Vail

1. Book dinner in the village core and arrive by bus to avoid garage queues during peak hours.
2. In summer start hikes early for cooler temperatures and afternoon storms then return for concerts on the lawn.
3. In winter carry light traction for village walks after fresh snow and check real time bus arrivals on your phone.
4. The alpine gardens are a quiet morning stop before crowds reach the lifts and the snow sports museum by the covered bridge is an easy way to learn local history in any season.

Yield space on narrow paths, step aside for bikes on shared routes and let skiers with the right of way pass at lift mazes. Pack out litter, keep voices down near residences late at night and respect seasonal closures for habitat and restoration along the creek.

High elevation sun and dry air can dehydrate visitors quickly so drink water often, wear sunscreen and pace activity on arrival. Winter driving can change fast near the pass and traction rules are enforced in storms. Stay on signed trails, watch creek edges during spring runoff and keep wildlife distance in open space and parks.

Dogs must stay on leash in commercial cores and on bike paths and are not allowed near active athletic fields during events. Off leash areas can be found in designated neighborhood parks. Bring bags for waste and pack out all trash.

Buses offer lift access and space for mobility devices with audible and visual stop calls and real time information online. Village plazas are largely level with curb ramps, accessible restrooms near transit hubs and venues with dedicated seating. The town provides an ADA process and complementary paratransit for eligible riders.

Town programs focus on creek health, transit use and event recycling with free in town buses, regional coach options and messaging that encourages visitors to walk, ride and refill bottles at public facilities. The gardens and museum offer education that ties recreation to stewardship.

While Vail generally has a low crime rate and a safe visitor environment overall. For example, one travel-safety site gives Vail an “overall risk: low” rating. So the scams are more about opportunistic fraud than rampant criminal activity.

If you treat bookings & payments with care, verify providers, and use common-sense travel safety practices, you’ll significantly reduce your risk.

Emergency 911. Non emergency police, fire or medical (970) 479-2201. Town information (970) 479-2100.