Travel to Vail

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Traveling to Vail, Colorado for a destination surgery? We have provided some important information to make your travels more enjoyable.

Many of our patients choose to travel to Vail to have their surgery and recover in our beautiful backyard. You will find that there are many lodging options throughout the Eagle River Valley to serve you.

Vail Health has a special partnership with the Westin Riverfront in Avon, Colorado. They will create a hospitality package that is the right choice for independent patients who do not require medical assistance. Also, conveniently located onsite is Howard Head Sports Medicine offering physical therapy to all patients who are able to participate in therapy after surgery.

View Westin Recover brochure (pdf).

Getting to Vail

Vail is served by Eagle County Airport 30 miles to the west, offering services from select cities in the U.S., and Denver International Airport is approximately 100 miles to the east with national and international flight services. Car rentals, taxi and shuttle services are available from both airports, and Eagle County's ECO Transit operates a large shuttle bus system in the country.

Weather & Altitude

Vail, Colorado sits at 8,150 feet above sea level where the air is thinner and contains less oxygen than at lower elevations. When traveling to Vail for orthopaedic care, patients are encouraged to spend an extra day at a moderate elevation like Denver, if possible, which is situated at 5,280 feet above sea level, before heading up to the high country. This will allow your body a chance to slowly adjust to the change in elevation. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeinated beverages and alcohol are also recommended.

For more information, read "How to Stay Healthy at High Altitude." Weather is also a consideration when traveling to Vail. Because the temperature and weather can change suddenly and significantly in the mountains, visitors are encouraged to check the weather report before leaving home and pack plenty of layers, warm clothes and accessories (hats, gloves, neck gators, etc.). Although Vail sees an average of more than 300 days of sunshine each year, the temperature can drop significantly when the sun is not out, even in the summer. And patients should keep in mind that when the sun is shining in the thin mountain air, it is powerful, and sunscreen and sunglasses are essential.