If you’ve been coming to Vail for years, you probably know the mountaintop adventure park as Adventure Ridge Vail. But here’s the update: in recent years, Vail Resorts rebranded it as Epic Discovery to better reflect its year-round activities. Still, locals and longtime visitors often stick to the old name—so whether you call it Adventure Ridge or Epic Discovery, you’re talking about the same high-altitude playground perched at 10,350 feet above Lionshead Village.
From tubing under the stars to summer ziplines, this mountaintop hub offers more than just skiing. In this guide, we’ll explore nine unbelievable activities that make Adventure Ridge (Epic Discovery) one of the most memorable experiences in Vail—for skiers, non-skiers, and families alike.
What Is Adventure Ridge (Epic Discovery) Vail?
Adventure Ridge, now officially Epic Discovery, is Vail’s mountaintop activity park accessible via the Eagle Bahn Gondola. It transforms with the seasons, offering winter tubing and ski biking or summer ziplines and alpine coasters.
- Winter vibe: Tubing, ski biking, snowshoe tours, and kid-friendly evening activities.
- Summer shift: Zip lines, climbing walls, mountain coasters, and ropes courses.
- Dining: Bistro Fourteen and casual spots nearby keep you fueled for adventure.
Think of it as Vail’s answer to the question: what else is there to do on the mountain besides skiing?
1. Tubing: High-Speed Family Fun
Adventure Ridge’s tubing lanes are legendary. Wide, groomed, and lit up for night sessions, they’re the perfect blend of safe and thrilling.
- Best for: Families and groups (height restrictions apply).
- When: Open afternoons and evenings in winter.
- Tip: Reserve your tubing session online—weekends sell out quickly.
2. Ski Biking: A Vail Original
Vail has long been a leader in promoting ski biking, and Adventure Ridge is where most visitors try it. Imagine sitting on a bike frame mounted to skis—then carving down the mountain behind a guide.
- Skill level: Easy for beginners, especially non-skiers.
- Evening tours: Add a headlamp and you’ve got one unforgettable night ride.
3. Snowshoeing Through Quiet Trails
For those seeking peace and scenery, snowshoe tours from Adventure Ridge provide a slower, more immersive way to experience the Gore Range. You’ll often spot wildlife tracks in the snow that skiers never notice.
- Best for: Nature lovers and photographers.
- Guided tours: Led by knowledgeable naturalists who explain Vail’s ecosystem.
4. Epic Discovery Summer Thrills
Once the snow melts, Adventure Ridge becomes Epic Discovery in full. Summer highlights include:
- Alpine Coaster – twisting down the mountain on rails.
- Zip lines – soaring over alpine meadows.
- Ropes courses & climbing walls – perfect for kids.
This shift ensures that Vail’s mountain stays alive with activity long after ski season ends.
5. Dining at Bistro Fourteen
Located right at Adventure Ridge/Epic Discovery, Bistro Fourteen is a family-friendly restaurant with unbeatable views.
- Menu picks: Colorado trout, elk burgers, and kid-friendly pasta.
- Best time: Dinner at sunset for panoramic Gore Range views.
6. Kid-Focused Fun
Adventure Ridge always catered to families, and Epic Discovery continues that tradition. Beyond the headline activities, kids can try mini snowmobiles in winter or kid-sized challenge courses in summer.
7. Après-Ski with a Twist
Who says après-ski has to mean bars? At Adventure Ridge, après is about tubing under floodlights, riding a ski bike into the night, or snowshoeing under the stars. It’s nightlife that keeps you on the mountain instead of in the village.
8. Easy Access for Non-Skiers
One of the best things about Adventure Ridge/Epic Discovery is its accessibility.
- Take the Eagle Bahn Gondola from Lionshead Village.
- Step off at the top—Adventure Ridge is right there.
- No skis required, just warm clothes and a sense of adventure.
9. Why Adventure Ridge Still Matters
Even though the branding has shifted to Epic Discovery, Adventure Ridge remains part of Vail’s identity. Ask around town and you’ll hear both names used interchangeably. For many families, it’s the place where grandparents, toddlers, and non-skiers can all find their own mountain adventure.
FAQs: Adventure Ridge Vail (Epic Discovery)
Q1: Is Adventure Ridge the same as Epic Discovery?
Yes. Adventure Ridge was rebranded as Epic Discovery, but locals still use both names.
Q2: How do I get to Adventure Ridge/Epic Discovery?
Ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola from Lionshead Village—it drops you off right at the entrance.
Q3: Is it open in summer and winter?
Yes. Winter focuses on tubing, ski biking, and snowshoeing, while summer features ziplines, alpine coasters, and climbing.
Q4: Do I need to ski to enjoy Adventure Ridge?
No. Most activities are designed for non-skiers as well as families.
Q5: Is Adventure Ridge good for kids?
Absolutely. From tubing lanes to ropes courses, it’s one of the most family-friendly attractions in Vail.
Conclusion: Adventure Ridge Vail, Reimagined as Epic Discovery
So, whether you call it Adventure Ridge Vail or Epic Discovery, this mountaintop park is one of the best-kept secrets of the Rockies. From adrenaline-packed tubing runs to quiet snowshoe hikes and summer ziplines, it proves that Vail isn’t just about skiing—it’s about adventure for everyone.
Next time you plan a trip to Vail, don’t stop at the slopes. Ride the gondola, head to the top, and experience the unbelievable variety of activities that Adventure Ridge—now Epic Discovery—has to offer.
For more insider guides, see What to Do in Vail If You Don’t Ski and Where to Park at Vail Ski Resort.
Summary (TL;DR)
Adventure Ridge Vail, now officially called Epic Discovery, is a mountaintop adventure park with year-round activities: tubing, ski biking, snowshoeing, ziplines, alpine coasters, and family fun. It’s one of Vail’s top attractions for non-skiers and kids.
