Vail Resorts Sees 25% Summer Booking Boom in Colorado

Vail Resorts announced a record 25% increase in summer bookings for its Colorado resorts, driven by demand for hiking, mountain biking and gondola activities, according to initial reporting by The Colorado Sun. The surge reflects strong interest in non-ski offerings at properties including Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone and Crested Butte, where Epic Pass holders gain free access to scenic gondola rides and 20% savings on dining, lodging, bike rentals and golf[4]. This momentum comes after a challenging dry winter, positioning summer as a vital revenue driver for the Broomfield-based company[5]. Summer operations kick off in late May at select resorts, with Vail Mountain's Gondola One and Eagle Bahn Gondola opening daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting June 1 through early September, extending to weekends until September 28[1][3]. Epic Discovery activities at Vail, including zip lines and adventure zones, anchor the lineup alongside biking trails and guided hikes across the 10-mountain portfolio. Breckenridge and Keystone will follow similar schedules, emphasizing family-friendly outings amid Colorado's alpine meadows and wildflower blooms[4]. Highlighting the season are events like Vail Summer Sessions, set for June 27-29 with live performances atop the mountain, and ongoing Epic Pass perks that have boosted advance reservations[2][8]. Local businesses in Vail Village and Lionshead report heightened preparations, from bike shop tune-ups to gondola ticket sales at Lionshead offices[3]. As of May 2026, Vail Resorts' summer tip sheet promotes these perks to fill lodges and trails, signaling confidence in sustained visitor traffic through Labor Day[2][4]. The booking spike underscores Colorado's evolution as a year-round destination, with Vail Resorts' Colorado resorts drawing adventurers seeking respite from urban Front Range heat. Analysts note the 25% jump outpaces national outdoor recreation trends, crediting targeted marketing and passholder incentives amid post-pandemic travel rebounds[1].