Adventure Ridge

I always find it hard to be the only person writing a damning review, but here it is.
You know that scene in «Rollerball» where the guests at the party go outside and shoot a flame-​throwing gun at a row of trees, set them on fire, and laugh and roar with great delight? I’m not saying the whole American culture hasn’t reached that point, but Adventure Ridge and Vail, to some extent, feel like the ground-​zero of that prescient social commentary to me.
We visited Vail in August. Though it might seem like Adventure Ridge is de rigueur, it’s a complete tourist trap and I would not recommend it to anyone I like without serious reservations.
How a town with the stratospheric wealth of Vail can justify reaming tourists up the ass for the kind of crap at the top of the gondola is beyond me. I’m sure they take better care of their pedigreed dogs than of the lowly out-​of-​towners.
To get to the top by gondola cost 30 bucks per person (or was it more?) and once at the top, everything had a charge attached to it. Not only that, but the one thing our crew def wanted to do – the zip line – had another charge and we’d have to wait another hour to get on. It was not a crowded day. The zip line also looked about as long as a micro-​penis, so really how thrilling could it be?
I notice most of the reviewers didn’t find the charges to be too high, but to me, considering how clunky everything was run, to the crappy food and atmosphere, I’d rather spend my money on something more pleasant. I’m sure it’s great for skiing and tubing in the winter, but I’d take my cheddar elsewhere.
Adventure Ridge did not impress me and I’d rather stick to trails and hikes which are accessible without all the expense of the gondola and other crap all over the top of the mountain. It’s really quite hideous and you can find great views elsewhere. This is the Rockies and you are smack dab in the middle of them, so do your homework and find a better venue.
I do have to say that the tiny nature yurt was okay, but I can see where Vail’s priorities really are. Rather than having something well-​funded, spectacular, educational, and free, they’ve made this an after-​thought. Sad.
If you do go, take your own snacks. They charged 3 bucks for a tiny bag of Lay’s and I think they tried to charge me 2.75 for ONE APPLE.
Screw this place.

So much fun up here! The kids had a blast zip lining and hiking, etc. Restaurants and food options are good also. We took the gondola up on a whim and were glad we did! Hope to return in winter!

This late-​afternoon funtime spot at the top of Vail’s Lionshead gondola rocks — especially in the winter. It may be more focused on young families, but I still love the ice-​tubing, skating & the bar!

I only did the tubing at Adventure Ridge, and if you don’t do anything else, do this because it’s cheap ($ 32/​hour) and hella fun.
I went down the hill 4 times. It was scary, VERY SCARY, but it was so much FUN! I thought I would hit the wall many times, but I never did. I always stopped in just the right spot.
But I did notice that if you were a bigger person, you were more likely to hit the back wall and a smaller person was more likely not to make it to the end and have to carry his/​her tube the rest of the way.
The guys who shoot you down the hill are soooooooo nice! I really wish I could remember their names so that I could give them a personal shout out.
The main reason this review is not 5 stars is because the hike up the hill from the tubing area is a killer. I was doing extensive cardio 4 – 5 days a week prior to this trip and I had to stop at least 4 times on the way up. I know a lot of that has to do with adjusting to the altitude change, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Also, the photo machines weren’t working, so I didn’t get a photo of myself shooting down the hill. *sad face*
When I visit Vail again (and I WILL), I will definitely have this on my list of things to do. If only to get the photo! LOL

A must do at Vail if you’re there with friends or family! We went at night with a big group and had races down the chutes. Fun to tube by yourself or holding onto multiple tubes. An hour is perfect. But don’t forget to bring goggles and a beanie! :) grab a drink at bistro fourteen after too!

What a blast for all ages… ski all day and tube at night! just taking the gondola ride up is a blast!

Whether it’s in the summer or the dead of winter, this spot on the top of the mountain is great entertainment. Take the gondola from Lionshead up to the top and in the winter you’ll find one of the most hi-​tech, over-​the-​top tubing experiences. There’s a freakin’ magic carpet/​people mover that’s built overlooking the runs. And it’s covered! The runs are straight down and fast. Kids all ages will love it.
There’s also ski bikes and ski mobiles available for those willing to pay a pretty penny.
Summertime is gorgeous and there’s lots for kids to do like trampoline/​bungee jumping, pony rides, and sand boxes for them to play in. The sandbox is one of the few free things of course :)
But sunset in the summer or fall up on Adventure Ridge is gorgeous and you can get a pitcher of beer and sit outside and listen to live music. Lots of families and kids meeting each other to play. Very cool.