Top Vail Art & Culture in 2026

Vail Village looks like a picture-perfect alpine retreat – all Bavarian chalets and polished luxury – but the real stories are hidden in plain sight. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll hear about the soldiers, ski legends, and local quirks that shaped this mountain town into something far more interesting than its postcard image suggests. You’ll start at the Vail Village Welcome Center near the Colorado Snowsports Museum, and make your way through the cobblestone streets of the village center. As you walk, you’ll hear stories about the 10th Mountain Division soldiers who fought in World War II and returned to build Vail from scratch. The tour ends at a second covered bridge over Gore Creek, surrounded by sculpture gardens and mountain views.