Visiting Vail - a dog friendly guide

After leaving Breckenridge we saw that Vail was on the way to our next destination. I’d heard of it before - but mostly in terms of being a drawcard for celebrities. I hadn’t planned on visiting as when I’d looked into it everything seemed sooooo expensive. However, we decided just to stop for a couple of hours to have a look around on our way past - and I’m so glad we did as the town was super cute and had a very European / German skiing village feel to it.

However its worth noting that apart from walking the pretty streets there isn’t much else in Vail to do with your dog which is a little disappointing.

THINGS TO DO

Explore Vail Village

Vail is a another pretty village set at the base of soaring mountains. What makes it unique is that the town has a very Bavarian feel to it - and this reflected throughout the beautiful buildings in the village, many of which are painted with traditional Bavarian designs.

Loved the Bavarian buildings!

Large parts of Vail Village are pedestrian only which makes it really easy to take your time and amble aimlessly (which is such as bonus when you have a dog pulling in every direction!)

Running through the centre of town is Gore Creek and this is useful to get your bearings if you get a bit lost, it also has crystal clear mountain water in it so perfect if your pup is thirsty. You’ll find lots of eateries dotted along side the river too enjoying the outlook.

In addition to the pedestrian only streets, you’ll also find some open air plazas with shops and restaurants - and as you explore the village you’ll also spot fountains and a few pieces of interesting outdoor art.

Visit Lionshead

Lionshead is a similarly styled Bavarian-inspired village that is also pedestrian only. While there is a shuttle that runs between the two townships it does not allow dogs. This was disappointing as its difficult to self-drive in this area and it was a hot day (Beatle can overheat quite quickly) - but would be equally frustrating on a cold day too. However the walk itself is only around 15 mins each way. Lionshead is quite small, but is more ‘high rise’ and while its architecture is different to Vail, its still worth a walk around. Again, it has large open plazas, lots of eateries and great views up to the mountains behind.

Lionshead Village

Ride the Gondola (but only one way…)

While there is one gondola in Vail and the other in Lionshead - both only allow dogs to travel down the mountain. If you are fit and well prepared then this is something you might like to plan and do. However, unfortunately this is completely impractical for many of us with pets. So even though this is something we would have really enjoyed doing, it was not possible. Even the people operating the gondolas didn’t think this rule was fair.

Note about parking in Vail

As I mentioned, much of Vail Village is pedestrian only, so the best option is to go into the covered parking lot. This is clearly signposted as you approach the town, was relatively inexpensive, has security cameras and it was only a quick walk from there to the centre of town.

IN SUMMARY

While Vail is a beautiful Bavarian style village, it is very expensive. While dogs are welcome to explore the town and enter some stores, many eateries (even some with patios) don’t allow them - so if you are going to visit with a pet, then summer is the best time to do so.

It was also disappointing that they are not allowed on the shuttle bus between Vail and Lionshead and that they are only allowed to take the gondola one-way down the mountain and based on these limitation we’d be unlikely to return.

However, for more information on visiting Vail with a dog, including hiking trails and accommodation options click here.