The Eagle Bahn Gondola (out of Lionshead) and Gondola One (out of Vail Village) offer scenic rides with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valley and villages below. Summer brings fields of green covered in wildflowers. And, in the fall, riding the gondola is one of the most spectacular ways to see the incredible golden aspen trees! Once atop the mountain, your options are endless: enjoy spectacular views with lunch, hike any number of trails around (and down the mountain), explore the many mountain bike trails (bike down the mountain), check out the activities at Epic Discovery (atop Eagle Bahn Gondola) and/or enjoy a relaxing ride back down the Gondola.
Vail Mountain Gondola Summer Dates:
- Exact dates for 2023 coming soon. Generally, the gondola is open daily mid-June through Labor Day and weekends through early October.
- Vail Mountain’s Epic Discovery returns with the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, Eagle’s Nest Tubing Hill, Marmot Mini Kid’s Tubing Hill, kids zipline, bungee trampoline, Paramount Peak Climbing Wall, Gore Creek Mini Golf and more.
- Scenic gondola rides, gondola-accessed hiking, and bike haul will be available from both Vail and Lionshead Villages (snow melt and weather dependent). Gondolas will access mountaintop food and beverage at MidVail and Eagle’s Nest.
Purchase your scenic Gondola ride at the Ticket office at the base of either Gondola in Lionshead and Vail Village.
Plus, Kids 12 and under ride free with an adult purchase of a Scenic Ride Ticket; allowing the whole family to experience magical views of the Vail Valley and access miles of hiking in the mountains.
Adequate Clothing
Fully enclosed footwear (no heel straps) are required for all activities, including all ziplines. Be aware, mountain weather changes quickly and there is usually at least a 10-degree temperature difference from the bottom to the top of the lifts. Bring a raincoat and consider a sweater or fleece layer. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, such as hiking boots or tennis shoes. Hair ties are suggested for shoulder length hair or longer.
Sun Protection
At 10,000 feet, exposure to the sun is 40% greater than it is at sea level. We recommend sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher, as well as eye protection.
Lightning and Thunderstorms
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains and may cause interruptions and delays in summer activities and lift operations. Lifts and activities may close on occasion due to weather conditions, causing delays. Take proper precautions when you see or hear a storm developing: seek shelter, keep off ridgelines, and stay clear of chairlift houses, lift towers, power lines, open spaces, lone trees, and signposts.
High-Altitude Environment
If you live at a lower elevation, you may tire more easily. Take it easy at first, plan short trips until you are acclimated and drink plenty of water. Some visitors may experience symptoms associated with Vail’s high altitude. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, and dizziness, loss of appetite, restless sleep, coughing and difficulty in breathing. If symptoms persist or if you have a concern about your health, you should seek medical attention.