vail nightlife

Whether you’re based out of Lionshead or Vail Village, you’re bound to experience an electric nightlife and après-ski scene. Party-goers on a Vail ski vacation have options ranging from sunny patio cocktails, sports bars, live music, dance clubs, karaoke and authentic ski bars.

Vail Apres Ski

If you’re staying in Lionshead or the West Vail area, then Garfinkle’s is where you want to be when the bull-wheel stops running. If it’s a sunny day—which it usually is in Colorado—you’re going to want to sit out on Garfinkle’s epic patio, which gives you a front and center view of the slopes. Garfinkle’s serves up a nice array of microbrews, domestic and international beer, great pub-style food and excellent cocktails. The Chophouse is another Lionshead hot spot, serving up their renowned Bloody Mary’s, Turf and Surf. If you’re hanging out in Vail Village you have even more après-ski options. There are a lot of choices, and pretty much every place is hopping. Here’s Ski.com’s Vail après shortlist:

• Bart and Yeti's for a warm atmosphere and cold beer
• Red Lion for tasty appetizers, and live music.
• Express Lift Bar to watch skiers come down the mountain
• Pepi's for alpine flair and live entertainment

Vail Bars

If you’re really looking to tie-one-on after Vail’s lively apres scene, you certainly won’t be disappointed with the late-night Vail bar scene. Vail is a hopping party every weekend night, and over the holidays, and even mid-week you’ll find a decent crowd. Vail Village is definitely the place to be, Lionshead shuts down after apres. The Village offers nighthawks entertainment ranging from quiet cocktails and good conversation to wild dance parties and live music. Here’s Ski.com’s Vail bar picks:

• For conversation and relaxing, head to The George
• For a live music and affordable drinks head to Shakedown
• For a modern bar featuring some of the world's best wines, head to Root and Flower