Hidden Vail Village: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Active
1h - 1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Vail Village looks like a picture-perfect alpine retreat – all Bavarian chalets and polished luxury – but the real stories are hidden in plain sight. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll hear about the soldiers, ski legends, and local quirks that shaped this mountain town into something far more interesting than its postcard image suggests. You’ll start at the Vail Village Welcome Center near the Colorado Snowsports Museum, and make your way through the cobblestone streets of the village center. As you walk, you’ll hear stories about the 10th Mountain Division soldiers who fought in World War II and returned to build Vail from scratch. The tour ends at a second covered bridge over Gore Creek, surrounded by sculpture gardens and mountain views.
Available options
Hidden Vail Village: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
What's included
Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
App for Android and iOS
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Detailed itinerary
1
Walk into the heart of Vail's story at this welcoming starting point where the town's ski heritage comes alive. Discover how a vision in the mountains became one of America's most famous resort towns.
What's not included
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
This tour starts at Vail Village Welcome Center. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
Create an account
Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About Vail
Vail is a picturesque mountain town in Colorado known for its world-class skiing, stunning alpine scenery, and vibrant village life. It offers year-round outdoor activities, luxury accommodations, and a rich cultural scene, making it a top destination for adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike.
Top Attractions
Vail Mountain
Vail Mountain is the heart of Vail's skiing and snowboarding scene, offering 5,289 acres of skiable terrain with 195 trails and 31 lifts. It's renowned for its challenging terrain and stunning views.
Adventure
Full day
Moderate to Expensive
Vail Village
Vail Village is the charming heart of Vail, featuring a mix of European-inspired architecture, boutique shops, art galleries, and a variety of dining options. It's a great place to stroll and soak up the alpine atmosphere.
Cultural
A few hours
Free to explore
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden located in Vail, featuring a variety of high-altitude plants and flowers. It's a peaceful retreat with stunning mountain views.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free to Moderate
Vail Golf Course
The Vail Golf Course offers a challenging and scenic golfing experience with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors during the summer months.
Adventure
4-5 hours
Moderate to Expensive
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a stunning 355-foot waterfall located near Vail. It's a popular spot for hiking and photography, especially during the fall foliage season.
Nature
2-3 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Rocky Mountain Oysters
A local delicacy made from deep-fried bull testicles, often served with a side of ranch dressing.
Appetizer
Not vegetarian or vegan
Bison Burger
A juicy burger made from bison meat, often served with local cheeses and fresh vegetables.
Main Course
Can be made vegetarian or vegan with plant-based patties
Green Chili
A spicy stew made with pork, potatoes, and green chili peppers, a staple of Colorado cuisine.
Main Course
Can be made vegetarian or vegan with plant-based proteins
Huckleberry Pie
A sweet pie made with wild huckleberries, a favorite in the Rocky Mountains.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Skiing
Snowboarding
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Golfing
Spa treatments
Yoga
Meditation
Best Time to Visit
December to March
This is the prime ski season with excellent snow conditions and a lively atmosphere. The town is bustling with visitors, and all amenities are fully operational.
-5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)
23°F to 41°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone (MT), UTC-7 (Standard Time), UTC-6 (Daylight Time)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Vail is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious when exploring the mountain and outdoor areas.
- • Avoid leaving valuables unattended.
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Getting there
By air
- Eagle County Regional Airport • 40 miles (64 km) from Vail
- Denver International Airport • 100 miles (161 km) from Vail
By train
Frisco Transit Center
By bus
Eagle County Regional Airport, Denver International Airport
Getting around
Public transport
The Vail Transit system provides free bus service throughout the town and to the ski resort. Buses run frequently and are a convenient way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Vail Village
Lionshead Village
East Vail
Day trips
Beaver Creek
20 miles (32 km) from Vail • Half day to Full day
Beaver Creek is a charming mountain resort town known for its excellent skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor activities. It offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and a vibrant village atmosphere.
Aspen
75 miles (121 km) from Vail • Full day
Aspen is a picturesque mountain town known for its world-class skiing, vibrant arts scene, and upscale shopping and dining. It's a great destination for those looking to explore the beauty and culture of the Rocky Mountains.
Leadville
40 miles (64 km) from Vail • Half day to Full day
Leadville is a historic mining town known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and outdoor activities. It's a great destination for those looking to explore the history and culture of the Rocky Mountains.
Festivals
Bridal Veil Falls Festival • August
Vail Film Festival • April
Vail Jazz Festival • June to August
Pro tips
- Book accommodations and ski lift tickets well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions.
- Take advantage of free or low-cost activities, such as hiking, biking, and exploring the town.
- Support local businesses and buy local products to help sustain the community.
- Be mindful of your water and energy usage, and support accommodations that prioritize sustainability.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
