Lionshead Village Profile Photo - Shopping in Vail CO
Lionshead Village

Shopping
 Vail, 81657

Send Message
Do you own or operate Lionshead Village? Claim this listing now. Claim this listing

About

Lionshead is Vail's western base village, a car-free cluster of lodges, shops and restaurants built around the bottom of the Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19). The gondola rises from the middle of the village, carrying skiers and snowboarders in winter and hikers, bikers and families bound for Epic Discovery in summer.

It suits skiers who want the gondola close by, families who want parks and an ice rink within a few minutes' walk, and drivers, since the Lionshead Parking Structure sits right at the village edge. Vail Village is 10 to 15 minutes east on foot along Gore Creek, or a quick ride on the free in-town bus.

The gondola and the mountain

In winter the Eagle Bahn is a main way onto Vail Mountain. In summer a scenic gondola ticket takes you to Eagle's Nest, where Epic Discovery runs the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, tubing and a climbing wall, and where hiking and biking trails start.

Vail Square and the rink

Vail Square is the heart of the village, framed by The Arrabelle at Vail Square. In winter the Alderhof Ice Rink fills its center, with fire pits nearby for hot chocolate between laps. The Gore Creek path runs along the south edge for walks and bike rides, and fly-fishing, rafting and paddleboarding trips set out from the creek in the warmer months.

Parks for children

Lionshead has several town playgrounds. Sunbird Park, known locally as the "Onion" playground, has three giant bird's-nest play areas with bridges and slides, and Cloud Park has big white clouds to climb over and under. Older kids can head to the Zeke M. Pierce Skatepark by the parking structure, open daily from dawn to 11 p.m.; helmets are required.

Parking and getting around

The Lionshead Parking Structure on the South Frontage Road West is the main public garage, with a transit center and the Lionshead Welcome Center on site. The Red Sandstone garage across I-70 is a short walk away. Inside the village you walk, and the free in-town bus links Lionshead with Vail Village.

Where to start

For a casual meal, Discover Vail points to Blue Moose Pizza for New York-style slices, the sunny patio at Tavern on the Square for après, and Bart & Yeti's for a laid-back tavern. For shopping, Performance Sports handles boots and ski gear, and Lionshead Jewelers carries fine jewelry alongside fossils and meteorites. Families wanting space and a kitchen can look at condos such as Antlers at Vail on the creek.

Sources: Discover Vail: Lionshead Village, Town of Vail parks and playgrounds, Town of Vail parking, Hike Vail parking rates. Checked September 23, 2026.

Get Directions View Larger Map

Contact Information

Company Name
Lionshead Village
Location
Lionshead Village, base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola
Vail, 81657

Lionshead Village Photo Albums

Posted by Lionshead Village
Lionshead Village Photos
Lionshead Village Photos

Photos of Lionshead Village.... View More

We may earn a commission from links on this page, at no cost to you. Disclosure

About Lionshead Village

Quick answer: Lionshead Village is a business at Lionshead Village, base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola, Vail, CO 81657. Lionshead, Vail's car-free western village at the Eagle Bahn Gondola: Vail Square's ice rink, playgrounds, shops, and the Lionshead Parking Structure.

Last updated

Lionshead is Vail's western base village, a car-free cluster of lodges, shops and restaurants built around the bottom of the Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19). The gondola rises from the middle of the village, carrying skiers and snowboarders in winter and hikers, bikers and families bound for Epic Discovery in summer.

It suits skiers who want the gondola close by, families who want parks and an ice rink within a few minutes' walk, and drivers, since the Lionshead Parking Structure sits right at the village edge. Vail Village is 10 to 15 minutes east on foot along Gore Creek, or a quick ride on the free in-town bus.

The gondola and the mountain

In winter the Eagle Bahn is a main way onto Vail Mountain. In summer a scenic gondola ticket takes you to Eagle's Nest, where Epic Discovery runs the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, tubing and a climbing wall, and where hiking and biking trails start.

Vail Square and the rink

Vail Square is the heart of the village, framed by The Arrabelle at Vail Square. In winter the Alderhof Ice Rink fills its center, with fire pits nearby for hot chocolate between laps. The Gore Creek path runs along the south edge for walks and bike rides, and fly-fishing, rafting and paddleboarding trips set out from the creek in the warmer months.

Parks for children

Lionshead has several town playgrounds. Sunbird Park, known locally as the "Onion" playground, has three giant bird's-nest play areas with bridges and slides, and Cloud Park has big white clouds to climb over and under. Older kids can head to the Zeke M. Pierce Skatepark by the parking structure, open daily from dawn to 11 p.m.; helmets are required.

Parking and getting around

The Lionshead Parking Structure on the South Frontage Road West is the main public garage, with a transit center and the Lionshead Welcome Center on site. The Red Sandstone garage across I-70 is a short walk away. Inside the village you walk, and the free in-town bus links Lionshead with Vail Village.

Where to start

For a casual meal, Discover Vail points to Blue Moose Pizza for New York-style slices, the sunny patio at Tavern on the Square for après, and Bart & Yeti's for a laid-back tavern. For shopping, Performance Sports handles boots and ski gear, and Lionshead Jewelers carries fine jewelry alongside fossils and meteorites. Families wanting space and a kitchen can look at condos such as Antlers at Vail on the creek.

Sources: Discover Vail: Lionshead Village, Town of Vail parks and playgrounds, Town of Vail parking, Hike Vail parking rates. Checked September 23, 2026.

Shopping Centers

Amenities at Lionshead Village

  • Eagle Bahn Gondola base
  • Born Free Express lift
  • Ice rink (winter)
  • Vail Square
  • Parking structure
  • Transit center
  • Welcome center
  • Playgrounds (Sunbird Park, Cloud Park)
  • Skatepark
  • Gore Creek path
  • Pedestrian-only

Frequently Asked Questions

What's in Lionshead Village?
A pedestrian village of lodging, shops, restaurants and skier services built around the Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19). Inside it: Vail Square and The Arrabelle hotel, the winter Alderhof Ice Rink, dozens of apparel, gear and rental shops, gift shops and a gourmet/general market, plus the Lionshead Parking Structure, transit center and Welcome Center at its edge.
What shops are in Lionshead Village?
Mostly mountain retail in three groups. Rentals, sales and tuning: Christy Sports, Charter Sports at Lion Square Lodge, Base Mountain Sports, Breeze/Max, Big Mountain Tuning and Black Tie delivery. Apparel and brand boutiques: Burton and Helly Hansen in The Arrabelle building, KJUS, Avalon Clothing and Charlie's T-Shirts. Everyday and gift retail: Lionshead General Store for groceries and necessities, Lionshead Jewelers for fine jewelry, fossils and meteorites, and Lionshead Liquors. Shops set their own hours and many reduce them in spring and fall.
Where is Lionshead Village, and can you walk to Vail Village?
At the western end of central Vail, at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Yes, you can walk: 10 to 15 minutes east along Gore Creek to Vail Village, or take the free in-town bus, which runs frequently through the day and evening.
How is Lionshead different from Vail Village?
Both are pedestrian base villages. Lionshead is the western, gondola-and-family base: Eagle Bahn access to beginner terrain at Little Eagle, the Ski & Ride School, Vail Square's ice rink, and a more compact, quieter street plan rebuilt around The Arrabelle in 2008. Vail Village is the larger, central village with the broader restaurant and shopping count, served by Gondola One. They are 10 to 15 minutes apart on foot, so staying in one does not lock you out of the other.
Where do you park for Lionshead Village, and what does it cost?
In the Lionshead Parking Structure at 354 South Frontage Road West, at the village edge beside the transit center and Welcome Center; it is the closest parking to the Eagle Bahn Gondola. In summer: first hour free, then $2 an hour to a $10 daily maximum, free entry after 3 p.m., overnight $60. Winter rates are higher and split into peak and non-peak days (first hour and after-3 p.m. entry stay free; overnight stays $60), and paid winter parking for 2026-27 starts November 20, 2026. Check vail.gov/parking for the current ladder or call 970-479-2445. Cheaper overnight alternative: Red Sandstone garage, $35 overnight. Free option: Donovan Park on days its pavilion is not in use, then the free bus in.
Can you drive into Lionshead Village?
No. The village streets are pedestrian-only. Drive to the Lionshead Parking Structure or the Red Sandstone garage (551 North Frontage Road West) and walk in; both villages also have designated drop-off zones near their parking structures.
Which lifts leave from Lionshead?
The Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19) to Eagle's Nest, for Game Creek Bowl and, in summer, Epic Discovery, hiking and biking. Also the Born Free Express (#8), with beginner terrain at Little Eagle (#15) and the Lionshead Ski & Ride School at the base.
Where can you rent skis or snowboards in Lionshead?
At several shops within a few minutes' walk of the gondola, including Christy Sports (520 E Lionshead Cir), Charter Sports inside Lion Square Lodge (635 Lionshead Pl), Base Mountain Sports and Breeze/Max; Black Tie delivers rentals to your lodging instead. Guest services in the village also handle ticketing, rentals and lessons.
Is there an ice rink in Lionshead?
Yes. The outdoor Alderhof Ice Rink fills the middle of Vail Square, in front of The Arrabelle, in winter, with fire pits nearby.
What is there to do in Lionshead in summer?
Ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola to Eagle's Nest for Epic Discovery (Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, tubing, climbing wall), hiking and mountain biking; walk or bike the Gore Creek path; visit the Sunbird Park "Onion" playground and Cloud Park with children; or book fly-fishing, rafting or paddleboarding on the creek. The Lionshead Welcome Center at the parking structure has trail maps and itinerary ideas.

Winter in Vail

Book a Vail winter extra

See all Vail tours

More shopping on VailVacay