I’m a once-a-year skiier at best so I don’t make it up to the ski resorts much during the winter season. But I absolutely love visiting during the shoulder seasons in Spring and Fall. I recently returned to Vail for the Autumn Equinox and got to see how much the fall colors could transform in just one week’s time. If you’re looking for fall leaf peeping in Colorado, Vail is a great first stop.
Thanks to the fabulous Vail Stables I got the chance to ride through an Aspen grove, which was like nothing I’ve ever seen… Even as a 15-year Colorado resident! The 90-minute ride was the perfect mix of challenge and ease, and the guides were both kind and knowledgeable. Highly recommend as a way to get up close and personal leaf peeping!
But the very best part was hearing the bleating baby goats that awaited us on our return! For just $5, we got a bin of treats to give to the goats, who before I knew it were jumping on whiskey barrels to reach the yumminess! The stables also do Goat Yoga for those who want to stretch amid the sounds of baby hooves.
During my trip, I also ate my face off thanks to Vail’s great culinary scene. I devoured pecan-crusted pork chops at the Tavern on the Square (connected to the Arrabelle hotel), decadent truffle ravioli at Italian classic La Nonna, and pork schnitzel at the German-Austrian staple Alpenrose.
Though I didn’t have much downtime, I did make it to the relaxing Arrabelle spa for a 50-minute massage (ask for Felix!), and spent some time at the rooftop hottub taking in the fall colors.
I love coming up this time of year because the crowds are sparse, the food is just as good (no waits!), and the weather is absolutely beautiful. It’s an easy drive from Denver and Boulder too, compared to the wall of traffic that’s become typical in the winter months.
Whether you’re a nonskiier or a nature lover, I definitely recommend a visit to Vail this time of year!