Vail has a reputation for glamour, especially during ski season. And I have to admit, I was a little intimidated about what to pack for our summer trip to Vail. But we discovered the summer season is all about embracing the great outdoors, enjoying the laid-back mountain lifestyle, and soaking up the stunning scenery. It’s a perfect destination for adventurers, foodies, and anyone looking to escape the heat and hustle of the city.
We planned on hiking during the day, and enjoying all the great dining in Vail Village at night, which made packing a little tricky. Also, daytime and nighttime temperatures during summer in Vail can vary drastically, making it essential to almost pack clothes for multiple seasons.
Here’s a list of what to pack for summer in Vail, as well as some tips to help you think through what you might want to wear.
CLOTHING
Summers in Vail can be warm during the day but cooler in the evenings, so think about things you’ll want to layer. Typically temps can range from the 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 21-28°C) during the day. And then once the sun sets, temperatures can drop significantly, even in the summer. It’s not uncommon for evenings to cool down into the 40s or 50s Fahrenheit (around 4-15°C). Also, many restaurants and shops do not have air conditioning, so keep that in mind too for the warmer days. You’ll want to pack an outfit for day and night.
- Light Layers: Think athletic wear, t-shirts, tanks, and shorts for daytime hikes and outdoor activities. And for nighttime, something casually elegant that you can layer. Sundresses with a jacket, long pants and short-sleeved colored shirts. and lightweight pants. Don’t forget a couple of long-sleeve shirts or a light sweater for those cooler nights.
- Swimwear: Even though Vail is in the mountains, there are some cool lakes and swimming spots. Bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip.
- Jackets: Jackets in summer? Yes! Consider your activities that you have planned. Summer showers can surprise you in the mountains, so having a light compact rain jacket is a good idea. I’d also recommend a jean jacket or something similar for cooler evenings. And a pull over sweatshirt if you plan to hike earlier in the morning.
- Intimates: Of course, bring socks for hiking, underwear, and pajamas too. For summer, wool socks tend to make me itchy, so I really like Wrightsocks for hiking as they’re comfortable and help you avoid blisters.
SHOES
- Hiking Shoes: For hiking, you don’t really need a full hiking boot to hit the trails off of Vail Village. A comfortable trail shoe, or even sneakers with good tread will do just fine. (Don’t forget the Wrightsocks to prevent blisters)
- Sandals: Vail Village itself is incredibly pedestrian-friendly. You’ll want a comfortable sandal or casual sneaker for going out to the restaurants and shops. My favorite travel sandal right now that I can walk all day in is the Reef
OUTDOOR GEAR
- Sun Protection: The sun can be quite intense at higher altitudes. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm with an spf, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself.
- Water Bottle: Staying hydrated at higher altitudes is important, so carry a reusable water bottle with you.
- Daypack: A small backpack is handy for carrying your essentials while you’re out exploring. I like to bring a backpack for hiking so I can carry my water bottle and a snack. But you might want something lighter like a belt bag too. My favorite backpack still is the Fjallraven backpack since it can pack flat in a suitcase or carryon.
- First Aid Kit: Pack a first aid kit with things like band-aids, blister bandages for those long hikes, and pain reliever.
EXTRAS
- Hand Fan: I never travel anywhere during the summer without a simple handfan. One you can easily fold up and put in a pocket or purse. Living in Florida, I’ve learned having this one little essential can make life so much more comfortable. Especially in a restaurant or shop that doesn’t have air conditioning.
- Skin Care: The alpine mountain air is really dry, which your skin will notice. I had great hair days, but chapped lips. In addition to your normal skincare you’d pack, also bring sunscreen with a good spf, moisturizer, and a really hydrating lip balm too. My favorite moisturizer with an spf that I’ve been traveling with for years is the Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 42 with hyaluronic acid.
ELECTRONICS
These suggestions aren’t specific to Vail, but more so for any vacation
- Entertainment: For the flight there, or a relaxing night on the balcony of your hotel or vacation rental, don’t forget to pack a headphones, book, or e-reader.
- Chargers: Bring chargers for all your devices including smart phone, camera, watch, etc. I also like to pack a small power bank for when we’re hiking all day and need a re-charge.
Let us know in the comments if you have any packing questions for your upcoming trip!
Leave a Reply