Vail, one of the world's premier mountain destinations, is located 100 miles west of Denver in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, within the White River National Forest. Please read on for more about Vail, its weather, and getting around the area. For more information on visiting Vail's altitude, and potential side effects, please see our altitude page. For complete transportation information, including the closest airports, please see our transportation page.

Vail - Maps - Weather - Packing - Restaurants and Services

Vail

Vail was founded in the 1960s specifically to be a ski resort. Today, it's one of the world's favorite ski towns—and one of the world's biggest, with the ability to accommodate over 50,000 skiers per hour. Vail isn't just for skiing, though; people come from all over the world to enjoy the area's activities in all seasons, such as arts festivals, concerts, and the shopping and dining in Vail's pedestrian villages. Cars are prohibited in parts of Vail, but Vail boasts the largest free transportation system in the country, and Sirens attendees will also have access to the complimentary Vail Cascade shuttle. Vail's cuisine ranges from European to Asian, pizza and gelato to fine dining. To see Vail right now, visit the vailgov.com webcam.

Vail - Maps - Weather - Packing - Restaurants and Services

Maps

For maps of Vail, you might visit this site. The Vail Cascade Resort and Spa can be found near the oval marked "Cascade Village."

Vail - Maps - Weather - Packing - Restaurants and Services

Weather

Weather in the Rocky Mountains can change in an instant. Though Sirens is scheduled in early fall, you might encounter summer-like conditions or a light sprinkle of snow. We recommend checking the weather for Vail just before leaving so that you'll be prepared. Daytime temperatures are usually 50–60° F, with cooler weather, even freezing conditions, overnight. To get up-to-the-minute weather information on Vail, please use this tool:

Vail Weather Forecast, CO

Vail - Maps - Weather - Packing - Restaurants and Services

Packing

Before you leave for Vail, check the weather! We recommend sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes, and comfortable, casual layers so that you'll be at ease in air-conditioned meeting spaces or outside on the beautiful resort grounds at high noon. Substantial snow is unlikely at the beginning of October, but if you have space for warm socks and outerwear such as gloves and a scarf, you'll be prepared. Additionally, we recommend a couple of must-haves: full spectrum sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to prevent sunburn at Vail's altitude; moisturizers, including lotion and lip balm, to keep sensitive skin from drying out; any prescription medications that you need; and your identification, credit/debit cards or cash, and your travel itinerary.

Vail - Maps - Weather - Packing - Restaurants and Services

Restaurants and Services

We have gathered the following information about services in the hotel and in nearby shopping areas to help you plan for Sirens. Most of our list is comprised of restaurants that you might choose to visit during the evening dinner break. Many businesses run seasonal schedules, and while business hours may vary, you may also find that Vail restaurants offer specials during Sirens, which takes place between the busy summer season and the even busier winter season.

The walking path along Gore Creek will lead you to Lionshead, 0.9 miles away, and Vail Village, 1.5 miles away. You may want to allow extra time for walking, due to the altitude. A complimentary hotel shuttle from the hotel to Lionshead and Vail Village is available. Lionshead and Vail Village are small pedestrian villages, so you'll be able to cross each neighborhood on foot in about ten minutes. Besides the restaurants and certain shops, listed here with as much information as we could gather, you can find shopping ranging from souvenir T-shirts to designer clothes, artwork, and jewelry. Please let us know if you try any of these restaurants or find others not on this list, and let us know your experience, especially if you have dietary restrictions, so that we can update this list for future attendees.

$—entrees generally under $10, based on a quick perusal of the menu

$$—entrees generally from $10–20

$$$—entrees generally from $20–35

Vail Cascade Resort and Spa

Aria Spa: Spa services, toiletries, sundries, and recreation items.

Charter Sports: Sundries, ski and snowboard rental, bike rental, and sporting equipment.

Recreation: Two heated outdoor swimming pools and three hot tubs; three indoor and three outdoor tennis courts, and racquetball and squash courts; indoor volleyball and basketball courts; bike and walking path along Gore Creek; exercise equipment; fitness classes for hotel guests.

Atwater on Gore Creek: Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Atwater features simple, farm fresh-foods and organic products, as well as artisanal products made in-house. Burgers, pasta, salads, steak, seafood, soups, sandwiches. Breakfast: 7:00–11:00 a.m., $; lunch: 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., $–$$; dinner starting at 5:00 p.m., $$$. As a general note, please leave extra time to dine in this larger restaurant.

Cascade Village Market and Cafe: Starbucks beverages, hot and cold sandwiches, pastries, muffins, ice cream, juice, deli sandwiches, gourmet cheeses, chocolates, salads, wine, sundries, first aid, and gifts. Breakfast: 6:30–11:00 a.m.; lunch and dinner: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., $.

Fireside Bar: Nachos, dips, flatbread, and other bar food, plus an extensive wine, beer, and cocktail selection. Opens at 2:00 p.m. $.

Lionshead

Bart and Yeti's: A pub with soups, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Some vegetarian options available. A dog is always on the premises. Entrees $8–18.

Billy's Island Grill: Seafood and steak; vegetarian plates (various cooked vegetables and unlimited trips to the salad bar) $26. Specials available. Appetizers $10–15 and entrees $24–47.

Blue Moose Pizza: Pizza, calzones, subs, Italian soups, and salads. Vegetarian options. Crayons, so that you can draw on the table! Near the ice skating rink and the Lionshead public restrooms. Reservations are not available. A blue moose is located inside. Subs $10, calzones $10, and whole pizzas $13–23.

Cafe Rimini: Wine bar, 24 flavors of gelato, crepes, coffee, and fine chocolate. Near the ice skating rink. 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. $6–8 for a cup of gelato (according to reviewers).

Centre V: French brasserie located at The Arrabelle Resort. Can make online reservations (but several reviewers had trouble with making reservations or cancelling reservations). Open Wednesday–Saturday for dinner. Entrees $22–36.

Garfinkel's: Bar food, seafood, steaks, burgers, soups, and salad. Vegetarian options include edamame, artichoke dip, salads, veggie burgers, grilled cheese, and pasta dishes. Several low-carb meat wraps are on the menu as well. Karaoke on Thursday nights at 10:00 p.m. Entrees $8–24.

Häagen-Dazs: Ice cream treats. $.

JP's Old Forge Pizza: Pizza by the slice or the pie, and salads. A local favorite! Slices under $5, and whole pizzas $13–25.

Lionshead General Store: Groceries, gifts, first aid, snacks, and souvenirs. West end of Lionshead, near Lionshead Liquors. 8:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Lionshead Liquors: Wine, beer and microbrews, spirits, and cigars. West end of Lionshead, near the Lionshead General Store. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sundays noon–8:00 p.m. Must be 21.

Moe's Original BBQ: Alabama-style BBQ. Around $10 for meals and platters; $23–24 for family packs (serve 3–6 people).

Montauk Seafood Grill: Steak and freshly flown-in seafood. Reservations recommended. $–$$.

Subway: Submarine sandwiches. At the far eastern end of Lionshead in the transportation center. $.

Vail Chophouse: Appetizers, steaks, seafood, and sides. Located near the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Open 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Tableside magicians. Three-course dinner specials. Lunch $–$$; dinner $30–50.

Vail Village

Alpenrose: Soups, salads, sandwiches, and European selections from Germany, Italy, and Hungary. Lunch daily 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. $7–9. Dinner daily 5:30–10:00 p.m. $20–30.

Campo de Fiori: Authentic Italian cuisine. Reservations recommended. Dinner served 5:30–9:45 p.m. $31–50.

Da Vinci Restaurant: Located in the Vail Plaza Hotel and Club. Mediterranean inspired contemporary American fine dining. Some vegetarian selections. $31–50.

Grappa Fine Wines and Spirits: Open daily 10:00 a.m.–midnight. Delivery available.

Joe's Famous Deli & Homemade Ice Cream: Sandwiches, coffees, and ice cream. $–$$.

La Bottega: Northern Italian fare. Pizza, pasta, salad, and wine. Lunch daily 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Dinner daily 5:00–10:30 p.m. $17–40.

La Cantina: Located on level three of the Vail Transportation Center, and highly recommended by locals as a great place for Mexican food. $–$$.

The Lancelot: Prime rib and seafood. Dinner daily 5:30–10:00 p.m. $30 and under.

Left Bank: French food. They offer to accommodate vegetarians and those with food allergies. $31–50.

Los Amigos: Mexican, seafood, and margaritas. Reviews say that the menu outside is not the same one given to diners. $–$$.

Marketplace – Crêperie: Sweet and savory crepes and gelato, sorbets, and snacks. $.
The shop next door sells a variety of gourmet groceries.

Orehouse: Surf and turf. Bar opens at 5:00 p.m. Dinner served 5:30 p.m.–closing. $$$.

Osaki's Sushi and Japanese: Sushi and Japanese selections. Make a reservation because the restaurant is very small. $$$+.

Pepi's Restaurant and Bar: Authentic Austrian, German, Italian, and other international selections. More vegetarian selections than most Vail restaurants. Lots of outdoor seating. Lunch daily 11:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Dinner daily 5:30–10:00 p.m. $31–50.

The Red Lion: Burgers, sandwiches, barbeque, chili, and fajitas. A spinach salad, veggie sandwich, baked potato, fresh raw vegetable plate, and chips with guacamole are on the menu. Live entertainment most nights. A good place to take a group, as larger tables are available. $–$$.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: Local chocolate maker.

Sapphire Restaurant and Oyster Bar: Contemporary American, organic seafood, vegetarian enchiladas, steaks, and raw bar. Lunch daily 2:00–5:00 p.m. Dinner daily 5:30–10:00 p.m. $31–50.

Sweet Basil: Creative contemporary American food and wine. Brunch on Sundays; lunch and dinner daily. Some vegetarian options, particularly if you don't mind combining starters. $50 and over.

Swiss Chalet Restaurant: Located in the Sonnenalp Resort. Traditional European cuisine, including fondue. Dinner 5:00–9:00 p.m. $25–40.

Terra Bistro: Located in the Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa. International, fresh selections, with seafood, drinks, and fresh produce specialties. Vegetarian, gluten-free options available. Dinner 6:00 p.m.–closing. $–$$$.

Up the Creek: American cuisine; seafood, salads, pasta, game, and steak. Some vegetarian options. Lunch daily 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Dinner daily 5:00–9:30 p.m.

Vendetta's: Italian, pizza, pasta, salads, and soups; vegetarian options. Open daily 11:00–2:00 a.m. $18–30.

Whiskey Jack's: Wine, beer, and bar food. Opens at 8:00 p.m. (More of a club than an eatery.)

Vail - Maps - Weather - Packing - Restaurants and Services