Vail
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Gay Travel Vail
Vail is sure to keep any gay traveler on their toes with fabulous sight seeing and plenty of activities to embark on. In the Colorado Rocky Mountains, an elevation of 8,150 feet, you can’t get much closer to Heaven than Vail. With the backdrop of the Gore Range and a babbling brook winding between chalet-style buildings, Vail resembles a small Bavarian village. It’s full of Austrian Alps-inspired hotels, restaurants, and quaint shops.
Vail Village is a pedestrian community, and closed to automobile traffic, so be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes or take advantage of the free Vail shuttle, which operates about every 10 minutes and stops at the pedestrian areas, Lyonshead Village, and most of the resorts.
The weather here is generally sunny and dry, and the awe-inspiring landscape and unrivaled ski resorts create the ultimate Gaycation any time of year. Ski season begins late in November and ends in April or May (depending on snowfall). You’ll find plenty of gorgeous hiking and biking trails open during the summer months, when blooming wildflowers abound.
During all four seasons, events, activities, recreational, and artistic attractions await the GLBT traveler in Vail. Culturally-inclined travelers are in for a treat in July, when the Beaver Creek Arts Festival is held annually. You’ll think you’re in Germany if you come here in October: Oktoberfest in Vail couldn’t be more festive. There are plenty of outdoor concerts throughout the summer, and a variety of winter events like the Birds of Prey World Cup, SnowDaze, and Spring Back to Vail. Vail Gay and Lesbian Ski Week 2010 begins just as Aspen’s is ending so if you have the time, plan a trip to Aspen first and then head straight to Vail for two weeks of incredible Gay Festivities! Look forward to a huge opening-night celebration, parties and dancing into the wee hours, group ski days at Vail, a GLBT Awareness Rally, a scavenger hunt, pancake breakfast, drag contests, ‘80s parties, the Angel Wings Benefit Dinner, and an oh-so-lively closing celebration.
NEARBY CITIES
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
Located in the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Colorado, about 93 miles from Vail, this welcoming town is known as “Ski Town USA.” With a vibrant western culture and year-round recreational opportunities, and home to world class skiing, Steamboat Springs is surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the country.
Although there isn’t a specific gay scene, there are a few hotels that cater to gay travelers.