A Bavarian getaway with timber-framed buildings, artisan cheeses and chocolates, refreshing brews, exclusive Christmas ornaments, and many events.
Why Vail Is Labeled The “Switzerland Of The Rockies”
This ski resort is partly modeled after Zermatt in Switzerland and offers great amenities, gourmet cuisine, Swiss-style architecture, and Alpine-like scenery
Colorado is an epic U.S. state for skiing, boasting a variety of resorts with scenic views, such as Vail. Nestled in Eagle County, in the heart of the White River National Forest, the town is located in an area of the Rocky Mountains known as the Gore Mountains and offers spectacular Alpine-like tableaux year-round.
Vail is also partly modeled after Zermatt, featuring Swiss-style architecture and layout, and has become a prime tourism destination that reminds visitors of the best and largest ski resorts in Europe.
Vail, Colorado, CO, USA
Some of Vail’s best feats include numerous winter sports like skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and snowboarding, but also luxurious accommodations, excellent dining venues, diverse cultural events, and other outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and golfing.
With its pedestrian streets, cozy chalets, restaurants offering delectable specialties like fondues, schnitzels, raclettes, sausages, and chocolate, and top-quality amenities, services, and winter gear, Vail can easily compete with the best winter hubs in Switzerland, Austria, and France.
Area
4.72 sq mi
Population
4,422
Elevation
8,239 ft
Winter Operating Hours
9 am to 3:30 pm (starting November 15)
Day Pass Fee
From $119/adult
Restaurants With Swiss Specialties
Swiss Chalet; Almresi; Alpenrose
There is a free, year-round bus service for residents and guests service to and from Vail Mountain and across town. Leaving your car in one of the designated parking spaces would save time and reduce traffic.
Ouray, Colorado, has long fulfilled the role of the “Switzerland of America”. But Oregon also has its own highly underrated “Little Switzerland” too.
Trails That Solidify Vail As A Top Winter Resort Similar To Switzerland
These are the area’s best snowshoeing trails for snowshoeing to complement your winter vacation
Snowshoeing under bare aspens in Vail Valley, Colorado
Vail is among several U.S. mountain towns that look like Europe’s Alps, featuring not only typical architecture, cuisine, and cobblestone streets but also pristine wilderness that is perfect for hiking year-round.
These are Vail’s top snowshoeing trails to explore, and they all welcome leashed dogs.
Spraddle Creek Trail
This out-and-back trail is moderately challenging and suitable for both skiing and snowshoeing, but it’s beautiful to visit at any season. Microspikes are highly recommended in winter.
Length
4.4 miles
Elevation Gain
1,253 ft
As the designated parking lot is mostly intended for
Vail Stables
’ customers, you might want to park elsewhere or even postpone visiting this particular trail if it’s full.
Bowman’s Shortcut Trail
This is a moderate out-and-back hike with steep, rocky portions. It is particularly favored by cross-country skiers and equestrians because it features stunning views in all directions and connects to other routes.
Length
5.5 mi
Elevation Gain
1,026 ft
Duration
2 h 39 min
Davos Trail
This is a moderately challenging out-and-back hike with a gradual incline, loose gravel, and limited parking space. It not only attracts hikers and snowshoers, but also mountain bikers.
Length
5.7 mi
Elevation Gain
879 ft
Duration
2 h 32 min
This Japan-like haven near an underrated Colorado town is an off-the-grid resort with stone masonry and naturally-fed hot springs.
Vail Is Just As Swiss-Like In The Spring & Summer
Vail is as picturesque and colorful as Swiss Alpine towns outside of winter
Vail is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream year-round, but especially in spring and summer, when you can walk around and enjoy the alpine-inspired architecture, comfortable weather, beautiful wildflowers, and lush woodlands in all their joyful and colorful glory.
Popular activities include taking a scenic gondola ride ($65), exploring the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens (dawn to dusk; donation recommended), attending a live outdoor concert, participating in a mountain biking race, fly fishing, canoeing, hiking, golfing, whitewater rafting, camping, ziplining, wine and brew tasting, and shopping at the farmers’ market.
Restaurant in Vail, Colorado, CO, USA
You’d easily think you’re vacationing in one of those charming towns nestled in the Swiss mountains that offer spectacular views and quality services, events, food, and drinks.
NYC has Times Square. Seattle has the Space Needle. And Denver, Colorado, has this overcrowded tourist trap.
For its Swiss-like architecture, amenities, gourmet delicacies, fantastic hiking and skiing, and gorgeous scenery, it’s no wonder Vail is labeled the “Switzerland of the Rockies.” Do you concur?
Source link : https://www.thetravel.com/the-switzerland-of-the-rockies-vail-colorado-is-americas-best-ski-resort/
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Publish date : 2024-10-17 14:30:00
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