Lionshead Revisited

Once known as the quieter side of Vail, this popular area offers the perfect base camp for exploring the Vail area

July 13, 2021

Susan Dugan,

Lionshead Village’s Eagle Bahn Gondola transports visitors to breathtaking views of majestic mountains and miles of hiking and biking trails for all ages and abilities. | Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts, Jack Affleck

Built in 1969 to reflect Vail Village‘s European alpine style, and majorly renovated in the early 2000s, Lionshead Village derived its name from a nearby mountain rock outcropping that resembles the head of a lion.

: Nestled in the Vail Valley, just minutes from Vail Village, Lionshead has taken on its own inviting personality with award-winning restaurants, shops, and easy outdoor access. | Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts, Jack Affleck

Anchored by Vail’s Eagle Bahn Gondola, today’s Lionshead has come of age as a destination and thriving community in its own right, offering visitors an updated spin on that original charm, with vibrant, year-round lodging, dining, shopping, recreational and cultural opportunities.

Guests of all ages savor its laid-back vibe, no-cars policy and free transportation and short walkability to Vail Village.

ANTLERS AT VAIL

Antlers at Vail’s year-round “pool with a view” overlooks Gore Creek and Vail Mountain. In addition to the swimming pool, the area includes two hot tubs, changing rooms, and multiple seating areas—making it a popular spot with guests. | Photo courtesy of Antlers at Vail

A community icon built in 1972 and nestled along tranquil Gore Creek, the independently owned Antlers at Vail condominium hotel recently underwent a $5 million renovation.

The airy, remodeled lobby sports a new elevator and two-story structure with vaulted ceilings, providing a communal space for relaxation and gatherings. Serene artwork includes a stunning sculpted-relief scene of a majestic elk in front of the Gore Range by bas-relief artist Bonnie Wakeman.

A commitment to stellar, personal service draws multigenerational families to vacation here summer after summer, some spending more than 30 days to partake of the property’s home-like, studio-to-four-bedroom units, picturesque pool and hot tub and complimentary perks like yoga classes, bikes and free passes to Walking Mountains Science Center programs.

Awarded Vail’s highest-level Platinum lodging rating, the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and GreenLeader status, Antlers at Vail has been recognized by Sunset magazine as a “Stellar Pet-Friendly Hotel” and by Outside magazine as a best place on the planet to “Live (for a While) as a Digital Nomad.”

VAIL JAZZ FESTIVAL

The music of international jazz legends fills the air during the annual Vail Jazz Festival, featuring more than 50 performances, including free and educational opportunities, drawing jazz lovers near and far to celebrate another beautiful summer in the Colorado Rockies. | Photo courtesy of Vail Jazz Festival

Located in the Jazz Tent in Lionshead’s Vail Square, the renowned 10-week Vail Jazz Festival draws legends from throughout the jazz world, offering more than 50 performances from July to September and culminating in the Vail Jazz Party, with 35 hours of dazzling performances over Labor Day Weekend.

The eclectic mix of performances and casual, party vibe attracts jazz lovers near and far to celebrate the end of the beautiful Colorado summer in style. July 8-September 6, 2021.

EAGLE BAHN GONDOLA

Lionshead’s scenic Eagle Bahn Gondola transports visitors of all ages to breathtaking views of majestic mountain ranges dotted with wildflowers and miles of mountain biking and hiking trails suitable for all abilities.

Mountaintop Epic Discovery (Adventure Ridge in winter) provides thrills and adventure, with rope courses, zip lines, bungee jumping, a roller coaster, tubing hills and climbing wall.

THE SCOOP

RESERVATIONS

The airy remodeled lobby of Antlers at Vail provides a communal space for relaxation and gatherings. | Photo courtesy of Antlers at Vail

Antlers at Vail

Vail Jazz Festival, tickets are available at vailjazz.org

Gondola Tickets can be purchased at vail.com

ADDITIONAL LIONSHEAD LODGING

Visitors to Lionshead Village find year-round lodging, dining, shopping, and a laid-back vibe and no-cars policy. | Photo courtesy of Lionshead Village

The Arrabelle: In the heart of Lionshead Village with its RockResorts spa featuring 81 guest rooms and private residences.

Vail Marriott Mountain Resort: Elegantly appointed Vail hotel accommodations with upscale amenities or expansive condominiums with kitchens, fireplaces and private balconies.