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Tips for Taking a Scenic Gondola Ride in Vail

Whether you’re riding Eagle Bahn Gondola, departing from Lionshead, or Gondola One out of Vail Village — both offer scenic Vail gondola rides with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valley and villages below. Summer brings fields of green covered in a bounty of delicate wildflowers. And, in the fall, riding the gondola is one of the most spectacular ways to see the incredible golden aspen trees.

Once atop Vail Mountain, your options for summer activities are endless. You’ll enjoy spectacularly rugged views with lunch at MidVail or Eagle’s Nest, hike any number of trails, whiz down the mountain on a bike and play with Epic Discovery (atop the Eagle Bahn). Once you’re done, take a relaxing ride back down the gondola for easy access to Vail Village and Lionshead restaurants and shopping. Find more info about Vail gondola rides, including clothing suggestions and weather tips.

How Much is a Vail Gondola Ride Ticket?

You can buy your Scenic Ride Ticket for $55 at one of the ticket offices, found at the base of either gondola in Lionshead and Vail Village. Children 12 and under ride free with an adult ticket purchase, a fun deal that’ll give your family easy access to magical Vail Valley panoramas, hiking and, of course, Epic Discovery. Gondola One (#1) and Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19) are both open daily through the summer season, which typically runs from mid-June to October.

Vail Mountain’s Epic Discovery

Make vacation memories with your youngsters with a trip to Vail Mountain’s Epic Discovery, accessed from the Eagle Bahn Gondola. The best of Vail Mountain summer activities includes the zipping Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, the fam-friendly Eagle’s Nest Tubing Hill and Marmot Mini Kid’s Tubing Hill. Want to feel more wind in your hair? Glide among the trees with the zipline and go flying with the giggle-inducing bungee trampoline. If you’re up for a more physical challenge, release your inner Alex Honnold with a trip to the Paramount Peak Climbing Wall. Learn more about Vail’s Epic Discovery.

Hiking & Biking on Vail Mountain

Scenic gondola rides, gondola-accessed hiking trails and the bike-haul service are all available from both Vail and Lionshead villages, though this is dependent on weather and snowmelt. Try on-mountain favorites like Berry Picker or take a trek with a knowledgeable guide. Find more Vail hiking information. Find Vail Mountain hiking and mountain-biking trails.

On-Mountain Dining Options

Gondolas access mountaintop Vail restaurants at both MidVail and Eagle’s Nest. You’ll love nomming on your crispy chicken sammie and Colorado craft beer with views all around.

More information:

Find Vail accessibility info
Learn about Vail wildflowers
Take family-friendly Vail hike
Take a scenic Vail gondola ride in winter
Learn about summer hours of operation for gondola rides
Here’s how to find your perfect Vail moment this summer