Overview

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. Summer here is an experience, with locals and visitors taking to the surrounding hills to indulge in the summer sport of their choice - then returning to the valley for music, fine dining, and its fabled nightlife. Spend any length of time here and you'll understand what the locals mean about what brought them to the Vail Valley, and what makes them stay.

The Vail Valley always has been known for its natural beauty. The Ute Indians summered in the valley, fishing its streams and hunting in the hills. Mountain men also were impressed with the natural beauty of the place when they arrived in the 1800s, setting up camps and returning year after year.

But it wasn't until the late 1940s when former members of the 10th Mountain Division of World War II - the elite and colorful ski troopers who trained in nearby Leadville - decided to build a ski town, basing their concept on the Bavarian villages they had seen during the war. Today, you can still feel and see the European influence in Vail Village, with its hand-painted floral exteriors and the horse-drawn carriage rides that carry you through the streets paved with bricks.

There are more than 110 world-class shops and nearly 75 restaurants throughout Vail. You'll find even more in Beaver Creek, Avon, and Edwards, just about a 20-minute drive west on I-70. Vail Village and Lionshead feature pedestrian villages with easy access to stores and dining.

Pick your activity. If you're bored it's on you. There's whitewater rafting, hot-air ballooning, jeep tours, biking, and climbing. Head up the chairlift to spend time on the mountain or mount up and explore the area on horseback. Temperatures range from the 70s and 80s during summer days, dropping to the 40s in the evenings. You're in the mountains and it can get cold at night, so always bring an extra jacket, especially when heading into the backcountry. Humidity is nearly non-existent, and the sun is almost always shining.

Vail is approximately 110 miles west of Denver and 140 miles east of Grand Junction. Fly into Denver International Airport and take a shuttle. Or rent a car and make the two-hour drive. Another more direct route is to fly right into the Vail/Eagle County Airport, about 35 miles west of Vail on Interstate 70.

Once you arrive in the Vail Valley, you may be able to do without having a car. The Town of Vail operates the largest free public transportation system in the country, and is available from East Vail to West Vail. Visitors also can access public transportation to Avon, Beaver Creek, Minturn, Leadville, and Edwards for a nominal fee. The number for the Eagle County Regional Transportation Authority is 970-328-3520. Beaver Creek offers Dial-A-Ride. If you are staying at a Beaver Creek condominium or lodge, call 970-949-1938 and someone will come over and pick you up. They'll take you anywhere you want to go in Beaver Creek and Avon.