Welcome back to Vail—again! Whether you’re an annual guest or a weekly visitor, this is your insider refresher with all the latest updates to elevate your winter getaway.
Every winter season in Vail brings fresh experiences, new flavors, and unforgettable moments on and off the slopes. If you’re among those who return year after year, this guide is for you: a curated update with everything you need to know for the 2025–26 season. From ski pass and gear updates to the hottest new dining spots and family-friendly activities, here’s your insider refresher to make the most of your time in the mountains.
Epic Pass & My Epic App Updates
- Lock in early-season savings: The season officially starts November 14, 2025 Vail Resorts Newsroom. Remember to grab your Epic Pass before prices rise or stock tightens—especially for Friends & Family tickets and gear discounts.
- New this year: The My Epic App now offers My Epic Assistant, an AI-powered concierge giving real-time answers on trails, lessons, lodging—anytime Vail Resorts Newsroom.
Picture: vail.com
Gear, Rentals & Tuning—Where to Go
- My Epic Gear, continues to simplify slopeside rentals with delivery and top-tier equipment via the app Vail Resorts Newsroom.
- Local favorites remain solid for purchases and tuning: Christy Sports, Base Mountain Sports, and Vail Sports still dominate for service and selection.
- Keep your eyes peeled for new rental or retail spots, especially in Golden Peak near the soon-to-be Avanti food hall (see below).
Picture: https://www.vail.com/my-epic-gear/about-my-epic-gear.aspx
New Eats & Après Hotspots
- Avanti Vail: The beloved Denver food hall is coming to Golden Peak early 2025—great for casual, varied bites on the go Vail Resorts NewsroomVail-Beaver Creek Magazine.
- Tavernetta Vail: Now open at the Four Seasons, showcasing “tavern-style” Italian fare—you already know why this one’s worth revisiting Vail-Beaver Creek Magazine+1.
- Powerline Pub: A slopeside hangout perched at the top of Gondola One—expect games, cocktails, and a nod to Vail’s terrain history Vail Resorts Newsroom.
- Coming in Summer 2026: The Sixty Two Society—a luxurious but relaxed slopeside restaurant and social club atop Bridge Street, with decks, burgers, and legacy touches Vail Daily.
Picture: https://www.tavernettavail.com/private-events/
Fresh Winter Activities & Events
- Betty Ford Alpine Gardens winter tours: Enjoy guided snowshoe walks through the highest botanical gardens in the U.S.—even kids delight in the interactive exhibits ChronWikipedia.
- Vail Après events return: Silent discos, art workshops, live shows, magical tree lighting, ice skating exhibits, and Kringle Crossing Village for holiday cheer Discover Vail.
- Signature events & festivals: Keep an eye out for torchlight parades, fireworks, and seasonal happenings—plus the annual Vail Film Festival is expected again around December 2025 Wikipediamovingmountains.com.
Picture: https://bettyfordalpinegardens.org/gardens/
Family Fun Corner
- Vail Nordic Center (formerly Vail Golf Club): Ski, snowshoe, or fat-bike on groomed trails with rentals and lessons on-site—easy to reach via the free town bus Tivoli Lodge.
- Museum visits: The Colorado Snowsports Museum & Hall of Fame at the Vail Transportation Center remains a free, educational escape for curious young minds Wikipedia.
Pro Tips for Seasoned Visitors
- Eat & Après early: Even familiar favorites get packed—reservations are a must.
- Midweek advantage: Smoother lift lines, lighter traffic.
- Travel timing matters: Avoid weekends on I-70; opt for Thursday arrivals or Monday departures innatriverwalk.com.
- Zero-waste dining upgrades at Two Elk this season—a subtle nod toward sustainability while you dine at the top Vail Resorts Newsroom.
Vail never stops reinventing itself—each visit feels unique, each season brings something new. Whether you return for the thrill of the slopes, the cozy après-ski vibes, or the one-of-a-kind mountain atmosphere, the 2025–26 season is set to be unforgettable. - And if you’ve ever dreamed of making Vail more than just a vacation spot, now is the perfect time to explore our properties in the area. Discover how you can turn this lifestyle into your own with Ancana and enjoy a home in the heart of the Rockies.
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