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Colorado Snowsports Museum

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 Vail, 81657

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The Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame tells the story of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado, from Scandinavian miners on skis in the 1860s to the 10th Mountain Division and the early snowboard builders, and admission is free. It sits on the third level of the Vail Village parking structure, across from the Covered Bridge, so you pass its door walking in from the garage.

It suits history-minded skiers, families filling a snowy or rainy hour, and anyone curious why a World War II mountain unit matters so much to Vail. The museum turns 50 in 2026 and is open daily.

The permanent collection

Climb to Glory, the 10th Mountain Division exhibit, follows the soldiers who trained at Camp Hale and fought in the Italian Alps, and whose veterans helped build the American ski industry. Skiing Through Time traces the sport in Colorado through the first lifts and the National Ski Patrol; a 19-foot sliding touchscreen charts competitive skiing; Out There covers snowboarding history with the Colorado Snowboard Archive; and a table of Colorado ski areas includes 30 "lost" resorts. Look for the Tom Sims snowboard James Bond rode in A View to a Kill.

Current exhibits

Warren Miller: Freedom Found looks at the ski filmmaker as an artist and veteran, with artifacts not shown before, and a display marks the museum's 50th anniversary since its 1976 founding.

The Hall of Fame

The Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame, which has inducted more than 250 athletes, sport builders and pioneers since its first class in 1977, lives here as an interactive exhibit, with a new class inducted each year.

Tours, events and the shop

From June to late October the museum runs 75-minute history walking tours of Vail Village, and it can be booked for private receptions and dinners after hours. A small museum store sells books, including the curator's Skiing in Colorado, and 10th Mountain Division caps. The FAQ has times and prices.

Sources: visit, exhibits, 2026 exhibits, walking tours, museum rental, snowsportsmuseum.org. Checked September 23, 2026.

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Contact Information

Company Name
Colorado Snowsports Museum
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Location
231 S Frontage Rd E
Vail, 81657

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About Colorado Snowsports Museum

Quick answer: Colorado Snowsports Museum is a business at 231 S Frontage Rd E, Vail, CO 81657. Free museum of Colorado ski and snowboard history in Vail Village, with the 10th Mountain Division exhibit and the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame.

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The Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame tells the story of skiing and snowboarding in Colorado, from Scandinavian miners on skis in the 1860s to the 10th Mountain Division and the early snowboard builders, and admission is free. It sits on the third level of the Vail Village parking structure, across from the Covered Bridge, so you pass its door walking in from the garage.

It suits history-minded skiers, families filling a snowy or rainy hour, and anyone curious why a World War II mountain unit matters so much to Vail. The museum turns 50 in 2026 and is open daily.

The permanent collection

Climb to Glory, the 10th Mountain Division exhibit, follows the soldiers who trained at Camp Hale and fought in the Italian Alps, and whose veterans helped build the American ski industry. Skiing Through Time traces the sport in Colorado through the first lifts and the National Ski Patrol; a 19-foot sliding touchscreen charts competitive skiing; Out There covers snowboarding history with the Colorado Snowboard Archive; and a table of Colorado ski areas includes 30 "lost" resorts. Look for the Tom Sims snowboard James Bond rode in A View to a Kill.

Current exhibits

Warren Miller: Freedom Found looks at the ski filmmaker as an artist and veteran, with artifacts not shown before, and a display marks the museum's 50th anniversary since its 1976 founding.

The Hall of Fame

The Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame, which has inducted more than 250 athletes, sport builders and pioneers since its first class in 1977, lives here as an interactive exhibit, with a new class inducted each year.

Tours, events and the shop

From June to late October the museum runs 75-minute history walking tours of Vail Village, and it can be booked for private receptions and dinners after hours. A small museum store sells books, including the curator's Skiing in Colorado, and 10th Mountain Division caps. The FAQ has times and prices.

Sources: visit, exhibits, 2026 exhibits, walking tours, museum rental, snowsportsmuseum.org. Checked September 23, 2026.

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Business Hours

Open daily · 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Amenities at Colorado Snowsports Museum

  • Free admission
  • Gift shop
  • Walking tours
  • Private events
  • Family-friendly

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the museum free?
Yes. There is no admission charge. The museum is a nonprofit and appreciates a $10 donation, which helps it stay open and complimentary for all visitors.
What are the hours?
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The museum is temporarily closed from Sunday, October 25 to Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and reopens on its regular daily hours after that.
Where is it and where do I park?
At 231 South Frontage Road East, on the third level of the Vail Village parking structure, across from the Covered Bridge into Vail Village. The parking structure is free after 3 p.m.
Is this the same as the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum?
Yes. The museum's current name is the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame, and it is the State of Colorado's official snow sports museum. Older guides and reviews may still use the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum name.
What exhibits will I see?
The permanent collection includes Climb to Glory, on the 10th Mountain Division soldiers who trained at Camp Hale; Skiing Through Time, from 1860s Scandinavian miners to the first lifts; Out There, on snowboarding history with the Colorado Snowboard Archive; a 19-foot sliding touchscreen on competitive skiing; a table of Colorado ski areas including 30 "lost" resorts; and the Tom Sims snowboard James Bond rode in A View to a Kill. The current rotating exhibit is Warren Miller: Freedom Found, on the ski filmmaker, alongside a display celebrating the museum's 50th anniversary.
Are there walking tours?
Yes, seasonally. Vail history walking tours leave the museum at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in season (the summer/fall season ran to Thursday, October 22, 2026), last about 75 minutes and cost $10 per person; museum members and children under 18 go free. The summer/fall season has ended and winter dates are to be announced; private tours are available on request. Call (970) 476-1876 to reserve. School field trips and private guided tours can also be booked by phone.
Can I rent the museum for an event?
Yes, outside regular hours. The 3,200-square-foot museum hosts reception-style events for up to 200 guests at $1,500 for four hours in the low season (April, May, October and November) and $2,000 in peak season, and sit-down events for up to 65 guests at $2,500 for five hours, year-round.
What is the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame?
The Hall of Fame honours the athletes, sport builders, pioneers and inspirational figures of Colorado snow sports. It has inducted more than 250 people since its first class in 1977, with a new class inducted each year, and it lives in the museum as an interactive touchscreen exhibit where you can explore each inductee's story.
Is there a gift shop?
Yes. The museum store sells books, including curator Dana Zapfel's Skiing in Colorado, and 10th Mountain Division merchandise such as caps, in the museum and online at snowsportsmuseum.org.
How do I contact the museum?
Call (970) 476-1876 or email [email protected]. The museum is at 231 South Frontage Road East, Vail, CO 81657.

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