Vail Village and Lionshead: How the Two Villages Fit Together

First-time visitors to Vail are often surprised to find there is not one base area but two. Vail Village and Lionshead Village sit side by side along Gore Creek at the bottom of Vail Mountain, each with its own gondola, shops, restaurants and lodging. Knowing how they connect makes the whole trip easier.

Both villages are at about 8,150 feet, so even the walk to dinner is at real altitude. Here is a simple guide to the layout.

Vail Village: the classic heart of town

Vail Village is the one you have seen in photos: winding pedestrian streets, Bavarian-style buildings and the covered bridge over Gore Creek. Gondola One leaves right from the village and is a short walk from the Vail Village parking garage.

It is a great place to wander in the evening, with plenty of shops, galleries, patios and après spots. The Vail Village welcome center sits at the top of the parking garage if you need a map or directions.

Lionshead: a second base just to the west

Lionshead Village sits a little further west and is closed to cars and buses, so it feels relaxed and easy to walk. The Eagle Bahn Gondola starts here, and in winter the Born Free Express chairlift does too. Lionshead is popular with families, and its outdoor ice rink with skate rentals is a fun evening stop.

From the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, Epic Discovery at Adventure Ridge runs summer activities such as a mountain coaster and tubing, and both gondolas run scenic rides in summer.

Getting between the two

Walk. The villages are about a 10 to 15 minute walk apart, along a path that follows Gore Creek with views up to the slopes. The paved Gore Valley Recreation Path also runs through town for walking and biking.

Ride the free bus. The Town of Vail runs free bus service all year, and the in-town bus loops between Vail Village and Lionshead regularly from early morning until late evening. Check the town's live bus map for times during your stay.

Parking. Each village has a public parking structure, and rates change with the season. There is also free day parking at Donovan Park in West Vail, with the free bus running into both villages. If your lodging includes parking, you may find you hardly need the car once you arrive.

Which village should you stay in?

There is no wrong answer. Vail Village suits guests who want to step out the door into the busiest dining and shopping streets. Lionshead suits families and anyone who likes a slightly quieter base with easy gondola access. Because the two are so close, and the bus between them is free, many visitors stay in one and spend evenings in the other.

Your first days at 8,150 feet

If you are coming from sea level, ease into your first day. Drink plenty of water, go light on alcohol the first night, wear sunscreen (the mountain sun is strong) and get a good night's sleep. Talk to a doctor about any medical questions before your trip.

If you would like recreational oxygen during your stay, Peak Oxygen delivers in-home and portable oxygen concentrators to lodging in Vail Village, Lionshead and across Vail. It is for recreational use at altitude and no prescription is needed. Deliveries do not require you to be present. See our Vail oxygen rentals, check prices and availability, or call us at (970) 368-9190.