The locals have a saying: "Skiing is why we came here; summer is why we stay." The Vail Valley is known for its summer cultural and sporting events, with skiers trading in their boots and poles for mountain bikes and climbing gear.
..Read MoreMost Vail Valley locals came for the winters, but stayed for the summers. With their mild climate and superb weather, you'll probably want to spend those languorous long summer days playing outdoors, too. And then there's the music.
..Read MoreBike shops are on just about every corner during the summertime. Rent hourly, by the day, or by the week. Ride throughout the Vail Valley on the scenic, seven-mile paved Vail Recreation Path. It follows Gore Creek through alpine fields, aspen groves and Vail's pedestrian villages. Or hop off the path and find a mountain bike trail through the mountains.
..Read MoreHiking is Vail's most popular summer activity. It's free, as easy as you want to make it, and the views are incredible. If you like to walk, enjoy the best of mountain views, and maybe push yourself a little to justify that end-of-hike dinner, the Vail Valley awaits.
..Read MoreThere's a lot to do in the Vail Valley. All that activity can leave you with a few aches and pains. What to do?
..Read MoreWorld-class ski areas. Stunning views. And enough top-ranked golf courses to keep even the most dedicated hacker busy and happy for weeks. Can you golf here? You bet. Try the Beaver Creek Golf Club (970-754-5775; http://beavercreek.snow.com/info/summer/golf.bc.asp) an 18-hole regulation resort links designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. They have an $89 low season guest rate.
..Read MoreIf you like rainbow, brook or brown trout, or whitefish, try your luck in any of the streams or lakes around Vail. There's the Gore Creek (that runs through Vail), the Eagle River (that joins Gore Creek near Minturn), Piney Lake, and the Black Lakes near the top of Vail Pass.
..Read MoreWhitewater rafting for all ability levels is available on the Arkansas, Colorado, and Eagle Rivers. Experienced guides introduce you to an unforgettable adventure.
Outfitters include Lakota River Guides (970-845-7238; http://www.lakotariver.com); and Timberline Tours (800-831-1414 or 970-476-1414; http://www.timberlinetours.com).
..Read MoreYou'll find the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater and the Vilar Pavilion, east of downtown Vail along the Frontage Road. Next door to the Amphitheater, visit Ford Park and play Frisbee or soccer. Watch a lacrosse game while the kids play on the playground. Across the road, you may see the Vail Rugby Team in action.
..Read MoreTake a dip in the Gore Creek and see if the chill takes your breath away. Then sit back and relax as you watch the kayakers negotiate Vail's new whitewater park, under the international bridge, adjacent to Checkpoint Charlie and the Pedestrian Village.
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