What to Wear in Vail for Every Season

You’ve arranged your travel and accommodations are booked for your trip to Vail — and now comes the part that some people find hard and others find fun: packing.

Nobody likes to be unprepared, and weather conditions in Vail, Colorado, can change rapidly in all seasons, so it’s important to plan accordingly. A versatile packing list will ensure you’re ready for all your activities and adventures, whether it’s sunny, snowy or both! There can be a big temperature difference between day and night, so the name of the game is having options that you can layer.

From what to wear skiing in Vail to aprés-ski attire and Colorado hiking clothes, here’s how to dress for the weather. And no matter what, the must-have accessory for any outfit year-round is sunscreen.

Winter & Spring Weather in Vail: Plan for Snow & Sunshine

When you think of Colorado weather in the winter, fat snowflakes, whiteout conditions and chilly winds are likely to come to mind. In Vail, it will often be actively snowing, with average high temperatures ranging from 27º F in December to 40º F in March (and lows typically in the single digits), but there’s plenty of sunshine to look forward to on bluebird days. The best clothes for skiing and snowboarding will be easy to layer and made of moisture-wicking fabrics — think wool and synthetics. Spring rain is possible, but typically comes at the very end of the ski season in April.

Here are some on-mountain musts for skiing and snowboarding:

Ski jacket or shell; choose something lighter in the spring, like a Patagonia shell or lightly insulated jacket, though some days you might not need one at all
Ski pants
Mid-layer, like a fleece pullover, lightweight down jacket or hoodie
Base layers/long underwear — no cotton because it’s not moisture-wicking
Gloves
Gaiter or balaclava
Goggles
Socks — wool is both warm and moisture-wicking

When you’re done with the slopes for the day or if you’re exploring the town, you might be left wondering what to wear in Vail at night or while enjoying the lively aprés-ski scene. Whether you’re sipping a beverage on a patio and listening to live music or heading to dinner at one of Vail’s delicious restaurants, these are some options to wear around town:

Puffer jacket or rain jacket
Sweaters
Vest
Casual pants like jeans, corduroys or leggings
Hat, beanie or ear muffs
Scarf
Gloves
Waterproof boots — shearling lining is a favorite
Socks
Sunglasses

Vail Summer & Fall Weather: Warm Days, Cool Nights

Colorado summer weather in the mountains is known for being extremely pleasant, making it ideal for a plethora of outdoor activities. For weather in Vail, you can expect daytime temperatures in the 70s from June through August, and it starts tapering off into the 60s and 50s in September and October. But beware of the day-to-night temperature swing, especially if you’re camping; it can dip into the 40s or even high 30s overnight. June is the driest month, and rain averages around 2 inches or less each month from July through November.

So what to wear in Vail in the summer and fall? It will depend somewhat on your chosen adventures, which could include hiking, mountain biking, Epic Discovery attractions, having a pool day or leaf peeping. Plan to bring a combination of:

Shorts
Leggings or athletic pants
Tanks and tees
Sun-protection clothes
Hat
Lightweight jacket
Socks
Hiking shoes or boots
Comfy sandals — water-friendly is ideal
Swimsuit
Rain jacket
Waterproof shoes or boots

When it comes to planning Vail outfits in the summer or fall for a casual day of strolling, admiring public art, going to the Vail Farmers’ Market & Art Show or getting dinner in the evening, consider:

Casual pants or trousers
Jeans
Casual dresses
Lightweight sweaters
Jacket
Sneakers
Boots or loafers

Where to Shop for Ski Gear, Outdoor Apparel & More

Of course, you can also take advantage of the wide variety of stores around Vail Village and Lionshead Village to round out your Vail style. Shop for apparel, accessories, outdoor gear and more. You’re sure to find the perfect new outfit or latest ski equipment — just leave some room in your suitcase for your haul. Here’s a sampling of where to look for: