity.

Despite its few drawbacks, visiting Vail in the summer was a refreshing experience. If you’re not into skiing but find yourself in Colorado, Vail in the off-season offers a unique blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. I recommend it for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of the Rocky Mountains without the winter crowds. Whether you’re biking down the trails or enjoying a concert under the stars, Vail in the summer has a way of making any visitor feel right at home.